Tag: MN03

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”

Rep. Dean Phillips: Flatten the Curve

Hi Neighbors,

Challenging days lie ahead, but I want you to know what we will overcome together. I’m writing to check in, share information, and to let you that I will always have your back.

As COVID-19 cases continue to be confirmed in Minnesota, I remind you that we all have a role to play in keeping our community safe and healthy. While closings, social distancing, and changes to our daily routines are challenging, it’s the pragmatic and responsible approach to protecting our healthcare professionals and ensuring hospital capacity can meet expected demand. We will succeed together, and I am proud to stand with Minnesota’s entire Delegation in support of our extraordinary front-line healthcare workers. With a united voice, we ask you to support them too. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips: Flatten the Curve”

Rep. Dean Phillips: We will overcome this

Most of us are experiencing feelings of fear and insecurity that few have endured in our lifetimes. And while the coming days and weeks will be challenging, rest assured that we shall overcome.

We each have a role to play in “flattening the curve” and slowing the spread of COVID-19 over time to ensure our healthcare professionals and facilities can meet the growing demand for care.

We do so by practicing social distancing – implementing teleworking whenever possible, postponing gatherings, limiting physical greetings and interactions, staying home when feeling ill, avoiding anyone who appears symptomatic, washing hands regularly, and avoiding touching your face. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips: We will overcome this”

Rep. Dean Phillips Coronavirus Briefing Invitation

Hi Deb,

The presence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Minnesota is cause for concern but not cause for panic. We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe and healthy, and I know you might have questions. That is why I am inviting you to join me and U.S. Senator Tina Smith on a free and open-to-the-public coronavirus briefing callwith state and local public health experts at 6:00 PM CST on Monday, March 16th.

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Dial 855-927-0897 at 6:00 PM CST on Monday, March 16th
to join our coronavirus briefing call

Let me know what questions you have about coronavirus by submitting them here – we’ll answer as many questions as possible. You can join in by dialing 855-927-0897 or streaming online here at 6:00 PM on Monday. If you’d prefer to receive a call, please register here.

Coronavirus Update

The coronavirus outbreak has officially been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). As your representative in Washington, I’m monitoring the situation closely. I promise to advocate for the safety and security of all Minnesotans at home and abroad, and I’ll do my best to keep you informed. My team and I have launched a coronavirus information center at phillips.house.gov/coronavirus, where you’ll find a collection of useful and up-to-date information.

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Most individuals with coronavirus will experience minor symptoms and will not require hospitalization. But please, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, cover your cough, and please stay home if you are sick. While closings, social distancing, and changes to our daily routines can generate fear, please know it’s the pragmatic and responsible approach to protecting our healthcare professionals and ensuring hospital capacity can meet expected demand. We will succeed together.

Still Working to Help YOU

The U.S. Capitol is closed to the public at this time, but my office in Minnetonka will remain open at reduced hours from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM for the foreseeable future in order to continue serving you. As a constituent, you can still:

  • Call my offices in Washington (202-225-2871) and Minnetonka (952-656-5176). If you reach our voicemail during business hours and leave a message, a member of my team will return your call within 24 hours.
  • Reach out for assistance. If you need help with a federal agency, we may be able to help.
  • Send emails and letters. The best way to contact my office is by sending me an email.
  • Schedule meetings. You can still meet with a member of my team by contacting the appropriate office. Please note that, for the time being, meetings will need to occur via telephone or video-conference except in case of emergency.

If you have questions about coronavirus, the Minnesota Department of Health is the best point of contact. You can reach them at 651-201-5414 or online here. If you need assistance with a federal agency related to coronavirus (or anything else), my team is available to help by phone at 952-656-5176 and online.

Keep the faith and keep in touch,

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Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

Rep. Dean Phillips Announces Office Policy to Allow More Flexibility During Coronavirus Response

WASHINGTON, DC – In consultation with public health officials in Washington D.C. and Minnesota, Representative Dean Phillips has announced changes to office protocol to protect the public while continuing to serve his constituents.

This week, the U.S. Capitol Sergeant At Arms ordered limited access to the U.S. Capitol complex and Member offices due to COVID-19 until at least April 1, which means that constituents may not enter the U.S. Capitol and surrounding Congressional office buildings without official business and an escort. While this will restrict physical access to the D.C. office, Rep. Phillips’s constituents can still expect to: Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips Announces Office Policy to Allow More Flexibility During Coronavirus Response”