615 WORDS | 4.7 MINUTE READ

Hi John,

What do bubble tea and robots have in common? Both – along with an historic vote to cut costs for American families and the federal deficit, too - were part of my week in Minnesota! I have a lot to update you on, so keep reading to hear more about my adventures from the past week - and make sure to RSVP for our next open-to-the-public town hall meeting, too!   

Cutting Costs

On Friday, I voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act and send it to the President's desk to be signed into law. As a pragmatic problem solver, I know compromise is never easy, but I’m particularly excited about the soon-to-be-law’s provisions to reduce the cost of health care and prescription drugs and invest in meaningful climate solutions – all while cutting the federal budget deficit. Specifically, here are some of the ways the Inflation Reduction Act delivers for the American people:

✔️ Reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030
✔️ Finally requiring Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices
✔️ Capping out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 per year for seniors
✔️ Making sure no one on Medicare pays more than $35 per month for insulin
✔️ Ensuring the largest corporations pay their fair share by taxing stock buybacks and instituting a 15% minimum corporate tax on billion-dollar businesses
✔️ Cutting the federal deficit by $305 billion

While such important legislation should generate broad support from both parties in Congress, it appears many have placed politics over people and are misrepresenting its deliverables. The truth is this legislation will lower prices for energy, healthcare, and lifesaving medications; cap the cost of insulin at $35 for Medicare recipients; dramatically reduce carbon emissions; and not only pay for these investments but actually reduce the deficit by ensuring the largest corporations pay their fair share. Pushing this legislation across the finish line makes the future for America, and the world, a little brighter.

Slinging Bubble Tea

I had the opportunity to work a shift at Uni Uni last week, a bubble tea shop with six franchised locations across the nation with a focus on community, sustainability, and culture. From making drinks and ringing up customers to spending time with the hardworking group at Uni Uni, my morning at their Mall of America location was a memorable (not to mention delicious!) visit – and as always, an opportunity to learn more about both the challenges and joys of operating a small business in our community.

Click here to see photos from some of my other shifts across our community – and to offer me a job at your business or nonprofit organization!

Celebrating a Big Birthday and Big Ideas 

The Mall of America has been a source of Minnesotans' happy memories for three decades – and a few of mine this week! After my shift at Uni Uni, I headed to the rotunda to help celebrate their big 3-0 and cut the ribbon on the new Experience STEAM exhibit, which highlights the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education. After trying my hand at virtual-reality robotics, I talked with students and educators about how we get more young people excited about careers in STEAM.

Supporting Employee-Owned Businesses

Did you know that Minnesota has more employee-owned businesses per capita than any other state? As Co-Chair of the Congressional Stakeholder Caucus and member of the House Small Business Committee, I believe expanding opportunities for employee ownership will help keep create more good-paying jobs and keep the American Dream alive for millions of employee owners. That's why I convened leaders from employee-owned businesses for a roundtable conversation last week. Conversations like these provide me with the stories and information I need to better support the businesses who support our community – especially those who wish to do good in addition to doing well.

Cooperatives and ESOPs are a part of Minnesota’s legacy. I'm taking what I learned from this insightful conversation back to Washington when I return next month.

You're Invited

Save the date! I am excited to be hosting a open-to-the-public town hall meeting at the Medina Entertainment Center on Tuesday, August 23rd. Doors open at 6:00 PM and our conversation will begin at 6:30 PM.

If you are interested in joining our August 23rd town hall, please sign in here to save some time – and be sure to follow along on Facebook if you can’t be there in person!

Keep in touch, and keep the faith, 

Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
      

                                            Bill of the Week                

✔️ H.R. 8181, the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2022

No woman should go through pregnancy, labor, delivery, or postpartum recovery without the comprehensive, affordable, and respectful care she needs and deserves. That's why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 8181, the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2022. This bill would increase education on pelvic health and physical therapy services for postpartum individuals under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, it would create and deliver guidance on best practices, financing, access, and terminology for postpartum pelvic health services, and authorize a study on gaps in insurance coverage for these services. 

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, August 22, 2022
                                                      2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

                                                               WHERE:
                                 Southdale Library (2nd Floor Conference Room)
                                           7001 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435

                                        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.
  

Click here to tell me what issues are most important to YOU.