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State Representative Gene Pelowski Jr.
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8637
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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PELOWSKI RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN JOURNALISM AWARD
1st Legislator in History to Receive Highest Honor
ST. PAUL – State Representative Gene Pelowski, Winona, received a historic honor this week, becoming the first Legislator in Minnesota history to receive the Distinguished Service to Journalism Award from the Minnesota Newspaper Association. Pelowski received the prestigious award, which is not given out every year, at the 142nd Annual Minnesota Newspaper Association’s convention in Bloomington, Minnesota on January 29th. Pelowski received the award for his significant contribution during the 2008 legislative session to promote the freedom of press, freedom of speech, open meetings and freedom of information.
“As a legislator and public servant I have always strived to strengthen and preserve the freedom of the press and speech," said Pelowski. “It’s a great honor to receive an award for the advancement of some of the guiding principles of our country and state.”
Pelowski authored an amendment, which became known as the “Pelowski Amendment,” during the 2008 session to maintain a 6 week period for foreclosure notices in newspapers. After authoring the amendment, Pelowski worked to secure broad bipartisan support for the measure, which is benefitting homeowners throughout the state. In addition, Pelowski authored and helped pass the data privacy bill, closing a loophole that allowed publicly elected bodies to meet behind closed doors. Pelowski’s bill which is now law requires all public bodies to record any meetings to guarantee the public’s right to know. As Chair of the House State Government Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections Committee, Pelowski has also led efforts to reform the “business of lawmaking” at the Capitol to improve transparency and efficiency at the State Legislature.
“A cornerstone of our democracy rests on the public’s freedom to obtain information about the actions of our elected officials,” said Pelowski. “A well-run government must be transparent and this bill makes it clear that local governments open their doors to the public."
Pelowski continues to Chair the State Government Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections Committee in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
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News Items
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI: MINNESOTA STATUTE 12A IMPROVES STATE DISASTER RECOVERY PROCESS AND DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE - (Posted: 2012-08-24 00:00:00)
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI AND SEN. JEREMY MILLER SUPPORT TWO-BRIDGE PROPOSAL - (Posted: 2012-08-23 00:00:00)
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI: STATE DISASTER RECOVERY PACKAGE SHOULD FOLLOW PROCESS OUTLINED IN 12A AND INCLUDE PUBLIC INPUT - (Posted: 2012-08-16 00:00:00)
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