Hi Neighbors,
Families were on my mind as I celebrated my remarkable mom last weekend. It has been a challenging year for all families, and I hope however, and whoever, you honored this Mother’s Day, that it was filled with reflection and gratitude (and perhaps a long-overdue hug if you’re fully vaccinated).
It has been another busy week with a lot of news – so let’s get right to it:
Investing in Kids and Families
Minnesota is the third most expensive state for childcare in the nation. Even before the pandemic, the shortage of affordable, accessible childcare in Minnesota was a serious concern for policy experts and legislators. In the intervening months, that shortage has reached crisis levels, with disastrous repercussions for working families in our state and across the country. As others have said, saving childcare means preserving jobs and supporting working families and businesses. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, 400,000 more women have left the workforce compared to men, in large part due to childcare responsibilities. Absent congressional action, employment for women will not reach pre-pandemic levels until 2024, two years after it is projected to do so for men. It’s time for solutions. So, I hosted a virtual roundtable conversation focused on the returns on investment in kids and families this week.
Without adequate policy solutions, the child care crisis could hamstring our economy for generations, so and I’m glad Congress is considering the President’s American Families Plan, a sweeping package of legislation that would make unprecedented investments in working people.
Good News for Young People
For families with older children, there’s a lot of good news and exciting opportunities in the works this week:
- Vaccines for teens: The CDC will authorize emergency use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for Minnesotans aged 12 and older this week, and in Minnesota, teens will be able to book their appointments immediately with consent from their parent or guardian. Here’s how:
- Vaccine Connector: Sign up for an appointment at one of the state Community Vaccination Program locations at VaccineConnector.mn.gov
- Walk-ins for Minnesotans 12+ will be accepted at state vaccination sites administering Pfizer vaccines, including the Mall of America
- Vaccine Locator Map: You can use the Vaccine Locator Map to search for providers who are offering the vaccine to Minnesotans ages 12+
- Vaccine Finder: Find appointments at Vaccines.gov, which allows you to filter by vaccine manufacturer and search for only Pfizer appointments
- Health Care Provider: Contact your child’s primary health care provider, local public health department, or a local pharmacy
- My Youth Advisory Council: I love hearing from high school students about how they believe policy can transform our nation. Every year, the extraordinary students on my Youth Advisory Council have the opportunity to learn more about Minnesota’s Third District, Congress, and the world at large (and I get to learn about their ideas). This year’s applications are due on Sunday May 30, so click here to learn more
- Calling all student coders: Every year my office hosts the Congressional App Challenge for our more STEM-minded students. This competition is open to all middle and high school students living or attending school in Minnesota’s Third District. Students are invited to compete individually or in teams of up to four. Apps are due on October 19th, and you can find more information here.
Infrastructure Brings Us Together
Our roads, bridges, and water systems are crumbling, our electric grid is vulnerable to outages, many communities still have unreliable broadband connections, and our nation is falling behind our global competitors. The good news? The desire to invest in our nation’s infrastructure is one of the most unifying issues in Washington, D.C, so we have an opportunity to stop slinging mud and start shoveling dirt.
To be competitive in the 21st Century, we need infrastructure built for the 21st Century. Investments in our infrastructure not only create jobs and build sustainable, resilient communities – and are an opportunity to bring more of our hard-earned tax dollars back to Minnesota. Last month, my staff and I helped constituents submit their Community Project Funding requests. After careful review, we chose what we believe to be the ten proposals to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration during this year’s funding process. These included projects to provide clean water to the people of Dayton, fix roads in Rogers, and improve the infrastructure of Tonka Bay. You can read more about the projects we selected here.
Supporting Public Service
During times of crisis – whether it be World War II, the Great Depression, or the COVID-19 pandemic – America’s resilience depends on the hard work and sacrifices of its public servants. Now more than ever, we must meet the moment and invest in a diverse corps of talented Americans who want to give back to their country.
I was proud to join a bipartisan group in reintroducing H.R. 3000, the Inspire to Serve Act. This critical bill would modernize and strengthen national and public service programs – including the military, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps – in order to ensure that the United States can recruit and retain a robust contingent of public servants committed to the common good. The Inspire to Serve Act would breathe new life into our national and public service programs and make the United States stronger and more secure for generations to come.
Keep the faith and keep in touch, 
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
More 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:
- Apply for affordable broadband: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that, starting on May 12th, people can apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. This new program will help families reduce the costs of broadband by providing a monthly discount for broadband service for eligible households. You can learn more here and apply here.
- Claim your child tax credit: The American Rescue Plan boosted the child tax credit payments to set families up for success and put money in hardworking parents’ pockets. Secure your payment by filing your taxes for free here
- 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 an affordable healthcare plan: You can still sign up for healthcare 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
- Track your check: Economic Impact Payments are still being distributed, check the status of your payment using the IRS Get My Payment tool
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