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PRESS RELEASE: Rep. John Lesch Recognized as a ‘Friend of Minnesota Newspaper’

Monday, February 2, 2015

ST. PAUL – The 148th annual convention of the Minnesota Newspaper Association concluded Friday in Bloomington, MN.  Each year, awards are bestowed by the association on notable figures who have provided exceptional service to journalism and have been friends of the profession.  This year Rep. John Lesch (DFL-St. Paul) was recognized by the MNA as a “Friend of Minnesota Newspaper” for his long track record of being an advocate for government transparency and personal privacy.

“I’m honored to receive this award,” said Rep. Lesch. “I have great respect for the journalism professionals in Minnesota who are telling the people’s story.  I’ve always been a strong advocate for government that is accountable to the people, and the only way that’s possible is by having a strong, thriving, independent journalism profession that encourages newspaper writing and readership.”

Rep. John Lesch served as the Chair of the House Civil Law Committee from 2013-2014, where he conducted hearings on government data collection, license plate readers, transparency, and individual privacy.  He currently serves as the DFL lead on the House Civil Law & Data Practices Committee and also on the Legislative Data Privacy Commission.  For several years he has also authored landmark legislation requiring Minnesota health plans to provide full disclosure of how taxpayer dollars are spent and accounted for.

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