Dear neighbors,
I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the first weeks of summer!
New Laws Take Effect on July 1
Several laws will take effect next week, including legislation I authored to support retired racehorses and nonprofit organizations that care for them, such as This Old Horse: Phoenix Farm in 38B. Under this new law, excess revenue from the Breeders’ Fund – which is primarily funded by sports wagering – can be used to provide food, veterinary care, training, and more to retired racehorses.
Other new laws will:
- Provide funding for ALS research and support families who are caring for an individual with ALS
- Fund more than 100 projects that will help protect our environment
- Establish a new office to improve the health, safety, and welfare of Minnesotans in foster care
- Strengthen the state’s Fraud Bureau and give it the authority to investigate more financial crimes, including wage theft
- Limit the use of screens in preschool and kindergarten classrooms
You can find more information about new laws here.
COVID Vaccines Available for Young Children
On Saturday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved two COVID-19 vaccines for children who are six months old or older. Both vaccines were carefully studied and help protect children from severe disease, hospitalization, and death. They’re administered in smaller doses and packaged differently than vaccines that are available for older children and adults.
More than 300 providers in Minnesota are offering vaccines to children between six months and five years of age, including pediatricians, pharmacies, community clinics, and more. Parents and guardians can use the Vaccine Locator Map to find local providers. More information about COVID vaccines for children is available at mn.gov/vaxforkids.
MPCA Meeting about Water Gremlin’s Air Emissions Permit
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is holding an informational meeting to discuss a proposed amendment to Water Gremlin’s air emissions permit. The meeting will take place on Thursday, July 28 at Century College’s East Campus. It will start at 6:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Mall, where MPCA staff will be available for one-on-one conversations with community members. At 7:00 p.m., the MPCA will give a presentation on the proposed amendment in Room E2315. This will be followed by Q&A. The meeting will be recorded for those who aren’t able to attend in person.
If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, you can reach me at rep.ami.wazlawik@house.mn or call (651) 296-3018.
Sincerely,
Ami Wazlawik
State Representative