Dear neighbors,
I hope you and your loved ones stayed safe and warm this week! Here’s an update on what’s been going on at the Capitol.
TCE Emissions in White Bear Township
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Department of Health announced yesterday that they are investigating possible exposure to an industrial solvent in our community. A manufacturing plant in White Bear Township has been emitting too much trichloroethylene (TCE) for an unknown amount of time. The part of the facility that was emitting the TCE is currently shutdown, and the public is not being exposed at this time.
For more details and resources, please see my email from yesterday. This is a stressful time for our community, but I will continue to update you as I receive more information. I also encourage you to attend the public information meeting next week.
When: Thursday, February 7 from 6:30 to 9pm
Where: Central Middle School, 4857 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Gender-Based Violence Prevention
It was Gender-Based Violence Prevention week here at the legislature. I’m honored to be a co-author on several proposals to reduce sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence. H.F. 15 would repeal the voluntary relationship defense for perpetrators. If it is enacted, “marital rape” cases would be taken much more seriously in court. I am also supporting H.F. 70, which would create a Task Force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and H.F. 327, which requires law enforcement to develop and improve policies for handling sexual assault investigations. It’s important that we support survivors as they seek healing and pursue justice.
Century College Tour and Bill
I visited Century College in White Bear Lake last week. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their innovative student programs. I’m a co-author of legislation that would grant Century College the funds to develop an advanced digital technology center for orthotics and prosthetics. H.F. 537 would provide new and exciting workforce training and education for our local students.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Ami Wazlawik