Spring is here which means warmer weather, time spent out on the lake, and the beginning of the baseball season. Here's to hoping for a great year for the Twins! It also is Cherry Blossom time out in Washington, D.C. and it's been great to meet with families and school groups as they come visit. Make sure you contact my office if you are planning to visit our nation's capital any time soon.

In my most recent newsletter I discussed legislation I introduced called the Interest for Others Act. The bill makes it easier to donate interest from savings and checking accounts to charitable organizations. The Star Tribune wrote an article about the legislation and the Minnesotans that brought the idea to me. You can read it here.

You may also remember a new law I authored a few years ago to allow the minting of coins for the centennial celebration of the National Park Service. Good news arrived this week as the coins are now available for purchase and are a great way to honor the history and beauty of our national parks, while at the same time providing resources to keep these treasures vibrant. 

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.

Better Care, Lowest Costs

Too often, the discussion among politicians when it comes to Medicare is the false choice of whether benefits should be cut or taxes should be raised. It doesn't have to be this way. By improving efficiency and embracing innovation, we can decrease costs and provide better care for patients. I've authored bipartisan legislation, the Better Care, Lower Cost Act, to pursue this goal.

Today, 68% of Medicare beneficiaries suffer from multiple chronic conditions which accounts for 93% of the costs. My bill would create voluntary programs that use new models for delivering health care and reimburse providers based on the outcomes of the patients, rather than the current fee-for-service model. Put in simpler terms, doctors will work in a team with specialists, pharmacists, and other providers to focus on the patient's complete health, instead of just being reimbursed for performing a service.  The bill also removes rules that prohibit Medicare from embracing more innovative models.

Problems with a Federal Agency?

If you've been on one of my telephone town halls or talked to me at a Congress on Your Corner event, you may remember me talking about Margaret in my Eden Prairie office who helps constituents when they have trouble with a federal agency. She does a tremendous job assisting people so they can get their benefits from the VA, fix problems with their social security checks, or promptly receive a passport in emergency situations. I was glad to see her hard work recognized in an article in MinnPost that explains what constituent services are all about. If you are having any issues with a federal agency, please don't hesitate to call my office at 952-405-8510.

Recognizing the Women Pilots of WWII

During WWII, just over 1,000 women volunteered to join the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs). After receiving their pilot licenses, these women played a critical role in testing new aircraft, training their male counterparts, and flying missions throughout the United States. Unfortunately, many WASPs have not been given the recognition that they deserve, including the opportunity to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  That includes Minnesotan Beth Strohfus who recently passed away and had fought for recognition.

Last week, I supported legislation passed in the House to fix this error and allow WASPs the opportunity to be buried at Arlington. We must ensure that those from the greatest generation are recognized for their brave actions.

Erik watches a demonstration of a cutting-edge medical device that is manufactured in Minnesota.

Congressman Paulsen speaks to Minnesota law enforcement officers at the Capitol.

Erik congratulates the Wayzata H.S. Boys Hockey Team for their state championship.

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