This Week

It was a busy and productive week for me in the Eighth District.  My main priority in Congress is to create the conditions for job creation in Minnesota, and across the country.  

On Monday, I met with members of the National Association of Manufacturers in Princeton to learn about their businesses and the challenges they face amid our sputtering economy riddled with burdensome red tape regulations.  These regulations, along with uncertainty stemming from the tax code, continue to prevent businesses from expanding and putting more hard-working Minnesotans to work.  

Congress must cut the red tape and reform our outdated tax code.

I then toured the Glen Metalcraft Inc. facility in Princeton to learn more about the products they produce and the industries they serve and support.  Glen Metalcraft is one of the few companies around that specialize in heavy gauge metal spinning.  It never ceases to amaze how innovative and industrious Minnesota workers are. 

Next, I met with members of the National Federation of Independent Business to briefly update them on what has been going on in Washington and what we expect to tackle during the rest of the year.  Like so many other Americans, these business owners simply don’t understand how the federal government continues to kick the can down the road while the country is broke and quickly approaching financial ruin.  I sincerely hope that we will succeed this fall in reforming entitlements and simplifying the tax code.  Failure is simply not an option. 

On Tuesday morning I was in Duluth and had the distinct pleasure of joining UPS employees in presenting a $5,000.00 check to the College of St. Scholastica.  The funds will support the 22nd Annual Free Thanksgiving Buffet that will feed approximately 3,000 people in need.  The UPS Foundation is making strident efforts to promote education, literacy, and volunteerism.  This kind of service is vital for healthy communities.  I extend my sincere gratitude to UPS for its contributions to the Eighth District.

I spent the afternoon at Woodland Middle School, where I had the opportunity to speak to the students and answer questions.  It’s always energizing to be around such youthful enthusiasm, and I think it’s so important that our young people learn early on how important it is to be involved in our democratic process.  Our political system is far from perfect, but the United States is the greatest country in the world, and it is our duty to cultivate an informed and engaged citizenry.

I stayed in Duluth to engage several interested parties on health care issues.  At Keystone Bluffs Assisted Living Home, it was my privilege to conduct a seniors town hall meeting for the residents and staff.  We had an in-depth discussion on issues related to Medicare and Social Security and how these programs need to be responsibly reformed to achieve solvency.  I presented some facts regarding the future of these unsustainable programs, as well as information related to our current debt crisis. 

Afterwards, I met with six primary care physicians for a health care roundtable to hear their opinions on the best way to rein in health care costs.  It was fascinating to listen to these physicians and to hear their perspectives.  As experts in their fields, I certainly value their input, and will be referring to it frequently as we continue working to determine the best way to reduce healthcare costs for Americans.

On Wednesday, I went down to Cloquet to meet with 25 members of the Wood Fiber Council regarding the various challenges currently facing their industry.  The discussion consisted of an overview of federal regulatory burden (EPA’s Boiler MACT legislation, truck weights).  The Council members said they need low energy prices to keep their businesses profitable, and it is important we move forward with ways to ensure less expensive energy.  We must cut the red tape and burdensome regulations in order to bring more jobs to Minnesota.

To view photos from this week’s events, please click here.  

More Jobs for Minnesota

I will examine all pro-growth proposals that mitigate excessive, job-destroying regulations that saddle small businesses and job creators.  Republicans and Democrats must find areas of agreement regarding job creation that both sides can agree.  We must set aside differences, build consensus, and produce a bill that helps job creation so that we can come together and act quickly to get the middle class back to work in this country. 

We cannot have more ‘stimulus’ style spending.  Any jobs package must provide specifics on how it will be paid for.

I am committed to taking every possible step to improve conditions for private sector job creation in the Eighth District and to get our economy back on track so that America’s workers and business owners can do what they do best: create, innovate and lead.  We must focus on removing government barriers to private-sector job creation and the pursuit of pro-growth tax relief.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, non-defense discretionary spending is up 26% since 2008.  We just averted a debt crisis - how can we be asked to spend more? One of my biggest concerns is more failed ‘stimulus’ style spending and more failed tax and spend policies.  We must cut the red tape and burdensome regulations in order to bring more jobs to Minnesota.

If the President can prove that his plan will create American jobs and prevent their outsourcing to places like China, Mexico, and India, I think the House should most definitely take the President’s proposal into serious consideration.  But we’ve heard this ‘must pass’ mantra before.  After all we went through to avert a debt crisis, are we really being asked to spend more?  I urge the President to commit to pro-jobs, pro growth policies that eliminate red tape and put Minnesotans back to work.

Mobile Offices

Each Friday, members of my staff will head out from my three district offices in North Branch, Duluth and Brainerd to hold what are known as mobile offices.  If you have a question about federal benefits or a question regarding your dealings with a federal agency, please stop by at the given locations at the times listed so you can speak with one of my staff.  The list of mobile offices for next Friday, October 7 can be found here.  As always, you can also reach my casework staff by phone at (651) 237-8220, or toll free at 1-888-563-7390.

It is my privilege to have provided my constituents access to mobile offices in over 100 Minnesota cities since entrusted to this office.

Commitment to Constituent Outreach

It is my duty to provide my 8^thDistrict constituents unprecedented access to their representative to Washington.  To date, this responsibility has amounted to thirteen town hall meetings, eight tele-town halls, mobile offices in over 110 different cities, numerous roundtable discussions, and three permanent district offices where we conduct office hours – anyone is able schedule an appointment.  My primary focus is to create more jobs for the 8th District; I look forward to continuing this conversation with my constituents.

Social Media

One of the best ways you can keep up to speed with what I’m doing in Congress is through social media. I encourage you to follow me on Facebook and on Twitter.

Rest assured, I will remain an independent, conservative voice in Washington; I promise to uphold the fiscally conservative principles the people of the 8^thDistrict entrusted upon me.  It is a privilege serving you as your elected representative to Congress.