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920 WORDS | 7.0 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
I spent much of last week in Minnesota, where I reflected on the lessons learned since September 11th, 2001. Among the 3,000 innocent lives lost on that fateful day twenty-one years ago was that of Wayzata native – and my close high school friend and teammate - Gordy Aamoth, Jr. I encourage everyone to visit the Wayzata 9/11 Memorial adjacent to Plaza Park in downtown Wayzata, where you can remember Gordy and all those we lost - and pay tribute to the first responders who selflessly rushed into harm’s way.
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| Last year, I offered remarks at the unveiling of the 9/11 memorial in Wayzata to honor my friend Gordy Aamoth Jr, and all those who lost their lives on that fateful day. |
Let’s honor their memories by reflecting on the unity we felt after 9/11 and committing to its pursuit once again. In the meantime, read on for important updates and my thoughts on several consequential events happening right here in Minnesota and on the world stage:
Minnesota Nurses Strike
Nearly 15,000 nurses from 15 hospitals in Minnesota are back at work today after a three-day strike over wages and working conditions. In my estimation, Nurses are heroes and an integral part of our healthcare system – and keeping them safe and healthy at work is essential to ensuring a safe and healthy Minnesota. The pandemic was especially hard on these essential workers, and too many are now leaving the profession due to burnout. I encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table in good faith, and I hope a settlement is reached quickly and as favorably for our caretakers as possible.
Pounding the Pavement, Literally!
I recently had the opportunity to go "On the Job" with a crew from the Plymouth Public Works Department to fill potholes and learn more about the behind-the-scenes work they do each day. From snow removal to water quality to maintaining city infrastructure and everything in between, our dedicated public works employees do a lot. While they showed me the ropes, I talked to the team about how new federal infrastructure dollars will support their work and why teamwork at the city, county, state, and federal level is so critical when it comes to maintaining our critical infrastructure.
Speaking of teamwork, my office worked with community leaders to advance investments in nine projects directly serving our community earlier this summer - including $2 million for enhancements to the City of Plymouth’s Zachary Water Treatment Plant. This federal investment will help the City provide clean drinking water to residents faster than ever before – all while using less water and less energy. That’s a win-win!
Protecting Our Democracy
Earlier this month, President Biden delivered a speech in which he warned that the ideals on which our nation was built – equality and democracy – are under assault. During his address, the President cautioned against threats posed by a small subset of individuals who have embraced an extreme ideology, election denial, and supported the January 6th insurrection. I’ve heard from some in our community who found parts of President Biden’s speech to be unnecessarily polarizing, and I can understand how principled conservatives might have also felt attacked.
I believe, however, that the careful distinction President Biden made between principled Republicans and extremists, who he referred to as “MAGA Republicans,” was an important and appropriate one. Holding opposing political views doesn’t make us enemies; rather, it makes us Americans. While I would have conveyed the message differently, I agree with the President’s assertion that our country is facing a growing threat from within, namely those intent on undermining our democracy through divisive and sometimes violent means. Our republic is fragile, and maintaining it requires vigilance from principled Americans who stand firm against those who seek to exploit our Constitution’s vulnerabilities for personal gain – no matter their political party.
New Boosters are Here
Getting vaccinated helps keep ourselves, our families, and the most vulnerable among us safe. Nearly four million Minnesotans have completed their vaccine series, so let’s keep the momentum going! As the virus changes, becoming more infectious and more capable of evading immunity, we must do all we can to protect ourselves and one another. That's why I want to make sure you know about the new Omicron-targeting boosters, which are now available in Minnesota and all across the nation.
Minnesotans age 12 and older are now eligible for a Pfizer booster, and anyone age 18 and older is eligible for the Moderna bivalent booster, as long as it has been at least two months since your latest dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The data is clear: vaccines help reduce hospitalizations, prevent more serious illness, and most importantly, save lives. We’re all in this together, which is why I hope you will consider getting a safe, free, and effective COVID-19 vaccine booster if you’re eligible and haven’t already done so.
Rest in Peace, Queen Elizabeth II
Last week, Americans joined the people of the United Kingdom in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty was not without her faults, but, for over seven decades on the throne, Queen Elizabeth embodied the spirit of civic duty, and through both her grace and strength she inspired many throughout the world. May her memory be a blessing for years to come.
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
✔️ H.R. 8532, The Ukraine Atrocity Crimes, Relief, and Accountability (ACRA) Act
I am a proud member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and I believe that we must advocate for human rights, democracy, and diplomacy, both at home and abroad. That's why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 8532, the The Ukraine Atrocity Crimes, Relief, and Accountability (ACRA) Act. This bill would require the United States Department of State to collect and preserve any and all evidence of war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, and report to Congress on our support for proceedings at international bodies like the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice.
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:
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
WHERE:
WeCAN (Western Communities Action Network)
5213 Shoreline Dr, Mound, MN 55364
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.
- Get your FDA-approved bivalent booster shot: Your decision to get a safe, free, and effective COVID-19 vaccine impacts our entire community. Everyone 12+ is eligible for the new booster, so visit https://mn.gov/booster to find yours.
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