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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL)

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Legislative Update - September 17, 2019

Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Dear Neighbors,
 
Our community is still feeling the shock and heartbreak from the Adas Israel Congregation synagogue fire. This is a tragic loss for our community, and the healing will certainly take a great deal of time. We’re all grateful for the quick work of the Duluth Fire Department, and are relieved no one was seriously hurt.
 
It’s become apparent that the fire was set intentionally. A suspect has been arrested, but law enforcement hasn’t indicated a motive. Our faith community in Duluth has a great deal of angst, with fires at three places of worship on Third Street over four years. Regardless of background or tradition, Duluth’s faith community has proven they are resilient and supportive of one another. As the Jewish High Holy Days approach, I’m confident our community will continue to provide support, warmth, and love following this unthinkable situation.
 
Here is an update from the State Capitol.
 

Capital Investment Committee Visits Duluth

 
Today, the House Capital Investment Committee will visit Duluth to tour proposed infrastructure improvements first-hand. Protecting our public assets helps us continue creating opportunities for residents, students, businesses, and workers. The committee will tour sites including UMD, Lake Superior College, WLSSD, the Lake Superior Zoo, the Duluth Seawall, Lakewalk and Canal Park. Next session, I’m hopeful the Legislature will come together to pass a strong bonding bill to invest in many priorities like these to ensure the economic vitality of our region and create jobs.
 

Great Lakes Legislative Caucus
 

Last week I attended a meeting of the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus in Chicago. We discussed a variety of important issues such as addressing lead in drinking water, nutrient pollution, risks to the fishing industry, invasive species, and the economic benefits of restoring the Great Lakes. I introduced two resolutions: one calling for increased research efforts concerning microplastics in our water, and one urging research of the impact of stocking non-native fish in the Great Lakes.
 
We rely on Lake Superior, the Great Lakes, and the St. Lawrence Seaway for drinking water, recreation, tourism, and worldwide commerce at the Port of Duluth-Superior which helps allow our region to thrive. Efforts like these and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative are necessary to protect these vital natural resources. Governor Tim Walz proclaimed Friday, September 7 to be “Great Lakes Day” in the state of Minnesota, which gave us an opportunity to recognize the importance of the Great Lakes to people, nature, habitat, and industry.
 

Be Heard on Cannabis

At the Minnesota State Fair, Rep. Ryan Winkler, House Majority Leader, launched a statewide effort to gather input from Minnesotans on the topic of cannabis legalization. Clearly, this is an issue which Minnesotans feel strongly about, but attitudes are changing rapidly. Saturday in Duluth, we will have a community conversation to discuss a potential legalization framework in Minnesota. Lawmakers will be joined by Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell. Everyone is invited to the nonpartisan event, and I hope you can join us to share your input. Feel free to RSVP on Facebook here.
 
What: "Be Heard on Cannabis" Community Conversation
When: Saturday, September 21, 11:00 AM
Where: Teatro in the Zeitgeist Arts building, 222 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802
Who: Hosted by Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, Assistant Senate Minority Leader Jeff Hayden, Rep. Jen Schultz, Rep. Liz Olson, and special guest, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections Paul Schnell
 

Catalyst

 
This October, Duluth welcomes the Catalyst Festival, a showcase of independently-produced content. I’m hopeful this event will help solidify our community as a worldwide arts destination.
 
Formerly titled the ITV Festival which was previously held in Vermont and Los Angeles, the festival will showcase television shows, other visual media, and podcasts. Executives, producers, and distributors from across the globe will descend upon Duluth, giving content creators the opportunity to not just showcase their product to live audiences, but to pitch it to those who have the capacity to lift it to a larger stage. It will also lay the groundwork to potentially grow Minnesota as a destination for film and TV production. For more information, including a schedule and to purchase tickets, visit catalystcontent.org.
 
Please continue to contact me with any feedback, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jen Schultz
State Representative
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