I hope you had a safe and happy 4^th of July. After spending the holiday with my family, I began the new week visiting employees at local small businesses and touring Camp Tanadoona in Chanhassen. By mid week I was back in Washington introducing new healthcare legislation on critical care and joining Sen. Klobuchar at a Joint Economic Committee hearing to examine ways to better help returning veterans re-enter the workforce. Read more below. 

As always, please feel free to contact me if I can assist you or your family in any way. Join the conversation online by visiting my website, Facebook page, Twitter, and don't forget to watch my weekly video, Erik's Correspondence Corner.

 

Relay for Life: Celebrating Survivors, Remembering Victims

I recently spoke on the House floor about a special young woman named Kayla Schroeck who is one of the folks being honored at Eden Prairie’s annual Relay for Life event this weekend sponsored by the American Cancer Society. On Friday, I will be joining Kayla and other cancer survivors and caregivers as they share their personal stories about dealing with cancer. Relay for Life participants will be walking to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer so we can find a cure against this deadly disease.

I'm also pushing legislation highlighting the importance of palliative care and giving cancer patients more control and access to the care they want and need.

Join me Friday night at Eden Prairie High School for the Relay for Life. If you can't make it, be sure to check out Facebook for photos from the event. 

Key Obamacare Provision Delayed

You most likely heard that the Administration decided to delay the employer mandate of the new health care law for one year, citing that the requirements were too complex and onerous. This delay signals a recognition that the healthcare law is deeply flawed. What's really unfair is that the reprieve was given for businesses and corporations, but not for working families or individuals who will still be forced to comply with a mandate or face financial penalties. I am continuing to work on bipartisan solutions for patient-centered health reforms that actually lower costs and increase access and quality.

Helping Veterans Re-enter the Workforce

Too many Americans are still unemployed, and so are too many veterans. It's important we use all the tools possible to help our returning veterans re-enter the workforce, including matching and translating their unique leadership skills and training into employment opportunities. On Wednesday Sen. Amy Klobuchar and I chaired a Joint Economic Committee hearing on ways to better help veterans find jobs. Some companies like Minnesota's Xcel Energy actively hire veterans to utilize their skill set and are leaders in the effort. Their CEO, Ben Fowke, testified to share his perspective on effective ways to get veterans back to work. Watch my statement and questioning below:

WATCH Rep. Paulsen presents Opening Statement at JEC hearing

WATCH Rep. Paulsen Questions Witnesses during JEC hearing on Jobs for Veterans

Paulsen Pics

Paulsen meets witnesses before a Joint Economic Committee hearing on veterans’ employment.

Rep. Paulsen checks out a collection of frogs with campers at Camp Tanadoona in Chanhassen this week.

Rep. Paulsen joins school Superintendents from across Minnesota – including Eden Prairie's Superintendent, Curt Tryggestad – to talk education.