Having trouble viewing this email??View it as a Web page.

Neighbors,

It?s been a frigidly cold week in Minnesota, but the capitol is heating up with committee hearings, floor votes, and the sounds of Minnesotans advocating for their priorities to become law. As we mark one month of session, my colleagues and I are working thoroughly and diligently to do just that.

Here is an update from Saint Paul.

Regulating Harmful Chemicals

The House heard legislation to regulate the use of the harmful PFAS chemicals. These man-made chemicals can be found in soil and water at waste sites, food packaging, household products, and even in our bodies. PFAS chemicals have been 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 learn about them here and watch the press conference on this issue here.

Expanding Working Family Tax Credit

This week, the House Taxes Committee heard my legislation, to make a larger percentage of a filer?s earned income available as a credit and raise the maximum income levels for those eligible.

In the last year, I have had a lot of conversations in which people would tell me: ?I?m working really hard. I?m trying. But the numbers aren?t adding up. It?s just not working.? The Working Family Tax Credit is a phenomenal tool to help people who are in that situation and serves as one of the best tools we have in government, both at the state and federal level, to reduce poverty.

You can watch the committee hearing here.

Gun Violence Prevention

On Friday House Committees heard four crucial pieces of legislation to help prevent gun violence in Minnesota

HF396 would require the safe storage of firearms and ammunition, HF14 requires criminal background checks for firearm transfers, and grounds modified for disqualification of transferee permit, and HF15 would allow law enforcement and family members to petition a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm, and money appropriated. Additionally, HF601 requires lost and/or stolen firearms to be reported promptly to law enforcement.

These are common-sense safety measures which have the vast support of Minnesotans. We have lost too many to gun violence, and this is a good step in the right direction to keep our community safe.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at [email protected] or 651-296-5513.

It?s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Anoka families in St. Paul.

Sincerely,

Rep. Zack Stephenson

Minnesota House of Representatives