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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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GOVERNOR SIGNS LOCAL LEGISLATOR'S PROPOSALS INTO LAW
ST. PAUL Two bills authored by freshman legislator, Rep. Kim Norton (DFL Rochester), have been signed into law by Governor Tim Pawlenty. Amid a host of high-profile vetoes delivered by the Governor over the last several days, Rep. Norton's proposals met widespread, bipartisan support in the Legislature and achieved the executive nod early this week.
The first bill enacts a new state building code for radon mitigation in all newly constructed homes to protect residents from the deadly affects of radon an odorless gas and known carcinogen responsible for 15% of all lung cancer. Minnesota, a state with the highest radon levels in the country, is the first state to adopt the building code. The second bill makes it easier for Essential Care Providers (ECPs) health care providers who care for high-risk, underserved individuals with special needs by eliminating the time limit for applications to obtain an ECP designation.
"I am very pleased that these proposals have now become law," said Rep. Norton. "I came to the Legislature to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Governor in the effort to enact effective and responsible public policy capable of improving our state. These bills do just that."
Rep. Norton attributes much of the credit for the radon bill to a constituent who she met while door knocking in 2004. The resident told Norton that he had new home tested for radon. He was distressed to find high levels of radon in his home. More than that, he was shocked to find that the construction methods necessary to protect his home and family from the harmful effects of radon, would now cost between $2,000 and $4,000 to install, when it would have cost less than $500 if it had been installed when the home was built.
"When constituents contact me with their concerns and suggestions for legislation, I listen," said Norton. "The fact that this bill has made it through the legislative process and has now been signed into law, shows that one person contacting their legislator can really make a difference."
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- Its Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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