Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ami Wazlawik (DFL)

Back to profile

Legislative Update - November 1, 2019

Friday, November 1, 2019

Rep. Wazlawik

Dear neighbors,

I exercised my right to vote, and I hope you do too! There are important items on the ballot no matter where you live in our district, including school bond referendums, school board races, and a special election for Ramsey County Commissioner. 

Please check the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder for information and answers to common questions. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, but early voting is available now. If you’re not registered to vote, you can do so at your polling place or online at the Secretary of State’s website.

Water Gremlin Update

On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Labor and Industry ordered Water Gremlin to immediately cease operations due to evidence that unsafe working conditions at the company’s plant in White Bear Township caused lead poisoning in workers’ children. Once again, Water Gremlin has jeopardized the health of our community. Putting Minnesotans at risk and refusing to take accountability is unacceptable. I continue to work with community members and other elected officials to address Water Gremlin’s numerous violations and to protect Minnesotans from exposure to dangerous chemicals.

You can read my full statement about these new developments here. More information about the shutdown is available here.

Ramsey County has created a new webpage with information and resources for Water Gremlin employees. Blood tests, employment assistance, and other free services are available for workers and their families. Translation assistance is also available for those who need it.

Visit to Lake Elmo Elementary

On Wednesday, I visited Lake Elmo Elementary to learn more about the impact of Minnesota Reading Corps and Math Corps. As a proud Reading Corps alum, I’m thrilled that several local school districts are partnering with these programs! I enjoyed speaking with tutors and others about their experiences.

Wazlawik 11.1 (1)

Wazlawik 11.1 (2)

Tutors are still needed in Hugo and White Bear Lake. If you’d like to make a difference in local students’ lives, please consider applying. More information about Reading Corps and Math Corps is available at readingandmath.net.

Make Your Voice Heard

TCE Town Hall

Dozens of community members joined me and other elected officials to discuss TCE-related issues at a town hall on October 26. Many thanks to everyone who shared their stories, questions, and feedback!

Wazlawik 11.1 (3)

During the forum, we discussed how to protect our community and others from exposure to TCE and other dangerous chemicals. I provided an update on my efforts to get bipartisan support for a statewide ban on TCE and additional legislation that I’ve been working on with community members and colleagues.

House High School Page Program

The House High School Page Program is a great opportunity for young Minnesotans to see state government in action! High school students can spend a week at the Capitol and participate in a wide variety of activities, including:

  • Individual meetings with state representatives
  • A mock committee hearing designed to develop leadership skills and inspire students to think critically about issues confronting our state
  • Assisting members and staff during House floor sessions
  • Meetings with constitutional officers, judges and court officers, lobbyists, and members of the media

If you know a junior who’s interested in state government, please encourage them to apply before the November 21 deadline. More information about the House High School Page Program is available here.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and let me know if I can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Ami Wazlawik
State Representative