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America’s Unsung Heroes Serve Locally
Click the image above to watch KBJR's coverage of my visit to Chisholm.
Dear Friend,
Those who serve in local government are truly the unsung heroes of our American government and political system. Let’s take our hats off to all of them – the township officers, county and school board members, mayors, city councilors and legislators – who work so hard on our behalf every day. I never cease to be impressed and amazed by their commitment to their communities, and the knowledge they exhibit through the day-to-day contact they have with their constituents.
Last week, I traveled to Chisholm to meet with Iron Range mayors, legislators and county commissioners.Over a Dutch treat lunch, we explored ways we can continue to work together to help fix roads and bridges, encourage local businesses to create jobs, promote mining, timber and tourism, and bring federal tax dollars back home to support worthwhile projects that improve the quality of life for the people we are privileged to serve.
What a pleasure to see so many great local leaders during my visit to Chisholm last week.
As I reminded them, that last item – bringing federal money home to our region – is especially important. While many states receive four or five dollars back for every tax dollar they send to Washington, Minnesota receives only about 65 cents.
I’ve made it my mission to boost that number, and I’m pleased to say that working in partnership with local officials, we are making good progress. According to the Congressional Research Service, my office has helped secure more than $360 million in grants and other assistance for the Eighth Congressional District over the past two years.
Among other things, that money has gone to help clean up the St. Louis River and the Lake Superior shoreline, improve Duluth Harbor, make our regional airports safer, repair public buildings, roads and bridges, and provide exciting new educational and employment training opportunities for students at our community colleges.
Across the Range, with the support and involvement of local officials, we are making real progress in re-routing Highway 53 from Virginia to Eveleth and gaining approval – we expect it soon – for critical improvements to Highway 169.
So next time you meet a local official from your area – at church, or on the street, or in the store – take a minute to say thanks, and to tell them what’s on your mind. By doing so, you’ll help them make important differences for the benefit of all.
Have a great week.
Sincerely,
Hibbing Clinic Investigation Continues
C lick the image above to read the Mesabi Daily News' coverage of our meeting with the former VA workers.
We are continuing efforts to get to the bottom of troubling allegations by former employees at the Hibbing veterans clinic. Their accounts involve appointments scheduling irregularities, hostile work environment and practices that put profits ahead of the well being of our veterans.
Last week, Senator Dave Tomassoni and I met privately with three people who left the facility after a combined total of more than 20 years of service at the clinic. They spoke candidly of their experiences and concerns, which I have promised to convey to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Inspector General, and to the leadership of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
In my report, I will reiterate the earlier request I made along with Senators Klobuchar and Franken and Congressman Tim Walz that the Inspector General fully investigate the charges and report back to us as quickly as possible. Through their valiant service, our veterans have earned the best and most timely medical care a grateful nation can provide. We are determined to leave no stone unturned to assure they receive no less.
WTIP Interview Focuses on 1854 Treaty Fix
Two weeks ago, the House approved my bipartisan bill to fix a 14-year old Congressional mistake and once again allow members of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to receive benefits they are entitled to under the Treaty of 1854.
The bill, which now awaits action in the Senate, is important to Band members and to the economy of our region. I was pleased to discuss it, along with other issues, last week in an interview with WTIP Radio in Grand Marais.Click here to listen to the interview.
A Capitol Christmas - From Chippewa National Forest
When viewed from the Capitol, the Christmas Tree is framed by the National Mall.
Tomorrow, I will join House Speaker John Boehner, Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and the rest of the Minnesota delegation to welcome the Capitol Christmas Tree to its new home on the lawn of the US Capitol building. This tree journeyed all the way from our very own Chippewa National Forest, along with 10,000 ornaments made by local school children, seniors, and other Minnesotans.
The Capitol dome is currently undergoing renovation - good thing we have this beautiful Minnesotan tree from Chippewa National Forest to look at instead.
This 88-year-old, 88-foot-tall tree represents a renewed spirit of bipartisanship as we prepare to enter the 114th Congress. Republican or Democrat, we can all join together in our pride for this symbol of unity. This tree will be enjoyed by thousands of Americans who visit the nation’s Capital during the Holiday season or watch the tree lighting ceremony on television.
At Least Something’s Moving In Washington – Us
My staff is all packed and ready to move into our new, bigger office.
Tomorrow is moving day for our Washington, D.C. office. Our new address is 2366 Rayburn House Office Building – one floor down from our previous address, with a bit more space. And, for Yours Truly, a faster walk to the U.S. Capitol Building and to many of the committee rooms where Congress does its business.
As you may know, many of the rules of Congress are based on seniority. Every two years, as some Members leave, their offices become vacant – allowing the rest of us to get in line based on our years of service, and choose new space if we wish to do so. Because I’m entering my fifth term – having served three previous terms from 1975-1981 – I found myself closer to the front of the line, and the move made sense.
I hope you’ll stop by and visit next time you’re in Washington. We’d love to welcome you for a cup of my famous Nolan coffee. Always hot and Minnesota strong.
Coming Up in Washington
This week:
• My bill to designate the segment of Interstate Highway 35 from Forest Lake to Duluth as the "James L. Oberstar Memorial Highway" will come up for a vote next Monday.
• The House is also expected to vote on the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act this week to reauthorize a number of Indian housing programs, including the Indian Housing Block Grant Program, and provide new options for our homeless Native veterans.
• The ABLE Act - which I cosponsored - may come up at the discretion of House leadership. This bill creates a new tax-preferred account for individuals with disabilities. Under this measure, the account and any distributions made from it would not be considered income in determining eligibility for means-tested federal programs.
• The United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act - legislation I have supported and cosponsored - will come to the Senate floor this week. This bill expresses the sense of Congress that Israel is a major U.S. strategic partner and supports the Government of Israel in its ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated political settlement with the Palestinian people resulting in the two states living side-by-side in peace and security.
Finally...
Are You a High School Artist?
Then Dazzle DC With Your Talent!
Nate Choi of Duluth was last year's winner, with his piece entitled "Topper Hockey Pride" - click here to learn more about his experience.
Every spring, Members of Congress sponsor the Congressional High School Art Competition in their districts torecognize talented youth around the nation. Each district’s winner will be displayed for one year in the halls of the US Capitol - and receive a trip for themselves and a parent or guardian to come to Washington for the unveiling. My office is now looking for young artists in the 8th District, click here for more information.
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