Dear Neighbors, We are hard at work here at the Capitol. Here’s an update on recent events. Voting to Support WorkersLast week the Minnesota House passed legislation approving worker contracts for over 39,000 Minnesota state employees, legislation guaranteeing Earned Sick Time for all Minnesota workers, as well as a sweeping package of safety protections for workers at Minnesota warehouses such as Amazon facilities. The House ratified the 2020-21 Minnesota Law Enforcement Association contract and the 2022-23 contracts with AFSCME, MAPE, Middle Management Association, the State Residential Schools Education Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and employees covered under the compensation plans. I was proud to vote for this legislation and support workers in their right to operate in safe environments for benefits consistent with the value they bring to our communities. Supporting ALS Research, Caregiver Supports Last week the House passed investments supporting research for a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS affects approximately 30,000 Americans and every year, about 5,000 new cases are diagnosed. This horrible disease has a 100% fatality rate, and there is no known cure. Sen. David Tomassoni is the author in the Senate and was diagnosed with the condition last year. Senator Tomassoni has dedicated himself to public service and is deciding to use his remaining time in the legislature to push for this cause. I’m proud we could come together on a bipartisan basis to quickly move this initiative through the legislature that will make a positive impact on people’s lives. We are so thankful to Senator Tomassoni for his lifetime of service. House Preventive Health Committee Discusses PFAS Ban On March 16, the House Preventive Health committee heard proposals from Rep. Ami Wazlawik and Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthun to regulate the use of harmful PFAS chemicals. These man-made chemicals can be found in soil and water at waste sites, food packaging, and household products, and are linked to several health issues such as cancer, developmental, and reproductive issues. PFAS contamination is affecting communities and costing taxpayers money. Minnesota has the opportunity to be a leader in preventing further human exposure and environmental contamination by banning the use of PFAS in these products. You can read more about this issue here. You can find a video of the hearing here. Keep in TouchYou can contact me at rep.erin.koegel@house.mn or (651) 296-5369. You can now follow me on Facebook as well! I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Erin Koegel State Representative |