Dear neighbors,
I hope the first weeks of school have gone smoothly. I want to extend my best wishes to all of the students and parents who have recently started a new school year, and my thanks to all of the teachers and staff who work so hard to help our students succeed inside and outside the classroom.
White Bear Lake Area Schools Referendum
More and more people are choosing to live and raise a family in our community, which has led to a rapid increase in the number of students attending local schools. The White Bear Lake Area School District has seen enrollment increase by seven percent since 2010 and expects another 2,000 students to enroll in the next ten years. Our schools must expand and change to meet the needs of our growing community.
On Tuesday, November 5, residents of the White Bear Lake School District will have the opportunity to vote on a bond referendum that would help local schools manage increasing enrollment and prepare for continued growth. If it’s approved, the referendum will help address building needs and maintenance, improve safety and security, and create flexible learning spaces.
A short video about the referendum is available here. If you’d like to learn more, there are a few public meetings coming up on the following dates:
When: Tuesday, September 24 at 7 p.m.
Where: District Center, 4855 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110
When: Wednesday, October 2 at 7 p.m.
Where: Hugo Elementary, 14895 Francesca Ave. N., Hugo, MN 55038
When: Thursday, October 3 at 7 p.m.
Where: Vadnais Heights Elementary, 3645 Centerville Rd., Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
I recently joined young people from our community who were advocating for raising the minimum age to buy tobacco products.
Share Your Input with LCCMR
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), a bipartisan group that makes funding recommendations to the legislature, is seeking input from Minnesotans. The commission is currently working on a strategic plan for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, which is dedicated to preserving Minnesota’s air, water, land, wildlife, and other natural resources. Your feedback will help guide LCCMR members as they develop a six-year plan.
I encourage you to take the short, anonymous survey here and share it with anyone who might be interested in participating. The survey will be open until Monday, October 28.
EQB Citizen Board Opening
The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) currently has an opening for a Citizen Board Member from the Fourth Congressional District. I encourage anyone who’s interested in being more involved in environmental issues to apply. More information is available here.
Water Gremlin Update
For the past several weeks, I’ve been working with fellow elected officials and community members to address ongoing issues with Water Gremlin. I’m committed to keeping residents safe and making sure that the company cleans up the contaminated sites.
During the interim, my House DFL colleagues and I are working to get bipartisan support for the TCE ban that we championed last session. We’re also exploring ways to strengthen regulations that protect the environment and the health of Minnesotans. Taking a closer look at self-reporting, for example, is one of our top priorities. Please stay tuned for updates.
Conservation Minnesota is hosting a town hall about TCE-related legislation next month. I’m looking forward to hearing input from community members as we work towards solutions.
When: Saturday, October 26 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Please feel free to share your thoughts on this issue or others that are important to you.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative