878 WORDS | 6.8 MINUTE READ

Hi John,

I'm checking back in after a beautiful – and busy – summer week here in Minnesota. From going “On the Job” making everything from chocolate chips to microchips and spending time at Farmfest in southwestern Minnesota and National Night Out here in our community, it was a memorable one! Read on to learn more about some of these visits, the consequential action taking place in Congress, and to answer a timely question below:

The Joys of Farmfest

Minnesota ranks fifth in the country for agricultural production, with $17 billion in sales annually. As a member of our state’s Congressional delegation, I have a responsibility to listen, learn, and understand the challenges farmers and rural communities face, which is why I so enjoy attending Farmfest. Held annually near Morgan, Minnesota, Farmfest brings together farmers, producers, commodity groups, agribusinesses, innovators, and more to showcase the latest technology and share best practices. Last week, I had the opportunity to reconnect with the farmers who feed and fuel our state and nation. We discussed everything from immigration to innovation, and I left with a full heart (and stomach)!

For those wondering: it’s hemp. I spent time at Farmfest with the Minnesota Hemp Growers Association learning about the many opportunities - and barriers - for this growing industry.

National Night Out

I had a wonderful time being upstaged by the outstanding Sergeant Matt Brost of the Maple Grove Police Department during National Night Out last week. Meeting Minnesotans, and seeing their love of community and service, was the dose of optimism I needed - and a good reminder that fostering strong relationships between law enforcement officers and those they serve is crucial to building safer communities. I was left feeling extremely grateful for our principled public safety officers, inspired by wonderfully engaged neighbors, and more determined than ever to pass my Pathways to Policing Act this fall.

Thank you to Sergeant Matt Brost and all those who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

Innovation in Action

Minnesota is known around the world as an innovator, and much of that groundbreaking work is happening right here in our back yard. That’s why I celebrated with Minnesota business leaders as the bipartisan Chips and Science Act was signed into law last week. I also worked a shift On the Job at SkyWater Technology in Bloomington (the only solely U.S.-owned foundry in the United States!) and learned just how this legislation will advance America’s competitiveness through investments in domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

Reestablishing our nation’s leadership is not only important but necessary, and I’m proud that we got it done with bipartisan support.

This bill is a win for America and for Minnesota. It will lower costs for families, create jobs, curtail our dependence on foreign manufacturers, and bolster American innovation – including right here in our community.

On the Job(s)

Speaking of going On the Job, I also worked a memorable shift at Maud Borup’s manufacturing facility in Le Center, Minnesota on my way to Farmfest. Founded in St. Paul in 1907 by its namesake, I can remember searching through the cabinets at my great-grandparents’ looking for their Maud Borup chocolates – which made this visit extra special. From making witch fingers to decorating cocoa bombs to spending time with a wonderfully diverse group of hardworking “candy hustlers”, it was a visit I will not soon forget.

Maud Borup was founded in 1907 when its namesake began to make candy in her St. Paul home. It's now headquartered in Plymouth and is a certified woman- and veteran-owned business.

In addition to my time On the Job with SkyWater and Maud Borup, I also went On the Job at Missions, Inc, last week, a nonprofit serving victims of domestic abuse and those suffering from substance abuse issues. It was an eye-opening experience, and I am beyond grateful for what they do for our community.

Each of these visits are an opportunity for me to better understand the opportunities and challenges, and the joys and struggles, of employers and employees alike so I can better represent you in Washington, DC. If you own or operate a business or nonprofit organization in our community and would like some help, click here to offer me a job and you could be next!

Health Care for our Veterans

As a Gold Star son, my gratitude to our servicemembers is immeasurable, and I’m on a mission to make sure our veterans get the benefits they deserve when they come home. No one should have to choose between their health or financial stability, especially veterans who were exposed to burn pits or other airborne hazards as part of their service to our nation. Even though it’s long overdue, I’m thrilled President Biden signed H.R. 3697 the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021 into law yesterday. This legislation increases disability compensation and expand health care services for approximately 3.5 million veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits abroad. 

My team and I are here to help Minnesota veterans and servicemembers however we can, and I'm partnering with the Vietnam War Commemoration Program to pay tribute to Vietnam-era veterans in our community. If you served during the Vietnam War, or have a friend or family member who served,  nominate them for an official commemoration at phillips.house.gov/Vietnam.

Keep in touch, and keep the faith, 

Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

Bill of the Week

✔️ Inflation Reduction Act 

Bringing jobs back to America, mitigating inflation, reducing our debt, lowering the price of health care and medicine, and finally taking steps to combat climate change is something we should all be able to get behind. That's why I am excited to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 when it comes to the House floor for a vote this week. This bill will make a historic down payment on deficit reduction to combat inflation, invest in domestic energy production and manufacturing, reduce the cost of prescription drugs, make the biggest corporations and ultra-wealthy pay their fair share, and cut carbon emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030. What do you think about these investments, John?

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:

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.
• 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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