Congresswoman Betty McCollum's eNewsletter

GOP Budget Cuts Dominate Talks with Local Officials
Earlier this month, Congresswoman McCollum met with elected leaders from Ramsey County, Dakota County, and the St. Paul City Council to discuss the potential impact on Minnesota of proposed federal budget cuts proposed by House Republicans.

Last month, the Republican Study Committee proposed drastic reductions to the federal budget, which include slashing funding for essential housing, transportation, arts, energy, and the environmental programs. This week Republicans are proposing to cut $100 billion from domestic discretionary fiscal year 2011 funding for law enforcement, education, housing, the environment, transportation, public broadcasting, science, and a long list of other investments in America. Congresswoman McCollum raised concern about hundreds of thousands of lost jobs, diminished public services, and an undermining of competitiveness of the U.S. economy.

Proposed Republican budget cuts include repealing federal financial support of state Medicaid programs. Approximately 600,000 low-income Minnesotans rely on Medical Assistance (MA) - the state's Medicaid program. Participants include children, families, people over the age of 65, and the disabled. Eliminating federal support of the Medical Assistance program will certainly put participants' well-being at risk.

Congresswoman McCollum and Minnesota State Representatives Host Town Hall
Congresswoman McCollum joined State Representative Leon Lillie (DFL-District 55A), State Representative Nora Slawik (DFL-District 55B), and State Senator Chuck Wiger (DFL-District 55) hosted a public town hall meeting at Maplewood City Hall. Representatives gave an update on current state and local issues affecting Minnesotans, and they took questions about policy actions in both Washington and St. Paul.

St. Paul Academy Students Invite Congresswoman McCollum to Talk About Global Climate Change
Congresswoman McCollum visited the St. Paul Academy and Summit School after receiving letters from students concerned about climate change. She spoke to the student body about the consequences of climate change, and she encouraged them to rise to the challenge and take action.

"This generation is your generation. You are not responsible for creating the problem of climate change, but the responsibility of solving it is yours," said Congresswoman McCollum. "The President knows what you and I know - big challenges are also big opportunities. And the President believes what I believe - that with your engagement, creativity, and conviction, there is no limit to what we can accomplish as a country. The President and I are calling you to action."