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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL)

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Legislative Update - March 13, 2018

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe we’re only three weeks into the Legislative Session. Here are a few things I wanted to update you on from this last week:

Tobacco 21

On Thursday, I joined a bipartisan group of legislators and health advocates to announce a new bill to raise the purchase age of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes to age 21. Several cities in Minnesota have raised the age to purchase tobacco and it simply makes sense to take this effort statewide. Raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 will save lives. Nearly 95% of adult smokers started smoking by the age of 21. Research shows that by raising the age to 21, smoking rates among teens aged 15-17 are reduced by 25%.

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Eagan High at the New Vikings Facility

Last week the Minnesota Viking moved into their new Eagan headquarters. The first plays on the field were run by our very own Eagan Wildcats. In addition to being the new home of the Vikings, the facility is built to host community events, and high schools and college sports.

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(Photo Credit: MN Vikings)

You can see a nice video and read a story on the Vikings’ website.

Dakota County’s SMART Center

Dakota County is leading a request for bonding dollars to build a new Safety and Mental Health Alternative Response Training (SMART) Center for law enforcement. This training center would help law enforcement and our first responders better deal with the increasing number of crisis calls they’re seeing these days. Mental health, substance abuse, and other issues lead to high risk interactions that require critical training to ensure everyone is safe.

The proposed center would train law enforcement and first responders from dozens of agencies from all over the state. This will be a hub for mental health professionals, crisis intervention experts and law enforcement to all work together to make their jobs safer and Minnesotans safer. More info can be found at the Dakota County’s SMART Center website.

Constituents at the Capitol

It’s been a busy couple weeks. Last week saw hundreds of students from local schools demonstrating to end gun violence and Thursday was International Women’s Day. This is the time of year when citizens are making visits to the Capitol to advocate for specific bills or join organizations for their “Day on the Hill.” I’ve recently met with fellow Eagan residents at the Capitol including: CPA’s who shared information about the new federal tax law, MN History Day Constituents who were calling for the preservation of Fort Snelling and other historic sites, dentists who want to expand access for Medical Assistance, parents and many others. Keep coming to visit your House.

International Women’s Day

Thousands of people filled the halls of the Capitol to recognize International Women’s Day and to call for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment which states “Equality under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the US or by any state on account of sex.” I joined with advocates in support of the ERA. I’m always in awe watching the power of citizens in democracy.

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Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns or if you’re planning on stopping by.

 

Sincerely,

Laurie