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Neighbors,
At the start of the seventh week of session, I begin my update with a very important announcement. The Minnesota Department of Health is urging employees of the Federal Ammunition plant in Anoka to have their children tested for lead exposure after MDH, Anoka County and St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health identified four children with elevated blood lead levels due to exposure to lead dust that was brought home accidentally on the clothing and personal items of family members who work at the plant.
Workers are encouraged to connect with their primary health care provider to ensure all children up to age 17 and pregnant household members receive a blood lead test. Workers at the plant may also wish to be tested if they have not received occupational blood lead testing through their employer. In addition, free blood lead testing is available at the following dates and locations:
▪ Saturday, Feb. 11 and 25, 2023, 11 a.m. -4 p.m.- the Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 Kellogg Blvd W, Saint Paul, MN 55102
▪ Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.- Andover Community Center, Door 1 (West Side), Community Room A, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, which I chair, heard several bills last week related to expanding or modifying various proposals for disabled veterans and their spouses. These measures will be considered for possible inclusion in the Veterans budget bill.
You can watch the proceedings on the Minnesota House YouTube channel and follow along on the committee page here.
On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate confirmed Larry Herke for a second term as the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Commissioner Herke has been serving in the position since 2019, when he was first appointed by Gov. Walz. You can read more here. Congratulations, Commissioner Herke!
In the Climate and Energy Finance & Policy Committee last week, I presented HF826, a bill to mandate all work done on projects using Renewable Development Account funds be performed at the prevailing wage. This bill had input and support from organized labor and ensures workers are not being exploited and paid less than they rightfully deserve.
On Thursday evening, I voted ‘yes’ on House File 5, which guarantees breakfast and lunch to Minnesota’s students, reducing costs for families.
As a part of the federal government’s response to the pandemic, the USDA provided free meals to all students, regardless of income, through the end of the 2021-2022 school year. While federal support did not continue into the current school year, several states, including California, Nevada, Vermont, and Massachusetts have continued funding free meals for all their students out of their state budgets.
Food insecurity can lead to increased school absences, lower reading, and math test scores, and increased erratic behavior. We should do everything we can to make sure our students are fed and ready to learn during the day. This was a step in the right direction.
Thursday, the Minnesota House also passed HF213 which provides funds to food shelves to purchase, transport, and coordinate the distribution of nutritious food to needy individuals and families.
Last week, I had visitors from the Veterans for Peace organization.
Duluth and St. Louis County officials also stopped in during their annual ‘Day at the Capitol.’
You are invited to join Rep. Zack Stephenson and me for a Zoom Town Hall on Tuesday, February 28 to discuss the legislative session. We look forward to your questions and will send more information closer to the event on how you can participate.
It’s easy to stay in touch which the State Capitol activities. The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website.
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can find my information on my House website. Also, make sure to ‘like’ my Facebook page.
It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Jerry Newton
State Representative
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