While traveling across Minnesota’s Sixth District, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many of you about the priorities and concerns you have for Congress to address in the coming months.

Take a look at some of the items we’ve been working on…

Community Policing

Communities need law enforcement to ensure the rule of law is followed. We tragically saw unrestrained chaos and riots ensue in Minneapolis just a few short months ago. Rather than calling for measures to defund them, we should be thanking our police for everything they do to keep us safe and engage with the communities they protect.

Law enforcement is only as effective as their community relations are strong. Communities throughout the Sixth District are shining examples for their efforts to ensure the community has positive and regular contact with the local police and sheriff’s departments. St. Cloud is one of the many outstanding examples.

St. Cloud invested in a community outpost to help law enforcement engage and communicate with residents in their surrounding communities. The “COP House” provides improved community-focused engagement efforts. A COP House is a residential home where nearby residents can receive critical services and build relationships with local law enforcement in that community. With improved police-citizen communication, officers can more effectively establish trust and build rapport with the citizens that they are sworn to protect. 

I introduced the Community OutPost (COP) Outreach and Engagement Act which would make this effort a national federal pilot program. The bill has received the support of community leaders and law enforcement throughout Minnesota. 

App Challenge

Each year, my office has participated in the Congressional App Challenge. Congress established this challenge to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills, which are critical to the American workforce.

This competition invites high school students around the country to compete against their classmates in creating their own software application, better known as an app. The application period has begun. To learn about how to apply and to learn the rules surrounding the challenge, go to: emmer.house.gov/congressional-app-challenge. Registration deadline is October 30th. Register today!

Latterell Farm

Recently I visited the Latterell Farm, which is a family operated farm in Foley dating back to 1919.

I shared with them a bill I recently introduced, H.R. 7047, which would provide additional, expedited resources for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve long advocated for mental health resources for our farm communities.

Due to the nature of their work and the lack of mental health resources available in rural areas, those who work in agriculture suffer from higher rates of depression and suicide. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network was first created in 2008, but it did not receive any funding and therefore lapsed.

I introduced the STRESS Act in 2018, which renewed FRSAN and brought attention to Americans in rural areas who suffer from a lack of access to mental health care. The STRESS Act language was included in the 2018 Farm Bill, and the program was reauthorized. Since then, I have advocated for and secured the needed funding for this program to carry out its mission in each appropriations cycle.  

For agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers facing untold losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program was designed to assist you. It is being distributed by the United States Department of Agriculture, and the application deadline was extended until Sept. 11, 2020.

Protecting Seniors

Last Friday was Senior Citizens Day, where we honor those aging for everything they have done to improve our communities and pave the way for the next generation. Recently, I introduced the Senior abuse Training and Offense Prevention (STOP) Act, which would create a specialized grant program to support law enforcement, first responders, and existing community efforts to combat elder abuse. Instances of neglect and abuse of our aging citizens is far too prevalent, and it can be prevented. These individuals deserve to age with dignity, and we must ensure they do.

Minnesota has seen firsthand the horrible impacts of elder abuse. We must ensure dignity and respect for our vulnerable seniors, and the STOP Act would provide resources to ensure this abuse does not happen again.

IRS Tax Returns

Recently, I joined the entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expressing concern about delays Minnesotans have been experiencing with the processing of their paper tax returns. We requested answers as to what the agency is doing to mitigate these problems for the Americans they serve.

If you have trouble navigating the IRS and need assistance, visit my website. I have dedicated casework staff who can assist you.