Clean Water Action, an organization founded in 1972 to advance health and environmental protections through issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking, and people power, has named State Representative Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL-Roseville) “Legislator of the Year” for her work in passing the Firefighter and Children Health Protection Act. The initiative bans unnecessary toxic flame retardant chemicals in mattresses and other household products. Becker-Finn received the award at Clean Water Action’s annual event in Minneapolis on Nov. 7.
“It’s a huge honor to be named Legislator of the Year by Clean Water Action. Getting this bill passed and signed in to law would not have been possible without the combined hard work of Clean Water Action staff and the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters. It was truly a team effort and I am proud of what we accomplished together this session. I look forward to continuing to work with Clean Water Action in the future."
Rep. Becker-Finn’s legislation (House File 359) prohibits manufacturing or selling furniture, fabric, and children’s products that contain toxic flame retardant chemicals. It also restricts the use of firefighting foam that contains PFAS, the "forever chemicals" that have contaminated several drinking water sources in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz signed the bill into law on Wednesday, May 22.
