Tag: CD3

Rep. Dean Phillips Update

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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,

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Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

Rep. Phillips Introduces Bill to Protect Fundamental Right to Vote During Crisis

The Voter NOTICE Act would fund informational campaigns to raise awareness about election changes

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”

Rep. Dean Phillips: We’re All in This Together

Dear Neighbors,

It’s a special week for Minnesotans of all beliefs and backgrounds. This Good Friday, perhaps more than most, we remember the power of hope and community as we find new ways to connect with one another.

Speaking of connections, I’m checking in to share my gratitude for Minnesota’s leaders and extraordinary public health officials. Our elected officials, first responders, and frontline healthcare staff are working hard to ensure a transparent, effective, and efficient response to coronavirus (COVID-19). We’re all in this together.

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I have been listening to local leaders and converting those conversations into action. We’re working to improve the next COVID-19 relief package – together.

Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips: We’re All in This Together”

Rep. Dean Phillips Passover Greeting

Dear Deb,

Tonight I will be joining my family, and Jewish people across the world, in observing Passover. Our celebration will look different this year as people adapt, adjust, and find new ways to come together.

But even as we are physically distancing, we are not alone. No matter what you’re celebrating this week – be it Passover, Easter, Ramadan, birthdays, anniversaries, or just the return of spring – let’s find new ways to make connections. I’m struck by so many amazing people doing their jobs under difficult conditions, worried for their health and the health of those they love – yet with smiles on their faces and compassion in their voices. We are going to get through this.

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Click here to hear how my family will be counting our
blessings and finding the silver linings this Passover
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In the meantime, I wanted to provide you some updates: Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips Passover Greeting”

Rep. Phillips pushes for CARES Act fix and New Business Preservation Act to shield startups

Phillips led a bipartisan letter calling for changes to help startups in the short-term, and is leading legislation for long-term relief

WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Dean Phillips is working to strengthen and protect the country’s start-up businesses with a pair of legislative fixes designed to provide relief for new businesses across the country.

Today, Phillips released a bipartisan letter signed by ​54 of his colleagues calling on the Small Businesses Administration to update the definition of “small business” to include many of the country’s start-ups so that these companies can access relief included in $2.2 trillion CARES Act signed by President Trump last week. The SBA’s policy as written would exclude many of the nation’s startups from accessing the $350 billion small business loan program, which will lead to dire consequences for businesses across the country that are struggling along with the rest of the economy.

“We are being forced to significantly reduce our spending and extend cash runway to preserve the future of the company,” said Mike Kujak, President and CEO of Francis Medical, based in Maple Grove, Minn. “This language as written needs to be resolved immediately or companies like ours will be forced to furlough employees or take other drastic measures just to stay afloat.” Continue reading “Rep. Phillips pushes for CARES Act fix and New Business Preservation Act to shield startups”

Congressman Dean Phillips: Make Sure You Count

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Dear Neighbors,

In Article I of the Constitution, our Founding Fathers set forth a bold plan to hold our government accountable to the people by counting every person living in the United States. The Census ensures that everybody is adequately represented in our democracy. The results of the 2020 Census, which is active now, will impact Minnesota families for the next decade.

The 2020 Census is still moving forward during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, it’s even easier to make your voice heard – for the first time, you can take the Census online! Complete the Census online or by mail today to avoid the need for a Census worker to come to your home. Continue reading “Congressman Dean Phillips: Make Sure You Count”

Rep. Phillips Responds to President Trump’s Rejection of Oversight Language in Stimulus

Phillips helped secure key legislation that mandates a Congressional Oversight Commission for a $500 billion fund

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Just hours after signing a historic $2.2 trillion stimulus package, President Trump announced that he would attempt to reject certain elements the bill, including provisions introduced by Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) mandating oversight over the spending, including a five-person Congressional Oversight Commission for the $500 billion Treasury Department fund.

“This is the most significant distribution of taxpayer money in human history. Everybody in this country, Republicans, Democrats, and independents agree – we want to see our tax dollars used effectively, efficiently and with accountability and oversight,” Phillips said during an interview with Alex Witt on MSNBC.

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Click here to watch the full interview. Continue reading “Rep. Phillips Responds to President Trump’s Rejection of Oversight Language in Stimulus”

Rep. Dean Phillips Applauds Passage of CARES Act Stimulus Package

Phillips helped secure key oversight provision of a Congressional Oversight Commission

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Congressman Dean Phillips applauded House passage of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, which was subsequently signed into law by the President hours later. Phillips flew to Washington to ensure his presence in the event of a recorded vote, but the bill was ultimately voice voted for quick passage. The Senate passed the bill late Wednesday on a 96-0 recorded vote.

The legislation provides immediate support for our country’s most vulnerable and impacted populations, healthcare system, and small businesses. The package is the third in a series of bills passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump to respond to the growing coronavirus epidemic.

Congressman Phillips advocated for greater oversight and accountability over a $500 billion Treasury Department fund for large businesses and state and local governments, and introduced a bill, the COVID-19 Congressional Oversight Panel (COP) Act, that ultimately was included in the final legislation. The mechanism creates a five-person Congressional Oversight Commission and Special Inspector General to increase transparency, prevent corruption and ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips Applauds Passage of CARES Act Stimulus Package”

Rep. Phillips introduces bill to establish COVID-19 oversight panel

The COVID-19 Congressional Oversight Panel (COP) Act  would also expand the oversight role of the Special Inspector General for TARP

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips introduced HR6319, the COVID-19 C.O.P. Act, to create a Congressional panel to provide oversight over the massive spending of taxpayer money in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic fallout. The five-member panel would review data around spending, conduct hearings, and provide regular reports to Congress.

The bill would also authorize the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program to coordinate audits and investigations in connection with the receipt of Federal aid related to the COVID-19 emergency response.

“We are about to inject a massive and unprecedented amount of taxpayers’ money into our economy to protect jobs and keep businesses afloat. This requires proper oversight to prevent corruption and ensure the money is being used efficiently and effectively,” Phillips said. “This Congressional panel and the increased powers for the Inspector General will amplify and strengthen the government’s financial stewardship of this recovery and provide the transparency necessary to inspire Americans’ faith in our government.” Continue reading “Rep. Phillips introduces bill to establish COVID-19 oversight panel”

Rep. Dean Phillips: NEW-COVID-19 Emergency Support Available to Minnesotans

Dear Neighbors,

This week, I joined our entire Congressional Delegation in petitioning the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide assistance to Minnesota businesses following significant economic impacts from the coronavirus (COVD-19) pandemic.

I’m reaching out to let you know that Minnesota small businesses are now eligible for the SBA Economic Injury Loan Program and can apply by clicking here. 

In Minnesota, small businesses are the economic engines of our communitites – and even if you don’t own one yourself, chances are you or someone you love depends on the goods, services, or employment that a small business provides. Please share this information with the small businesses in your neighborhood and continue to support one another in these uncertain times. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips: NEW-COVID-19 Emergency Support Available to Minnesotans”