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Hi John,

Federal offices were closed on Monday in recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and I hope you took a moment to reflect on the rich history and many contributions of Indigenous communities. May we all recognize and work to repair the damage caused by historic injustices by investing in the health, safety, and wellbeing of Native Americans in Minnesota and across our nation.

The remainder of this past week was again full of listening, learning, and doing. I tried my hand at pizza slinging, tire rotating, civics-teaching, and more. Read on for more details - and don’t forget to encourage the college students in your life to apply for spring internships in my Minnetonka or Washington, DC offices! (Terms run from January through May, but as eternal optimists, we like to say spring instead of winter.)

Going on the Job(s)

I had the opportunity to continue my On the Job with Dean initiative with a shift at Pizza Karma in Eden Prairie last week. With a mission of giving back to our community by donating a portion of their profits and a commitment to protecting the environment by using only compostable products in all their stores, the Pizza Karma team is making an impact. From preparing naan crusts in their tandoori ovens to ringing up customers and delivering food, it was a memorable visit – and as always, an opportunity to learn more about both the challenges and joys of operating a small business in our community.

I also had the opportunity to work a shift at Samaritan Tire last week. Samaritan Tire is a family-owned tire service shop with locations in Minnetonka and Edina. In between tire repairs and service, I talked with owner Chris Mortensen about the challenges of running a small business in the middle of a global pandemic. As was the case for many small businesses in our area, federal relief was vital to keeping his doors open and staff on payroll – but their team’s work ethic, high standards, and innovative business practices is what will contribute most to their long-term success.

Every “On the Job” visit is a chance for me to better understand the opportunities and challenges our employers and their employees are facing so I can better represent you on the House Small Business Committee in Washington, D.C. If you own or operate a business or nonprofit organization in our community, please click here to offer me a job!

Civics 101

On Friday, I visited Park Center Senior High School to talk with students about the importance of civic engagement, and to encourage them to explore careers in public service. I believe every public school in the nation should make civics a requirement for graduation. Listening to and learning from young people always leaves me hopeful about our collective future and I left feeling incredibly inspired by this extraordinary group.

Visiting Park Center Senior High School was one of the highlights of my week. The future is bright!

Working Towards a Safer Future

Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and protected – with no exceptions. I have tremendous respect for those who risk their lives every day to protect and serve with honor and principle, and believe we must work together - regardless of party or ideology - to make our communities safer for everyone. In that spirit, last week, I gathered with Chiefs of Police and other law enforcement leaders from throughout our community to hear from them about the challenges they are facing relative to public safety and how I can help at the federal level. I have immense gratitude for all those who protect and serve our communities with honor, principle, and compassion every single day.

Calling Spring Interns!

As a former congressional intern myself, I know the life-long value these internships can provide. The active engagement of young people is integral to the future of our democracy, and I want to make sure Minnesota students have a seat at the table.

Applications for spring internships in my Minnesota and Washington, D.C. offices are open now! For more information please visit phillips.house.gov/internships.

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 due November 2nd, so if you know someone who's interested in interning in either my Minnetonka or Washington, DC 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!

Keep the faith and keep in touch,

Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

✔️ H.R.6273, VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021

The rate of suicide in our veteran communities is at crisis levels. I believe we must do more to support those who have sacrificed for our nation, and that means ensuring that veterans, servicemembers, and their families have access to the mental health care they need. That’s why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. This bill would implement a Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program at five U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers across the country, including one that must serve primarily veterans who live in rural areas.

                                        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.
• Apply for internships: Applications for spring 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 November 2nd. 
• 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.
• 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!  

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