Rep. Dean Phillips (D, MN-03) announced today that Republican Mayor Jeff Lunde (Brooklyn Park) be his guest at the State of the Union in Washington, D.C. on February 4, 2020.

Mayor Lunde was recently honored by The Hill as one of “Six Mayors Making A Difference” in America for his work to unite Brooklyn Park behind the push for a pathway to citizenship for the community’s flourishing Liberian community. Throughout 2019, Phillips and Lunde worked closely together to bridge the partisan divide and protect Liberians on Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). The two officials were part of a bipartisan coalition of local leaders, community activists, and members of Congress that advocated permanent residency solution for the community, an effort ending with an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that provides a pathway to citizenship to Liberian DED holders for the first time, which President Trump signed into law on Dec. 20, 2019.

Phillips and Lunde are also collaborating on ongoing efforts to extend Blue Line light rail and expand access to affordable housing for their constituents in the north metro.

Rep. Dean Phillips:

“For years, Mayor Lunde has represented our community honorably by building trust, inspiring collaboration, and getting results for the people we both have the privilege of serving. Our work together on DED is a clear example of what’s possible when individuals from all levels of government cast aside partisan affiliations, connect with their community, and work together to get things done. With all the division in politics right now, I believe the cooperation in Brooklyn Park sends a powerful message on what we can do together to solve problems and restore the American people’s faith in our government.”

Mayor Jeff Lunde:

“Brooklyn Park has one of the largest Liberian populations in the country. It would have been devastating to separate families and it would have been a huge loss to our community if we did not find a way to secure a pathway to citizenship for DED holders. This past year we worked closely with our federal delegation to come up with a solution and not once did politics get in between doing the right thing for our residents. I am honored to have worked alongside Congressman Dean Phillips and to be his guest to the State of the Union.

While Mayor Lunde identifies as a Republican, the position of mayor in Brooklyn Park is non-partisan by law.

Contact Bryan Doyle (bryan.doyle@mail.house.gov) to inquire about media availability with Rep. Phillips and Mayor Lunde leading up to the State of the Union address.

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