Dear Neighbors,
After driving along the snowy, windy highways back to Albert Lea last night, I wanted to remind you to be safe! There can be so little visibility outside our towns that it can be very dangerous. It seems like a good weekend to stay inside and catch up on some indoor activities!
Firefighter Safety
As I wrote last week, I’m authoring a bill to create a registry for firefighters with cancer. This has been months in the making, and I’m honored to work with some of our local firefighters in Albert Lea on this legislation. Firefighters have a much higher risk of cancer compared to other professions, and we need to be able to gather more information on this so we can look for solutions. I sat down with local firefighters and the Albert Lea Tribune to discuss this important bill. If you want to read the story, please click here.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month. In honor of the many African-Americans who have contributed to this great country and state, various members in the House have been highlighting influential black Americans each time we are on the floor. I rose on Thursday to speak about John Francis Wheaton, the first African-American to serve in the Minnesota legislature. John Wheaton twice represented Minnesota Republicans at the Republican National Convention in the 1890s and then went on to be elected to the legislature in 1898. He was especially known as a gifted orator and for his work spearheading the expansion of civil rights in Minnesota. I wish I could have met this amazing man! I just posted my speech on my Facebook page if you want to watch.
Correction
In last week's update, I incorrectly stated that last year’s bonding bill was vetoed by Governor Dayton. This was incorrect and was an honest mix-up with the tax bill which was vetoed. I apologize to the governor and to you for the mistake, as I always want to present accurate information!
Weekly Visitors
We’re still in my favorite part of session where my day is filled with meeting residents from our area coming to the Capitol to visit. It was great to see some Albert Lea FFA students in St. Paul, and listening to what they’re working on this year. Thanks for stopping by!
I also had a meeting with a large group from Albert Lea to discuss clean water initiatives.
As always, please contact me with any questions or ideas; I’d love to hear from you.
Have a safe, enjoyable weekend!
Peggy