Tag: Rep. Phillips

Problem Solvers show how Congress can work from home with virtual floor debate

Bipartisan caucus used Zoom to host a mock floor session debating state and local aid

Two dozen members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus hosted a virtual floor debate on state and local funding Thursday, hoping to illustrate that the House can conduct official proceedings remotely. But the experimental session was not without a few technological hiccups.

Caucus members used the Zoom videoconferencing app to connect with one another for the mock debate, telecasting the proceedings to the public through Facebook Live.

Most of the problems seemed to occur with the Facebook Live feed cutting off even as the Zoom debate continued. The first video showing the beginning of the mock proceedings cut out after three-and-a-half minutes and a second after just 33 seconds. A third video remained functional through the end of the debate, which lasted an hour in total. Continue reading.

For rebuilding after COVID-19, Rep. Dean Phillips proposes six-fold increase in AmeriCorps volunteers

As U.S. governments deal with COVID-19 at every level, there’s a feeling that this period of time is about simply getting through it — finding enough money to pay for city, county, and state services. But some are also planning for when the work of rebuilding starts.

AmeriCorps, a voluntary service program run by the U.S. government, could be instrumental in rebuilding the country in the wake of coronavirus. To that end, the organization established an Emergency Response Member program set to start next month that will recruit new volunteers for this work. ServeMinnesota, the organization that organizes AmeriCorps in the state, has already announced summer opportunities in communities to help with COVID-19 around the state, including Alexandria, Bemidji, Minneapolis, and Duluth.

But capacity is limited. Each year, in total, AmeriCorps only sends 75,000 people around the country to more than 21,000 locations. Rep. Dean Phillips, Democrat of Minnesota’s Third District, wants to rapidly increase the size of the organization. Continue reading.

Rep. Phillips: How has coronavirus impacted YOU?

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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?”

Rep. Phillips introduces bill to support evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers due to COVID-19

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”

Rep. Phillips: Small Business Aid is On the Way

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”

Rep. Phillips votes for relief package, calls for reforms

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”

Rep. Philips introduces bill to expand national service to strengthen COVID-19 response

The UNITE Act of 2020 would provide employment opportunities for a whole-of-government response to the COVID pandemic

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”

Rep. Phillips demands changes to small business relief programs

As Congress returns to Washington to vote on hundreds of billions of dollars in additional funding, Rep. Phillips is standing up for Minnesota small business owners

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”

Rep. Phillips and Problem Solvers Release Bipartisan Reopening and Recovery “Back to Work” Checklist

Yesterday, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) appeared on Fox Business with Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) to talk about the Problem Solvers Caucus Reopening and Recovery “Back to Work” Checklist, a data-driven proposal focused on reopening America safely and  reigniting the economy. The announcement is the culmination of weeks of work by Rep. Phillips, the Problem Solvers Caucus, and national experts and comes as Congress nears an agreement on additional economic relief for American small businesses.

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CLICK HERE to watch Rep. Phillips discuss the bipartisan “Back to Work” Checklist on Fox Business

The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus – 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans strong –found consensus on the bipartisan set of recommendations focused on public health,economic rescue, and stimulus plans for our country’s immediate future. The plan will serve as guiding principles that the Problem Solvers Caucus hope to see incorporated and addressed in the country’s plans to address the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Continue reading “Rep. Phillips and Problem Solvers Release Bipartisan Reopening and Recovery “Back to Work” Checklist”

Rep. Dean Phillips: Dial-In with Me on Tuesday

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.

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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.

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Dean Phillips
Member of Congress