Dear neighbors,

The 2020 legislative session is less than a month away! I’m working hard on a number of issues, including banning TCE statewide, strengthening regulations that prevent public health disasters, improving our community’s infrastructure, investing in our youngest Minnesotans, and supporting family child care providers. Please let me know what issues are important to you and your loved ones.

Water Gremlin Set to Resume Operations

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced on Friday that Water Gremlin has been cleared to resume coating operations if they meet certain conditions. The agency described these conditions in an administrative order, which you can read here. The conditions include gradually restarting operations in seven phases, collecting air and soil samples after each phase, paying an outside firm to conduct air monitoring every three days, and limiting yearly emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). I will continue monitoring this situation closely.

As I mentioned in my last email, my colleagues and I recently asked Minnesota's Legislative Auditor to provide an update on the Special Investigation on Water Gremlin. In his response, Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles stated that the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) is considering two approaches to the evaluation. OLA staff have begun reviewing preliminary documents and expect to receive additional materials this month. 

Join the Climate Action Caucus 

More than 100 people joined me and the rest of the Climate Action Caucus at a recent event! We had a great conversation about how climate change is impacting Minnesota’s environment and what we can do about it. I’m looking forward to using all the ideas and insight from these events when the Legislature reconvenes in February.

Our next community conversation will focus on how climate-related issues are impacting our state colleges and universities. You can find more details and RSVP here. Please feel free to tell others who may be interested in joining us. 

Make Your Voice Heard 

Work for the Census 

Getting a full and accurate count in the 2020 Census is extremely important! Census data will be used to determine how much federal funding Minnesota receives for school lunches, transportation, Medicare, and other crucial services. It’s also used to reapportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Minnesota currently has eight congressional seats, but we’re right on the bubble of losing one. Every person counted will make a difference! 

The Census is looking for Minnesotans to serve as Field Representatives. Census positions are temporary, but they’re very important for our communities and our state and they pay well. More information about working for the Census is available here. Please pass it on to anyone who may be interested. 

Best wishes for a safe and warm week!

Sincerely, 

Ami Wazlawik 
State Representative