Dear Friend,

Overview (a 10-second scan):

• I'm back in D.C. after an invigorating and inspiring six weeks in Minnesota
• From infrastructure forums to mental health panels and, of course, the State Fair, I spoke with and learned from Minnesotans from all walks of life
• In these divided times, every conversation, every handshake, and every high-five leaves me feeling optimistic—and I hope they do for you as well!

Read my full update (a 1-minute 15-second read):

I've just returned to Washington, D.C. feeling invigorated and inspired after a six-week-long district work period. I enjoyed seeing and spending time with so many of you all across our district, and I've carried your ideas, energy, and passion back with me.

Here's a little recap of my work back home:

In the spirit of listening, I organized a community conversation around workforce development, an issue which comes up regularly in my visits throughout our district. I also teamed up with my colleague, Rep. Angie Craig, for a pair of infrastructure forums, one focused on water infrastructure and the other on surface transportation needs and how to bring more federal dollars back to Minnesota. And Sen. Tina Smith and I co-hosted an informative panel on mental health needs in our communities at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.

In the spirit of convening, I attended a number of wonderful community gatherings throughout our district and across the Twin Cities, from IndiaFest in St. Paul to IgboFest in Brooklyn Park, along with Night to Unite celebrations in Corcoran and Greenfield. I heard an impressive array of policy proposals from my Youth Advisory Council -- high school-aged students who will soon run the world -- and convened a wonderfully diverse Immigration Advisory Council.

In the spirit of learning, I visited the University of Minnesota's medical school, met with area school districts, convened fire chiefs from around the district, toured a number of businesses of all sizes, and met with advocates for a wide variety of important issues and causes.

Finally, I capped off six weeks of listening, convening, and learning with a town hall meeting in Chanhassen last Saturday. I'm grateful to the more than 300 of you who took valuable time out of your weekends to ask questions, share ideas and information, and let me know what's on your mind.

Every day I learn something new, which is just one reason why I love my job. I am doing my very best to live up to the commitments I made to you to represent by listening and to invite everyone to the conversation -- no matter your party or political perspectives. And while we may not always agree, I have been enriched by listening to and learning from so many of you.

In these divided times, every conversation, every handshake, and every high-five leaves me feeling optimistic—and I hope they do for you as well. Thank you for giving me the honor of representing you and our community in Congress. I hope to see you this fall!

Sincerely,

Dean

P.S. Thanks to all of you who came out to march with us in parades in Wayzata, Osseo, and Long Lake during the August recess. I'm grateful for your participation and continued support! Join us at our next parades on September 21 at the Plymouth on Parade and Bloomington Heritage Days!