Hi Neighbors,
From some extraordinary new Minnesota State Fair foods to the upcoming holiday weekend, there’s a lot to look forward to this week. Patriotism has been on my mind lately, and as we near the 4th of July, I wanted to share a few reasons to celebrate our United States of America:
1. A women’s olympic gymnastic team with 2 Minnesotans
2. Our dedicated servicemen and women and our principled military leadership who keep us safe (and refuse to play political games)
3. The bipartisan group of Representatives and Senators that proved the naysayers wrong and found common ground on a bipartisan infrastructure deal our country desperately needs
Changing the Culture of Congress, One Step at a Time
As your representative, I am committed to breaking through gridlock and creating a new culture of collaboration in Washington. Unfortunately, as I’ve learned since coming to Congress in 2019, that’s far easier said than done. I joined my colleagues on the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress last week for a hearingto discuss the reforms we need to make our legislative branch more civil, more collaborative, and – most importantly – more responsive to the diverse needs of 330 million American citizens.
The deck is stacked against principled members of Congress whose mission is unity, not division, and who prioritize the common good over their own political self-interest. As I said in my remarks, we are never going to eliminate the shameful “angertainment” industry or change all of the perverse incentives that discourage bipartisan cooperation. But, if we focus our efforts and work together, I believe we can restore trust and empathy to an institution that is lacking in both. Whether it’s hosting a de-polarization workshop with fellow Minnesotan Rep. Pete Stauber or walking a mile in the shoes of a Republican friend, I’m trying to practice what I preach – and I encourage you to join me.
Rewarding Compassionate Capitalism
In the face of rising income inequality, global climate change, and the devastating aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers and community leadersnationwide are recognizing the need to create a more equitable and sustainable economy where all can prosper. That’s why I wrote the HONEST Enterprises Act, legislation that would incentivize responsible corporate governance and reward those businesses that care for their employees and make a difference in their communities.
For too long we have emphasized the right of businesses to make a profit, but not the rights of workers to share in the earnings they help generate. It is time that we reward the kind of behavior we want to see: businesses that are going above the call of duty to be responsible corporate citizens, build strong relationships with their communities, and develop consumer and worker trust.
Sharing the Mic
Luckily, Minnesota is blessed with so many remarkable businesses concerned not only with the profits they can create for themselves and their workers, but with the broader impact they can make on their communities. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Junita Flowers, the founder and CEO of Junita’s Jar, an outstanding cookie business whose mission is to use sugar and chocolate to spark productive conversations and long overdue change.
Junita is a survivor of domestic violence, and she uses her business to host events aimed at raising awareness and creating a community of support for those affected. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but as she says: “If we embrace hope over fear, we can pursue purpose, create change and make an impact.”
Amen, Junita! She has a lifelong partner in me – and I hope in you as well.
An Historic Hearing
The House Foreign Affairs Committee is nearly 200 years old. Last week, for the first time in history, we held a full-committee hearing on LGBTQI+ rights. I was honored to be a participant and so grateful to the expert witnesses who shared their wisdom and shined a light on the important and necessary work that we all need to do to support our LGBTQI+ community across the world. I left the Committee chamber inspired, hopeful and all the more committed to the cause of global human rights.
Keep the faith and keep in touch, 
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress