MARCH 17, 2023

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

It’s been a busy week here in the Fourth District. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with constituents and local leaders, congratulate Ecolab on 100 years, and even made a trip back to the Minnesota State Legislature!

Supporting BioMADE

If you don’t know what “bioindustrial manufacturing” means, you’re not alone—but it’s about to become a lot more well-known! Through my work on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve learned about the need to develop sustainable, U.S. made, biology-based products that will eventually replace our reliance on petroleum-derived products.

Throughout this process, I’ve secured $300 million in federal funding that will be allocated to do just that. Minnesota State Senator Aric Putnam has introduced a bill that would provide a $100 million state match to secure $100 million of this federal funding to create the nation’s first bioindustrial manufacturing hub – right here in Minnesota.

This week I testified to the Minnesota Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee about the importance of passing this bill.  With our mix of farms, agriculture businesses and highly educated workers, Minnesota is uniquely positioned to be the epicenter of this exciting new development that will provide the jobs of the future, boost our local economy and help our planet—if we act now. Watch my testimony here.

Mississippi River Summit

This week I hosted a “State of Our River: Mississippi River Dialogue” here in St. Paul, bringing together Tribal, Local, State, and Federal government officials, and other stakeholders, to discuss the pressing issues facing our River. The Mississippi River touches ten states on its journey from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, and is a big part of our nation’s commerce and culture.

The health of the river is critical for its natural beauty and wildlife, and for our public health and our economy. Last year, historic drought resulting in low water levels disrupted commerce on many stretches of our river—just a few short years after many of these same communities suffered historic and damaging flooding. We need to work together to solve these problems.

That is why this Congress I will be reintroducing the Mississippi River Resilience and Restoration Initiative, the MRRRI Act, to create a coordinated federal effort to support the River.

The discussions we had at the summit will inform and advance the work we are all doing to protect our Great River. I’m proud of the work we’ve already done, and with MRRRI, we can ensure sustained investments in clean water and protecting natural infrastructure.

Protecting Social Security and Medicare

This week I sat down for a virtual “coffee break” with folks who have recently contacted my office about the importance of protecting Social Security and Medicare. 

We discussed the President’s budget proposal, and how we all deserve to see the Republicans’ plan, so we can work to meet the needs of Minnesotans and all Americans.

GOP leaders claim they can expand tax cuts for the wealthiest and big corporations and cut domestic spending without cutting Social Security and Medicare, but have not provided details about how they will accomplish this.  Meanwhile, extreme plans from Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and others would allow Social Security and Medicare to sunset and make deep cuts to everything from home heating assistance for seniors to disability benefits for veterans.

My fellow Democrats and I will do everything we can to protect Social Security and Medicare from any attempts to weaken or cut it. These programs are vital for seniors to retire with dignity. They must be funded, along with the priorities of the American people – increasing access to affordable health care, expanding paid leave, fighting the climate crisis and more.

Find a recap of our conversation here, and stay tuned for upcoming events on additional topics.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with your policy opinion or if you need help with a federal agency. Thank you for being an informed and engaged constituent.

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress