MAY 8, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

I had the opportunity to be in Minnesota this week to meet with students, teachers, community leaders, and other constituents. I’ve heard a lot from folks who are deeply troubled about President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional war in Iran. Minnesotans also continue to share with me that their families are struggling with their economic security as they pay higher prices for health care, groceries, and gas. Rather than working to end his war and bring down costs for families, the president and Republicans in Congress are focused on pushing through a budget that provides $1 billion more for his gilded ballroom and billions more for ICE and CBP without any measures to hold them accountable. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Minnesotans and Americans who want Trump’s war to end so we can deliver solutions to the cost of living crisis.

If you appreciate this newsletter, please share it with your family and friends. As always, the best way to stay up-to-date on my work is to follow my social media accounts: Twitter, Facebook, Threads, BlueSky, Instagram, and YouTube. 

AT HOME IN MINNESOTA

Stillwater's New PFAS Water Treatment Facility is Up & Running 

On Thursday morning I joined Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski for a visit to the city's new PFAS water treatment facility. As this project nears completion, it marks a key milestone in our years-long work to ensure that all Stillwater residents have access to clean drinking water. I’m glad that we have been able to work in partnership with the city to help secure federal funding to support this vital project, including over $1.09 million for the next phase.

Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski and Congresswoman McCollum visit the city of Stillwater's new PFAS water treatment facility on Thursday. 

Visiting Students at Barack and Michelle Obama Montessori School 

This morning, I had the pleasure of visiting John Horton’s classroom, also known as The Forest Room, at Barack and Michelle Obama Montessori in Saint Paul. It’s a space inspired by the idea that a classroom, like a forest, thrives on diversity, interconnected growth, and care—helping students grow into curious, grounded, and contributing members of our community. I really enjoyed the opportunity to visit this inspiring classroom and meet so many bright young students, and the staff who support them — from Principal Diemer, the fantastic educators, and all the other fabulous staff who give these students a world-class learning environment. 

Congresswoman McCollum spoke with students at Barack and Michelle Obama Montessori school on Friday morning. 

Open Cupboard Food Shelf Steps Up to Feed Families as Trump Administration and Republican Congress Cuts Food Assistance

I met with staff and volunteers at Open Cupboard in Maplewood to thank them for their tireless work to support families facing food insecurity. Food shelves are bracing for a surge in demand this fall when cuts to SNAP and WIC food assistance in President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ Big Ugly Law will impact 400,000 Minnesotans. Open Cupboard has my deepest gratitude for the work they do to keep food on our neighbors’ tables. 

Congresswoman McCollum toured Today's Harvest in Maplewood on Friday.

Breaking Ground on Woodbury's New Public Safety Facility

I attended the groundbreaking of the remodel and expansion project of the Woodbury Public Safety Building. Public safety is a collective responsibility for government, and it was a privilege to partner with the city to secure more than $1,000,000 in federal funding for a record management system that will help the department increase efficiency, improve case and evidence management, and enhance officer safety and situational awareness. Thank you to Mayor Anne Burt, city council members, and City Administrator Jeff Dahl for their work to make Woodbury a safe and welcoming community for all!

Congresswoman McCollum joined Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt and local law enforcement officials to break ground on Woodbury's new public safety facility.

Recognizing Our U.S. Service Academies Incoming Class of 2030  
It was an honor to celebrate an exceptional group of students from Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District who have accepted appointments to our U.S. Service Academies. These young leaders have distinguished themselves through hard work, discipline, and a clear commitment to serving others. It was a privilege to recognize not only their achievements, but also the families who helped guide them to this moment.

Congresswoman McCollum honored U.S. service academy appointees during a celebration in her Saint Paul office on Thursday.

Service academy appointments reflect more than academic success; they represent a decision to lead and to take on challenges that demand resilience. As these students begin their journeys, they carry with them our shared Minnesota values and a shared responsibility to lead with integrity. I am confident they will make a lasting impact, and I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years ahead.

Governor’s Fishing Opening Comes to Stillwater!

As Minnesota's fishing opener kicks off tomorrow, I wish good luck to all of you who are heading to your favorite lake or river to wet a line.

As Minnesota’s fishing opener kicks off tomorrow, I wish good luck to all of you who are heading to your favorite lake or river to wet a line. For the first time, the City of Stillwater is hosting the Governor's Fishing Opener on the St. Croix River — right here in the Fourth Congressional District! 

Before you make your first cast, make sure that you've purchased a fishing license for 2026. Purchasing a fishing license is simple: You can buy one on the DNR website, order one on the phone by calling 1-888-665-4236, or purchase one at a licensed distributor around the state. Good luck out there! 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Long-term Highway Closure Continues 
Highway 280 from I-94 to Hwy 36/I-35W is closed through late August for construction and maintenance work. Drivers should plan for detours and allow extra travel time, especially during peak hours, as traffic will be rerouted to nearby roads. For more information, visit MNDOT.

Important Information for U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad

Before traveling internationally, the State Department strongly recommends that people sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates from the U.S. embassy on any security threats, potential natural disasters or civil unrest. You can receive alerts for the duration of your choosing and unsubscribe at any time. It’s also important to check your destination’s entry requirements, including passport validation date and visa requirements. Many countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months beyond your travel dates.

As a reminder, to fly within the U.S., passengers need a REAL ID-compliant document to enter the screening checkpoint. More info here.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

If you are impacted by the actions of the Trump Administration or Republicans’ policies, including cuts to health care and food assistance, I want to hear about it. Please contact my office directly at (651) 224-9191.

Your voice matters and empowers my vote in Congress.
I encourage you to share your stories with me.

Thank You
Thank you to the hundreds of new subscribers to my weekly newsletter! This update is designed to provide timely information about my work in Washington and Minnesota, and to provide resources that can be helpful to you. As always, please stay in touch: voice your policy opinion, ask for help with a federal agency, or find all of my recent statements at mccollum.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress