Dear Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe it’s already Friday. With so much happening in St. Paul, the weeks seem to fly by. In today’s update, I wanted to keep you informed about the WDE Hazardous Waste Pit Project in Andover, bills moving through the legislative process, some visits from area residents, and information on a big local event.
WDE Landfill
In committee, we were given an update for the Andover WDE Hazardous Waste Pit Project. More bonding dollars are needed as the contamination is deeper than anticipated. Thankfully, we have monitoring equipment and water pump stations that are protecting our ground water. Thank you to Andover Mayor Julie Trude and City Administrator Jim Dickinson for being there in support of the project.
Important Bills
I had a hearing this week for my bill on automated license plate readers. My legislation would make adjustments to a policy that is only a couple years old based on the first round of required audits on the use of license plate readers. It is important that if law enforcement is going to have these technologies, they have to be transparent about their use.
There was also a hearing in the Education Finance Committee regarding school safety. As a mother, this is such an important issue to me. We took significant steps last year to improve school safety around the state, and this topic has rightly again come to the forefront of our discussions. Keeping our kids safe in their classrooms is a top priority, and I expect we’ll see these proposals continue to move forward.
Rep. Abigail Whelan and I met with Sheriff Jim Stuart, Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent David Law, Commander Lenzmeier, and Anoka-Hennepin staff to get their input on school safety measures. Listening to those with the first-hand experience on this topic helps to shed light on possible improvements we can make in schools.
Opioid Epidemic
Most of us know someone who’s struggled with opioid abuse or addiction. It’s a tragic story that’s all too familiar for many Minnesota families. In the legislature, we’re taking steps to curb this epidemic to try and save lives. Over the past couple years, we’ve passed important provisions like providing first responders with life-saving Naloxone, opioid abuse prevention grants, and placing prescribing quantity limits on acute dental and ophthalmic pain. We’re looking at other proposals this year, and I expect we’ll pass more legislation to turn the tide on opioid addiction.
Local Visits
Thanks to everyone from our area who visited me at the Capitol this week. I had guests for Library Legislative Day as well as Landscaper’s Day. I also had the pleasure of meeting with Coon Rapids Mayor Jerry Koch and other staff members from Coon Rapids and Andover on North Metro Mayors Association (NMMA) day on the hill. It was important to hear their priorities for their cities, and how the state can help in reaching those goals.
Upcoming Event
Tomorrow is the North Suburban Home Improvement Show at the Andover YMCA Community Center. This awesome event is from 8:00am until 2:00pm. You can click here for more information.
Please Contact Me
As always, I’m interested in your feedback. Please feel free to contact me by email at rep.peggy.scott@house.mn or contact my office at 651-296-4231. You can also send me mail to my office address: 437 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155. I hope to hear from you!
Have a great weekend,
Peggy