McCollum's eNewsletter: Payroll Tax Cut, St. Croix, Town Halls, and More

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Congresswoman McCollum Votes to Extend Payroll Tax Cut, Helping 200 Million Americans
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630). Congresswoman McCollum supported this legislation, which is a $150 billion package that extends the employee payroll-tax cut until the end of 2012.

"This legislation represents a workable compromise between Democrats and Republicans in Congress that meets our country's needs. It extends the payroll tax cut through 2012 for 160 million Americans, ensuring that middle-class families receive an average of $1,000 more in their paychecks this year. H.R. 3630 sustains unemployment insurance for millions of Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. It also allows seniors on Medicare to continue seeing the doctor of their choice by preventing a devastating cut to Medicare physicians' reimbursements."

Congresswoman McCollum Questions Interior Secretary about $700 million St. Croix Crossing Project
Yesterday, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, responding to questions from Congresswoman McCollum, stated the Interior Department's opposition to legislation that mandates construction of a $700 million "extradosed" bridge across the protected St. Croix River. Mr. Salazar restated the Obama Administration's offer to establish a working group to find an alternative solution.

Salazar stated, "Secretary (of Transportation) LaHood and I offered to work with the congressional delegations from both states (Minnesota and Wisconsin) to see whether we could find a common ground based on alternatives which you proposed…" Congresswoman McCollum strongly supports the working group concept and urges other Minnesota and Wisconsin Members of Congress to sit down and work towards a less expensive and more modestly scaled alternative bridge.

St. Paul Community Awarded $459,000 in Housing Grants
On Monday, February 13, Congresswoman Betty McCollum will join representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, South Metro Human Services and Community Neighborhood Housing Services in welcoming two Affordable Housing Program grants. These private, non-taxpayer funded grants – totaling $459,000 – will improve housing in Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District.

February 18 – Congresswoman McCollum Hosts Community Meet & Greet
Tomorrow morning, Congresswoman McCollum will hold a Community Meet and Greet at 9 AM. The event will be hosted by the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Canteen. Executive Director Jonathon Palmer will welcome attendees Jeffry Martin, St. Paul NAACP, Ramsey County District 4 Commissioner Toni Carter, and Clarence Hightower, Executive Director of Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties.

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, Inc.
270 N. Kent Street
St. Paul, MN, 55102

February 18 – Congresswoman McCollum Joins State Legislators for Town Hall
Also tomorrow, Congresswoman McCollum will join legislators for a town hall where Minnesotans will get the latest updates on major legislative issues. The representatives will be taking questions from event participants. State Senator Mary Jo McGuire (DFL-District 66), State Representative Alice Hausman (DFL-66B), State Representative John Lesch (DFL-66A), and Congresswoman McCollum will participate.

10 AM
Como Lake Pavilion
Third floor
1360 Lexington Pkwy. N.
St. Paul, MN 55103

February 20 – Join Congresswoman McCollum for "Coffee With Congress" Discussion on the Environment
Next week, Congresswoman McCollum, Environment Minnesota, and Minnesota Public Interest Group will hold a public forum at Macalester College to discuss the latest attacks on the environment and how Minnesotans can take action. In 2011, the GOP launched a massive assault on the environment, voting nearly 200 times to erode critical environmental protections such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Please join us on Monday, February 20!

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!