Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe we are already in the second half of March! This week, the House took important steps to advance a slate of protections for children and workers in the state.
Protecting our Children
This week, the House Commerce Committee held a hearing on a bill to stop social media companies from using algorithms to target content to children. We saw a strong showing of bipartisanship as the GOP and the DFL stood united behind an effort to protect our kids from the worst abuses of big tech.
We heard from an expert witness who talked about the terrible impact social media is having on young people's mental health, including dramatic rises in eating disorders, and how this is amplified by the algorithms these companies use to target our kids. The bill passed by an overwhelming 15-1 vote.
As Chairman of this Committee, I scheduled this bill for a hearing because I am deeply concerned about the impact social media is having on our kids. I’m committed to working with both sides of the aisle to ensure our children are protected. Every child deserves a safe childhood.
You can view the hearing on the House DFL Youtube Channel.
Hometown Heroes Assistance
Minnesota has previously ranked 45th out of 50 states when it comes to investing in the fire service. Our firefighters face alarmingly high incidences of cancer, cardiac issues, and emotional trauma, and it is our responsibility to invest in our local heroes. My own Great Uncle was a Saint Paul firefighter who died of cancer.
Last year, lawmakers enacted the first of its kind Hometown Heroes bill, providing firefighters access to education, prevention, and care to address cardiac conditions, emotional trauma, or cancer diagnoses. I was proud to co-author that bill, and it was a top priority of mine to see it passed.
Last week, the House passed a bill to update the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, providing firefighters with free access to emotional trauma resources, up-to-$20,000 from critical illness insurance policies, and ongoing health and wellness training. I co-authored this legislation as well and was very happy to see it pass the House floor.
My Legislative Survey
What do you think the legislature should do with the $9.25 billion budget surplus? Should adult-use cannabis be legalized? Should we implement a gas tax holiday this summer? I will be mailing out a version of my legislative survey which you can fill out and send back to me. If you would prefer a digital copy, click here. Hearing from you helps me do my job better!
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-Witthuhn to regulate use of the 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.
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 Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn or 651-296-5513.
It’s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Champlin families in St. Paul.
Sincerely,
Rep. Zack Stephenson
Minnesota House of Representatives | District 36A