Human Services
In Minnesota, we lend a helping hand to our neighbors and those in need. Vulnerable children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities depend on assistance to help pay their heating bills, weatherize their homes, purchase prescriptions, and provide food for their families.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I strongly support critical funding for economic assistance programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), and Head Start. I oppose proposals to cut these vital lifelines; we must not balance the budget on the backs of vulnerable children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
More on Human Services
Mr. Speaker, on June 10, 2013, Congressman Ellison and I hosted a listening session at the Minnesota State Capitol. We heard from Minnesotans affected by the House Farm Bill’s proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Below is testimony delivered by Dale Simonson and Patricia Lull.
Testimony from Dale Simonson, Minnesota Department of Human Services
For Immediate Release: July 9, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Congresswoman McCollum Rejects GOP Effort to Strip Away Nutrition Programs in a New Farm Bill
Mr. Speaker, I remain in strong opposition to the House Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 1947) otherwise known as the ‘Farm Bill’. On June 20, 2013, I along with the majority of my colleagues voted against the House Republican’s extreme bill. Now farmers in Minnesota and across this country are depending on Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement that will continue to grow our agricultural economy and enable us to best meet our future agriculture needs.
Washington D.C. — On Wednesday, June 19th, Congresswoman McCollum submitted to the Congressional Record a statement honoring the 40th Anniversary of Special Olympics Minnesota. Special Olympics Minnesota, founded in 1973, is dedicated towards providing essential life skills development through sports to all persons with intellectual and physical disabilities. This year, Special Olympics Minnesota will be holding a 40th anniversary commemorative ceremony in Stillwater, MN on June 21st.
For Immediate Release: June 20, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Republican Bill Would Have Denied Food Assistance to 2 Million Poor Children, Seniors, Working Families
June 10, 2013 - 1:30 PM | Minnesota State Capitol - Room 15
Saint Paul, MN— On Monday, June 10th, Congresswoman McCollum will host a listening session at 1:30 PM at the Minnesota State Capitol to discuss the impact of proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Anti-hunger leaders will provide testimony about the impact of this proposal on Minnesota’s low-income children, families and seniors.
June 10, 2013 - 1:30 PM
Minnesota State Capitol - Room 15
Saint Paul, MN— On Monday, June 10th, Congresswoman McCollum will host a listening session at 1:30 PM at the Minnesota State Capitol to discuss the impact of proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Anti-hunger leaders will provide testimony about the impact of this proposal on Minnesota’s low-income children, families and seniors.
Washington D.C-- Yesterday’s devastating tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma is a national tragedy. The significant loss of life, young and old, is heartbreaking and we mourn with all of those who have lost loved ones. For the injured and the many families who have lost their homes, my prayers are with you.
For Immediate Release: May 16, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) voted against the latest Republican maneuver to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This effort marks the 37th time that House Republicans tried to repeal, defund, or dismantle ObamaCare.
Mr. Speaker, the House Agriculture Committee will vote today on a Farm Bill that cuts $20 billion from nutrition support from the poorest, most vulnerable Americans – children, seniors, the disabled, and the working poor.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP – is a lifeline for nearly 50 million Americans to have access to healthy, affordable food and avoid hunger.
More than half of SNAP recipients live in deep poverty – an income of less than $10,000 a year for a family of three.