Rep. Jeff Howe, R-Rockville, center, receives a commemorative ax from the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters recently at Jax Cafe in Minneapolis. The ax is in recognition for legislation Howe led to passage last year which bans four flame-retardant chemicals that are carcinogenic but have been used in upholstered furniture and children's products. It is the strongest such law in the nation. Chris Parsons, president of the MPFF, said the organization reserves presenting axes for special occasions marking outstanding service – and that only two other current legislators have received them. Pictured above, left to right, are Thomas Clark and Parsons of the MPFF, Howe, and Brian Rice and Kirk Pederson, who advocated for Howe's legislation.
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