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1150 WORDS | 8.5 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
I'm checking in from Washington after a week that included another Vikings win, Senator Raphael Warnock’s reelection in the Georgia runoff, the news of a massive state budget surplus thanks to our resilient economy, and of course, our first town hall meeting in Hopkins! Read on for updates regarding my new leadership position, a new transit option in our community, and my thoughts on two recently averted strikes:
Representation Begins with Listening
Representation begins with listening, so I’m grateful to everyone who joined the conversation with your questions and ideas at my town hall meeting on Sunday in Hopkins. If you weren't able to make it in person or follow along online, I invite you to watch it on Facebook – and don’t forget to opt-in to receive invitations to future events:
As always, I left the forum feeling thankful for the opportunity to represent this remarkable community in Congress. Whether it’s at a future town hall meeting or community conversation, or by calling, writing, emailing, or dropping by my office here or in Washington, DC, please continue to share your ideas and concerns with me – and invite your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones to do the same.
Let's Grow!
I’m excited and humbled to announce that I was elected by my colleagues to as a co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) last week. The DPCC serves as the communications arm of the House Democrats, and with so few in our leadership ranks hailing from the Midwest, I will be a loud and proud voice for America’s heartland, relying on a homegrown spirit of innovation, collaboration, and hard work – along with my background in sales and marketing – to help revamp the Democratic Party’s brand and advance policies that are responsive to the concerns of hardworking American families. There’s lots of work ahead, and I'm excited to collaborate with my new DPCC colleagues to modernize and innovate so that we can better serve our constituents using 21st century communications and promotional capabilities.
Averting a Rail Strike
As you may remember, this past September the Biden Administration brokered a tentative labor agreement between the rail worker unions and freight rail companies, avoiding a strike that could have been disastrous for our recovering economy. While the majority of affected unions supported the agreement, however, some did not and no permanent agreement was reached ahead of the impending December 4th deadline for its ratification. With another strike looming, President Biden asked Congress to intervene to avoid the economic fallout that would result from a protracted shutdown of our nation’s freight rail system.
While I had hoped that the rail worker unions and railroad companies would be able to reach an agreement on their own, I voted in support of ratifying the tentative agreement, sending it to the U.S. Senate who also voted overwhelmingly to ratify it and send it to the President for his signature. I also voted to add seven days of paid sick leave to the agreement, but unfortunately that amendment failed in the Senate despite support from a half dozen Senate Republicans. I want to see all working people do better - not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it will also strengthen businesses and help grow our economy – which is why I am a strong supporter of efforts to create a national paid leave policy. In the meantime, it is my hope any future labor agreements can be achieved through the collective bargaining process, and that essential workers such as these can do their jobs with the benefit of enhanced safety measures as well as appropriate compensation and leave policies.
Investing in Transportation
Last weekend, I celebrated the grand opening of the METRO D Line, an 18-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line that will bring frequent and reliable service to the busiest corridor in the metro between Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis, Richfield, and Bloomington. One in four who live along this line do not have access to personal transportation. That's a big deal, and it underscores the need to invest in our transportation infrastructure so that all Americans are able to move across the metro to work, learn, and recreate safely and efficiently.
Dependable transportation connects people to jobs, entertainment, important appointments, and serves as a driver of economic development and opportunity. Smart investments like this not only help us ensure that service is targeted to communities of the highest need but they reduce disparities and help address the workforce challenges facing nearly every industry and sector in our state.
Minnesota Nurses Strike
This September, nearly 15,000 nurses from 15 hospitals in Minnesota led a three-day strike over pay, staffing levels, working conditions, and paid family leave. Last Wednesday, the Minnesota Nurses Association voted to authorize a second strike at 16 hospitals across the state which were set to begin December 11th. Fortunately, nurses reached a tentative deal with hospital systems this week, averting – for now – any disruption to the lives of nurses and their families as well as the hospital systems during a busy cold and flu season.
Nurses and other care providers are real-life heroes and play an integral role in our healthcare system. The pandemic was especially hard on these essential workers, and too many are now leaving the profession due to burnout brought on by being overworked and undercompensated. This has led to staffing shortages that further burden those still in the profession and challenge the ability of our healthcare systems to provide adequate care. I am glad that both sides were able to return to the negotiating table in good faith and reach tentative agreements to include pay raises and enhanced safety measures, and I will continue to do what I can at the federal level to encourage more to enter the profession.
Keep in touch, and keep the faith!
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
✔️ H.R. 3372, the One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2021
Like many aspects of our government, I believe that the criminal justice system is outdated and must be reformed. As part of that, I support program that improve opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals by preparing them to successfully reintegrate into society and the workforce. That's why I was proud to vote for and help pass H.R. 3372, the One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2021 in the House. This bipartisan bill will help create resource centers supporting people transitioning out of incarceration by providing access to employment and housing services.
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:
- 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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