Dear John,

This week, I joined Governor Tim Walz, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and other state and local leaders in breaking ground on the US 169 & Highway 282/County Highway 9 Interchange Project in Jordan.  

This interchange, which is outdated and unsafe, has been the site of too many accidents in Minnesota. By updating the interchange with two new bridges, two roundabouts, a pedestrian tunnel, sidewalks, noise walls and drainage systems, we’re making life safer and more efficient for everyone who uses this highway. That’s the kind of investment that truly makes a difference for Minnesotans.  

Underneath the highway, a creek separates a mobile home park from the local elementary school. Until now, the kids living there have had to cross the creek to get to school, often arriving with wet feet. By adding a pedestrian path under the overpass, they’ll be able to get there safe, dry and warm. As someone who grew up in a mobile home park myself, this project hits close to home.  

I remember the first time I visited the Highway 169 and Highway 282/County Road 9 intersection. In addition to a public safety risk, I saw economic opportunity for the state of Minnesota and for the Jordan area. The partnership between federal, state and local governments was especially critical in this project.  

That’s why I was proud to have helped secure funding for this project through an $8 million RAISE grant via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This legislation has allowed us to create millions of good paying jobs, foster strong and sustainable economic growth and rebuild aging roads and bridges in Minnesota. Investments like this one will improve the lives of generations of Minnesotans.  

Whether folks are using this road to get to school, work or home to their loved ones (or maybe even Minnesota’s largest candy store), they’ll get there quicker and safer.

You can read more about the project and view my full remarks from the press conference here.  

Here’s what else I was up to this week:
 
Honoring our fallen 

On Memorial Day, I was honored to join the Farmington Area Veterans Memorial Club in commemorating the brave patriots in MN-02 and beyond who lost their lives defending our freedoms.   

As we recognize Memorial Day, we remember both those who died on the battlefield, and those who have passed from or are still battling the invisible wounds of war.  

I was also grateful to join in honoring those brave servicemembers this Memorial Day with the Mississippi River Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network in Cottage Grove. 

As a country, it is our duty to take care of our veterans when they return home, but too many Vietnam veterans did not get the welcome back they deserved.  

This week, I recognized Peter Hamlin, a Vietnam veteran from Farmington, with a Congressional Record for his bravery and sacrifice. Peter—thank you for your service. 

Fighting for early education  

Head Start is one of the most effective programs we have to set Minnesota's kids up for success. Unfortunately, this Administration seems hell-bent on taking these life-changing programs away from the kids, parents and communities who rely on them.  
 
This week, I joined Minnesota Head Start administrators, parents and students in Rosemount to push back against this Administration’s attack on early education. I won’t stop fighting for our kids.   
 

Supporting our unions 
 
Growing up in a union family — I know firsthand how important organized labor is for workers collectively bargaining for fairer wages and better working conditions.  
 
This week I sat down with the United Food & Commercial Workers Union to discuss how we can protect and expand their hard-earned victories for future generations. 
 

Creating inclusive spaces 
 
We need to work together to create supportive communities that ensure every child on the autism spectrum has the resources they need to succeed.  
 
I had a great time this week visiting We Rock the Spectrum in Woodbury! As a mother of a now adult son on the spectrum (who just graduated college), I know how important inclusive spaces like this are for our kids. 
 

Behind The Scenes:
 
This week at my Head Start press conference in Rosemount, a few students joined to share what they love about the program. 
  
After the press conference, they asked me if I would read them a story. We read Please Mr. Panda and shared a few high fives afterwards.  
  
As a grandmother (well, Mimi) and mom, it’s always fun to sit down with the little ones and hear their thoughts. Plus—they're way more fun to talk with than the adults! 

Have a great weekend!

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress