Dear Neighbors,
I know that times are tough. As Congress crafts our next round of coronavirus legislation, I want to make sure I’m fighting for the relief that Minnesotans need most. Will you take a moment to tell me how the pandemic is impacting you?
Continue reading “Rep. Phillips: How has coronavirus impacted YOU?”
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Reps. Dean Phillips (MN) and Don Young (R-AK) announced the introduction of the Utilizing and Supporting Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers Act to help returned Peace Corps volunteers get back on their feet. Recently announced in the Senate by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the Utilizing and Supporting Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers Act would support Peace Corps volunteers evacuated due to the coronavirus public health emergency by expanding health insurance coverage, creating an expedited reenrollment process, and developing additional domestic employment opportunities. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) were instrumental in development of the legislation, along with Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA).
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN): “The sudden dismissal of Peace Corps volunteers has left these vital American ambassadors with nowhere to turn in an economy in turmoil. We must come together and support them in their time of need. I am thankful for the leadership of Congressman Young, Senator Murphy and our core group of supporting legislators. The Peace Corps represents the very best in American leadership on a global stage, with volunteers serving alongside communities in their fight against sickness, hunger, and economic insecurity. We must honor their commitment by protecting these public servants now and charting a path toward redeployment in the future.” Continue reading “Rep. Phillips introduces bill to support evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers due to COVID-19”
Dear Neighbors,
Your feedback, stories, ideas, and criticisms help me better represent you as I continue to fight for your priorities in Washington. That is why I want to hear from you:
Continue reading “Rep. Phillips: Small Business Aid is On the Way”
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) voted for the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, while also calling for much-needed reforms and improvements. The legislation provides $484 billion in additional COVID-19 relief, including funding to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for small businesses; important financial aid for hospitals; and investment in COVID-19 testing capacity – a necessary step before re-opening our economy. The Congressman provided the following statement:
“Minnesota’s small businesses are the backbone of our community and our economy, and they need our immediate help during these unprecedented times. The bill on which I voted today will save jobs and the small businesses that create them, and enhance our public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic – but our work is far from over. Continue reading “Rep. Phillips votes for relief package, calls for reforms”
WASHINGTON, DC — On Tuesday, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) announced the introduction of legislation to mobilize Americans to fight against the coronavirus. Introduced in the Senate last week by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), the Undertaking National Initiatives to Tackle Epidemic (UNITE) Act of 2020 would expand authorization of opportunities within AmeriCorps and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and directs them to prioritize projects that strengthen the response of frontlines workers. In addition, the legislation will ensure that existing workforce programs such as AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, and FEMA CORE are fully mobilized in order to assist vulnerable Americans – including the food-insecure, elderly, and homeless – during the pandemic. This group is joined by Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and John Sarbanes (D-MD) as original cosponsors.
“The American spirit of activism and hard work is alive and well especially during this challenging time,” said Phillips. “The United States must have a whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic that not only employs those who have lost their jobs or who’ve become underemployed, but also delivers relief to understaffed frontline workers. I urge my colleagues to join me in calling for the swift passage of the UNITE Act on the House floor.” Continue reading “Rep. Philips introduces bill to expand national service to strengthen COVID-19 response”
WASHINGTON, DC – In a letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration (SBA) today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) urged the agencies to make changes to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so that they will better serve the Minnesota job-creators in most need of relief.
Demand for these programs quickly outpaced funding provided by the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act and CARES Act. While congressional leaders have reached an agreement to inject new funding into the relief programs, cumbersome and short-sighted rules will still leave many Minnesota small businesses unable to qualify for or use them.
“I am hopeful that by adding the voices of the thousands of my constituents represented here to the millions crying out around the country, we will be better able to come together to make the EIDL and PPP programs work better for more small businesses and self-employed individuals,” the letter reads. “Together, they are the backbone of our economy, and when it is safe to do so, we will need them to be ready and open for business. In the meantime, I ask you to do whatever is in your power to help those who need it.” Continue reading “Rep. Phillips demands changes to small business relief programs”
Dear Deb,
I’m checking in before the weekend to spread a little optimism and remind you that I have your back. Now is the time for our compassion and resilience to shine, so I teamed up (digitally) with Minnesotans of different ages, backgrounds, professions, and political parties to share this message with you:
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| We’re in this together, Minnesota, so click here to watch and share! |
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As Minnesotans, we are united with hope and gratitude – and we are all here for you. So in the spirit of listening and having your back, I invite you to join my Dial-In With Dean on Tuesday, April 21st at 6:30 pm by dialing 855-927-0897. Your feedback, stories, ideas, and criticisms help me better represent you as I continue to fight for your priorities in Washington. I’m looking forward to hearing your voices.
 Sign up to receive a call, or stream the event online here. |
I also want to let you know that even though the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) relief programs have exhausted funding, I am committed to protecting our most vulnerable and impacted communities and providing a lifeline to small businesses. As a small business owner myself, I know that the challenges businesses are facing are unprecedented. That is why I firmly believe that Congress must cast aside partisan affiliations and pass relief for these companies now. No delay. No excuses.
As always, my office is here to help you. If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by a federal agency or you aren’t getting an answer about your benefits, my team will do their best to help you receive a fair and timely response. If you or someone you know needs help with a federal agency, please let us know.
Keep the faith, keep in touch, stay safe, and remember: I’ll be here for you.
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) released the following statement calling for more funding to support small businesses after news that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs have both exhausted funding:
“From the very beginning of the crisis, I have been committed to protecting our most vulnerable and impacted communities and providing a lifeline to small businesses to keep the lights on and keep employees on the payroll.
Over the past month, I’ve solicited feedback from hundreds of constituents and leaders in the small business, non-profit, public health and public service communities – including conference calls with local chambers of commerce, mayors, hospital executives and fire chiefs – and their message to me is clear: Congress must provide additional financial support to American institutions and American families without delay. The CARES Act was a beginning. Now we must complete the job. Continue reading “Rep. Phillips Demands Congressional Action for Small Businesses”
Dear Neighbors,
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all of us to make unprecedented changes to our daily lives, but one thing remains the same – our government is at its best when we all participate, so I’m on a mission to bring every eligible voter to the table. That is why I want to hear from you:
Throughout our history, we have never failed to hold regularly scheduled elections regardless of war, disaster, or economic crisis – and this year is no different. Our elections must occur on November 3, 2020. But Americans shouldn’t have to choose between their health and their vote, and states across the country are considering a variety of ways to modernize their elections and keep voters and poll workers safe.
Valuing democracy, means doing everything in our power to ensure that our elections are safe, secure, accessible, and fair. That’s why I introduced the Voter NOTICE Act yesterday – a bill that requires states to inform voters of any upcoming changes to their elections and gives them states tools to effectively communicate those changes.
The 2016 elections were a 20-year low for voter turnout. With safety concerns and emergency process changes, we could be headed for even lower participation. With so much uncertainty as a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to ensure all Americans have the information necessary to participate in our democracy.
As always, my office is here to help you. If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by a federal agency or you aren’t getting an answer about your benefits, my team will do their best to help you receive a fair and timely response. If you or someone you know needs help with a federal agency, please let us know.
Keep the faith, keep in touch, and stay safe,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) introduced legislation to ensure that every voter is informed how to vote safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Voter Notification of Timely Information about Changes in Elections (NOTICE) Act would require that every state provide robust and accessible informational campaigns to let voters know of any election process changes that are made in response to COVID-19. In addition, the legislation will make certain that election officials can access funds immediately to provide these communications.
“Elections absolutely must occur as scheduled on November 3rd,” said Representative Phillips. “We need to ensure that they are held safely, securely, and fairly. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all of us to make unprecedented changes to our daily lives, and we must ensure that all Americans have the information necessary to participate in our democracy Continue reading “Rep. Phillips Introduces Bill to Protect Fundamental Right to Vote During Crisis”
