Hi Friend,
The air is cooling and the Pronto Pups are sizzling. At the State Fair, at local businesses, and around the table in my Minnetonka office, so many of you have shared your ideas, feedback and perspectives with me. It’s my favorite time of the year in Minnesota, and I’m dropping a line to let you know how I spent my week:
PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH
On Monday, Senator Tina Smith and I joined representatives from the law enforcement, education, medical and non-profit sectors for a conversation about mental health issues and their effect on our community. Mental health issues touch every state, town and congressional district in our nation, and Senator Smith and I are committed to working with all of our colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to make sure Americans have access to the mental heath services they need in our hospitals, in our schools, and in our criminal justice system.
| If you weren’t able to join us at Mercy Hospital on Monday, our entire conversation about mental health is available to watch here. |
CONNECTING WITH OUR SENIORS
My favorite thing about being home in Minnesota all month has been getting together with neighbors in every corner of our community. I was especially inspired by my thoughtful conversation with seniors at Applewood Pointe in Champlin on Tuesday. We talked about the best ways to incentivize collaboration in Congress, restore fiscal responsibility, and make our health care system work better for everyone. I also honored Champlin Mayor Ryan Karasek for promoting civility in our community, I encourage you to read more about that here.
| Click here to read the story behind that beautiful bouquet of dahlias. |
IMMIGRATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Another highlight of my week was the first meeting of my immigration advisory council. This outstanding group of community advocates and immigration attorneys shared their time and perspectives with me, and I’ll bring their ideas to Washington as I get to work leading a bipartisan working group on immigration this fall. We talked about how we can improve our immigration courts and bring compassion to our broken system. I’m looking forward to more input from these thoughtful Minnesotans at many meetings to come.
| Our diversity is our strength, I’m very grateful for the perspectives of my immigration advisory council. |
FOR THE PEOPLE
Finally, I had the honor of delivering the Democratic Weekly Address today. I ran for Congress because I was tired of seeing our government place special interests before our common interests. Walking up the Capitol steps to vote on H.R. 1 was one of the most gratifying moments of my life, and since then, the House has passed almost 500 pieces of legislation. From preventing the dangers of climate change to protecting our loved ones from the risk of gun violence, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell may be stonewalling our bills, but he can’t stonewall your voice. I invite you to join in the spirit of hopefulness – to listen, converse and respect one another – hope is just as contagious as fear.
| Hope is just as contagious as fear. Click here to watch my full address. |
Speaking of collaboration, my offices will be closed on Monday, August 26th and Tuesday, August 27th while my Minnesota and Washington teams get together for our annual staff meeting. I invite you to catch up us at mobile office hours on Wednesday in Coon Rapids, and mark your calendar for my next town hall meeting which will be in Chanhassen on September 7th.
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
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