DECEMBER 23, 2025

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa! I'm sending my best wishes to you and your family for a holiday that’s warm and bright. I hope you’re able to take this opportunity to slow down and spend time with family and friends, share traditions, and goodwill with neighbors. 
 
While we all do our best to relax during the holidays, it’s always a good idea to be prepared if you’re traveling during this season. Airport lines will get backed up and unpredictable weather can lead to long traffic delays. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to MSP airport, Union Depot, or even just across town!

While I'm back in Minnesota to celebrate the holidays, I'm taking a moment to reflect on what this week is all about: Kindness, generosity, and caring for one another. Merry Christmas to all Minnesotans who celebrate. May this week bring joy to you and your family. Watch my holiday address below or visit my YouTube Channel. 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Holiday Events in the East Metro

Looking to get out with family and friends during the next couple of weeks? Here are some fun, free events across the East Metro to enjoy with the family:

• For those looking for more cheer and holiday jolly, you can find a one stop shop for light displays across Saint Paul. Learn more here.
• The city of Saint Paul also has a page dedicated to the ten best sledding hills for you and you loved ones. Learn more here.
• On Sunday, December 28th, 2025, The Irreducible Grace Foundation and the Black Youth Healing Arts Center is hosting is first annual Kwanzaa celebration from 2:00 – 4:30 PM. Kwanzaa is a time to reflect upon the past year and look towards the future, to embrace community, and strive together into a New Year. See more here.
• For those interested in a visit to Downtown Saint Paul, there are plenty of events taking place over the next two weeks. Learn more here.

Visitors take in the holiday cheer at the European Christmas Market above Union Depot in Downtown Saint Paul.

Track Santa on Christmas Eve!

If you're celebrating Christmas Eve with little ones, NORAD's Santa Tracker is a great way to keep an eye on Santa's activity as he circumnavigates the globe ahead of Christmas. 

MNsure Open Enrollment

Open enrollment through MNsure began November 1st and runs through January 15th, 2026. For coverage starting February 1, 2026, enroll by January 15th. Visit mnsure.org or call 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873 to shop and compare health insurance plans for next year. As you sign up for a plan, prepare for sticker shock due to major cost increases caused by the Big Ugly Law. Look at plan options early so you can make the right decision for your health care needs. MNsure also provides free assistance and enrollment events across the state for anyone in need.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

If you are impacted by Republicans' cuts to health care, food assistance, or other actions by the Trump administration and Congress, I want to hear about it. Please contact my office directly at (651) 224-9191 or click here to share your story. 

If cuts to SNAP have left you or your family food insecure, click here for information on food shelves in the East Metro. 

Your voice matters and empowers my vote in Congress.
I encourage you to share your stories with me.

Thank You
Thank you to the hundreds of new subscribers to my weekly newsletter! This update is designed to provide timely information about my work in Washington and Minnesota, and to provide resources that can be helpful to you. As always, please stay in touch: Voice your policy opinion, ask for help with a federal agency, or find all of my recent statements at mccollum.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress