August 24, 2014

Dear Friend,

Of course it's Minnesota State Fair time and I'm excited to try some of the new foods on this year's menu. Look for me on Tuesday doing a segment with Fox9 Chief Meterologist Ian Leonard from the fairgrounds.

Here's a DC update on a few things: The Ways and Means Committee, which I serve on, passed legislation to help millions of Americans that live with disabilities. Current tax rules make it difficult for them to earn income from working while still maintaining the benefits they receive for their care. For people that have long-term disabilities like Autism or Down Syndrome, this can make it difficult to save for the future. Legislation I cosponsored, Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, makes sure that those with long-term disabilities are able to keep money in a tax-deferred account to save up and help pay for things like housing or education.

Also, the President signed into law a bill I helped author that streamlines and provides more oversight to the remittance process. This is important for many American immigrants because remittances are the only way to send money to their families around the world in areas without established banking infrastructure.

Enjoy the end of summer! If I can be of help to you or your family, don’t hesitate to give my office a call. Join the conversation online by visiting my website, Facebook page, Twitter, and don't forget to watch my weekly video, Erik's Correspondence Corner.


Erik Paulsen
Member of Congress

Improving the VA

In response to negligent issues at the Department of Veterans Affairs -- including falsifying records to make it seem like wait times were shorter Congress passed bipartisan sweeping reforms to improve the VA. It allows veterans that have waited over 30 days for an appointment to seek immediate care through private providers. It also requires an independent assesment of VA medical care to make sure they are meeting the standards our veterans were promised and deserve. Lastly, the Sectretary of the VA is now able to fire or demote senior level employees for poor performance.

 

 

Crossing the Canadian Border to Get Vaccinated for Meningits B

Last week, I joined the Emily Stillman Foundation with a group of 37 parents, students, and other families traveling to Canada to receive a vaccine for the deadly Meningitis B (MenB) bacteria. Despite being approved in 34 other countries, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been slow to approve this vaccine for use in the United States, and this puts our citizens at risk. The Emily Stillman Foundation was set up by Alicia Stillman to honor her daughter, Emily, who tragically passed away while at Western Michigan University after contracting MenB.

College students are some of the most at-risk to become infected with MenB due to close living quarters and other factors. Since May, the foundation has brought over 200 people to Canada to be vaccinated. How many more students have to die before the FDA wakes up that we need to prevent these tragedies from happening. Read my blog about my experience HERE.  Also, read my opinion piece I wrote in the Star Tribune that also shares the story about Minnesotan Andy Marso who contracted MenB while in college.

 

Protecting Victims of Military Sexual Assault

The physical and emotional pain that victims of sexual assault endure is horrific. Having access to flexible, quality care is essential in their recovery. That's why I'm consponsoring legislation to make sure that members of our military who are survivors of sexual assault are able to access care from private providers that may be better equipped to provide their treatement. According to a Department of Defense survey, 62% of military sexual assault victims who reported the crime said they faced retaliation. The Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment Act will allow them to seek care outside of the military network and help them through a difficult time in their life.

 

 

Erik touring the Toll Gas and Welding Supply Company in Plymouth

 

Congressman Paulsen about to travel to Canada to receive a vaccination for MenB

 

Erik at The Works Museum in Bloomington for the "Invite Congress to Visit Your Museum" week

 

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