Congressman Paulsen on Promises to Troops and Jump-starting Jobs

by U.S. Congressman Erik Paulsen

Keeping Our Promises to Minnesota National Guard Troops 

The promises we make to the young men and women who have volunteered to put on our nation’s uniform should always be kept. Many of Minnesota’s servicemen and women have been deployed two or three times overseas and away from their families. Between these deployments they have always been granted “earned leave” to spend time with their loved ones. 

Last fall however, the Pentagon significantly reduced the amount of earned leave time for these troops and in the process even took away the time that was already promised to 2,000 members of our Minnesota National Guard, including the Red Bulls. 

These men and women were promised and have earned these benefits. That’s why I, along with members of the entire Minnesota Congressional delegation authored legislation to fix this inequality and I’m pleased to say it passed the House on Wednesday. 

If we didn’t take action, some of the members of Minnesota’s National Guard stood to lose more than 27 days of earned leave under the new policy. This is not the first time Minnesota National Guard members have had an issue getting the benefits they earned. I helped correct a similar issue when it first came up two years ago as well, and I will continue to work to ensure our Minnesota soldiers receive the benefits they were promised and have earned. 

View my floor remarks here. 

Third Annual Jobs Fair Draws Hundreds

Jump-starting our economy and helping get our neighbors back to work isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue; it needs to be an American priority. Last Monday, I hosted my third jobs fair at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. With over 50 businesses looking to connect with hundreds of potential employees in attendance I was glad to see so many folks exchanging resumes and business cards.  

I will continue my efforts for pro-growth initiatives and tax reform to help small businesses and our economy. I continue to appreciate hearing from you on my regular telephone town halls, or at my “Congress on Your Corner” events and town hall meetings. 

Check out photos from the event here.