Dear Neighbors,
I am excited to share with you some of the news and events that took place in St. Paul last week.
2015 March for Life
The 2015 March for Life took place yesterday on the steps of the State Capitol. It is always humbling to be able to join fellow citizens as we peacefully protest our nation’s abortion laws. I was pleased to see so many familiar faces and to meet with constituents who traveled all the way to St. Paul for the day.
Governor’s Task Force on Child Protection
The Governor’s Task Force on Child Protection unveiled its initial recommendations for reforming our state’s child protections systems in a press conference that was held on Wednesday morning. The governor’s task force was assembled following the case of Eric Dean, a four-year old Starbuck resident who was tragically murdered by his step-mother after repeated reports of child abuse were not acted upon. House File 191 would help county workers and law enforcement officials more effectively respond to cases of alleged child abuse and make sure that the safety of the child is the number priority when cases of abuse are reported. The bill will also help to foster communication between all parties included in the child protection process. Additionally, it will ensure that records of alleged child abuse are kept on file for up to five years.
I am glad that the Governor and the task force are taking these important first steps in strengthening and bringing much needed reform to our child protection laws and procedures. This bill is just a starting point and I am looking forward to the work ahead of us in addressing this important issue.
Legislative Energy Commission
I am honored to once again be appointed to serve on the Legislative Energy Commission. This commission evaluates the energy policies of the state and assesses there impact on the future of the environment and the economy. The commission also monitors the state’s progress in achieving goals to develop renewable sources of energy and reviews and recommends proposed energy legislation and hears public testimony.
Staying in Touch
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I welcome the opportunity to speak with about your ideas on how we can make state government work better. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-5374 or via email at rep.chris.swedzinski@house.mn.
Thank you for the honor to serve,
Chris