Hi Neighbors,
Challenging days lie ahead, but I want you to know what we will overcome together. I’m writing to check in, share information, and to let you that I will always have your back.
As COVID-19 cases continue to be confirmed in Minnesota, I remind you that we all have a role to play in keeping our community safe and healthy. While closings, social distancing, and changes to our daily routines are challenging, it’s the pragmatic and responsible approach to protecting our healthcare professionals and ensuring hospital capacity can meet expected demand. We will succeed together, and I am proud to stand with Minnesota’s entire Delegation in support of our extraordinary front-line healthcare workers. With a united voice, we ask you to support them too.
In that same spirit of teamwork, Senator Tina Smith and I hosted a free and open-to-the-public coronavirus briefing call with Minnesota public health experts on Monday. We shared a lot of information, and a little optimism too – if you missed the briefing, or if you’d like to share it with your family, friends or neighbors, the entire conversation is available to stream here.
| My heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of Minnesotans who joined our coronavirus briefing call. If you missed it, listen here. |
Coronavirus Response Update:
As your representative in Washington, I’m monitoring the situation closely, and I’ll do my best to keep you informed. My team and I have launched a coronavirus information center at phillips.house.gov/coronavirus, where you’ll find useful and up-to-date information.
In Washington, D.C., the urgency of this situation led to a rare bipartisan agreement by President Trump and Speaker Pelosi to get states the resources they need to combat this disease. On March 14th, I voted in favor of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was signed into law yesterday. This bill guarantees free coronavirus testing, establishes paid leave, enhances unemployment insurance, expands food security initiatives, and increases federal Medicaid funding.
Congress is currently working on a third bill to respond to the crisis caused by coronavirus that will specifically address the economic impact of the virus.
Still Working to Help You:
In the coming days, weeks, and months, many of our friends and neighbors will struggle to navigate the federal government to obtain benefits and federal assistance. Bureaucracy should not be a barrier to care, and my office is here to help. As a constituent, you can still:
- Call my offices in Washington (202-225-2871) and Minnetonka (952-656-5176). If you reach our voicemail during business hours and leave a message, a member of my team will return your call within 24 hours.
- Reach out for assistance. If you need help with a federal agency, we may be able to help.
- Send emails and letters. The best way to contact my office is by sending me an email.
- Schedule video and phone meetings. You can still meet with a member of my team remotely by contacting the appropriate office.
I promise to continue advocating for the safety and security of Minnesotans and all Americans, at home and abroad. If you have questions about coronavirus, you can reach the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414 or online here. If you need assistance with a federal agency related to coronavirus (or anything else), my team is available to help by phone at 952-656-5176 and online.
Keep the faith, keep in touch, and stay safe,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress