Hi Neighbors,
This week our community experienced more heartbreak, said more prayers, and saw more carnage. As we continue to grapple with the killing of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center and await a verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, I believe I speak for most Americans when I say injustice must be protested, journalists, and the First Amendment must be protected, and encouraging violent confrontation must be rejected.
Let me be clear – Racial injustice is real. Protesting injustice is lawful and warranted. Criminal looting and burning destroys our communities and small businesses is wrong. We can believe all of these things at once, and I’m on a mission help our community confront difficult truths and do better together. Will you join me?
In another blow to our community, this week America and Minnesota lost one of our finest statesmen from the greatest generation, and I’ve lost an extraordinary mentor. Walter “Fritz” Mondale was man of principle, empathy, decency, and strength. His legacy should be a beacon of hope to all of us. May his memory be a blessing.
Throughout these difficult days, I am hard at work in Washington D.C. Last week was a busy one, so read on to hear how I am advocating for you:
Teamwork at the White House
On Wednesday, I had a productive meeting at the White House with the Problem Solvers Caucus leadership team and senior White House officials. We had a constructive, bipartisan conversation about pressing issues facing our country — from infrastructure to immigration to mental health.
help restore bipartisan cooperation and faith in government
I recently joined the Problem Solvers Caucus in sending a letter to the White House outlining our bipartisan policy agenda for this Congress. We are committed to finding common ground and tackling our nation’s most urgent problems. I am glad that the White House is listening. Our discussion was a promising beginning. I am optimistic that together we can help restore bipartisan cooperation and faith in government.
Bipartisan Climate Action
Climate change is here, it’s in our backyard, and we urgently need a solution. I believe we can find a way to fix this problem together using our most renewable resource—American ingenuity. We need bold legislation that utilizes market forces to combat climate change and incentivize a speedy transition to clean energy.
The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act would do just that, which is why I am an original co-sponsor again this Congress. By creating a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund, this bill would encourage innovation and clean energy technologies to reduce pollution and leave behind a healthier and more prosperous nation for future generations while returning money directly to taxpayers where it belongs. This market-based approach has support across the political spectrum, and it is time that we deliver.
Reducing the Federal Deficit
The pandemic has devastated our economy and our communities. Now more than ever, America must invest in itself – and we must do so in a way that doesn’t compromise growth and prosperity for future generations. This is possible, but only through bipartisan cooperation and principled problem-solving. Last week I joined my friend and colleague Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) in introducing the National Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform Act of 2021, aimed at reducing the federal deficit by $3.25 trillion over 10 years. Our bill, which has been endorsed by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, would establish a committee to report on how our nation can ensure fiscal health and are taking care of our federal deficit.
Resources For You
As always, I want to make sure you have the information you need to access the benefits and resources you deserve. If you have questions, ideas, or suggestions related to the information you would like to see be shared below, let my team know, and we will do our best to help:
- The deadline to file and pay most federal income taxes has been extended to May 17, 2021. Learn more, and file your taxes for free, here
- If you’re one of the 7,000 Minnesota families who have lost a loved one to COVID-19, you may be eligible for funeral assistance. Apply by calling 844-684-6333 or by visiting FEMA’s funeral assistance website
- Economic Impact Payments are still being distributed, check the status of your payment using the IRS Get My Payment tool here
- All veterans are eligible to schedule vaccine appointments with the VA by calling 612-467-1301 on weekdays between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm
- The deadline for businesses to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) relief has been extended to May 31 and the Small Business Administration launched the Restaurant Revitalization relief program this week.
- The pandemic limited in-person Presidential Inauguration celebrations this year, but commemorative tickets are available as a keepsake. Tickets are first-come, first-served, and can be requested here
- Constituents have been asking about how we can help support our neighbors in Brooklyn Center. Brooklyn Center High School is accepting donations of groceries and supplies Monday through Friday, April 19–23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can find more information here.
Finally, I want you, my neighbors, constituents, and members of the community that I love to keep this in mind: If you’re feeling fearful and anxious as a result of the events unfolding throughout the Twin Cities, imagine feeling this way every day of your life. I hope you will employ that empathy as inspiration to ensure that future American generations all know justice, peace, and opportunity.
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress