Our office is able to help constituents with problems you may be having with a federal agency. Our office has four caseworkers who operate out of our district office. While we cannot force an agency to act in your favor, we can frequently intervene to facilitate the processes involved and gain a fair hearing for your case, and sometimes advocate for a favorable outcome.

A HUD-approved housing counselor will talk to you about your situation and help you decide what mortgage options are best for you. A counselor will explain what documents you will need to provide to your mortgage company and may be able to contact the mortgage company on your behalf.

American flags may be purchased by Fifth District residents at-cost through our Washington, D.C. office. Residents may also request to have a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building to celebrate a special occasion or in recognition of a individual or a group, even on a specific date. A certificate suitable for framing is included with the flag.

Each spring, high school students in our district compete for the honor of having their artwork displayed in Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol. This is part of the House of Representatives Congressional Arts Competition for high school students across America.

Low-income working individuals or families can be eligible for a refundable federal income tax credit called the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The Internal Revenue Service has an easy questionnaire to determine if you or your family should apply for the EITC.

You do not have to have a child to qualify.

I send out an electronic newsletter on a regular basis so that folks in the district can keep abreast of what I'm doing in Washington, D.C. as well as get updates of events in the Fifth District. If you this is something you are interested in, please sign up below.

All Minnesota residents who are eligible to vote may register at any point before or on Election Day. The Minnesota Secretary of State's website has more information about requirements and eligibility for registering to vote, or you can call the Secretary of State's Election Office at 1-877-600-8683 during normal business hours if you have questions.

Pages are students in their junior year of high school who are hired to serve as helpers for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. The page program is administered by the Office of the Clerk, pursuant to direction from the Majority and Minority leadership and the U.S. House of Representatives Page Board. The practice of having pages assist in Congressional operations dates back over 200 years.

The office deadline for application for the summer Page Program is April 2, 2010.

The Office of Congressman Keith Ellison is looking for enthusiastic interns for our Washington and Minneapolis offices. We are seeking highly motivated individuals ready to play a vital role in a fast-paced office environment while learning about Congress and the Federal Government. This is a great way of earning valuable experience and helping to make a difference by serving the people of the Fifth District of Minnesota.

Each year my office receives numerous inquiries concerning nominations to the United States Service Academies. I am pleased to provide the following information for constituents who may be interested in a service academy appointment.