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825 WORDS | 6.3 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
I hope you had a safe, meaningful, and restorative Independence Day. I spent the weekend with friends and family in between visits to community gatherings and celebrations throughout our district. While it was an opportunity to celebrate this one-of-a-kind country and reflect on all we must do to protect liberty and justice for all, the horrifying tragedy in Highland Park, IL provided yet another stark reminder that freedom also means the ability to be safe in a school, a movie theater, a concert, a grocery store, a place of worship, and, yes, a 4th of July parade.
I pray for the victims, their families, the Highland Park community, and our entire nation – and I remain committed to the action necessary to protect the lives of innocent Americans from such senseless destruction.
In the meantime, I am looking forward to our Community Conversation on Reproductive Health at 6:00 PM in Minnetonka tomorrow night, and hope that you will join me and a wonderful panel of experts for a timely conversation on another critical challenge our country is facing. Before we gather, however, I want to share some highlights from another busy week:
Bridging the Divide
Last week, I visited my colleague and friend Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) in South Dakota as part of the American Congressional Exchange program sponsored by the Bipartisan Policy Center to learn more about the innovation happening in rural America and hear directly from a broad array of South Dakotans about the challenges and opportunities before them. Over the course of two days, Dusty and I visited the Flandreu Sioux Community, an area Hutterite colony, and a family farm; held a roundtable with Sioux Falls-area business owners; and toured Prairie AquaTech, Raven Innovation, SAB Biotherapeutics; and more.
Each visit provided me with valuable insight into the impressive innovation that is happening in rural communities and their nearby regional centers, as well as the challenges they face. I always say representation begins with listening, and I hope more lawmakers will join me in that effort – including with those they don't represent directly but who are impacted by the policy decisions they make. While my friendship with Rep. Johnson may be surprising to some given our wide political differences, it proves that when we listen to and get to know one another as people, we can work more effectively together in pursuit of the common good.
Hopeful Conversations
I love hearing directly from high school students about their hopes, dreams, and priorities for the future, which is why I was so thrilled to join our 2022 Youth Advisory Council last week. Now in its fourth year, this program is designed to give high school-age students the opportunity to learn about Minnesota’s Third District, the federal government, and the world at large – but more importantly, it’s an opportunity for me to learn from them. This year, these extraordinary students will conduct research on innovative policies at a state or local level that are positively addressing some of the major challenges facing our communities.
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| A fantastic first meeting with this year’s Youth Advisory Council! I am looking forward to working with this bright and engaged group of young people this summer. |
At the end of their three month term, they’ll then present their findings and offer ideas for ways in which the federal government can replicate those best practices at the national level. Listening to and learning from young people always leaves me hopeful about our collective future, and I am eager to hear what their research uncovers. If you know a high schooler who might be interested in participating in future Youth Advisory Councils, click here for more information!
Inspiring Change, Together
On Sunday, I hosted my 6th Common Ground Workshop. Over lunch, and with the help of an independent moderator, I joined six Republicans and six Democrats in listening to one another, identifying common ground, and sharing optimism about our future. We entered as strangers, but after two hours of listening and learning from each other, we walked away with new appreciation for our differences. In a polarized world, finding solutions begins right here in our community, and I look forward to hosting more of these convenings in the months to come.
Division, discord, and distrust present a serious threat to our democracy. It is my hope that elected leaders at every level will engage in such efforts to repair our broken politics. In a country as closely divided as ours, working together is not only possible, it is necessary.
Keep in touch, and keep the faith,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
Bill of the Week
✔️ H.R. 1227, Medicare-X Choice Act of 2021
Congress should be working to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid and ensure the long-term solvency of both programs. I believe we ought to expand Medicare or Medicaid as a public option for all Americans, which would create both choice and competition, and help lower costs for our seniors and their families. That's why I was proud to cosponsor the Medicare-X Choice Act of 2021, would create a public option by expanding on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare. The legislation would ensure that more families, individuals, and small businesses around the nation have access to low-cost health insurance, and increase competition.
 Mobile Office Hours
If you’re struggling with a federal agency, or just not getting an answer from one, seek assistance from my team of constituent advocates online at phillips.house.gov/help or in person:
WHEN:
Monday, July 11, 2022
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
WHERE:
Edina Library (Conference Room)
5280 Grandview Square, Edina, MN 55436
Resources For You
My team and I are here to serve every person and every corner of our community. I want to make sure you have the resources you need to succeed:
- Register to vote: Democracy doesn’t work without engaged citizens like you. Registering to vote in Minnesota is simple and secure. Check your registration status, see who is on your ballot, and make a plan to vote at MNvotes.org.
- Claim your Frontline Worker Bonus Check: Minnesotans who worked in essential jobs at the onset of the pandemic can now apply for one-time bonus checks. Applications are open until July 22nd, visit frontlinepay.mn.gov for more information.
- Find savings near you: From gas to groceries, and childcare to healthcare, I’m hearing from Minnesotans who are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of essentials. Visit phillips.house.gov/inflation to find lower prices near you.
- Nominate a Vietnam-era veteran: As a Gold Star Son and Member of Congress, I’m honoring Vietnam-era veterans in our area. Visit phillips.house.gov/Vietnam to nominate the veteran in your life for an official commemoration.
- Look before you book: Do you have international travel plans on the horizon? Make sure you are prepared before you book! Visit https://travel.state.gov/ to check your passport expiration date, apply for a passport, and much more.
- Order FREE COVID-19 tests: Keep yourself, and those around you, safe by getting tested if you’re feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Order eight FREE at-home tests for your family from USPS here.
- Get your FDA-approved vaccine: Your decision to get a safe, free, and effective COVID-19 vaccine impacts our entire community. Everyone 5+ is eligible, so visit mn.gov/covid to find yours.
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