Dear Neighbors,
I know that times are tough. As Congress crafts our next round of coronavirus legislation, I want to make sure I’m fighting for the relief that Minnesotans need most. Will you take a moment to tell me how the pandemic is impacting you?
Continue reading “Rep. Phillips: How has coronavirus impacted YOU?”
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Reps. Dean Phillips (MN) and Don Young (R-AK) announced the introduction of the Utilizing and Supporting Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers Act to help returned Peace Corps volunteers get back on their feet. Recently announced in the Senate by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the Utilizing and Supporting Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers Act would support Peace Corps volunteers evacuated due to the coronavirus public health emergency by expanding health insurance coverage, creating an expedited reenrollment process, and developing additional domestic employment opportunities. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) were instrumental in development of the legislation, along with Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA).
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN): “The sudden dismissal of Peace Corps volunteers has left these vital American ambassadors with nowhere to turn in an economy in turmoil. We must come together and support them in their time of need. I am thankful for the leadership of Congressman Young, Senator Murphy and our core group of supporting legislators. The Peace Corps represents the very best in American leadership on a global stage, with volunteers serving alongside communities in their fight against sickness, hunger, and economic insecurity. We must honor their commitment by protecting these public servants now and charting a path toward redeployment in the future.” Continue reading “Rep. Phillips introduces bill to support evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers due to COVID-19”
President Donald Trump is hoping the economy will bounce back rapidly from the coronavirus shutdown, but Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned Wednesday that it will take time for the country’s wounds to heal even after businesses begin to reopen.
After the Fed pledged to keep interest rates near zero until the economy has weathered the pandemic, Powell underscored the bleak reality, saying next week’s monthly jobs report is expected to show an unemployment rate somewhere in the double digits.
“We’re going to see economic data for the second quarter that’s worse than any data we’ve seen for the economy,” he said during a news conference. Continue reading.
Dear Neighbors,
Your feedback, stories, ideas, and criticisms help me better represent you as I continue to fight for your priorities in Washington. That is why I want to hear from you:
Continue reading “Rep. Phillips: Small Business Aid is On the Way”
WASHINGTON, DC — On Tuesday, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) announced the introduction of legislation to mobilize Americans to fight against the coronavirus. Introduced in the Senate last week by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), the Undertaking National Initiatives to Tackle Epidemic (UNITE) Act of 2020 would expand authorization of opportunities within AmeriCorps and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and directs them to prioritize projects that strengthen the response of frontlines workers. In addition, the legislation will ensure that existing workforce programs such as AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, and FEMA CORE are fully mobilized in order to assist vulnerable Americans – including the food-insecure, elderly, and homeless – during the pandemic. This group is joined by Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and John Sarbanes (D-MD) as original cosponsors.
“The American spirit of activism and hard work is alive and well especially during this challenging time,” said Phillips. “The United States must have a whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic that not only employs those who have lost their jobs or who’ve become underemployed, but also delivers relief to understaffed frontline workers. I urge my colleagues to join me in calling for the swift passage of the UNITE Act on the House floor.” Continue reading “Rep. Philips introduces bill to expand national service to strengthen COVID-19 response”
WASHINGTON, DC – In a letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration (SBA) today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) urged the agencies to make changes to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so that they will better serve the Minnesota job-creators in most need of relief.
Demand for these programs quickly outpaced funding provided by the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act and CARES Act. While congressional leaders have reached an agreement to inject new funding into the relief programs, cumbersome and short-sighted rules will still leave many Minnesota small businesses unable to qualify for or use them.
“I am hopeful that by adding the voices of the thousands of my constituents represented here to the millions crying out around the country, we will be better able to come together to make the EIDL and PPP programs work better for more small businesses and self-employed individuals,” the letter reads. “Together, they are the backbone of our economy, and when it is safe to do so, we will need them to be ready and open for business. In the meantime, I ask you to do whatever is in your power to help those who need it.” Continue reading “Rep. Phillips demands changes to small business relief programs”
Yesterday, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) appeared on Fox Business with Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) to talk about the Problem Solvers Caucus Reopening and Recovery “Back to Work” Checklist, a data-driven proposal focused on reopening America safely and reigniting the economy. The announcement is the culmination of weeks of work by Rep. Phillips, the Problem Solvers Caucus, and national experts and comes as Congress nears an agreement on additional economic relief for American small businesses.
CLICK HERE to watch Rep. Phillips discuss the bipartisan “Back to Work” Checklist on Fox Business
The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus – 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans strong –found consensus on the bipartisan set of recommendations focused on public health,economic rescue, and stimulus plans for our country’s immediate future. The plan will serve as guiding principles that the Problem Solvers Caucus hope to see incorporated and addressed in the country’s plans to address the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Continue reading “Rep. Phillips and Problem Solvers Release Bipartisan Reopening and Recovery “Back to Work” Checklist”
Plan calls for expanded testing, creation of a federal contact-tracing database and moreThe Problem Solvers Caucus has come up with a bipartisan checklist of public health benchmarks for getting the economy started again and policies to help with the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
The six-page plan, shared first with CQ Roll Call, calls for establishing protocols to address viral hotspots, expanding testing, creating a federal contact-tracing database and instituting real-time data reporting on state and local hospital capacity and projected needs for health care staff, personal protective equipment, ventilators and respirators.
“This will require a regional, industry by-industry, incremental, multi-faceted, and data-driven approach,” the introduction to the checklists says. “This isn’t one-size-fits-all vision, but rather a dynamic multi-prong, multi-front strategy combining health, economic rescue, and stimulus plans for our nation’s immediate future.” Continue reading.
Dear Deb,
I’m checking in before the weekend to spread a little optimism and remind you that I have your back. Now is the time for our compassion and resilience to shine, so I teamed up (digitally) with Minnesotans of different ages, backgrounds, professions, and political parties to share this message with you:
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| We’re in this together, Minnesota, so click here to watch and share! |
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As Minnesotans, we are united with hope and gratitude – and we are all here for you. So in the spirit of listening and having your back, I invite you to join my Dial-In With Dean on Tuesday, April 21st at 6:30 pm by dialing 855-927-0897. Your feedback, stories, ideas, and criticisms help me better represent you as I continue to fight for your priorities in Washington. I’m looking forward to hearing your voices.
 Sign up to receive a call, or stream the event online here. |
I also want to let you know that even though the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) relief programs have exhausted funding, I am committed to protecting our most vulnerable and impacted communities and providing a lifeline to small businesses. As a small business owner myself, I know that the challenges businesses are facing are unprecedented. That is why I firmly believe that Congress must cast aside partisan affiliations and pass relief for these companies now. No delay. No excuses.
As always, my office is here to help you. If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by a federal agency or you aren’t getting an answer about your benefits, my team will do their best to help you receive a fair and timely response. If you or someone you know needs help with a federal agency, please let us know.
Keep the faith, keep in touch, stay safe, and remember: I’ll be here for you.
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
Minnesota elected officials, celebrities, and citizens unite during the COVID-19 pandemic
MINNETONKA, MN – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) released an uplifting mobile video featuring a bipartisan group of Minnesota elected officials, celebrities, and citizens. In the “Many Voices One Message” video, familiar faces unite around a message of hope and gratitude, and urge Minnesotans to stay home and stick together as uncertainty around next steps in the COVID-19 pandemic looms.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH AND SHARE ON FACEBOOK
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON TWITTER
Participants in order of appearance:
