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March 7, 2022
Dear Friend:
Last week, President Biden gave his first State of the Union address before Congress. Understandably, we heard a lot about the tragedy in Ukraine and he talked about his Supreme Court nominee as expected, but I was hoping the president would take more time to address the issues affecting Americans on a daily basis. In rural Minnesota, we are in a near crisis-level workforce shortage. Almost all employers I speak with across all industries need workers.
This country has also been struggling with record-level inflation and dramatic increases in energy prices. Some people in the 7th District could have to make the decision to spend money on groceries for their families or on gas to heat their homes during the cold Minnesota winter.
This administration is trying to use the crisis in Ukraine, which of course will also cause energy prices to rise even higher, to make us forget that Americans have been struggling for the last year. He mentioned releasing 30 million barrels of oil from our reserves. America goes through that much in two days. This is not a solution. I would have liked to hear from him about real solutions to the energy crisis, which is unfortunately tied with the situation in Ukraine because this Administration and my colleagues on the left have prioritized a “not in my backyard” policy that increases reliance on countries like Russia, rather than supporting energy independence. I would have also liked to hear more about how he is going to realistically correct the multitude of other crises his Administration is facing, like inflation, a blocked supply chain, border security, and rampant crime.
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Ag Update
Last week, we kicked off Farm Bill hearings with a review of important crop support programs. I had the opportunity to highlight the importance of the U.S. sugar program and disaster aid for one of our state and region's primary crops. You can watch my full line of questioning here. |
Deadline for Paid Summer Internships FRIDAY
There are only a few days left to apply for a paid Summer internship in my D.C. and district offices! This is a great opportunity to gain valuable first-hand experience learning how Congress works.
The deadline is March 11. Click here to apply! |
Tips for Tax Filing Season
Tax season is upon us! The Internal Revenue Service shared this information to remind us all about several key items to keep in mind when filing federal income tax returns this year. I hope you find this helpful! |
Virtual Capitol Tours
While in-person tours are still suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions, you can now join online live virtual tours of the U.S. Capitol! Capitol Visitor Center Guides will present information normally delivered during in-person guided tours that has been tailored for online audiences. Participants will view images from the tour route while a Visitor Guide narrates the experience. You will be able to see the Crypt, the Rotunda, and Sanctuary Hall and ask your guide questions using a chat feature. Tours will run about 30 minutes with 15 minutes for Q & A. Tours are designed for all age groups.
Tours are available Monday - Friday at 9:00 AM EST, 11:00 AM EST, 1:00 PM EST, and 3:00 PM EST.
Click here to make a reservation through the Capitol Visitor Center.
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iSSNRC Now Available in Minnesota
Internet Social Security Number Replacement Cards (iSSNRC) are now available for Minnesotans! U.S. citizens age 18 or older and who are residents of Minnesota can request a replacement SSN card online by creating a my Social Security account. They must have a U.S. domestic mailing address, not require a change to their record (such as a name change), and have a valid driver's license.
For more questions, and to submit a request, please visit the Social Security Administration website. |
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Thank you to the Disabled American Veterans for coming to my office this week to discuss their legislative priorities. They do great work for America's veterans across the country. |
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I had a great meeting with the Minnesota Association of Health Underwriters to discuss important issues like telehealth. I appreciated their insightful perspective on the healthcare sector. |
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The National Association of Broadcasters came by my office to discuss a number of pieces of legislation. It was great hearing from them and great to see some Minnesotans from Hubbard Broadcasting, Gopher Communications, and the Minnesota Broadcasters Association. |
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It was so great meeting with Willmar Municipal Utilities while they were in D.C. this week! |
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I met virtually with the Boys and Girls Club. The Boys & Girls Club for the Bemidji Area was founded in 2003 to create a safe and engaging environment for youth around Bemidji. |
The Minnesota Credit Union Network met with me to discuss the Credit Union Employee and Safety Act. Credit unions help more Minnesotans own homes, build assets, and pay for their children's education. |
I had a great conversations with the Minnesota Soybean Grower Association. Minnesota plants roughly 7.5 million acres million acres of soybean every year. The7th District ranks third in the nation for soybeans harvested by acre. |
I met with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to discuss their legislative priorities for the year, including educator shortages, school infrastructure, and improving school mental health resources. |
I had a nice time catching up with Sanford Health and meeting their new CEO, Bill Gassen. Congratulations to Mr. Gassen on his new position! |
Coming Up...
This week, in addition to meeting with constituents, I'll be participating in an Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit (CEEC) hearing with USDA on rural development. I'm very excited to start these hearings to learn what worked well and what didn't in the 2018 Farm Bill so we can be sure the 2023 bill is the most effective it can be. I'm particularly interested in hearing about any progress that's been made on broadband deployment.
As always, my office is open and ready to serve constituents of Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District! Please do not hesitate to get in touch if there is anything I can do to help. Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Michelle Fischbach
Member of Congress
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