Dear Friend,

I’m kicking off this week in Washington after spending some much-needed time back home in Minnesota’s Sixth District. As Congress returns, we have a number of important votes and meetings ahead of us that I will continue to keep you updated on…

As always, hearing your thoughts, concerns, and feedback are vital to me. If you would like to send me an e-mail, please write to me here. During my week in Minnesota, I was able to connect with many of you – from tours of manufacturing facilities, to meetings with individuals, and even on the road in between!

Read on to learn more about what we accomplished last week…

Connecting with Minnesotans

When meeting with constituents, I am always provided with new insights and opportunities to see the outstanding work Minnesotans are doing every day. Last week was no exception! I saw some thriving businesses, generous community members, and so much more…

I had a great tour of the Bondhus Corporation in Monticello, where they manufacture Ball, Hex, and TORX tools. These types of tools can be found in toolboxes around the world and are used by machinists, automotive repair shops, printing press operators, dentists, and even artificial limb makers.

I also learned about the work the Monticello Help Center does for our residents in need. They help reduce hunger in our community. I was grateful to receive a tour from Lars Carlson, the Executive Director, to see firsthand the work he and his team are doing to address food insecurity in Monticello.

The Sixth District is full of incredible Minnesotans serving their neighbors and finding a way to give back. The work they do daily is nothing short of inspiring – especially when so many do it without a thought of recognition or praise. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness have the largest impact and knowing we have so many people willing to look out for others in our District gives me hope for the future of our country.

Protecting Family Farms

On the campaign trail, the Biden Administration proposed an increase to the capital gains tax. Biden is considering raising the tax from 23.8% to 39.6% - the highest rate change in history. If enacted, this would be devastating to our farm families who have worked for years on their estate plans and are encouraging the younger generation to continue living and working on the family farm. 

Farmers’ assets are usually tied up in their land, buildings, and equipment. Under Biden’s plan, these farm families would need to take out large loans, or sell off land in order to pay the new taxes imposed by this change. When I first learned about this issue, I joined Joe Gill on KASM Radio in Albany, Minnesota to discuss this important issue facing our farming families.

Click HERE to listen to my interview with Joe Gill on KASM Radio.

I’m very concerned about what this tax will do to farming operations in Minnesota. Recently, President Biden announced a suite of new taxes on businesses as a means to fund his transportation and infrastructure plan. The plan did not speak specifically to capital gains, however, reports indicate the Biden Administration is planning another round of changes to the tax code to fulfill promises he made on the campaign trail, which includes an increased capital gains tax and the elimination of the stepped-up basis.

Last week, I sent President Biden a letter urging him to consider the impact these tax increases will have on our agriculture community. Changing the capital gains rate and eliminating the stepped-up basis will stall new farm growth, diminish family-farm transfers, and lead to further consolidation within the agriculture industry. You can read more about my letter here.

BEWARE: Fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccine Surveys

Recently, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, the Department of Justice, and the manufacturers of the COVID-19 vaccine have issued warnings regarding fraudulent COVID-19 surveys attempting to gain access to a consumer’s personal information by offering cash or a prize upon completion of the survey.

These scams often target vulnerable citizens and can look legitimate.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THERE ARE NO VACCINE SURVEYS CURRENTLY BEING CONDUCTED BY PFIZER, MODERNA, OR JOHNSON & JOHNSON.

Please share this information with family members, friends, and anyone you think could be deceived into giving away their personal information. If you see a survey you suspect to be fraudulent, Covid19Fraud@dhs.gov.

Learn more by clicking here.

APPLY NOW: Young Women’s Leadership Program

Apply now for my annual Young Women’s Leadership Program! If you're a young woman in high school looking to get ahead, this program is for you. You will have the unique opportunity to learn from and engage with some of Minnesota's top female leaders.

These women have done it before: negotiated their first salary, networked with colleagues in their field, successfully navigated and broken into traditionally male-dominated professions, managed the work/life balance, and so much more.

Overall, the Young Women’s Leadership Program is a terrific opportunity for constituents to gain valuable leadership skills and career advice during a pivotal time in their lives. We will be conducting the program virtually and safely this summer.

Apply HERE by May 28, 2021

• WHO: Young women in high school (9th-12th grade) living in the Sixth Congressional District of Minnesota. 8th graders going into 9th grade and graduating 12th graders are welcome.
• WHAT: An opportunity to meet professional women working in the state of Minnesota. These leaders work in various career fields related to government, business, and education.
• WHEN:  Three events, one in June, July and August. Dates to be announced!
• WHERE: Virtually!

Until next week, if you are in need of assistance or would like to share your thoughts with me, please write me an e-mail here.

To keep up with what we’re doing in Washington, follow me on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!

Sincerely,