From Blaine to St. Cloud, transportation and reliable infrastructure are vital. This year, some of our most pressing projects have received some critical attention. We will continue improving our roads and bridges, and keep Minnesotans moving safely!

Transportation

Infrastructure

This Congress, we have doubled down on our efforts to prioritize investment in the Sixth District’s transportation systems. 

This year, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $55 million for infrastructure improvements and projects on Hwy. 10 in Anoka and Ramsey. These efforts have received broad local support for years, and they are finally coming to fruition. 

The projects will construct a replacement of the Rum River bridge on Hwy. 10, as well as the replacement of an adjacent 4th Ave. bridge over Hwy. 10. The project also includes a reconfiguration of Hwy. 10, Hwy. 47, and I-169 Interchange. The projects address the ongoing concerns regarding intersections and includes new local road connections.

To build on these investments, I will continue fighting for much-needed transportation dollars to keep our roads, bridges, and transportation routes safe.

Earlier this year, I also 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. My priority is and will always be to ensure our roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure is safe and efficient.

Drug Take-Back Day

This Saturday, Oct. 24 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can drop unused prescription drugs in a safe, convenient, and responsible way. Abuse of prescription drugs is all too common. Disposing of unused drugs is a great way to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Economic Impact

Payment

Recently, the Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP), or stimulus check, is now Nov. 21, 2020. This new date will provide an additional five weeks beyond the original deadline.

This additional time was issued for those who have not yet received their EIP and don’t normally file a tax return. For taxpayers who requested an extension of time to file their 2019 tax return, that deadline date remains Oct. 15.

For most American taxpayers who qualified, you should have already automatically received your EIP. However, for those who do not file taxes due to little or no income, you should use the Non-Filers tool to secure your EIP. 

The Non-Filers tool is designed for people with incomes typically below $24,400 for married couples, and $12,200 for singles who could not be claimed as a dependent by someone else. This includes couples and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

Medicare Open

Enrollment

The Medicare Open Enrollment period began on Oct. 15 and will run through Dec. 7. Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced historically low premiums for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, and they also released the benefit and cost-sharing information for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D drug plans at Medicare.gov.

CMS has also instituted the “Insulin Savings” filter and, for the first time, Medicare beneficiaries will have the ability to look at more than 1,600 prescription drug plans that will offer capped out-of-pocket insulin costs, such as a $35 monthly copay beginning in January.

If you are in need of Medicare, enroll today! For those who want to keep their current Medicare coverage, you do not need to re-enroll.

You may find further information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Protecting

the Unborn

As a father, a man of faith, and an American, I have always supported the right to life and will do whatever I can to protect the unborn. I stand with the millions of pro-life Americans committed to defending our nation’s most vulnerable.

In this already difficult time during the COVID-19 outbreak, a group of abortion advocates and doctors have sued the United States Food and Drug Administration to try to allow the chemical abortion drug, Mifepristone, to be dispensed by mail. In this case, a 4th District Judge in Maryland overturned 20 years of agency policy with a preliminary injunction against the enforcement of certain FDA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Standards. Sending abortion pills by mail, without an in-person consultation with a medical physician stands to create tremendous risks and dangerous situations for everyone involved. The at-home abortion method that would result from this lawsuit would significantly increase the risk of serious health complications for women across America.

I joined an amicus brief urging the United States Court of Appeals of the Fourth District to reconsider this application of the law. An Amicus Brief is a legal document filed by outside parties to the lawsuit with a strong interest in the matter at hand. The briefs advise the court of relevant, additional information or arguments that the court might wish to consider. I will always support the health and safety of women, children and the unborn.