868 WORDS | 6.7 MINUTE READ 

Hi John,

I’m checking in from Washington with an update on legislation I recently introduced to support and invest in children and families, and an important discussion on congressional stock trading. Read on for more details – but first, click here to celebrate Voter Registration Day by checking your voter registration status and remind your friends and family members to do the same!

Introducing the PRO LIFE Act

Yes, you read that right! In my estimation, equitable access to health care, childcare, education, and paid leave is by definition pro-life. That's why last week, as Senate Republicans announced their plan for a nationwide ban on abortions after 15 weeks, I led 26 of my Democratic colleagues in introducing the Providing Real Opportunities and Lifelong Investments For Everyone (PRO-LIFE) Act, a package of family-focused bills that invests in the long-term health and wellbeing of America’s children and their parents. Specifically, the real PRO-LIFE Act includes:    

✔️ Paid family and medical leave
✔️ Enhanced Child Tax Credits
✔️ Childcare infrastructure and affordability
✔️ Adoption support
✔️ Maternal health enhancements 
✔️ Maternal mortality prevention
✔️ Children’s health supports 

I believe strongly in a woman’s right to make her own decisions about her reproductive health, but no matter where you fall on that question, I invite you to join me in support of this undeniably pro-life agenda that will improve outcomes for millions of children and their families - and benefit our entire community as a result.

TRUST in Congress Act            

I’m on a mission to restore Americans’ faith our government. Elected officials should serve the people, not special interests or their own interests, which is why I don’t trade stocks and haven’t had contact with my financial advisors at any point since first being elected to Congress in 2018. My assets are in a blind trust, which means I can’t see nor can I direct which stocks are bought and sold on my behalf. Unfortunately, I'm one of only about ten people in Congress to have taken that step. I believe it should be the norm, however, which is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor H.R. 336, the TRUST in Congress Act. This bill would require Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children to place their tradeable investments into blind trusts while in office – just as I have done.  

Click here to watch my conversation with Esme Murphy about congressional stock trading, public safety, and attacks women’s reproductive freedoms – and my remedies for each.

Passing the Trust in Congress Act would be an important step toward ensuring members of Congress are held to the highest ethical standards possible, and I remain optimistic that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in support of it in order to inspire a new era of transparency in Congress – and a restoration of faith in the institution among the American public.

Appreciating our Differences

One of the most rewarding parts of my job has been participating in our Common Ground Workshops, where I have witnessed time and again people come in with low expectations and little hope but leave feeling inspired and optimistic about our future. We may enter the room as strangers, but after breaking bread and listening to each other share how our life experiences shape our views on current events and challenging policy debates, we are able to better appreciate our differences even while discovering there is still more that unites us than divides us.

Our next Common Ground Workshop will be on Saturday, October 15th. Click here to learn more and to enter for a chance to be randomly selected to participate!

The truth is, in a country as closely divided as ours, working together is not only possible, it is necessary. Read more about our Common Ground conversations in Minnesota Monthly here, see how I fared in the unaffiliated but appropriately-named Common Ground Committee’s recent rankings of all 535 Members of Congress and 50 state governors, and let me know if you're interested in joining one of our upcoming conversations at phillips.house.gov/CommonGround. 

Keep the faith and keep in touch,

Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

✔️ H.R. 8058, Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2022 

Police officers, first responders, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers routinely encounter high-stress situations, which puts them at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That's why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 8058, the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2022. This bill would help establish mental health programs for America’s first responders who often face long-term effects from providing life-saving services in moments of crisis. 

                                        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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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. 
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Service Academy Information Night: My staff will be hosting a U.S. Service Academies Information Night, students and families will be able to learn more about the academy experience and the nominations process as well. Click here for more information. 
7. Donuts with Dean: Welcoming Minnesotans to Washington is one of my favorite parts of this job. Let my office know if you'll be traveling to Washington, we'd love the opportunity share some conversation, and donuts, next time you’re in town!  

Click here to tell me what issues are most important to YOU.
Click here to sign-up for my newsletter updates.