from American Experiment
Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (R-MN7) outlined policy priorities for rural Minnesota at a Thursday evening meeting in Ottertail, MN. About 150 people attended the sold-out event, hosted by the Center of the American Experiment, while about an equal number of protesters picketed outside. Fischbach answered questions put forward by the Center, as well as audience questions.
Farmers at risk if Trump tax cuts expire
The largest congressional district in the state, MN7 contains parts of 38 counties and is one of the most productive in terms of agricultural production. With over 31,000 farms in her district, Fischbach represents more farmers than all but one congressman in the US House. Fischbach began by outlining the importance of keeping the Trump tax cuts and whittling down the $36 trillion deficit to those very farmers and the rural economy they support.
Specifically, Fischbach highlighted the 20% pass-through deduction as well as the fact that President Trump doubled the exemption on the death tax for farmers and small business owners.
Rural health care remains in crisis
The Congresswoman shared that she was given a tour of a nursing home by a worker who had two family members in that same facility.
Fischbach criticized the nurse staffing ratio put in place by the Biden administration that she says will “close doors” of nursing homes. The discussion sharpened to focus on policy solutions that will make a difference in workforce needs.
Telehealth, specifically for mental health services was discussed as a “silver lining” outcome from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing rural broadband was highlighted as “crucial” for continuing the growth of telehealth both to provide better care as well as being a way to attract and retain workforce in greater Minnesota. Fischbach also stressed the need to continue to press for regulatory reform to allow more non-physicians to practice at the top of their license to continue to addressing the critical problem that 90% of rural communities are facing a doctor shortage.
Responding to an audience member’s claim that “$880 billion” was set to be cut from Medicaid, Fischbach challenged the claim stating that no specific cut had been proposed, and that reform, (specifically in the area of fraud and waste) was necessary to save Medicaid.
Tariffs protect jobs
When an audience member questioned tariffs, Fischbach responded by calling the concept of reciprocal tariffs an issue of “fairness” for American workers. This elicited an angry attendee to walk out chanting “No war on Canada!”
The public was invited to participate by purchasing a $10 ticket to the event. The Congresswoman was invited as a guest and was not paid, nor did she or her campaign or office pay to attend.
Many attendees appear to have planned the awkward disruptions in a coordinated way. During the discussion, several attendees stood up and began yelling at the Congresswoman. When asked to refrain from doing so, they left with a collective harrumph from their remaining friends.
Sheriffs were on hand to provide security but did not intervene in any way.
