Hi Neighbors,
I’m checking in with an update after a beautiful spring weekend (and exciting State Fair news). From meeting with constituents to introducing legislation, we got a lot done last week, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights with you. But first, I want to know what you thought of President Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress:
On Monday, I was named the 12th-most bipartisan Member of Congress by the nonpartisan Lugar Center, and I am so grateful that the President shares my goal of uniting our country around a common purpose. From introducing bipartisan legislation to securing much-needed relief for restaurants, we can do more united than divided:
Rooting out Corruption
Elected officials should serve the people, not their pocketbook – but under current law, local officials are allowed to lobby Washington on behalf of special interests. That’s a blatant betrayal of the public trust, and it must be prohibited immediately. Re-establishing faith in our government starts with good ethics, which is why I was pleased to join my friend and fellow Member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Rep. Van Taylor (R-TX), in introducing the Elected Official Lobbying Prohibition Act. This bipartisan bill would prevent elected officials from lobbying Congress on behalf of private clients, and return power to the people, where it rightfully belongs.
Homes for Veterans
Our nation has always found the resources to go to war, and we must also find the resources to provide the support our veterans and their families deserve when they come home. As a Gold Star Son, I am adamant that no veteran should be without a home, but more than 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night – a fact that is simply unacceptable.
Last week, I had the opportunity to join the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) for a tour hotel that serves as a transitional housing facility where veterans can access support and services until they find more permanent housing. This partnership is a model I would love to see replicated throughout the nation to end veterans homelessness entirely. I am so grateful for the work MACV is doing in our community, and will continue to advocate for our veterans in Congress.
Relief for Restaurants
It has been a tremendously tough year for small businesses that rely on community gathering, which is why I’m happy to announce that Minnesota bars, restaurants, bakeries, and food trucks are now able to apply for direct relief through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This $28.6 billion fund was created by the American Rescue Plan that I helped pass last month after months of advocating to Congressional leaders for direct support for restaurants. SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman and local restaurateur Andrew Zimmern went live on Instagram last week to discuss the RRF application process. Click here to watch their conversation.
Representation Begins with Listening
Whether it’s in person or virtual, the best part of my job is connecting with and learning from Minnesotans.
Empowering Young People
Every year I invite high schoolers from across Minnesota’s Third Congressional District to join my Youth Advisory Council, and now is the time to apply! This nonpartisan program is designed to give young people the opportunity to learn about policy making, civic engagement, and public service. Council participants will learn about our district, Congress, and the world at large. Students also get professional development opportunities, including seminars on resumes, cover letters, and informational interviews. This year’s Council will begin in June and meet through August. All young people living in or attending school in Minnesota’s Third Congressional District who will be in grades 9 through 12 as of September of 2021 are invited to apply. Applications are due by Sunday, May 30. You can find the form and submission instructions here.
Resources For You
My team and I are here to serve every person and every corner of our community. I want to make sure you have the resources you need to succeed:
- Rank Choice Vote for the People’s Choice Award: The 2021 Congressional Art Competition is underway, and I need your help selecting the winner of the People’s Choice Award. Vote for your favorites by Friday, May 7!
- Get your vaccine: You can now get help making a vaccine appointment by inputting your ZIP code at www.vaccines.gov or texting it to GETVAX (438829)
- Enroll in the ACA: You can still sign up for health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act until May 15, 2021. Visit healthcare.gov to learn more
- Pay your taxes: 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
- Claim your check: Economic Impact Payments are still being distributed, check the status of your payment using the IRS Get My Payment tool
- Apply for relief: The deadline for businesses to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended to May 31
- Remember history: The pandemic limited in-person Presidential Inauguration celebrations this year, but my office has a few commemorative tickets available to share as a keepsake. Tickets are first-come, first-served, and can be requested here
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress