DECEMBER 31, 2025

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

As we welcome 2026, we also reflect on the past year and the staggering challenges our nation endured – including a spiraling health care and affordability crisis, the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, and the Trump administration's deployment of masked, unidentified federal agents who have carried out racially motivated stops and arrests on our streets and unlawfully targeted residents based on their appearance, including American citizens.

This year, I received more than 200,000 phone calls, emails, and letters from you – double the amount I typically receive. You’ve told me about how you are being personally impacted by the policies of President Trump and Congressional Republicans. You’ve told me about how you’re facing skyrocketing costs for health care, childcare, groceries, utilities, and much more. Some of you are forced with agonizing choices between feeding your families or taking a sick child to the doctor. In the wealthiest nation in the history of the world, no one should ever go hungry or without health care.

Congresswoman McCollum addresses a crowd of Minnesotans at the Hands Off rally at the State Capitol in April.

I strongly opposed the policies enacted by Trump and the Republican majorities in the House and Senate that have resulted in increasing economic hardship for Minnesota families, including:

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21), which is now One Big Ugly Law, because it strips away health care and SNAP food assistance for millions of families while handing out $2.3 TRILLION in permanent tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy top 10 percent of Americans (Center for American Progress).
  
  
• The Rescissions Act of 2025 (P.L. 119-28), because it canceled funding previously passed by a bipartisan Congress – including ALL federal funding for Minnesota Public Radio and TPT. It also cut more than $70 million for Minnesota farmers and organizations who partnered with the now-shuttered United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The New Year will bring the same challenges, and I will continue to use my voice and my vote to reflect our Minnesota values and oppose these costly and damaging policies. Minnesotans deserve to have an open and transparent federal government that works for them, access to affordable health care, enough money for their groceries, and to live in welcoming communities.

To read my full end of year letter, which many of you received in the mail this week, click here view it on my website.

MINNESOTA NEWS

Saint Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks Retires After 40 Years of Service

Yesterday, Saint Paul Fire Department Chief Butch Inks retired after more than 40 years of service, including 31 years with the Saint Paul Fire Department. Appointed Fire Chief in 2019, he led significant modernization efforts, increased staffing to historic levels, expanded EMS capabilities, strengthened firefighter health protections, and provided steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd. 

It has been my honor and a privilege to work with Chief Inks, including securing over $1.6 million in federal funding towards the complete rebuilding of Saint Paul Fire Station 7 on the East Side. As he continues public service as executive director of the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board, I wish Chief Inks, his wife Erica, and their four children the very best.

What New Laws Mean for Minnesotans

The new year brings several new Minnesota state laws. Effective on January 1st, Minnesota is rolling out an array of new laws and policy changes affecting families, workers, immigrants, hunters, voters and more:

• Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program launches, offering up to 20 weeks of paid leave for qualifying medical and family needs.
• Employers will be required to provide clearer minimum break and meal times for workers.
• Absentee voting procedures will have new ID requirements and clearer labeling of sample ballots.
• Watercraft surcharges will increase to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• New protections against scams and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

More information on news laws taking effect on January 1st, as well as new laws enacted by the Minnesota legislature in 2025 which have already taken effect, can be found here.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Inauguration of Saint Paul Mayor-Elect Kaohly Her

The Ceremonial Inauguration of Kaohly Her as the 56th Mayor of Saint Paul, the city’s first woman and Asian American mayor, will take place Friday, January 2nd at 1:00 PM at The O’Shaughnessy Theater at Saint Catherine University. Doors open at noon. If you are interested in attending the event, you can reserve a ticket here.

New Year's Eve Events in the East Metro
Planning to celebrate the countdown this New Year’s Eve? The City of Saint Paul will be home to a variety of fun and festive events including comedy shows, mini-golfing, live music, arts and crafts, and even a fishing bobber drop to usher in the New Year. Learn more here.

For the hockey fans, Minnesota has the honor and privilege to host the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Junior Championship at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul. The United States will take on Sweden today at 5:00 PM. To learn about the game schedule, fan activities, and how to view the games click here. Need a break from hockey? Our community has much more going on — click here to learn more about other activities. 

Constituent Service Office Hours
In addition to serving constituents Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM at my Saint Paul office, my staff hosts neighborhood office hours at a variety of locations across the Fourth District. Members of my staff will be available to meet with constituents seeking casework assistance on Tuesday, January 6th at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Roseville City Hall, 2660 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, MN 55113.

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