Hi Neighbors,
This past week, our country lost Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazer and a role model to many, including myself. I am saddened in ways I never imagined possible. May her memory be a blessing and may her legacy live through all of us.
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| Reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish next to Congressman Eric Swalwell and his daughter, with her “I Look Up To Ruth Bader Ginsburg” book in hand, is a moment I’ll never forget |
Today, I am checking in to give you an update on the work I am doing in DC:
Working on a Compromise – Together
Last week, my 25 Democrat and 25 Republican colleagues of the Problem Solvers Caucus introduced a bipartisan, COVID relief framework to reignite negotiations and support Americans through these difficult days. Months of inaction have left too many at the precipice, and principle must overcome politics. Leaders of both parties have demonstrated a willingness to walk away with nothing, but people, families and small businesses are suffering and cannot afford Federal inaction.
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| I will continue to relentlessly advocate for the priorities of our district and country. In the meantime, read more about our plan here. |
Our package addresses key areas of need, including COVID-19 testing, unemployment insurance, direct stimulus, worker and liability protection, small business and non-profit support, food security, schools and child care, housing, election support, and state and local aid. While this is not a perfect plan, it is a bipartisan framework that provides immediate support for the pressing issues facing our country during the COVID-19 crisis. Our intent is to inspire House and Senate leadership to return to the negotiating table and provide urgently needed relief.
Lowering the Cost of Health Care
Lowering the cost of health care has been one my top priorities since I joined Congress. This week I co-sponsored H.R.1277, the State Public Option Act. This legislation will expand health coverage to thousands of Minnesotans, allow states to become policy innovators, and encourage more people to pursue their dreams with affordable health insurance. A public health insurance option is the next step toward achieving a health care system with truly universal access, as we continue to grapple with a pandemic that has changed so many aspects of our lives. We are all connected — my neighbor’s health is about my health, too.
Ending Corruption
The White House lawn belongs to Americans – not to a politician or political party, no matter who occupies the Oval Office. Public resources should never be used for private gain. That is why I introduced the “Our Lawn Act,” which creates civil and criminal penalties for violating the Hatch Act, including fines and jailtime. The Our Lawn Act isn’t about protecting a patch of grass – it’s about sending a message to the world that we are a nation of laws. Neither party is immune to corruption – the Hatch Act was originally designed to clean up Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Democratic Party. We need laws with teeth to ensure that no president, Republican or Democrat, uses the White House grounds for political means. Let’s get campaigning off the People’s lawn and into a venue where it belongs.
Hearing From You
This week I hosted a community conversation on race and equity with my friend and colleague, Rep. Joe Neguse, and a wonderful panel of community leaders. If you weren’t able to join us on Monday, you can catch the full video below:
I’m so grateful for your continued engagement, ideas, and even criticisms, as we build a better and brighter future, together. Let’s keep the conversation going!
- Encourage your loved ones to let me know what issues they care about most
- Enlist my team to help you navigate bureaucratic red tape
- Complete the Census and help Minnesota get the resources we deserve!
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress