Fighting to Cancel Rent and Mortgages | Weekly Recap March 8–12, 2021
Dear friend,
For years, we have been fighting against gun violence and mass shootings. Yesterday, we passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. This legislation will require universal background checks on all gun sales. Like many of you, I have been moved by the courage and determination of countless Minnesotans who have fought for decades to end gun violence. I’m proud to be a cosponsor of this bill and look forward to it hopefully becoming law.
This week, exactly a year ago, Minnesota confirmed its first case of COVID-19. I know this year has been incredibly difficult, but I remain optimistic that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thankfully, our state has reached a milestone of being the 5th in the nation for the number of vaccinations administered. I remain extremely grateful to our incredible healthcare workers who have gone above and beyond to serve our community. You can view testing sites here and sign up for the Vaccine Connector here. Please contact my District Office with any questions at (612) 333–1272.
Supporting the American Rescue Plan
President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law yesterday. Because of this, checks will start to hit bank accounts this weekend. In this package, dependents and mixed status families will now be eligible for stimulus checks. The bill also gives added nutrition assistance to families in Minnesota and ensures food goes to laid off restaurant workers. It expands the child tax credit — drastically reducing child poverty. You can read my full statement here.
Fighting to Cancel Rent and Mortgages
Yesterday, I introduced the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act. While the American Rescue Plan extends the national rent moratorium — this is not a long-term solution. People across this country will be forced to pay tens of thousands of dollars in back rent when it ends. In some cases, local governments are allowing evictions to continue despite the moratorium. In other cases, landlords are going bankrupt due to lack of income. To avoid an even larger crisis, we must cancel rent and mortgage payments during this pandemic. You can read my release here.
Introducing the PAUL Act
Last week, I reintroduced the PAUL Act to crack down on foreign lobbyists. The legislation calls on Congress to make sure lobbyists representing foreign countries act in good faith and not influence our elected officials. You can read more.
Coffee and Kulan: Democracy Reform
On Tuesday at 5:30pm CT, I’ll be hosting another “Coffee and Kulan” discussion on Democracy Reform with Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon and Minnesota State Representative, Emma Greenman live on Facebook.com/RepIlhan. I’m excited to talk with you about our efforts in Congress and in Minnesota to reform our democracy. You can see the event details here.
Join My Tax Workshop Event
On Thursday at 6pm CT, I will be hosting a Tax Workshop with Alejandro Valenzuela, Financial Services Director from Prepare + Prosper. My office and I look forward to talking with you about how to claim missing stimulus payments and how to contact personal assistance. You can see the event details here.
Free Tax Resources
Stay safe at home while filing taxes this season. The IRS and its partners have shared information about a variety of tax relief topics along with how to file during the coronavirus pandemic. For more information and tips click here.
Virtual Town Hall
Join me on March 31st at 5:30pm CT for a virtual hall on Facebook.com/RepIlhan. I look forward to catching you up on my work in Congress and answering your questions/concerns! You can see the event details here.
5th District Art Competition
Calling all artists! Submit your art to our annual Congressional Art Competition for Minnesota’s 5th District by Friday, April 23rd at 5pm 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 our theme, you can email MN05Art@mail.house.gov or call my District Office at (612) 333–1272.
In service,
Ilhan Omar
Member of Congress
