Minnesotans have a unique ability to embrace the freezing cold. On Saturday, I joined 700 others in the annual Polar Plunge at Lake Riley in Eden Prairie. Of course, jumping into a frozen lake isn't just for recreation -- the event raises money for the Special Olympics. Joining me in jumping in the lake were Fox9's Ian Leonard and Eden Prairie high school and middle schoolers.

The first big student group this Spring came to Washington -- 150 students from Edina's South View Middle School visited the Capitol. If you're planning a trip to D.C. for spring break or a vacation be sure to let my office help arrange a tour of the Capitol or White House for you and your family. Visit my website here for details or just call 202-225-2871.

Lastly, thank you to everyone that participated in my telephone town hall last week. Listening to your questions, concerns, and thoughts helps me more effectively represent you.

Have a great week and be sure to let me know whenever I can be of assistance to you or your family. Join the conversation online by visiting my website, Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, and please watch my latest Erik's Correspondence Corner video.

Genocide in Syria and Iraq

For years, images of Islamic State fighters desecrating holy sites in Iraq and Syria and killing ethnic minorities based on their religious beliefs have been commonplace. Religious minorities in the region, including Christians and other groups, are often targeted and beheaded by ISIS fighters. This week the House passed legislation with unanimous support urging the State Department to officially designate the Islamic States actions against Christians and other minority groups as genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes. By calling these atrocities for what they are, it's easier to build support from around the world and in the region to confront ISIS.

During my telephone town hall this week, I asked, "Should atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State against ethnic minorities, such as Christians, in Iraq and Syria be categorized as genocide?" The results are below:

Health Care Roundtable and Telemedicine Tour

I continue to focus a lot of time on health care solutions that will improve quality of care and lower costs for patients. On Monday, I invited Minnesota hospitals and other health care professionals to identify unnecessary regulations that can be eliminated and ideas to improve health care delivery with better outcomes.

I also spent time at one of Minnesota's growing businesses, Zipnosis, which is using innovation and creating new technologies to advance telemedicine. Telemedicine can lower costs and play an important role in connecting patients to their doctors, especially in rural areas. KSTP came along for the tour and you can view their reporting here.

Free File Taxes

Unfortunately, we're right in the heart of tax season, and filing taxes is difficult, confusing, and time consuming. But did you know there's a special Free File program that 70% of Minnesotans can take advantage of to make this process simpler for no cost?

A partnership between the IRS and tax preparation companies allows taxpayers to file their taxes without cost if your income is below $62,000. This helps ensure hardworking families are utilizing every credit and deduction available to them. You can access the program on the Minnesota Department of Revenue website here. I highlighted the Free File program in Brooklyn Park with some tax preparers and you can watch WCCO's coverage of the visit here.

Erik on the Capitol steps with students from Edina's South View Middle School.

Congressman Paulsen hosting hospitals and health care professionals for a roundtable meeting.

Erik participating in the Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics.

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