Reps. Phillips, Khanna Introduce “No PAC Act” To Get Big Money Out Of Politics

WASHINGTON, DCToday, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced the No PAC Act. The bill would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit members of Congress and those running for a U.S. House or Senate seat from accepting contributions from a political action committee, other than that of the given candidate. It would also prohibit the establishment of leadership PACs.

“There is a constant tug of war in Washington between the will of the people and the demands of special interests,” said Rep. Phillips. “Minnesotans tell me all the time that Congress needs to get to work restoring their trust in our government – and ending the corrupting influence of PACs would be a huge step in that direction. Trust is earned, and as long as special interests can continue to buy influence with PAC money we’re going to continue losing the faith of the people – to the detriment of our nation and our world.” Continue reading “Reps. Phillips, Khanna Introduce “No PAC Act” To Get Big Money Out Of Politics”

LETTER: Rep. Dean Phillips fights to protect Planned Parenthood

To the Editor:

The recent decision by President Donald Trump to cut funding for Planned Parenthood from Title X is an atrocity. Cutting funding from Planned Parenthood is specifically an attack on low-income America. Because of the affordability of Planned Parenthood, it is able provides safe health care to millions, who now because of the funding cuts could very well lose. This includes procedures that range from, not only abortion, but to cancer screening and other life saving much-needed procedures.

This is why I am beyond grateful to have a representative I know will fight against this attack on low-income women of America. U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips is the representative for Congressional District Three where there are two Title X funded Planned Parenthood clinics. Phillips has made it clear that “Hardened ideological politics have no place in an exam room.” We need to keep electing politicians that will support human rights, not selfish ideologies, so we can stop this attack on Planned Parenthood and prevent future attacks.

Madeline Pukite, Minnetonka
Sun-Sailor, September 11, 2019

Join Us for Our 2019 Night of Thanks Dinner

Our Night of Thanks is This Friday Night

In honor of one of our long-time volunteers, Jackie Stevenson, the Third Congressional District DFL is pleased to announce A Night of Thanks.

When:  Friday, November 8, 2019
     5:30 PM — Social Hour with Cash Bar and Silent Auction
     6:30 PM — Dinner and Program.
Where:  DoubleTree Hotel, 7800 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN

Silent Auction Items

The famous CD3 silent auction will be something you won’t want to miss. This will be a great opportunity to get one of a kind gift ideas for everyone on your Holiday list. Here are some of the the items in this Holiday Boutique silent auction:

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Your attendance will help us help our candidates up and down the ballot next year.  The deadline for advance purchase has passed. If you’re interested in attending, please email us at info@dfl3cd.org. We’ve reserved a few extra seats.

2019 CD3 Jackie Award Winners

The Third Congressional District DFL is proud to announce this year’s award winners:

Jackie Stevenson Volunteer of the Year Award — Cathy Olson, Chair of SD33 DFL. Cathy epitomizes the true spirit of Jackie Stevenson. She does it all. She runs her district, organizes and volunteers on campaigns. She shows up, hits the doors and the phone to elect DFLers. Cathy is a a Tireless organizer willing to do whatever it takes to elect DFLers and turn her district blue.

Rick Nelson Volunteer of the Year Award — Sharon Borine, former Chair of SD48 DFL and Director for CD3 DFL.  Sharon is truly a foundational organizer. She’s found helping out behind the scenes at everything CD3 and SD48 DFL.  Whether it’s credentials preparation for caucuses, organizing and running a silent auction, picking up delivering and setting up for events, you can count on Sharon to be there organizing and working.  She truly epitomizes Rick’s spirit:  a true rock that does whatever needs to be done.

Sen. Linda Scheid Elected Official of the Year — Senator Chris Eaton, SD40.  Sen. Eaton came to office in a special election in 2011 upon the passing of Sen. Scheid. As a RN, Sen. Eaton has spent her time in the Minnesota Senate advocating tirelessly for the betterment of our health care system and care of our communities whether it’s protecting our environment, schools or health care systems. Sen. Eaton has passionately advocate for years to address the ravages that addiction takes on our society. This issue is personal too Sen. Eaton with the loss of her daughter. This year saw a bill she strongly advocated fro to battle opioid addiction be signed into law by Gov. Walz. We recognize Sen. Eaton for her tireless work on our behalf and stand with her as she continues to advocate for stronger communities.

New Volunteer of the Year — Jimmy Tarpey, SD44. Jimmy is new to political field politics in our area having first knocked doors with Rep. Ginny Klevorn. But, he was quick to volunteer and eager to learn. That lead to him become Co-Field Director of Rep. Klevorn’s 2018 campaign. He has served with SD44 DFL as Field Director of our “We Win with Data” task force, and has personally knocked over 700 doors since July, 1, 2019. Unfortunately for SD44 DFL, he will be moving out of that district, but has promised to continue to be part of the DFL Team and has already reached out to party officials in his new senate district.

Our Keynote Speaker for 2019

This year, we’re honored to announce our keynote speaker for this year’s event is our Congressional Representative Dean Phillips.

Once again this year, our emcee will be Buck Humphrey.

 

Rep. Phillips Launches Congressional App Challenge

MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA – Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) kicked off the Congressional App Challenge in Minnesota’s Third Congressional District as students across Minnesota headed back to school last week. The Congressional App Challenge was launched by the House of Representatives in 2015 to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. All middle and high school students living or attending school in Minnesota’s Third District are invited to participate individually or in teams of up to four. 

Students are invited to create an app about any topic, for any platform and in any programming language. Submissions will be judged by a panel of experts on the following criteria: quality of the idea, including creativity and originality; implementation of the idea, including user experience and design; and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills. The winner from Minnesota’s Third District will be featured on the Congressional App Challenge website, be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, receive $250 in Amazon Web Services credits, and be invited to #HouseOfCode, a national computer science event held in Washington DC. Continue reading “Rep. Phillips Launches Congressional App Challenge”

Freshman Democrats to chairs: Follow PAYGO, get CBO scores before markups

Letter led by Rep. Sharice Davids asks House committee chairs to ensure legislation does not add to deficit

Ten moderate Democratic freshmen are sending a letter Wednesday to House committee chairs asking that their panels better adhere to the chamber’s rule for offsetting legislation that would add to the deficit.

Back in the majority for the first time in eight years, Democrats kicked off the 116th Congress by reinstating a pay-as-you-go, or PAYGO, provision in House rules. Under the provision, legislation that would increase the deficit must be offset by spending cuts or revenue increases.

(When Republicans took the majority from Democrats in 2011, they replaced PAYGO with cut-as-you-go, or CUTGO, which required deficit-increasing legislation be offset with only spending cuts, preventing the use of revenue increases as pay-fors.)

View the complete September 4 article by Lindsey McPherson on The Roll Call website here.

Rep. Dean Phillips Update: August 30, 2019

Dear Friend,

I want to make sure you know what I’ve been up to after another week in Minnesota. We’re enjoying the best time of year — the weather is beautiful, the Twins are in first place, and the State Fair continues to brighten our days and bring our community together. Here’s a snapshot of my week:

CELEBRATING MINNESOTA AT THE STATE FAIR

We are fortunate to live in the most extraordinary state in the nation, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing so many friends and neighbors at our State Fair. I’ve spent many days here having conversations with Minnesotans, listening to your thoughts and concerns, and sharing good times and great food. I’ve had enough corn on the cob and turkey sandwiches to last me a lifetime — and I’m hearing from you about the need for Congress to move past partisan bickering and take meaningful action on so many issues. I’m dedicating my time in Congress to restoring your trust in our government, and that means we need reform. We need to stop the tug-of-war between the will of voters and the demands of big special interests, and we need to create ways for members of both parties to work together again. I’m inspired by my time with all of you and look forward to hitting the ground running on bipartisan solutions when Congress returns to session in September. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips Update: August 30, 2019”

Rep. Dean Phillips’ Newsletter: August 23, 2019

Hi Friend,

The air is cooling and the Pronto Pups are sizzling. At the State Fair, at local businesses, and around the table in my Minnetonka office, so many of you have shared your ideas, feedback and perspectives with me. It’s my favorite time of the year in Minnesota, and I’m dropping a line to let you know how I spent my week:

PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH

On Monday, Senator Tina Smith and I joined representatives from the law enforcement, education, medical and non-profit sectors for a conversation about mental health issues and their effect on our community. Mental health issues touch every state, town and congressional district in our nation, and Senator Smith and I are committed to working with all of our colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to make sure Americans have access to the mental heath services they need in our hospitals, in our schools, and in our criminal justice system. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips’ Newsletter: August 23, 2019”

ICYMI: Rep. Dean Phillips Delivers Weekly Democratic Address

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dean Phillips of Minnesota delivered the Weekly Democratic Address.  In this week’s address, the Congressman highlighted progress House Democrats have made For The People, including the passage of H.R. 1, the For The People Act, an historic reform package to restore the promise of our nation’s democracy, end the culture of corruption in Washington and reduce the role of money in politics.  Video and audio of the Weekly Democratic Address can be downloaded here.

Below is a full transcript of the address:

“Hi, I’m Dean Phillips, and I’m joining you from my home state of Minnesota, where I’ve spent the past month visiting with members of our community, both Democrats and Republicans, about what they want fixed in Washington. Continue reading “ICYMI: Rep. Dean Phillips Delivers Weekly Democratic Address”

Phillips Statement On Planned Parenthood Title X Exit

More than 53,000 Minnesotans rely on services from Planned Parenthood and other reproductive providers that are funded by Title X

MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA –Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) issued the following statement on Planned Parenthood being forced out of Title X funding by the Trump Administration. The White House’s gag rule denies this crucial funding to organizations that refer their patients to safe and legal abortion options.

“This is dreadful news and I continue to be appalled by the Trump Administration’s assault on the health care of Minnesotans. More than 6,000 friends and neighbors in our Congressional District now risk being denied access to critical health care needs. Hardened ideological politics have no place in an exam room, especially when they prevent care providers from giving their patients sound medical advice. We must forcefully oppose this gag rule and work to ensure that every American has access to the health care they need.”

Planned Parenthood has two Title X-funded clinics in MN-03: in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie. About half of patients at the two clinics directly rely on Title X funding to afford their care.

Title X funding – a grant program that funds family planning for low-income families – was passed by Congress in 1970. The funding provides a range of essential preventive health services including contraception, STD testing and treatment, HIV testing, and breast and cervical cancer screenings. Title X funds are never used to pay for abortions. 53,000 patients received Title X support in Minnesota in 2018.

Sen. Smith, Rep. Phillips to Host Mental Health Event Monday August 19

Monday in Coon Rapids:  U.S. Senator Tina Smith and Rep. Dean Phillips Will Hold a Mental Health Listening Session at Mercy Hospital

Event to include experts from the health care, law enforcement, school, and non-profit sectors who care for Minnesotans affected by mental illness

COON RAPIDS, MN – On Monday, August 19th, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips will convene a free and open-to-the-publiclistening session on mental health issues at 9:30 AM in the auditorium of Mercy Hospital. Smith and Phillips will hear personal stories from individuals directly affected by mental illness and moderate a solutions-focused conversation with local experts before taking questions from constituents.

In May, Phillips and Smith teamed up to introduce a bill that would support family mental health services. Smith has also introduced the Mental Health Services for Students Act, which would provide funding for comprehensive mental health services in schools. Both legislators are committed to protecting and expanding resources for mental health care under the Affordable Care Act.

WHAT: Listening Session on Mental Health

WHO:

U.S. Senator Tina Smith
U.S. Representative Dean Phillips (MN-03)
Dr. Paul Goering, Vice President-Mental Health, Allina Health
Scott Boerboom, Chief, Minnetonka Police Department
Sandra Lewandowski, Superintendent, Intermediate School District 287
Dr. Richard Oni, Behavioral Health Consultant, Village Wellness Center
Sue Abderholden, Executive Director, NAMI Minnesota

WHEN: Monday, August 19, 2019, 9:30 – 10:30 AM

WHERE:  Mercy Hospital – Auditorium, 4050 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433