Rep. Norton: Legislative Update 2/13/07

02/13/2007

Dear Neighbors,

We are making a lot of progress early in the session on a lot of important issues. I have outlined several of these accomplishments below as well as several upcoming events I encourage you to attend.

Please continue to contact me with any questions, suggestions, or concerns you may have regarding any topic. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Kim Norton State Representative

CONSTITUENT MEETINGS Second Saturday of every month February - May
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Dunn Brothers Coffee
120 Elton Hills Lane NW, Rochester

RENEWABLE ENERGY BILL PASSES ENERGY FINANCE & POLICY DIVISION - HF0004 This initiative, known as the 25/20 Renewable Energy Bill, would require utilities to produce at least 25 percent of their total energy from new, renewable sources by the year 2020. These sources include wind, solar, geothermal, and other innovative renewable energy sources. The bill is expected to pass on the floor of both the House and Senate within the next several weeks. From there, Governor Pawlenty is expected to sign it into law.

More information for this bill can be found online at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/bills/billnum.asp?Billnumber=HF4&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Search&ls_year=85&session_number=0&session_year=2007


COVER ALL KIDS PASSES HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE - HF0001 An estimated 68,000 children in Minnesota are not covered by any health care plan. An additional 32,000 young people between the ages of 18 to
20 also lack insurance. In its present form, the bill would make sure that every dependent up to the age of 25 has access to health insurance coverage. The bill has now been referred to the Governmental Operations Committee for further review.

More information for this bill can be found online at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/bills/billnum.asp?Billnumber=hf1&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Search&ls_year=85&session_number=0&session_year=2007


SMOKING BAN PASSES HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE- HF0305 Statewide smoking ban legislation was passed in the Health and Human Services Committee this week and has been referred to the Commerce and Labor Committee for further review. The bill would establish policy to protect employees and the public from the hazards of secondhand smoke and prohibit smoking in specified areas.

More information for this bill can be found online at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/bills/billnum.asp?Billnumber=hf0305&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Search&ls_year=85&session_number=0&session_year=2007.

STAY INFORMED Along with these updates, another great way to be informed is to read the non-partisan magazines of the House and Senate. The House publication, Session Weekly, can be found online at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/swmain.asp. Over in the Senate, Senate Briefly can be found at http://www.senate.mn/briefly/.

You can also watch House floor sessions at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/htv/schedule.asp.

You can sign up for email updates on specific bills at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/leg/billsublogin.asp. And you can sign up for email updates on specific committees at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/maillist/mailinglist.asp.