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689 WORDS | 5.3 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
It was another spectacular - and snowy - week at home in Minnesota. From meeting with state legislators and honoring veterans to going On the Job and attending the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Conference, I was left feeling even more hopeful for our future and honored to represent this remarkable community. Read on for more about what I was up to this past week:
Giving Back to Our Veterans
I meet a lot of Vietnam-era veterans who have complicated perspectives about their service and their experience returning home. As a Gold Star Son who lost my birth father, Artie, in that very conflict, I'm on a mission to thank and support veterans and their families by recognizing and celebrating veterans and and their families at pinning ceremonies throughout our community. Last week, I hosted our fifth such commemoration, where we recognized 12 Vietnam-era veterans in Edina with official lapel pins as a small token of our nation’s gratitude. The stories shared at these ceremonies are both moving and unforgettable, and I look forward to continuing them throughout our community.
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| If you want to honor the Vietnam-era veteran or surviving family member in your life, I invite you to nominate them for an official commemoration at phillips.house.gov/Vietnam. |
Along with celebrating our veterans, one of my foremost priorities is ensuring veterans and their families receive the benefits and services they have earned. That's why my staff teamed up with local County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) to host a virtual Veterans Benefits Information Session last week to present information about the new benefits established by the recently passed bill to help vets who have been exposed to toxins or PACT Act as well as the Post-9/11 Veterans Service Bonus. If you weren't able to attend, click here to watch the conversation or share it with a veteran in your life.
Minneapolis Police and Peace Officers Association
The state of Minnesota has over 400 law enforcement agencies and more than 10,000 registered police officers. I have enormous respect for those who serve our nation – as well as their families – and for the sacrifices they make on our behalf. That's why I was honored to speak at the Minneapolis Police and Peace Officers (MPPOA) 40th Annual Legislative Conference last weekend. I discussed what I'm working on in Washington to support law enforcement, learned more about their legislative priorities, and answered their insightful questions.
I support all of those who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our communities with honor and principle and look forward to continuing my efforts to support them through my work in Congress.
On the Job at Avant Garden
Minnesota is home to over 100,000 incredible women-owned businesses, and I was thrilled to go on the job at one of them last week! Founded in 1995, Avant Garden is a family owned coffee house located in Anoka that has evolved into a community staple. I spent my shift taking orders, pulling espresso shots, and grinding coffee beans alongside their talented team. While I have not yet mastered latte art, I left feeling inspired by their impressive mission, hardworking team, and how they have grown their business despite all the challenges faced over the past few years.
Meeting with State Legislators
Representation begins with listening and that includes listening and learning from our state leaders. I was pleased to reconnect with Minnesota legislators and Governor Walz to discuss legislative priorities and to share my thoughts on how we can work together to strengthen our state on all fronts.
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| It was great to catch up with legislators from Minnesota’s Third Congressional District over coffee and donuts, and I am grateful for their tireless work. |
I have immense gratitude for these representatives working on behalf of all Minnesotans, and stand ready to support them in whatever way I can – especially when it comes to our shared priorities for Minnesota.
Keep the faith, and keep in touch!
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
Bill of the Week
✔️ H.R. 549, Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act
As you likely know, in Minnesota, cancer is the leading cause of death, and too many individuals with this disease die waiting for their benefits. SSDI and Medicare benefits are critically important in helping to ease that financial burden for these individuals and their families. That's why I'm a proud cosponsor of this bipartisan bill which would eliminate waiting times for Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
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:
- 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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