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ISD 281 Legislative Meeting
Yesterday, I joined local school officials, city staff, and legislative colleagues to hear the ISD 281’s 2020 legislative platform. Among topics discussed were addressing the need for mental health support for students, increasing educator workforce diversity to reflect diverse student populations, and delivering greater equity in school funding so we aren’t solely relying on property taxes to pay for the world-class education our students deserve. I’ll continue to advocate for our students, educators, and school staff now and into the future at the Capitol.
Legislative Forum on Disability
I also attended an informative meeting with the Minnesota Council on Disability yesterday. The Council supports policies that strengthen equity and independence principles for Minnesotans with disabilities to live their best lives in the community and workplace. Some of their platforms for 2020 include increased accessibility to parks, county websites, transportation, dental care services, and employment protections. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan addressed the group and voiced their support for the Council’s work. You can learn more about the Minnesota Council on Disability here.
Federal Government Prohibits Sale of Tobacco Products to Anyone Below Age 21
At the end of 2019, the federal government enacted bipartisan legislation marking an important milestone in public health and accountability for Big Tobacco. Anyone under the age of 21 is now prohibited from purchasing tobacco products, including vaping devices. Nineteen states already raised the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21, and more than 500 cities and towns also have done the same (including many here in Minnesota). Although this is a significant step forward, it's still necessary to pass this initiative on the state level to ensure it's enforceable.
In 2019, I voted for legislation that raised Minnesota’s statewide minimum purchase age to 21. In the wake of last fall’s nation-wide vaping crisis, my colleagues and I announced a new comprehensive plan to prevent Big Tobacco from targeting our kids and addicting a new generation to its deadly products. Watch a video replay of our press conference announcing the new plan here.
I’m thankful that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison are working alongside us to hold Big Tobacco accountable. On December 4, they announced a lawsuit against e-cigarette manufacturer JUUL. JUUL developed products with higher, more potent, and more addictive doses of nicotine than conventional cigarettes and other e-cigarettes — then failed to disclose that to its customers and marketed that its products are a safe alternative to cigarettes. Their sleek-looking products and child-friendly flavors like peach and bubblegum were designed to appeal to youth.
Stay in Touch
I’m always available by email or telephone while working for you in St. Paul. My email address is rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn and my phone number is 651-296-5511. Please contact me anytime to let me know how I can be of assistance. Follow me on Facebook for additional updates here.
It’s an honor to represent Plymouth at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Ginny Klevorn
State Representative
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