Hi Friends,
One of the greatest joys of my job is learning new things about the people and businessesthat make the Third District such a wonderful place to live and work. I’ve lived in Minnesota almost all of my life, but I’m still surprised and delighted by our community at every turn – here’s what that looked like this week…
TEAMING UP FOR SAFER ROADS
Local elected leaders and safety officials in our community have been organizing and advocating for improvements along Highway 12 – the deadliest stretch of road in Minnesota – for many years. Yesterday, I joined them on the road and in the mission to erase its nickname, the “Corridor of Death.” It’s going to take a joint effort between federal, state and local representatives to bring the changes that are necessary to save lives, and I promise to do my part.
| Click here to watch my ride on the “Corridor of Death.” |
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Nothing leaves me more inspired than conversations with young people, and this week, I confirmed that our future is in good hands. During my visit to Orono High School, Mr. Dave Herring’s government class asked very thoughtful questions about money in politics, modernizing Congress, and securing elections. They also shared some ideas about how we can promote more meaningful dialogue in our committee meetings (something that is sorely needed). Instead of being discouraged by divisive politics, these students are talking about ideas to make the system better – we could all take some inspiration from that mindset.
| These Orono High School students injected a little hope into my week. |
HONORING OUR MILITARY
Monday is Veterans Day, but I’m committed to honoring our men and women in uniform, our veterans, and their families 365 days a year. On Wednesday, I had the privilege of visiting some extraordinary Minnesota organizations that are partners in that work. I’m so reverent and grateful. Please take a moment to honor the veterans and service members in your life this weekend.
| Click here to see more photos from my inspiring day spent getting to know our service members, veterans, and the people who care for them a little better. |
Believe it or not, that’s just scratching the surface of my week! If you’re interested in seeing more, I invite you to follow along on Twitter or Facebook, and take advantage of these upcoming opportunities to connect with my office:
- Tomorrow, November 9th, I’ll be speaking about campaign finance reform at a free public forum on clean elections in Edina.
- For anyone attending the State of Minnesota Veterans Day celebration on Monday, I look forward to seeing you there.
- On Wednesday, November 13th, my staff will be in Mound for mobile office hours.
- On Thursday, November 14th, my staff will join a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community meeting in Bloomington. If you’re interested in veterans and military issues, consider attending too!
- I invite you to attend my next town hall meeting on Saturday, November 23rd in Brooklyn Park.
- If you haven’t yet, take a moment to let me know what issues are important to you, and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.
Keep the faith, keep in touch, and stay warm,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress