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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sandra Masin (DFL)

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Legislative Update - November 20, 2019

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Rep. Masin

Dear Neighbors, 

I hope you’re staying warm as winter approaches. Unfortunately, for many Minnesotans colder weather means struggling to afford heating bills. Families facing these challenges shouldn’t be stuck in the cold. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule, which went into effect last month, helps protect people from having their heat shut off during the coldest months of the year.

You can read more about the Cold Weather Rule here. Please share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors and remember to watch out for one another this winter.


Veterans Day

I hope everyone was able to take a moment last week to honor those who have served our country. However, it’s not enough to simply thank veterans once a year. We owe it to them to build strong, supportive communities that provide service members with opportunities to succeed and thrive throughout the year.

This year, the Legislature delivered full funding for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Military Affairs. Veterans Service Organizations, Honor Guards, the Gold Star Program, and the Minnesota GI Bill received funding as well. We also expanded a program that addresses veteran homelessness, provided support for the Helmets to Hardhats program that connects veterans with building and construction apprenticeships, and funded Veterans’ Voices, an initiative that preserves veterans’ stories and experiences.


Preventing Youth Tobacco Use

Earlier this month my House DFL colleagues introduced a new, comprehensive plan to prevent youth tobacco use. The number of young Minnesotans using tobacco has skyrocketed thanks to the popularity of e-cigarettes. However, many people are unaware of the health risks associated with e-cigarettes despite the vaping-related injuries that have been reported in Minnesota and across the nation.

Masin 11.20

Tobacco companies have successfully used predatory marketing, misinformation, and child-friendly flavors to attract kids and young adults. Our plan addresses these tactics by banning flavored products and launching a statewide education campaign to inform Minnesotans about the risks of using e-cigarettes. It also raises the tobacco sales age to 21 and reduces youth access to e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and tobacco products. More information about the plan is available here.


Apply to Serve on a Board or Commission

The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office has just released an application list for various committees and task forces. Residents can apply to serve on groups that work on a wide variety of issues. I encourage anyone who is interested in being more involved and building a better Minnesota to apply. It’s a great way to serve our community and our state!

A list of open positions is available here.


In the Community

I recently attended a program to discuss youth experiencing homelessness in Dakota County and what residents can do to help. There is a shortage of shelters in our area, especially for our youth. Heading Home Dakota is working on a host program that would provide safe, temporary shelter for young adults in our community. Host Homes would provide young people experiencing homelessness with food and a furnished bedroom while they work on goals and securing housing. The length of time might vary, but it typically would be short-term.

If you’re interested in becoming a Host Home or volunteering to support them in various ways, please contact Rebecca Bowers at Rebecca.Bowers@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-554-6029.


Earlier this month, I attended a celebration hosted by the Eagan Foundation. Jerri Neddermeyer received the organization’s 2019 Extraordinary Board Member Award. Jerri is incredibly active in the art world and truly deserving of such recognition. We are fortunate to have her in our community.


I visited the Family Justice Center in Minneapolis last week. My main objective was to see how the custody process is working. I obtained information on the Family Court Services and viewed several court hearings. I also talked to several judges, court staff, and others involved in the process.


Our community is mourning the loss of Patric Vitek, an Eagan seventh grader who was struck by a car and killed while riding his bike to school. My thoughts are with the Vitek family and those who knew and loved Patric.

Everyone should be able to walk or bike to school, work, and other places safely, but it’s particularly important to make sure that students are protected. As we search for ways to improve road safety in our community and throughout the state, please remember to drive carefully. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in school zones, and slow down and exercise caution around school buses. If you’ll be walking or biking in the dark, consider wearing light colors or reflective clothing.

We’re just three months away from the 2020 legislative session. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our work here at the Legislature is a collaborative process, and I appreciate your input!

Sincerely,

Sandra Masin
State Representative

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