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741 WORDS | 5.7 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
Last week, our nation witnessed a horrific tragedy when police officers killed Tyre Nichols during a traffic stop in Memphis, Tennessee. I am as heartbroken by his death as I am disgusted by its cause. We cannot tolerate behavior that demeans and devalues people based on the color of their skin, and we have an obligation to ensure that ALL Americans feel the same sense of safety, security, and trust in law enforcement. Inaction is unacceptable, and we must ensure those rights now.
Before you read my updates from last week, including new protections for the Boundary Waters and an invitation to our first town hall meeting of 2023, I want your feedback. I’ll be in the House chamber next Tuesday, February 7th, when President Biden delivers his State of the Union Address, and I have the honor of bringing a guest with me. So, I want your ideas, John:
Protecting the Boundary Waters
The BWCA is one of Minnesota’s natural treasures and is the nation’s most visited wilderness area. For more than 100 years, the BWCA has been protected by both the U.S. Government and the State of Minnesota, and it is intact today because of these protections. For that reason, I celebrated the Biden's Administration’s decisive action to protect Minnesota’s most treasured watershed – and the local recreation-based economies that depend on it - last week.
Repeated scientific review has revealed that mining projects near the BWCA pose the risk of irrevocable damage to our natural resources and threaten future generations. These critical protections would temporarily prohibit the issuance of new prospecting permits and leases in the area – a crucial step towards preserving Minnesota's unique environmental ecosystems. Minerals, jobs, and clean water are all critical to our future, and I am grateful for the tireless advocates for the Boundary Waters, we could not have done this without the support from our communities.
You're Invited
Save the date! I am excited to be hosting an open-to-the-public town hall meeting at Anoka High School on Wednesday, February 15th. Doors open at 5:30 PM and our conversation will begin at 6:00 PM. If you are interested in attending our town hall, please sign in here to save some time at the door – and as always, if you cannot make it in person, feel free to follow along on Facebook!
Lastly, I want to remember a friend, mentor, and former Minnesota Senator Dave Durenberger, who passed away yesterday. He was a true gentleman, and his service left an indelible mark on Minnesota and our country. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy of decency inspire future generations of public servants.
Keep in touch, and keep the faith,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
Bill of the Week
✔️ Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act
More than 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night – a fact that is simply unacceptable. No veteran should be without a home. That's why I am a proud cosponsor of the bipartisan Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act. This bill would make the Supportive Services Veterans Families (SSVP) program, which promotes housing stability among very low-income veteran families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing, permanent.
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:
- Congressional Essay Competition: Minnesota high school students passionate about writing are encouraged to apply by February 6th. More information can be found here.
- Apply for internships: Applications for summer 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 April 8th.
- Savings for homeowners: The Inflation Reduction Act created new federal tax credits for homeowners seeking to make energy efficient upgrades. Click here for a list green tax credits.
- 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.
- Find help with utility bills this winter: Minnesota's Energy Assistance program helps pay for home heating and water costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households. Click here to learn more and apply today.
- Keep Minnesota safe and open for business: Keep yourself, and those around you, safe by getting tested if you’re feeling sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order four free at-home rapid tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov/. You can also find other testing options at mn.gov/covid.
- Get your FDA-approved vaccine: Your decision to get a safe, free, and effective COVID-19 vaccine impacts our entire community. Everyone 5+ is eligible, so visit mn.gov/covid to find yours.
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