Ending the Fossil Fuel Welfare System | Weekly Recap April 12–16, 2021
Dear friend,
This week, our community endured another shooting of a young Black man, Daunte Wright. My heart aches for the continued injustices that plague our community. This violence is a basic part of police interactions with communities of color. It must stop. I stand in solidarity with members of our community who are fighting for justice and won’t back down my efforts in Congress to end police violence and white supremacy in all of its forms.
I encourage you to reach out to my office to share your concerns with me. You can call my District Office at (612) 333–1272.
Increasing the Number of Refugees Admitted in the United States
As a refugee, I know finding a home is a matter of life or death for children around the world. We cannot fall victims to politics of fear that drives the far-right. Today we learned disappointing news that President Biden will renege on his campaign promise to increase the refugee cap set by the Trump Administration. I led a letter with my colleagues to urge the administration to immediately increase the refugee cap. You can read more here.
Ending the Fossil Fuel Welfare System
Taxpayers spend $15 billion per year in direct federal subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. We shouldn’t provide giveaways to the very people responsible for polluting our water and lands. I’m proud to introduce the End Polluter Welfare Act with Senator Sanders to close tax loopholes and eliminate federal subsidies for the oil, gas, and coal industries. You can read more here.
Fighting Against the Line 3 Pipeline
Climate change does not stop at the border of a state or country, it impacts us all. I led a letter with Rep. Tlaib urging President Biden to conduct a thorough review of the existing and proposed oil pipeline projects including Line 3, Dakota Access Pipeline, and Line 5. You can read more here.
Meeting Americans’ Basic Needs
For many of us, this past year has been difficult. The domestic budget President Biden proposed is a critical step to meeting Americans’ basic needs — including childcare, gun violence prevention and housing. You can read my statement on the budget here.
Luncheon with Latinx Minnesotan Leaders
I hosted a roundtable with Latinx leaders to hear about the exciting work they are doing on behalf of our community. Latinx Minnesotans are overrepresented as essential workers and have been the backbone of our economy in the past year. Ensuring brighter futures for Latinx Minnesotans is not only an issue of equity, but an issue of justice.
MN05 Announcements
District 5 Art Competition
You can submit your art to our annual Congressional Art Competition for Minnesota’s 5th District by Friday, April 23rd at 5 pm CT. This year’s competition is open to students in 9th-12th grade or attending schools with 7th-12th graders. Winners of the competition will have their art displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. For more details and the theme, you can read more here or call my district office at (612) 333–1272.
Join Our Virtual Town Hall
Join me on April 29th at 5pm CT for a virtual town hall on Facebook.com/RepIlhan. You can submit your questions here. Can’t wait to talk with you!
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs)
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced Minnesota businesses are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) for small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses, or non-profit organizations impacted by civil unrest from May 27th to June 8th, 2020. The application deadline is May 3rd, 2021 and can be found here.
Where to get the COVID Vaccine
Eligibility/Updates
· The Governor has directed health care providers to still prioritize those at higher risk for Covid-19 — the elderly, those with specific health conditions, and essential workers.
· There are still many more people who want a vaccine than there are vaccines available, so if you are healthy and able to work from home, please be patient.
· Currently, Minnesota temporarily suspended Johnson & Johnson COVID19 vaccine Tuesday while federal authorities investigate blood clot claims.
How to Make an Appointment
· If you haven’t already signed up for the Minnesota Department of Health, please do so. You can visit the Vaccine Connector here to register for a vaccine. They will email you if you have been selected for a vaccine.
· You should also make sure you have a MyChart account through your health provider.
· Many pharmacies in the area are taking appointments like Walgreens, Hy-Vee, Cub, and CVS.
In service,
Ilhan Omar
Member of Congress
