Congresswoman McCollum’s e-Newsletter

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January Jobs Numbers Show Positive Outlook
Today, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the economy added 243,000 jobs in January and the unemployment rate fell to 8.3 percent last month. Private businesses also added an estimated 257,000 jobs, marking the 23rd consecutive month of private sector job growth. The new job numbers are another positive sign that the economy is recovering under President Obama's leadership.

Extending the Payroll Tax Will Help Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District
The Congressional Joint Economic Committee recently released a new report, detailing how extending the payroll tax cut will save Minnesota families money. The report contains county-level data of how much additional take-home pay Minnesota workers will receive if the payroll tax is remains in place through the end of 2012. Congresswoman McCollum and her fellow Democrats are committed to extending the payroll tax cut until the end of the year. In Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, families that reside in:

• Dakota County will save an additional $657 per worker every year;
• Ramsey County will save an additional $516 per worker every year;
• Washington County will save an additional $687 per worker every year.

Susan G. Komen Cuts Planned Parenthood Grants; Funding Later Restored
This week, Congresswoman McCollum quickly responded to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation's decision to stop breast cancer prevention and treatment funding to Planned Parenthood. The Foundation announced it would not renew grants for breast cancer prevention, screening, and education at Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide.

"Breast cancer is a disease that knows no politics, and the fact that the Susan G. Komen Foundation allowed the anti-choice agenda to take control of the issue is tragic," said Congresswoman McCollum. "It is disappointing that the Komen Foundation would use Congress as an excuse to discontinue grant funding that supports breast cancer screening, education, and prevention services. Ms. Brinker's defense is weak. I hope the Foundation reconsiders its position by making early detection a top priority."

Today, the Foundation announced it would restore breast cancer screening funding to Planned Parenthood.

Girl Scouts Celebrate the 100th Anniversary
February 1, 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the USA – an organization dedicated to helping young girls build courage, confidence, and character. Currently, there are 3.2 million Girl Scouts nationwide – 2.3 million girls and 880,000 adults. As a former Girl Scout member and leader, Congresswoman McCollum was proud to help the Girl Scouts celebrate this important milestone.

"I'm so excited to be in our nation's capitol, celebrating the Girl Scouts' 100th year of empowering girls to become confident women," said Congresswoman McCollum.

February Is Black History Month
February is the annual Black History month – a celebration that has been occurring since 1976. This year's theme is "Black Women in American Culture and History." This theme gives all Americans the opportunity to pay tribute to the role African American women have played in shaping our nation – with African American women often serving as champions of social and political reforms.

Citizen Service Before Self Honors – 2012 Nominations
Once a year, three U.S. citizen heroes are awarded the Citizen Service Before Self Honors – an award to recognize those who demonstrate extraordinary heroism and selfless acts. A panel, which includes Medal of Honor Recipients, will consider applications, and 20 national finalists will be chosen. Nominations are due Friday, February 10, 2012.

Saturday, March 10 is Passport Day
The State Department will acknowledge Saturday, March 10 as Passport Day. All Minnesotans are encouraged to stop by the Minneapolis Passport Agency so they can learn more about travel requirements for U.S. citizens or apply for a U.S. passport. No appointment is necessary. This is the only Saturday of the year that Minneapolis Passport Agency is open to the public.

Book March Capitol Tours
Minnesotans traveling to Washington, DC next month are encouraged to book their Capitol Tours as soon as possible. Congresswoman McCollum's office accepts requests for tours for various landmarks in Washington, DC. Spring is an especially busy season for tours so please book now!