Rep. Kim Norton: District 29B Newsletter
08/07/2007
Dear Neighbors,
The tragic events that transpired on the I35W bridge have affected us
all. This is a sad and troubling time for all those involved in this
incident, and our state as a whole. Our thoughts and prayers go out to
the victims of this tragedy and their families.
In the midst of chaos, however, it is comforting to know that we as
Minnesotans can rely on each other in times of such extreme tragedy. The
police, firefighters, rescue workers, and heroic citizens who so
courageously and efficiently answered the call to help all deserve our
extreme gratitude.
What we can do to help
Many of us are wondering what we can do to help our fellow Minnesotans
in the wake of this event. Certainly our thoughts and prayers are needed
today and into the future by those affected.
A call has gone out for blood donations by the Red Cross. In Olmsted
County contact Hilton Blood Bank at Mayo Clinic at 284-4475 to donate.
Blood donations in Olmsted County will not go directly to the Twin
Cities, but will remain local allowing us autonomy and will lessen the
need for purchasing of blood from the Twin Cities or other blood banks
for our own local needs.
To donate money, call 612-460-3700 or mail donations to: American Red
Cross - Twin Cities Area Chapter, NW 5597, Box 1450, Minneapolis, MN
55485-5597.
It is very important in this time of tragedy that we pull together and
do what we can for our fellow Minnesotans in need. Together we can make
a difference.
State response
As your representative, I am working with local, state, and federal
officials to be of whatever help I can at this time. Additionally, while
the immediate concern is the security and recovery efforts on the scene,
it will be our duty as legislators to lead a detailed, public
investigation in order to determine the cause of the collapse.
Furthermore, we must thoroughly inspect every bridge in Minnesota to
ensure they are safe for our drivers. We are also partnering with the
federal government to begin the process of rebuilding this vital piece
of our transportation system.
A special session will likely be called following Labor Day to address
the rebuilding of the bridge, and to make sure that something like this
never happens again in our state.
Kim Norton
State Representative
District 29B
CONSTITUENT MEETING - AUGUST 11
Second Saturday of every month
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Dunn Brothers Coffee
120 Elton Hills Drive NW, Rochester
NEW LAWS TAKING EFFECT THIS SUMMER
2007 was a productive year at the legislature. We enacted many new laws
to improve our quality of life in Minnesota - and we repealed some
outdated laws, too. I want to make sure you know about several of the
new laws that are taking effect this July and August.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
If you have preschoolers at home, you'll be glad to hear that funding
for Head Start, School Readiness and other early childhood programs has
been restored to 2003 levels. If you have children in public schools,
$800 million in new state funding will be spent in their classrooms.
HIGHER EDUCATION
If you are a college student, you'll benefit from the lowest tuition
increases in over five years at Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities and the University of Minnesota. You or your parents can
also take advantage of changes in Minnesota tax laws that will allow
deductions of up to $4,000 in college tuition costs and related expenses
from income taxes, resulting in a net savings of up to $165 on average.
VETERANS
If you are a veteran returning from active service you will benefit
historic investments in veterans support programs, ranging from a new
Minnesota GI Bill to provisions for increased psychological support and
suicide prevention for returning combat veterans, an increase in funding
for the State Soldier Assistance Program, funding for Veterans County
Service Officer assistance grants and veterans outreach programs,
extended education benefits for the spouses of soldiers killed in action
and community integration programs.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
If you're looking at buying or refinancing a home, new laws will
protect you from predatory and fraudulent mortgage practices and will
require mortgage brokers to work in the best interest of the borrower.
If you're thinking of buying a new car, the Car Buyers Bill of Rights
will require car dealers to disclose how much add-on items such as
rustproofing, anti-theft devices and service contracts add to the cost
of a new car and how it affects your monthly loan payment.
If you're buying or receiving a gift card for a special occasion, a ban
on expiration dates and service fees for gift cards now ensures you can
use it anytime.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
If you have an old computer or TV you'd like to throw out, a
nation-leading new law will make it easier for you to recycle those
items at recycling centers or through your county solid waste recycling
program.
TICKET SCALPING
If you bought a couple of Twins tickets you want to get rid of, nobody
is going to stop you. The law prohibiting ticket scalping was repealed
this session.
INTERNET BULLYING
School boards throughout Minnesota will now be required to address the
growing problem of bullies using the Internet and cell phones to
intimidate other students. I was proud to cosponsor a similar bill to
catch on-line sexual predators, before they harm our children.
BODY PIERCING & TATTOOS
If you are under the age of 18, you will have to obtain permission from
your parents or legal guardians before getting a tattoo or body
piercing.
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These are just a few of the laws that will make Rochester and all of
Minnesota a better place to live, work and raise a family. For a
complete list of all laws passed by the 2007 Legislature, you can go to
the House Public Information Services Office at
http://www.house.mn/hinfo/NewLaws/NewLawsmain.asp.
Kim Norton
House of Representatives-29B