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October 30, 2026
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
This Halloween season is especially scary for Minnesota families, and it's not because of creepy costumes or frightening decorations. Prices for everything are skyrocketing. Costs are higher for gas, health care, food, housing, and more, including Halloween candy, which is up over 15% from last year, because of President Trump’s illegal war in Iran, his reckless tariff wars, and his Big (not so) Beautiful Bill. Costumes and decorations are more expensive too. Parents deserve the chance to give their children the same, fun, holiday experience that they grew up with, but Trump’s economy is making that much harder.
For two years, the Republican majority in Congress has failed to stand up to Trump and do what's best for the American people. Republicans have been a rubber stamp for his policies that are driving up the cost of living. My fellow House Democrats and I are fighting for an affordable America, and we have a plan to deliver. Democrats will overturn Trump’s tariff taxes and end his reckless war of choice in Iran. This will lower costs on groceries, gas, housing, and more. Democrats will work to reverse Republicans’ cruel cuts to health care they made in their Big (not so) Beautiful Bill and bring back the health care premium tax cuts for working families. This will make health care more affordable. And Democrats will hold crooks accountable by delivering justice for the American people and go after the Trump administration and anyone who ripped them off.
MINNESOTA UPDATE
Celebrating the Opening of a New East Side Saint Paul Small Business Hub
On Thursday, I attended the opening of Plaza del Sol on the East Side. Plaza Del Sol is a newly renovated food hall, event space, and small business incubator supporting entrepreneurs in our community. Congratulations to the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) on transforming this historic building into a vibrant space that will serve and support generations of Minnesotans! It was a pleasure to work with LEDC to secure a $1 million federal Community Funding Project grant for this project in 2022. Plaza del Sol is a great example of how federal dollars can be invested into our communities to deliver for working people. After the harm caused by Operation Metro Surge, Plaza del Sol will be a place where families can build their American dreams and where people from all backgrounds can celebrate culture and community.
 Congresswoman McCollum speaks at the ribbon cutting for Plaza Del Sol
Protecting Minnesotans from Harmful Cosmetics
I applaud AG Ellison for taking action this week to protect our community from hazardous “beauty” products marketed to women of color. Not only are companies marketing products like hair relaxers and skin lighteners that reinforce racist stereotypes of beauty, they are misleading consumers into thinking they are harmless. AG Ellison is suing L’Oreal for violations of the Minnesota Prevention of Consumer Fraud Act, the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and the False Statement in Advertising Act for knowingly selling chemical hair relaxers that increase the risk of various cancers. In Minnesota, we have passed strong legislation to protect Minnesotans from corporations who have profit, not consumers best interest, at heart.
Here at home, I’ve worked with Beautywell, a nonprofit community organization, to support their efforts to educate communities of color about the danger of skin lightening products. These products, which have high use levels in communities of color, often contain harmful chemicals that can lead to skin damage and blindness. Beautywell has worked hard to inform the public on the dangers of these products. Beautywell is doing incredible work, but education is only one side of the equation, the FDA must also hold companies accountable for their dangerous products.
Trump's Chaos Continues - Next on His List of Destruction: The Boundary Waters
President Trump loves to say he's a builder. The truth is he's a destroyer. He tore down the East Wing, paved the Rose Garden, wrecked the Reflecting Pool, & his reign of destruction continues. Now his wrecking ball is aimed at America’s most visited wilderness -- the Boundary Waters. He wants to open up the BWCA headwaters so that a foreign company can start a hazardous sulfide-copper mine. Minnesotans don't want this. We want to protect this unique resource and preserve its beauty for generations to come. I'm fighting to protect the Boundary Waters in Congress with my bill, the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act (H.R. 588). My legislation would permanently protect the headwaters of the Boundary Waters from toxic mining.
WASHINGTON DC UPDATE
Republicans’ Cuts to Health Care Reverse Progress on Health Care Access and Affordability
President Trump and Republicans’ cuts to health care are sending costs spiraling and limiting access for Americans, undoing years of progress made through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). You have likely experienced this sticker shock if you have already opened your premium notice for next year. The Commonwealth Fund released a report this month laying out the impact on Americans. The uninsured rate has spiked to the highest in a decade. Nearly half of American working-age adults -- 46% -- lack the insurance they need, with 11% consistently uninsured and another 12% experiencing gaps in coverage during the year. The remaining 23% are underinsured, meaning they are paying for health insurance but still had to delay or skip care because it is unaffordable.
These struggles are just the leading edge of the health care crisis that President Trump and Republicans have created for our nation. The most disastrous cuts to health care in their Big (not so) Beautiful Bill and their cuts to drug coverage under Medicare don’t even go into effect until next year. Congress must act to stop these Republican cuts.
Trump Administration Issues Unprecedented Waivers for Cancer-Causing Polluters
The Clean Air Act was created to protect Americans from pollution. Congress must investigate why President Trump has issued more than 200 waivers to polluters that emit cancer-causing gases. Trump seems more concerned with his donors’ profits than our communities’ health. That’s why I’m an original cosponsor of H.R. 9808, the No Passes for Polluters Act, which would clarify the Congressional intent of the Clean Air Act to close the loophole that the Trump administration is abusing to exempt toxic polluters from regulation.
Congress Must Act to Put Guardrails on Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our economy and transforming our society. AI has the potential to benefit humanity by improving medical research capabilities, analyzing massive data sets, patching cybersecurity flaws, and much more. Despite these benefits, recent reporting on AI vulnerabilities is highly concerning. AI models are going rogue and hacking into sensitive systems, human hackers are using AI to expose cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the race to build more powerful AI models is completely unfettered. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that AI does not result in harm to our institutions or our communities. Congress must act urgently to protect the American people by providing oversight of big technology companies and to pass federal guardrails on the development of AI.
The Trump Family Cashes in While Americans Pay More for Less
While families struggle to afford their lives because of President Trump's War in Iran, tariff taxes, and Big Beautiful Bill, he and his family are using the White House to cash in. His family has profited by over $1.4 billion during his first year in office alone from his secretive crypto deals. His profits have nothing to do with business acumen, and everything to do with corruption. A “Spy Sheikh” from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) paid $500 million for half of the Trump family's crypto company - soon after, President Trump agreed to export high-tech chips to the UAE, against the advice of national security advisors. Worse, taxpayers are on the hook for other shady deals directly benefiting the Trump family. Last year, a small North Carolina magnet company was given a $620 million loan by the U.S. Department of Defense. Donald Trump Jr's venture capital firm owns part of the company. The loan to the company was ordered, and the process expedited by the White House.
As Americans struggle to afford their lives, President Trump is focused on making his family richer – whatever the cost to you. Americans deserve justice. Congress must act to investigate and hold Trump and his administration accountable.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Know Your Rights at the Polls
Intimidating voters and interfering with their right to vote is a federal crime, even for federal, state, or local officials. Using immigration agents, the military, or the federalized National Guard at voting locations is illegal. As an American Citizen you have the right to vote, do not let anyone tell you differently. If you feel intimidated, speak to the poll worker in charge and say, "I want to report voter intimidation." If it's safe to do so, note names, badges, agency, time, and witnesses. You should also report voter intimidation to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline: 1-877-600-VOTE (8683).
Early Voting for Fall Elections is Underway
Minnesotans can cast their absentee ballots for the November general election. For more information, visit here. Minnesota has long been a national leader in voter turnout, and we know that our elections are safe and secure. It is important to check your voter registration and make a plan to vote by Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd.
Understanding What’s on Your Ballot: Minnesota Constitutional Amendment
In addition to key offices at the local, state, and federal levels, Minnesotans will vote on a proposed amendment to our constitution. If passed, this amendment would increase funding to Minnesota’s school districts without increasing income or property taxes. Voters will have the following constitutional amendment ballot instructions and question on their ballot:
Failure to vote on a constitutional amendment will have the same effect as voting no on the amendment.
To vote for a proposed constitutional amendment, fill in the oval next to the word “Yes” on that question. To vote against a proposed constitutional amendment, fill in the oval next to the word “No” on that question.
Increasing funding to school districts
Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund, which is a fund that supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027?
Yes
No
To learn more about the amendment and other offices on your ballot, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website:
MNsure Open Enrollment Begins Sunday, November 1st
Open enrollment for 2027 health coverage through MNsure starts November 1st, 2026, and runs through January 15th, 2027. Visit mnsure.org or call 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873 to shop and compare health insurance plans for next year. As you sign up for a plan, prepare for another year of sticker shock due to major cost increases caused by the Republican budget law. Look at plan options early so you can make the right decision for your health care needs. MNsure also provides free enrollment assistance.
Resources to Help with Medicare Costs and Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment is underway and runs through December 7th, 2026. Plans change, as do health needs, so it is important for Medicare beneficiaries to compare their 2027 plan options. The Trump Administration ended a Medicare Part D program that provided more than $3 billion in premium relief to help make Part D medications affordable. More than a dozen Medicare Advantage plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Humana, Medica, and UnitedHealthcare are ending, so more than 320,000 Minnesotans enrolled in these plans need to find new coverage for next year. Visit Medicare.gov, call Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly the Senior LinkAge Line) at 1-800-333-2433 or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for free assistance and Medicare support. Minnesota Aging Pathways’ website also has useful tips to navigate Medicare Open Enrollment. For those who need help with Medicare costs and are eligible, Medicare Savings Programs are available to help pay for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B and Extra Help is available to help pay for Medicare Part D.
Free Flu and Covid-19 Shots for VA Healthcare Enrollees
If you’re enrolled in VA healthcare and have received care from a VA or in-network community provider within the past 24 months, you can receive a free flu and Covid-19 vaccination. Getting vaccinated protects you and your neighbors from potentially deadly diseases. It's important to keep our community safe from communicable disease, and the VA offers an affordable (free) and convenient way to do so. Read more about this program and find a location near you by visiting the VA website.
Deadline for U.S. Service Academy Nominations is Monday, November 2
Monday, November 2, 2026 is the deadline for applications for nominations to the U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2031. Students interested in attending West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, or the Merchant Marine Academy must receive a congressional nomination to be considered. Students are encouraged to apply early and to also seek nominations from both U.S. Senators from Minnesota. Learn more and access the application here.
Apply for a Spring Internship in My Office by November 15
An internship in my office provides young people with valuable experience as they prepare for their professional careers. Interns have the opportunity to work with and assist all members of the staff, including legislative, administrative, outreach, and communications duties. Internships are available in both the Washington D.C. and Saint Paul offices.
Applicants should be highly motivated and enthusiastic, as there are far more applicants than available positions. Minnesota ties are strongly preferred and should be noted in the first paragraph of your cover letter. Interns are paid a stipend. In addition, my office is happy to work with your college or university to arrange for course credit. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and available hours. Students interested in a Washington, D.C. internship should email MN04admin@mail.house.gov. For Saint Paul internships, please email MN04DOScheduler@mail.house.gov. The deadline to apply for a spring internship is November 15, 2026.
REAL ID Required for Holiday Travel
The holiday season is on the horizon, and that means many of us will be traveling to celebrate with family and friends. Before heading to the airport, it’s important to remember that since 2025, boarding a domestic flight requires Minnesotans 18 years or older to show one of the following:
- Minnesota REAL ID driver's license or identification card;
- Minnesota Enhanced driver's license or identification card;
- Another federally-approved form of identification
To learn more about federally compliant identification, visit TSA's website. For information on how you can apply for a new license or ID, visit the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services website.
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
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
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