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At Home Updates
Throughout the month of August, I got to meet with so many people doing incredible work all across our community. I’m so grateful for every conversation, tour, and event.
Here are some of the highlights of my time back home in the district:
Honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman
I had the privilege of attending a memorial for Melissa and Mark Hortman, hosted by Nusrat Mosque and Ahmadiyya community of Coon Rapids. I had the honor of serving with Melissa in the state legislature for six years. She was truly the best of us: a dedicated public servant, a selfless leader, and a passionate advocate for all Minnesotans. I loved hearing everyone’s beautiful reflections on Melissa and Mark’s lives. It is clear that they both had a profound impact on everyone they met. I will keep Melissa and Mark in my heart forever, and I will always remember the words of their children Colin and Sophie from the beautiful tribute they wrote: “The best way to honor our parents' memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”
May we continue to honor Melissa and Mark not only in memory, but in our service to others.
Advocating for SNAP and Food Assistance at Second Harvest Heartland
Earlier this summer, President Trump and Republicans passed their cruelly-named “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” which threatens food assistance for 440,000 Minnesotans.
I teamed up with Second Harvest Heartland, ICA Food Shelf, and The Food Group to highlight how essential food assistance programs are – and to urge my colleagues to advance legislation that protects food assistance. No one wants to see their neighbors go hungry.
During my time at Second Harvest Heartland, I also got a chance to learn how their food goes to food banks helping feed families all across Minnesota. Second Harvest Heartland, ICA Food Shelf, The Food Group, and to those who shared their stories of food assistance – thank you. I’ll keep working to make sure all Minnesotans have access to healthy, nourishing food.
Speaking at a press conference with food assistance advocates Sophia Lenarz-Coy, Mesa Siebert, Dan Narr, and Mary Davis
 Learning about Second Harvest’s volunteer program and how we can support food assistance across Minnesota!
Touring the Brooklyn Park Planned Parenthood
As an OBGYN, I've had the honor of caring for patients in Minnesota for more than 20 years. That's why it was so special for me to stop by the Brooklyn Park Planned Parenthood and tour their clinic – which provides essential, life-changing health care to our community. As we see more and more attacks on access to basic health care, I’m proud to stand with Planned Parenthood and advocate for these life-saving services.
With Planned Parenthood North Central States President and CEO Ruth Richardson, and Health Center Manager for Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie Dena Spraggins!
Understanding How Medicaid Cuts Impact People with Disabilities
I had the privilege of hosting a roundtable with advocates from Minnesota’s disability community on the impacts of Medicaid and accessible education on their lives. One in three Americans with disabilities get their health care through Medicaid – and cuts to Medicaid in the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” will kick people with disabilities off their care. Thank you to everyone who shared their story with me – your voice is incredibly important and I will take your stories back to Washington.
Thank you to the amazing disability advocates I got to speak with!
A Productive Town Hall at Ridgepointe Senior Living
Speaking out and making our voices heard is one of the most important tools we have in a democracy. I was invited to join the residents of Ridgepoint Senior Living at a town hall where I answered their questions, provided legislative updates, and listened to my constituents’ legislative priorities. Thank you to everyone who joined us at Ridgepoint!
Advocating for Local Media with TPT
After President Trump and Republicans voted to defund public broadcasting, I met with Twin Cities Public Television to learn about the programs they offer and how they will be affected by these devastating cuts. It was so inspiring to tour their space and learn about the high-quality, educational programs for kids and adults across Minnesota that TPT provides.
Meeting with Managing Director of Child Development and Research Momoko Hayakawa
Mornings with the Eden Prairie and Excelsior Rotaries
I was honored to stop by the Eden Prairie Rotary Club and the Excelsior Rotary Club. They were wonderful opportunities to connect with local leaders and give an update on my time in Congress so far. I’m very proud to represent so many engaged, service-oriented Minnesotans!
Speaking at the Eden Prairie Rotary Club
Speaking at the Excelsior Rotary Club
Breakfast with the Third’s Fire Chiefs!
I had the privilege of meeting with some of the Fire Chiefs that serve our communities. They shared the successes and challenges they are facing doing the work to keep us all safe and healthy. To our Chiefs and our firefighters, thank you for your life-saving work. I’m so grateful for all first responders and the work they do!
With Fire Chiefs Maddison Zikmund, Andrew Slama, Dale Specken, Mike Wenshau, Rodger Coppa, Greg Pederson, Ulysses Seal, and Curt Mackey
Touring the STAR Program
I visited the MN STAR (System of Technology to Achieve Results) Program, whose mission is to help all Minnesotans with disabilities gain access to and acquire the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work and play. They provide essential support to people with disabilities all across the state. It was so informative to learn more about the program and how I can support Minnesotans with disabilities back in Washington.
With MN STAR Director Amy Perron and MN Department of Administration Assistant Commissioner Betsy Hayes
Welcoming Students to the First Day of School
Thanks to Cedar Ridge Elementary School for inviting me to welcome students to the first day of school and discuss how we can support our schools across the district! It was such an exciting day and I got to see young learners and future leaders in action. Good luck to all of Minnesota’s Third District students and educators and staff – wishing you all an amazing year!
Welcoming students with Eden Prairie Superintendent Josh Swanson
Spending Time at the Great Minnesota Get-Together
Of course, no Minnesota summer is complete without some great days at our best-in-the-nation State Fair!
It was so much fun to spend time at the Fair with my fellow Minnesotans – and I had some great talks with Third District constituents about what’s happening in Congress.
Some highlights include:
Starting my day off right at the Farmer’s Union!
Stopping by the AFL-CIO pavilion and greeting Minnesota’s labor leaders.
Visiting Planned Parenthood’s booth – their first appearance at the State Fair in over 100 years!
Thanks to everyone I met at the Fair this year. Can’t wait for next year!
What an amazing summer. I’m back in Washington now, and I’m carrying the stories of everyone I met all across our district with me.
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