Last week, we got to say goodbye to 2020.

For many of us, this has been a tough year.  It is always important, though, to take the time to focus on the things for which we are grateful. I continue to be blessed with a wonderful family who helped one another through this challenging year and supported my work to represent the Sixth District in Congress. I want to thank you for that privilege and hope you will take the time to reflect on the positive influences and events that occurred in your life over these last 12 months.

It truly has been an unprecedented, yet productive year for the Sixth Congressional District. Our work is never finished and I look forward to an even busier 2021!

Home is Here

Like many of you, I commute to work. Although my job takes me to Washington, D.C. and Congressional Districts across the country, home is always top of mind. When I am back to the Sixth District, I try to make the most of my time with my fellow Minnesotans. Although the COVID-19 outbreak limited our ability to host more in-person town halls, we did our best to stay connected by hosting telephone town halls, something we will continue to do in the new year until it is safer to gather in large groups.

Ending Tax on

Innovation

This Congress, we scored a major win for Minnesota by fully repealing the Medical Device Tax! The medical device industry supports over 30,000 jobs in Minnesota. When the tax was implemented between 2013 and 2015, 29,000 jobs were lost nationally. The repeal of this tax has allowed medical innovation to flourish in our state when we need it most!

The medical device industry is vital to Minnesota’s economy. Companies like Medtronic, Smiths Medical, and Boston Scientific employ many Minnesotans. These companies work every day to provide critical research for life-saving devices.

I was proud to advocate for the full repeal of this tax throughout Congress.

Agriculture

Community

In 2018, we reauthorized a vital program for farmers in Minnesota: The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). This program was established to offer hotlines, community outreach programs, and other forms of assistance for our farmers, ranchers, and others engaged in agriculture-related occupations who are struggling with mental health issues.

Historically, this program has lacked funding. This term, we were successful in ensuring it received full funding!

Every week Minnesota farmers commit themselves to providing the food and fuel our communities rely on. During this year’s outbreak, they kept our grocery stores full. The food they produce is also exported to markets around the world. Without the continued success of our farm economy, American families and - ultimately families everywhere - suffer.

Minnesota’s

Infrastructure

This year, we have seen outstanding investments in infrastructure projects in Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Dept. of Transportation invested $40 million dollars to improve Hwy. 10. In addition, they awarded an additional $15 million for an infrastructure project in Anoka, which will construct a replacement of the Rum River bridge on Hwy. 10, as well as replace an adjacent 4th Ave. bridge over Hwy. 10.

I am grateful to Secretary Chao and the Dept. of Transportation for their attention and investment in Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District. We were in desperate need of this important funding, and we will finally be receiving the attention our infrastructure requires.

Earlier this year, I introduced the National Bridge Replacement and Improvement Act, which prioritizes funding for bridge improvements to ensure safety and address America’s deficiencies in bridge infrastructure.

Victims of

Sexual Assault

During my time in Congress, I have led the effort to pass the Abby Honold Act, which is a very important piece of legislation inspired by Abby Honold, a fellow Minnesotan and former University of Minnesota student. The Abby Honold Act, which I first introduced in the 115th Congress, will help law enforcement investigate sexual assault cases, and improve care and treatment for victims.

When Abby reported her rape to police in 2014, the trauma she experienced prevented her from recalling important details about the crime that occurred - ones which would have immediately led to the prosecution of the perpetrator. Abby was taken to the hospital and cared for by a nurse who was trained to use a trauma-informed interviewing method. Through her nurse’s compassion and expertise, Abby was able to recall important details, which ultimately aided in the investigation of her case and led to the successful prosecution of her perpetrator.

The Abby Honold Act will utilize existing funds to train law enforcement agencies in evidence-based, trauma-informed interview techniques to prevent re-traumatization of victims, improve communication between victims and law enforcement, and ensure accurate and complete information is submitted to law enforcement.

This year, the Abby Honold Act passed the House as an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act. While this legislation did not receive reauthorization in the Senate, I am hopeful that in the 117th Congress we can finally pass this vital legislation.

Mental Health

Care Access

This year, I introduced legislation to increase access to mental health care, something I have long advocated. Currently, a loophole called the IMD exclusion impacts Medicaid beneficiaries from seeking short-term inpatient care in mental health facilities with more than sixteen beds. My bill will eliminate this arbitrary cap on the amount of care a patient can receive from providers who receive a fixed reimbursement, and allows a patient’s routine of care to be determined by their needs and the guidance of their doctor - not a bureaucrat. Closing this loophole will mean that patients are able to receive the effective treatment they deserve, improving their outcomes and helping them heal.

Police and Citizens

This year, Minneapolis was front and center in the national news media following the death of George Floyd. Protests turned to riots and our cities were shrouded in violence. In the wake of the unrest, I introduced the Community OutPost (COP) Outreach and Engagement Act to improve the relationship between communities and law enforcement.

Rather than calling for measures to defund the police, we should be thanking our police for everything they do to keep us safe and engage with the communities they protect. We must also ensure they have the resources to do their jobs well. I have always said that law enforcement is only as effective as their community relations are strong.

I am looking forward to 2021 and as we ring in this New Year, I look forward to working with you to build on the successes of 2020. From my family to yours, Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District is our home and I am honored to represent you in Congress.