Newsletter: Paulsen Post - February 22, 2015

Statement

Dear Friend,

It seems that Minnesota winter has hit the east coast - but don't worry, while much of Washington was shut down on Tuesday, my D.C. office was open and serving you -- of course you would expect as much from a Minnesota office!

Last week, I was invited to the White House for a bill signing ceremony with the President to see the Clay Hunt SAV Act signed into law. The new law will improve suicide prevention and mental health programs at both the VA and the Department of Defense for our veterans who return home and need assistance reintegrating to civilian life. Sadly, an average of 22 veterans have been taking their lives every day.

This week, I stocked food shelves at the Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP), which serves Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Brooklyn Center. CEAP does a tremendous job fighting hunger in our local community and assisting the less fortunate. Make sure to read below about the action Congress has taken to encourage charitable giving to organizations like CEAP. Channel 12 covered my visit and you can see that story by clicking here and going to the 4:09 mark. I also joined Channel 12 to talk about my efforts in Congress to combat sex trafficking and repeal the medical device tax. Take a look at that interview here.

Thank you to everybody who attended my Congress on Your Corner event in Edina and my recent telephone town hall meeting. Listening to your thoughts and answering your questions allows me to more effectively represent you. Here are the results from our poll question I asked you, "Should the United States open up trade with Cuba?"

If I can be of help to you or your family, don't hesitate to give my office a call. Join the conversation online by visiting my website, Facebook page, Twitter, and don't forget to watch my weekly video, Erik's Correspondence Corner.

Encouraging Charitable Giving

Americans have a strong history of helping one another through tough times with over 95% of families donating to charity. The House recently passed legislation, the America Gives More Act, that simplifies and makes permanent provisions in the tax code that promote charitible giving. I authored one provision in the bill that replaces a two-tier excise tax structure for charitable foundations with one reduced rate. Minnesota has over 1,400 charitable foundations that donate over $1 billion annually and this legislation will make sure the money goes to those who need it the most. In addition, the bill also makes permanent and expands a provision that allows businesses, like grocery stores, to deduct food they donate to food assistance programs. This provision is critical to making sure that more food goes to organizations working to fight hunger in our community.

Keystone Pipeline Bill Heads to the President's Desk

According to the State Department, building the Keystone XL Pipeline will support 42,000 jobs and add $3.4 billion to the American economy. However, delays and obstruction has resulted in the project being sidelined for over six years. The House and Senate voted to approve the pipeline and clear the way to begin construction -- it now heads to the President's desk. The Keystone Pipeline is better for the environment, safer for our communities, and more cost effective than shipping oil by rail and would go a long way in creating jobs and making North America more energy independent.

More Certainty in the Tax Code for Small Businesses

Three out of every four new jobs come from small businesses. If we really want to strengthen our economy and put more money in the pockets of American workers, we must fix the tax code and how it treats small businesses. This past week I helped pass legislation to give more certainty for small businesses by making permanent important provisions in the tax code, like expensing investments in capital equipment. Washington needs to embrace these types of long term solutions, such as H.R. 636, the Small Business Tax Relief Act, so these job creators can grow.

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