December 22, 2023

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Happy holidays! I wish a safe and joyous season to those celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the New Year in the coming weeks. 

As we wrap up 2023 and look ahead to the New Year, I wanted to share my thanks to you for being engaged and informed, and for reaching out to me and my office to let us know about your priorities so I can continue to be your voice in Washington. 

New Faces on the Saint Paul City Council 

At home in Minnesota this week, I had the opportunity to meet with three new members-elect of the Saint Paul City Council who were elected in November: Anika Bowie, Saura Jost, and Cheniqua Johnson.  We had a great conversation in my Saint Paul office about how we can best serve our shared constituents. I look forward to working together!

Congressional App Challenge 

On Tuesday, I held a virtual event to congratulate Isaac Tsai of Shoreview, Minnesota, a student at Mounds View High School, for winning the 2023 Fourth Congressional District App Challenge! His app NTRL helps users engage with nature and open up about their mental health by responding to daily thought-provoking questions.  

All of the entries were very impressive for their innovative ways of solving problems or improving people's lives. Read more about the winners, their apps, and the contest here. 

New Minnesota State Flag and Seal

With the new state seal and flag finalized this week, this is a historic moment for Minnesota!Symbolizing the North Star State, and the land of sky blue waters--from 10,000 lakes to the mighty Mississippi--I am grateful for the Commission's collaboration and hard work in choosing the winning designs.

Government Funding

Looking ahead to 2024, much unfinished business remains when Congress returns to Washington. Temporary funding bills expire on January 18 and February 2. Twice this year, I joined my follow Democrats to overcome the dysfunction of the House Republican majority by voting to keep the government open and avoid harmful shutdowns. Once again, time is of the essence, and Republicans must stop wasting time and work together with Democrats to complete these annual spending bills that fund priorities like health care, infrastructure, and our national security. 

The only way to avoid harmful across-the-board cuts to all government services and grants is for Republicans to honor the levels they negotiated in the bipartisan budget agreement last year. I will do everything in my power to avoid a government shutdown, and I remain focused on moving forward to invest in America, protect our democracy, and keep our families and communities at the forefront of all we do.

As always, don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance with a federal agency or to voice your policy opinion. Thank you for being an informed and engaged constituent.

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress