releases: https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/newletter-archive/rep-petersons-newsletter-and-questionnaire-9282020
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| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/newletter-archive/rep-petersons-newsletter-and-questionnaire-9282020 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter and Questionnaire 9/28/2020 | 2020-10-01 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Sunrise over fields in MORRIS Dear Friends, Fall harvest is underway in the Seventh District and as a reminder, please be extra cautious with the additional farm equipment and trucks on the road. The House passed a short-term government funding bill that I supported after securing a provision that will ensure farm safety net and conservation payments go out to farmers on time. The House also passed H.R. 4447 which included a modified version of my bill, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Integrity Act. This bill stops the EPA from undermining the RFS targets that support corn farmers, ethanol producers, and our rural economy. This week the House of Representatives is considering another Coronavirus relief package to provide support to hard-hit businesses. The House last passed a comprehensive bill on May 15th, but the Senate didn't consider that or any other bill. Hopefully, if the House passes a more targeted bill, the language that I am working on for agriculture producers and small businesses will see action in the Senate and be signed into law. While the House doesn't have a say in how Supreme Court vacancies will be filled, I am concerned that future Administrations of either party could be encouraged to pack the court' with political allies by increasing the number of justices. I introduced a bipartisan Constitutional Amendment that would set the number of justices at nine and prevent a judicial arms race that would undermine the independence of our judicial system. I recently spoke at a virtual ceremony to celebrate the agreement between nine Midwest community colleges and the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service to support hands-on learning in topics such as soil health, cover crops, and no-till. As National Suicide Awareness Month comes to an end, the work to provide care and services to our Veterans does not. I met with Minnesota VFW members to discuss legislation addressing several veterans' issues, including mental health services and suicide prevention. I am also proud to co-sponsor a House Resolution designating September 25, 2020, as Disabled American Veterans Day. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District Legislation Discussion with the Minnesota VFW Videoconference with the Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) I met virtually this week with the Minnesota VFW to discuss legislation addressing several veterans' issues, including mental health/veterans suicide prevention, women veteran's health care, transparency for veterans' claims, and toxic exposure. We also talked about the importance of Vet Centers and the crucial services they provide to veterans and their families. We discussed efforts to increase outreach and access to these services in Minnesota. Virtual U.S. Service Academy Information Night This Thursday, October 1 at 5:30 p.m., I am hosting a virtual information night for students interested in applying for a nomination to a United States Service Academy. We will welcome guest speakers from the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Air Force ROTC, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy. We'll discuss programs, opportunities, and life at the academies, as well as the application and the Congressional nomination process. This session is open to anyone interested in attending a military academy. Join virtually using the information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 958 5874 4584 One tap mobile +16699006833,,95858744584# US (San Jose) +12532158782,,95858744584# US (Tacoma) Chairman's Corner Speaking with Keith Olander, director of AgCentric and the Central Lakes College (CLC) Ag & Energy Center I was honored to speak at a virtual ceremony celebrating an agreement between USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and nine Midwest Community Colleges to support hands-on student learning. Central Lakes College (CLC) of Staples is one of the institutions included in the agreement. CLC has done a good job to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills related to soil health, cover crops, and no till. This agreement will help them to share resources, knowledge, and expertise with students, college faculty, producers, and NRCS employees. Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry Chair Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held a hearing focused on wildfire response and recovery efforts. The Subcommittee heard from USDA's Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry John Phipps. Deputy Chief Phipps told members about the unprecedented challenges the Forest Service is facing with wildfires this year. High temperatures, low humidity, and historic winds over the last few weeks intensified wildfires along the West Coast and is forcing the agency to send significant resources to the region. Members of the Subcommittee used their time to discuss the immediate needs of the agency and what needs to be done to protect communities from wildfires in the future. House Advances Provisions of Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act The House of Representatives passed H.R. 4447, the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, which includes my bill, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Integrity Act. The provisions of my bill set an annual deadline for oil refiners to submit a petition for an exemption from RFS blending requirements, ensuring that any waivers do not undermine the blending requirements required by law. My bill also requiresEnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) to publicly release the name of refiners requesting a waiver, the number of gallons requested to be waived, and the number of gallons of biofuel that will not be blended as a result of the waiver. This is an important step that moves us closer to holding the Environmental Protection Agency accountable for its reckless use of small refinery waivers. Since 2016, the EPA has granted 85 waivers with little transparency, reducing demand for biofuel by roughly four billion gallons. Preserving an Independent Supreme Court With the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, much attention has been focused on the Senate as they consider the President's nomination to the Supreme Court. Our nation's highest court is an important part of our country's system of checks and balances and it is vital that Americans preserve its independence. That is why I introduced a bipartisan constitutional amendment that would permanently set the number of Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court at nine. I worry that partisan attempts to change the size of the court will set off a judicial arms race which will further divide our country. If one party succeeds in expanding the Court and filling the seats with political allies, the next party to hold a majority may choose to do the same in retaliation. My amendment will preserve the integrity of the Court and permanently protect Americans from these dangerous proposals. Questionnaire Results The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported the United States has surpassed over 200,000 deaths due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). If we had the same death rate as Canada, we would have over 100,000 fewer deaths. In last week's questionnaire, based on a PEW survey of the public in 13 countries, the median response was that 37% believed China had done a good job dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak compared to only 15% for the United States. Based on those survey results, I asked if you thought this view by our allies impacts our ability to work with them to constrain the growing threat from China. Here is what you said: Red Lake Nation EDA Investment Award The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded the Red Lake Band of Chippewa funding to cover construction costs to renovate and create the tribe's Adaawe Wigamig Business Incubation Center in Beltrami County. There is a need for small business support and entrepreneurship in the Seventh District and this facility will help build community, promote innovation, strengthen employment opportunities in rural areas, and support economic diversification. Through a competitive process, the EDA awards grants based on eligibility, availability of funds, and merit of the applicant. The projected cost of this project is $3,376,765 and the EDA awarded $3,161,976. Congratulations to Red Lake Nation on their investment award - this project is estimated to create 271 jobs, save 87 jobs, and leverage $7.2 million in private investment. Farmers Need Markets for Their Crops Ethanol Production Price Slides during Videoconferences Ethanol production is down significantly due to waivers exempting the petroleum industry from using ethanol and the downturn in the economy. Two agricultural conferences were hosted last week, the virtual roundtable session on Resiliency and Innovation in Biofuels and the 2020 Post-Wheat Harvest and Pre-Row Crop Harvest Marketing Strategies virtual seminar. The slides above show what is happening in ethanol production which is why I have fought to get rid of those exemptions for petroleum waivers. Ethanol is a great market for our corn, and it helps support better corn prices. Drones and Public Works Meeting Videoconference with the American Public Works Association (APWA) My staff aide, Meg Louwagie, took part in a virtual meeting with APWA in cooperation with House Public Works and Infrastructure Caucus for a Drones and Public Works meeting. Discussions included: - How to regulate the changing technology and privacy issues - How drones play an important part in disaster response with geotagging and state stamps - The struggle between FAA and local control regarding visual line of site rules and length of flights - The use of drones in unmanned traffic management and bat and bridge inspections Fargo VA Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Local leaders and officials at the Fargo VA ribbon cutting ceremony On Friday, my staff attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the area's first Veterans Community Resource and Referral Center in Fargo. I hold firmly to the idea that we have an obligation to care for the men and women who have served in our military. The mental health and well-being of our Veterans is paramount, that is why I co-sponsored the Veteran Treatment Court Act of 2019, which was signed into law in July. This will establish the Veteran Treatment Court Program in the Office of Justice Programs, providing coordinated technical assistance to veteran advocates and local officials to help them stand up and expand treatment court programs. I also support the Fargo VA's desire for a Fischer House. 340B Health Videoconference with Minnesota hospital and health care system representatives On Wednesday, representatives from Minnesota hospitals and health care systems that participate in the 340B drug pricing program visited with my staff aide Rebekah Solem. This included folks from Essentia Health, St. Gabriel's Hospital, Avera Health Center, Children's Hospitals & Clinics, Hennepin Healthcare System, and Hennepin County Medical Center. The group thanked me for my consistent support for the 340B program and talked about how they use their savings from the program to help those they serve such as charity care for low-income patients. COVID-19 Updates & Resources The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will provide safe and free on-site COVID-19 testing in four counties within the seventh district with outbreaks, increasing positive cases, or accessibility barriers to testing sites. Sign up for an appointment or learn more at MDH COVID-19 Community Testing. Beltrami County: Bemidji Armory 1430 23rd Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 - Tuesday, September 29, 12 - 6 p.m. - Wednesday, September 30, 12 - 6 p.m. - Thursday, October 1, 12 - 6 p.m. Lyon County: Red Baron Arena and Expo Center 1651 Victory Dr Marshall, MN 56258 - Tuesday, September 29, 12 - 6 p.m. - Wednesday, September 30, 12 - 6 p.m. - Thursday, October 1, 12 6 p.m. Clay County: Moorhead Armory 1002 15th Avenue N Moorhead, MN 56560 - Tuesday, September 29, 12 - 6 p.m. - Wednesday, September 30, 12 - 6 p.m. - Thursday, October 1, 12 - 6 p.m. Pennington County: Huck Olson Civic Center 501 Brooks Ave Thief River Falls, MN 56701 - Tuesday, September 29, 12 - 6 p.m. - Wednesday, September 30, 12 - 6 p.m. - Thursday, October 1, 12 - 6 p.m. Newsstand IRS EIP Material & Deadlines The IRS estimates there are nine million non-filers who may qualify to receive an Economic Impact Payment (EIP). If you don't normally file taxes, you may be eligible for an EIP. Individuals who are low-income workers, experiencing homelessness, independent students, or do not have a bank account are encouraged to file for an EIP. If you have a dependent under 17 and didn't receive a $500 EIP earlier this year, use the Non-Filer tool on the IRS website by September 30 to provide information on your qualifying child. For adult non-filers, the deadline to file and claim an EIP is October 15. For more information visit, IRS.gov/coronavirus or IRS.gov/eipnonfiler. IRS Resources for Drought-Stricken Farmers & Ranchers If you are a farmer or rancher and were forced to sell your livestock due to drought, you may qualify for an additional year to replace the livestock and defer tax on any gains from the forced sales. To qualify, those must be in an application region or county that is eligible for federal assistance. For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit the IRS Website. MDA Grant Money for Wolf Attack Prevention on Livestock To help prevent wolf attacks, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will award a total of $60,000 through the Wolf-Livestock Conflict Prevention Grants which are now available to Minnesota livestock producers. To qualify, producers must be within Minnesota's wolf range or on property determined by the Commissioner of Agriculture to be affected by wolf-livestock conflicts. Applications are due January 15, 2021. The grant funding will reimburse the costs of approved practices to prevent livestock attacks. Eligible expenses for the grant program will include any or all of the following items: - Purchase of guard animals - Veterinary costs for guard animals - Installation of wolf-barriers which may include pens, fladry and fencing - Installation of wolf-deterring lights and alarms - Calving or lambing shelters - Other measures demonstrated to effectively reduce wolf-livestock conflicts Find more information and the application on MDA Wolf Grants. MDA Grants Available for Crop Research The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) anticipates awarding up to $1,000,000 in total for crop research projects that improve the quality, quantity, and value of agricultural products in Minnesota. If you are a Minnesota-based organization with agricultural research capabilities, you may qualify for a grant with a maximum award of $250,000 per project lasting up to three years. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, November 24, 2020. According to the MDA, preference will be given to projects with: - Research on crops that have limited access to other research funds; and - Outreach to underserved agricultural producers such as: - Racial and ethnic communities including Native American tribal communities. - Rural communities with limited economic opportunities. Visit the AGRI Crop Research Grantson the MDA website for more information and to apply. Congressional App Challenge There is still time to apply to the Congressional App Challenge! Students in Minnesota's 7th District can participate in this nationwide event that challenges students to work individually or in teams to create an app. Apps will be judged by a panel who will pick the winner for Minnesota's 7th District. As technology continues to innovate, it's important to inspire students to explore careers in STEM through hands-on learning. As a member of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) caucus, I'm proud to host this competition and excited to showcase Western Minnesota students' work. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 19. Learn how students can participate in the challenge and attend educational webinars by visiting http://www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us Smithsonian To Reopen Two Museums On Friday, the Smithsonian reopened the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of the American Indian to the public with new health and safety guidelines. In addition to reduced days and hours of operation, visitors will need to reserve free timed entry passes and wear a mask. If you are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., and are interested in a tour, fill out my office's tour request form. While many attractions remain closed, the White House recently resumed their self-guided tours and other attractions have re-opened with restrictions. Currently, the following locations have reopened to the public: the National Zoo, the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, Smithsonian Gardens, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery. Reserve timed entry passes This Week in History Photo courtesy of WCCO While the cool air moved in quickly, we're not experiencing below zero temperatures just yet. This week in history, on September 30, 1930, the Big Falls area reported Minnesota's lowest temperature in September at 10 F. Enjoy the fresh air without a jacket while you can! Views from the 7th Minnesota Seventh District Fishing Normally, we think of Fall as the time to pick up things, clean the windows, rake the leaves, and prepare for winter. However, Fall is a great time to celebrate the fruits of your garden, sit on the deck and finally put away the bug spray. Another often overlooked Fall activity is fishing. Here in the 7th Congressional District, we have some of the best fishing lakes and streams in the state. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |