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703 WORDS | 5.4 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
I’m checking in between votes to fill you in on yet another consequential week in Washington, DC. Read on to learn more about the recent legislative actions in Congress as well as how to apply for our fall internship program (yes, it’s that time of year already!) But first, I wish to highlight an important – and life-saving – new tool to help address our nation’s growing mental health crisis:
9-8-8 Crisis Lifeline
Suicide is now the eighth most common cause of death in Minnesota and tenth nationally. We must improve the quality and accessibility of our mental health services, fund research on effective prevention and treatment of mental illness, and work to remove the stigma surrounding mental health – and I believe any decisive action to that end is a worthwhile investment. That's why I voted in 2020 to create a national three-digit dialing code to connect Americans to the help they need and why I’m so excited to let you know that the service is now available to all Americans. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, or who is concerned about the mental health of a loved one, can now dial 9-8-8 and get fast, free, and confidential help in all fifty states. Trained crisis counselors will respond to calls, chats, or texts from anyone who needs support for any kind of mental or emotional distress.
Taking Action on Gun Violence
I believe all Americans – no matter their political affiliation or interpretations of the Second Amendment – want to see fewer people killed by guns in this country. Recent tragedies in New York, Texas, Illinois, and Indiana have taught us that minutes – or even seconds – can mean the difference between lives saved and lives lost. First responders must be able to communicate to those who may be at risk so communities can remain safe and informed during a dangerous emergency. That's why I was proud to vote yes on and help pass H.R. 6538, the Active Shooter Alert Act of 2022 in the House last week. This bill would give local authorities the tools to provide accurate, real-time information to their communities by creating a program similar to the AMBER Alert system but for situations involving active shooters. The House passed this crucial legislation with bipartisan support, and now it’s time for the Senate to do the same.
Safeguarding Abortion Access
Freedom is the very foundation of our United States, and, like most Americans, I believe the promises of freedom and privacy extend to women as they make deeply personal decisions about their own bodies. That's why, last week, I voted yes on and helped pass H.R.8296, the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022 and HR. 8297, the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022, both of which limit the government’s ability to encroach on women’s reproductive rights by protecting the right to interstate travel for women seeking lawful abortions. As I said recently, women are not the property of their state, so they can travel between them for any reason they please. This should not be a controversial statement in the year 2022.
In my estimation, ideological politics have no place in the exam room, and equitable access to health care, childcare, contraception, and paid leave is what makes a nation pro-life. I stand ready to work with anyone in Congress to support children, their parents, their families, and their caregivers, and I welcome all those who value life to join me in that effort.
Calling Fall Interns!
As a former Congressional intern myself, I know the life-long value that internships in public service can provide to young people. My office offers internship programs in both my Minnesota and Washington, D.C. offices. Throughout the fall, spring, and summer terms, our hands-on internship program offers college students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain real-world experience in government and politics.
Over the course of their service, interns gain a deeper knowledge of the federal government and strengthen their communications, writing, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Applications are open until August 1st, so if you know someone who's interested in interning in either of my offices, please encourage them to apply today! Please note that this is a highly competitive process with many more applicants than available positions, so don’t delay.
Lastly, for those eligible, please don’t forget to apply for your Frontline Worker Bonus Check from the State of Minnesota by this Friday, July 22!
Keep in touch, and keep the faith,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
Bill of the Week
✔️ H.R. 2366, STOP Fentanyl Act of 2021
The opioid crisis is not a distant problem. It’s impacting families right here in our neighborhoods, and we must continue to make investments in prevention, addiction treatment, and recovery support. That's why I am a proud cosponsor of the STOP Fentanyl Act of 2021, which will bolster surveillance and research, deploy resources to combat overdose deaths, connect individuals with treatment programs, and support ongoing prevention and public safety activities.
 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 25, 2022
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
WHERE:
Chanhassen Library (Longfellow Room)
7711 Kerber Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317
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:
- Apply for internships: Applications for fall internships in my Minnesota and Washington, D.C. offices are open now! It’s an exciting time to work in Congress, so click here to learn more and apply by August 1st.
- 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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