JANUARY 30, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Just one day after tens of thousands of Minnesotans peacefully marched in below zero temperatures to defend our state against the Trump administration's violent invasion and occupation, federal agents fatally shot another U.S. citizen in Minneapolis. Alex Pretti was an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center who dedicated his life to caring for our veterans. Federal agents brutally restrained and killed him as he was assisting a peaceful protester they had thrown onto the cold street.   

Alex Pretti (left) and Renee Good (right)

Alex Pretti and Renee Good should be alive today. Tragically, their deaths were both predictable and preventable, because the Trump administration’s operations have made our communities more dangerous for everyone. Their deaths must be investigated in full cooperation with state and local officials, along with any injuries to the public as a result of this violence. Their families and loved ones and all Minnesotans deserve justice.

Last Saturday, the Minnesota Democratic Congressional Delegation joined together in a joint statement following the shooting.

Congresswoman McCollum with Democratic Congressional Colleagues at a press conference on Saturday. 

Today the Trump administration dangerously escalated its attacks on the media as Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the arrests of Emmy Award-winning journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon. Our democracy depends on a free press reporting the facts. The Trump administration will held accountable for their crimes against the Constitution and our community.

Last night, I joined Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) on The Middle with Jeremy Hobson. We took live calls and discussed what the Trump Administration's invasion and occupation of Minnesota means for the future of our democracy. You can watch the full broadcast below. 

Congresswoman McCollum on The Middle with her Colleague Rep. Kiley (R-CA)

We will remain united and peaceful as we live our Minnesota values of showing respect and dignity to everyone. Keep taking care of each other. Stay calm, stay safe, and stay warm. Together, we're Minnesota Strong.  

WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE

An Update on Government Funding

Last Thursday, I voted NO on the bill that funds the Department of Homeland Security. Not one penny of taxpayer dollars should go to DHS while the Trump administration is denying people their Constitutional rights, including due process. Unfortunately, the DHS funding bill passed the House and was sent to the Senate as part of a larger funding package. Yesterday, the Senate voted down a procedural vote on the full package, and the next step is unclear. Senate Democrats have committed to voting against the DHS bill as it currently stands. It is unclear what will happen next. You can watch the Senate live with this link. I will be updating my constituents through social media and my website as we learn more. 

MINNESOTA UPDATE

Hearing From East Metro Mayors, Legislators, County Commissioners, and School Leaders

This week, I met with East Metro suburban mayors, legislators, county commissioners, school district superintendents, and presidents of colleges and universities from across the district.  During our discussions, I provided updates on the status of federal funding, including East Metro projects I secured in partnership with local communities.

I also heard directly how Operation Metro Surge is impacting their ability to keep their communities safe, ensure kids can to go school, and families can access health care, and other essential services. Superintendents shared concerns about challenges facing schools, including funding shortfalls, hiring and retention difficulties, and the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics. College presidents discussed the impact of the Trump administration’s cuts to federal student aid and Pell Grants, which are limiting students’ educational opportunities and weakening institutions’ ability to keep our nation economically competitive. We remain committed to working together to support our schools, infrastructure, and communities. 

Congresswoman McCollum with Suburban Mayors and City Managers.

Congressional App Challenge Winner  
On Monday, I announced the 2025 Congressional App Challenge winner and finalists for Minnesota’s Fourth District. This nationwide STEAM competition drew-in more than 13,000 middle and high school students across the country. Congratulations to Riddhi Singhvi of Stillwater Area High School, who placed first with her winning app, Bite Balance, providing a user-friendly approach to wellness with science-based insights and AI to simplify calorie counting. Learn more about the Congressional App Challenge, how to participate, and MN-04’s finalists here.

Minnesota Families are Struggling Because of Trump's Policy Failures

As we enter the second year of the second Trump administration, Minnesota families are paying much more for less, and the data is showing the consequences. Consumer confidence is collapsing – dropping 9+ points in January alone, which is lower than it was during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reckless policies of President Trump and Congressional Republicans, including their Big Ugly Law, are cutting health care for millions of Americans and driving up costs for millions more. Meanwhile, their Big Ugly Law gives away massive permanent tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires. Trump’s erratic tariffs are driving up the price of everything from groceries to clothing. 

I will continue to use my voice and my vote to reflect our Minnesota values and oppose these costly and damaging policies. Minnesotans deserve to have an open and transparent federal government that works for them, access to affordable health care, enough money for their groceries, and to live in welcoming communities.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Know your Rights 

Thank you to Attorney General Ellison for his dedication to defending the rights of Minnesotans. As you continue to protest peacefully, I wanted to share some valuable resources that AG Ellison has put together. Here is the Know Your Rights with ICE page. This page provides informational so that Minnesota organizations—like hospitals, shelters, and houses of worship—can continue to provide safe and welcoming environments for everyone they serve. AG Ellison has also put together a Federal Action Reporting Form. Here, Minnesotans can report incidents or effects related to or caused by recent federal actions in Minnesota.

The IRS is now accepting 2025 federal tax returns

Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit is recommended as the fastest and safest way to receive a refund. Eligible taxpayers can get help and file for free. Be careful selecting free software, only some support free MN state tax returns. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/how-to-file.

For information about free tax preparation, visit www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers.

If you plan to use a tax professional to prepare and file your tax returns, the IRS encourages you to review tips for choosing a tax preparer.

Be careful to avoid tax scams and people impersonating the IRS. Here are some tips:  www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams.

I-94 Closure Planned for February 6-8

Should weather permit, workers will begin work on February 6th to set beams for the new Kellogg Blvd/3rd Street bridge construction. The area closed will include both Eastbound and Westbound lanes. Westbound will be closed between Highway 61/Mounds Blvd. and Highway 52/Lafayette Freeway. Eastbound will be closed Highway 52/Lafayette Freeway to Highway 61. Both lanes will be closed at 10:00 PM. For detours and more information check here.  

Winter Carnival Ends this Weekend 

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival wraps up its 140th anniversary this week. On Saturday at 5:15 PM the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade will start along West 7th at Smith lighting up the streets of downtown, Saint Paul and ending the ice king’s reign. There will be 12-minute fireworks show at Rice Park in Saint Paul following the dethroning at the Library Steps.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

If you are impacted by Republicans' cuts to health care, food assistance, or other actions by the Trump administration and Congress, I want to hear about it. Please contact my office directly at (651) 224-9191 or click here to share your story. 

If cuts to SNAP have left you or your family food insecure, click here for information on food shelves in the East Metro. 

Your voice matters and empowers my vote in Congress.
I encourage you to share your stories with me.

Thank You
Thank you to the hundreds of new subscribers to my weekly newsletter! This update is designed to provide timely information about my work in Washington and Minnesota, and to provide resources that can be helpful to you. As always, please stay in touch: Voice your policy opinion, ask for help with a federal agency, or find all of my recent statements at mccollum.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress