Today President Obama called on the House to act now to pass bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform, but Congressman Erik Paulsen and House Republicans continue to block the bipartisan, commonsense solution that would grow our economy.

It has been 120 days since the Senate passed a bipartisan, compromise bill that secures our borders, protects American workers, unites families, and provides immigrants an earned pathway to citizenship, yet Congressman Paulsen continues to stand with his Republican leadership in opposition to reasonable solutions.

“Our country cannot afford to kick the immigration can down the road any longer and the only remaining roadblocks to a commonsense, bipartisan fix are Congressman Paulsen and House Republicans,” said Emily Bittner of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Everyone from business to labor to faith leaders has affirmed that comprehensive immigration reform would grow our economy and fix our broken system, and yet Congressman Paulsen and House Republicans continue to stonewall a solution, choosing instead to force Americans to live with a failed immigration system. Just as they proved with their reckless government shutdown, Congressman Paulsen and House Republicans can’t cooperate to solve our problems on immigration – or any issues affecting people’s lives.”

BACKGROUND

House Republican That Participated in Immigration Reform Talks Said Immigration Reform was Dead Because of Republican Government Shutdown. “The bad blood between House Republicans and President Barack Obama has only worsened since the fight over funding the government and paying its debts, and Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-Idaho) said Wednesday that it had doomed any chances for immigration reform. After Labrador said during an event with conservative members that they could no longer trust the president on immigration, HuffPost asked him a simple question: Is it dead? ‘I think it is,’ he replied. ‘For us to go to a negotiation, to the negotiating table with President Obama after what he has done over the last two and a half weeks, I think would be probably a very big mistake.’” [Huffington Post, 10/16/13]

cd3 · Congressman Paulsen · Erik Paulsen · immigration · immigration reform · stonewalling · Third Congressional District

The United States immigration system must be modernized in order to remain globally competitive. We have overlooked the vast impact immigrants make for our country for far too long.

Allowing immigrants a pathway to citizenship just makes sense. For the younger generation of immigrants, the DREAM Act should be included in comprehensive reform legislation. It will allow the thousands of students that graduate from high school, the opportunity to engage within their communities by furthering education or even serving their country.

These individuals are hardworking people who deserve their basic rights. Reform will improve the lives of millions while strengthening the United States economy at the same time.

I encourage Congressman Erik Paulsen to take action to create a fair and effective immigration policy as soon as the fiscal matters are resolved.

William Sexton
Edina
Edina Sun, October 2, 2013

cd3 · Congressman Paulsen · Erik Paulsen · immigration · Third Congressional District

Community leaders to discuss what reform means for small businesses and public services

Dane Smith

On Wednesday, August 21 at 9 a.m., community leaders will gather outside Congressman Eric Paulsen’s Eden Prairie office to release a new report produced by the Center for American Progress and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) showing how comprehensive immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship benefits Minnesota residents. They will call on Congressman Paulsen to endorse reform and work for its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Eliot Seide

The report examined the economic impact of comprehensive immigration reform in Minnesota and calculated changes in some of the state’s key economic indicators, such as residents’ income, job growth, and gross domestic product. It predicts that granting citizenship to the state’s undocumented workers will grow their incomes and increase the number of immigrants starting small businesses. This will result in a substantial expansion of economic activity, job growth, and tax revenue for Minnesota.

Asad Aliweyd

AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director Eliot Seide will present the findings of the report. He will be joined by Asad Aliweyd of the New American Academy and Dane Smith of Growth and Justice to urge Congressman Paulsen to support comprehensive immigration reform that includes a roadmap to citizenship – such as S.744, which the U.S. Senate passed on June 28 with strong bi-partisan support.

WHERE:  Outside Congressman Eric Paulsen’s office, 250 Prairie Center Drive, Suite 230, Eden Prairie, MN

cd3 · immigration · Paulsen · Third Congressional District

Dear Friends,

Last night, Governor Dayton addressed a joint convention of the House and Senate to outline his vision for Minnesota.  He spoke of his budget proposals to structurally balance the budget without borrowing or gimmicks, invest in education, and make our state more prosperous.

I am encouraged by the governor’s proposals to strengthen schools, create jobs, promote small business growth and make Minnesota more economically competitive.  There will be much debate in the coming weeks over which proposals will become state law.

We are currently awaiting the February budget forecast at the end of the month.  The forecast will give insight into our state’s financial situation and let us know how large the currently projected $1.1 billion deficit is.  After the forecast, lawmakers will have a much better idea of what needs to be done to balance the budget and move our state forward in a responsible and balanced way.

In addition to the structural deficit, the previous legislature borrowed $2.2 billion from Minnesota schools to balance the budget.  I have authored a bill, H.F. 1, to pay down this debt by making a $550 million down payment.  Good schools are essential for our state to thrive and paying back this money is very important.  I am hopeful that this bill will become law this session and will keep you updated as to its progress.

Town Hall Meeting

I will be hosting a town hall style budget listening session to let our community know what’s been going on at the Capitol.  Please join us Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Glen Lake Activity Center, 14350 Excelsior Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN.  I hope to see you there as we discuss the budget proposals as well as initiatives to better our community.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend with questions, comments or just to listen in!

It is a privilege to serve our community at the Capitol.  Please contact me anytime with your input by phone at 651-297-9001 or by email at . I look forward to hearing from you.

budget deficit · education · immigration · job growth · Rep. Selcer · small business growth · Yvonne Selcer