800 WORDS | 6.2 MINUTE READ 

Hi John,

Despite the weather forecast for the next few days, it’s already mid-October in Minnesota, and from going on the job (twice!) to attending my first snow plow rodeo to showing gratitude to our first responders and more, I’ve got lots to share after another busy week. Read on to learn more about what I was up to:

Combatting Antisemitism

As a member of the Jewish community, I am deeply concerned about the rise of antisemitic behavior in the United States, as evidenced most recently by the sickening display of hate over the 405 freeway in Los Angeles this past weekend. This wasn't Berlin in 1938; it's 2022, and it happened in one of the most populous cities in our nation. Inaction in the face of the rising expressions of antisemitism here and around the world is not an option. Elected officials and community leaders of all political stripes and religious backgrounds must denounce hatred in all its forms and help to heal our divisions - and fast.

Putting in the Work

I am grateful for all the business owners and nonprofit organizations who’ve put me to work as part of my “On the Job” initiative, which gives me a firsthand look at the impressive, important, and often hard work being done in our community each day. In fact, it has quickly become one of my favorite parts of this job! That's why I was excited to work two more shifts this week, beginning with joining the team from New Spaces Design Build for demo day at one of their latest projects. Founded in 1981, New Spaces is a residential remodeling business with its own in-house designers, master carpenters, and production teams. Helping their talented team rip up old flooring, cut pipes, and make way for a new doorway was as memorable as it was messy! 

I had the chance to get my hands dirty while learning more about the ups and downs of the residential remodeling business during a shift on the job with New Spaces.

After my shift at New Spaces, I headed to the Fair on 4, a new restaurant and entertainment concept on the Mall of America’s fourth floor. Owned by the same team that operates the Victoria Burrow, the Fair on 4 has one of the only two story go-kart tracks in the country, along with axe throwing, games, and more. After welcoming customers, tending bar, and making pizza from scratch, I talked with their hardworking team about how federal relief allowed them to keep employees on payroll throughout the pandemic – and about their mission to bring people together, which you know I share.

I was honored to join the Fair on 4 team for a shift last week. In between tending bar and making pizza, I learned more about the difference federal relief made for their team.

I’m also thrilled to share the latest video episode of On the Job with Dean, coming to you this time from Orangetheory in Minnetonka, which I visited earlier this year! I checked members in for morning classes, mopped floors, sanitized equipment, and got into the Orange Zone on a rowing machine – and after catching my breath, I caught up with the franchise owners about the investments they've made in state-of-the-art cleaning and filtration systems to keep Minnesotans safe. Many gyms in our community are still struggling to recoup the losses they endured during the pandemic, so I’m always eager to learn more about how Congress can help support their recovery.

Click here to watch the latest episode of On the job with Dean!

A Different Type of Rodeo

Snow plow season is here! Well, almost. Did you know that in Bloomington alone, snow plows clear more than 2,000 miles of roadway and 250 miles of sidewalk each winter? Last week, I had the opportunity to drive the course at the “snow plow rodeo” in Bloomington and get a behind-the-scenes look at how snow plow operators prepare for the winter ahead. This rodeo is a driving course used to sharpen the skills of operators before the first snow fall and includes obstacles like barrels and parked cars to simulate what they will experience when they hit the roads. 

I spent part of a beautiful fall morning learning how to drive a snowplow and hearing from the skilled operators about the magic of clearing roads while most Minnesotans sleep soundly.

While my highlight may have been successfully parking a snowplow (without using a backup camera!) my experience also taught me that operating a snowplow is no easy task. So, next time you see a plow on the road, send some gratitude to the outstanding operators who work tirelessly to ensure our roads are safe and clear each winter.

Showing Gratitude to First Responders

Throughout these difficult past two-and-a-half years, our courageous first responders have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy – even when it means putting themselves in harm’s way – and we owe them a debt of gratitude. In that spirit, last week, I stopped by the Edina Police and Fire Departments with donuts to thank them for the essential work they do every single day. I left feeling extremely grateful for these outstanding public servants who serve our communities with honor, principle, and compassion. 

I can't think of a better way to spend a morning than dropping in to thank our first responders, and I encourage you to consider doing the same. We need them!

Finally, for our Hindu neighbors, this week marks the start of a new year. Here’s to a happy Diwali to all who celebrate the festival of lights, and a bright week to all.

Keep the faith and keep in touch,

Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

✔️ H.R. 6129, Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement Act of 2021 

I do not believe that otherwise law-abiding Americans should be sitting in prison for cannabis use when others make millions selling it legally (and millions of Americans use it legally). That’s why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R.6129, Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement Act of 2021. This legislation would establish a grant program under the Department of Justice to incentivize state and local governments in expunging convictions for cannabis-related offenses.  

                                        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. 
• Apply for federal student loan forgiveness: The Biden Administration’s student loan forgiveness application is now available. Take two minutes to apply today!
• 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!  

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