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Dear neighbors,
Election Day is tomorrow! I hope that you’re planning to exercise your right to vote. There are important items on the ballot, including the bond referendum for White Bear Lake Area Schools. If it’s approved, this referendum will help local schools expand and change to meet the needs of our growing community. More information about it is available here. There’s also school board races and a special election for Ramsey County Commissioner.
You can find out what elections are being held in your area by using the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder. Please take a few minutes to learn what’s on the ballot and make sure you’re registered to vote. If you’re not registered, you can do so at your polling place.
Water Gremlin Update
Last 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 put Minnesotans at risk. Repeatedly jeopardizing the health of our community and refusing to take accountability is unacceptable. I’ll 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 staff 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.
Thanks to everyone who came to a recent town hall dedicated to TCE-related issues! During the forum, I talked about legislation that I’ve been working on with community members and colleagues and invited folks to share their thoughts.
Legislative Mini Session
While the Legislature doesn’t reconvene until February, my colleagues and I are busy preparing and gathering input from Minnesotans. During the interim, one of our priorities is providing opportunities for people to participate in the legislative process, particularly folks who aren’t able to travel to the Capitol. We recently held a three-day mini session in southeastern Minnesota. We heard testimony from Minnesotans, held public committee hearings, and attended informational tours and presentations.
One of our first stops was the Hormel Institute in Austin. I enjoyed learning about the important cancer research that’s being conducted there.
The next day we took a tour of the Upper Mississippi River on the Cal Fremling, which Winona State University uses as a “floating classroom.” River scientists joined us to discuss climate change, invasive species, and other long-term threats to the health of the Mississippi.
We had an opportunity to tour several sites where Legacy funds were used successfully. At Garvin Brook, for example, the funds were used to restore trout habitat and reduce erosion.
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee, which I’m a member of, held a joint public hearing with the Legacy Committee. We talked about pressing environmental issues and invited community members to share their thoughts.
Weaver Elementary Students Visit the Capitol
Students from Weaver Elementary recently paid a visit to the State Capitol! Senator Wiger and I had a great time showing them around.
House High School Page Program
Working with young people from our area is one of my favorite parts of serving in the Legislature. If you know any high school juniors who are interested in state government, please encourage them to apply for the House High School Page Program. It’s a great opportunity for students to see government in action 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
Applications are due by Thursday, November 21. More information is available here.
Please feel free to share your questions and feedback. You can reach me at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn or 651-296-5363.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative
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