May 8th, 2009
by Rep. Phil Sterner.
On a vote of 120 to 12, a bill to authorize temporary draw downs of lake levels to improve water quality overwhelmingly passed the Minnesota House today. Co-authored by State Representative Phil Sterner (DFL-Rosemount), the legislation would make it easier for local officials to temporarily lower lake water levels by requiring them to secure approval of three-quarters of lake front property owners before proceeding with the drawdown.
“Lakeside living is a hallmark of Minnesota’s quality of life, and preserving those lakes is essential to maintaining that quality – not only for people who live by the lake but for everyone who enjoys them,” said Rep. Sterner. “This bill is a common-sense compromise that helps preserve the integrity of our lakes while still giving homeowners a voice in how that’s done.”
When a public lake becomes impaired with algae or other invasive weeds, local governments are restricted in their efforts to correct the problem under current law. House File 1539 would make it easier for local governments to perform temporary draw downs by reducing from 100 percent to 75 percent the number of votes required by affected property owners. Originally written to require local officials to obtain the permission from 60 percent of lake front property owners, the bill was amended to the 75 percent threshold in order to draw broader support. The compromise eased concerns of homeowners and city officials who were concerned that the lower threshold might have allowed one large lakeshore property owner to vote against the objections of many smaller property owners.
Temporary drawdown of lake water levels are used to eliminate plant and invasive species overgrowth in shallow lakes without having to use toxic chemicals and pesticides. In Apple Valley, a drawdown would be used to improve the water quality of Long Lake which has been plagued by algae blooms and weed problems. City officials are planning for a drawdown this winter to minimize the aesthetic impact to lakeside homeowners and restore the lake for next summer.
According to Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland, who testified in support of the compromise legislation at the State Capitol, the bill would help the City of Apple Valley to proceed with necessary remediation of Long Lake.
“By a large majority, the landowners living adjacent to Long Lake want to move forward to clean-up the lake,” said Hamann-Roland. “This legislation would allow us to do so, and help the City to comply with water quality improvements required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.”
“This legislation is a perfect example of striking a good balance between homeowner’s rights and our responsibility to protect one of Minnesota’s most valuable natural resources – our lakes,” said Sterner. “This is the land of 10,000 Lakes after all – we want to be able to enjoy them for years to come.”
Posted in: Legislation.
Tagged: Apple Valley · environment · Legislation · local government · Long Lake
Apr 21st, 2009
by Rep. Phil Sterner.
By a vote of 122 to 12, a bill aimed at reducing the risks of shaken baby syndrome passed the Minnesota House with overwhelming bi-partisan support today. Authored by Representative Phillip Sterner (DFL-Rosemount) the bill would require sudden infant death and shaken baby syndrome training for childcare providers to address the risks not just for infants, but for children to age 5.
“Minnesota has always been a leader in common-sense child protection laws,” said Representative Sterner after the bill’s passage. “This bill simply helps make sure child-care providers have accurate information about the risks of shaking a small child up to the age of five, which in turn may help avert a tragedy.”
Shaken baby syndrome is the term used to describe signs and symptoms that result from violently shaking a small child. The most serious symptoms include: decreased muscle tone, irritability, bruising, decreased appetite or vomiting, poor swallowing or sucking, difficulty breathing, seizures, and difficulty moving head or maintaining visual focus. In the most extreme cases, death of an infant or young child can occur. A leading cause of morbidity and mortality in infants, one third of the victims of SBS survive with minor consequences, one-third suffer permanent injury and one-third die. It is estimated 1,500-3,000 children nationally are diagnosed with the syndrome each year.
Currently, Minnesota has different training standards for child care providers in corporate and family day care settings, and the statutes regarding training are unclear in various family and corporate care statues. HF 782 would keep current training time requirements for SIDS and shaken baby syndrome at current levels; however, it would make those requirements uniform among day care and foster care providers. It would also improve instruction to help providers learn about the syndrome, the dangers and effects of shaking a child, and the causes and triggers that may bring about child shaking.
“We have a special responsibility to protect our youngest Minnesotans.” said Sterner. “Passing this bill during National Shaken Baby Awareness Week reminds us of this responsibility, and helps ensure that caregivers charged with taking care of young children understand the terrible consequences of shaking a child.”
Posted in: Capitol News, Legislation.
Apr 18th, 2009
by Rep. Phil Sterner.
“State Representative Phillip Sterner, who was on hand to see how the program was going, said he supports DCTC’s efforts and hopes it results in residents finding jobs.
“Getting people back to work is the key,” he said.”
This was taken from the Rosemount Town Pages (4-17-09)
Not only is Representative Sterner active in promoting legislation that helps businesses, he is out in the community helping individuals find jobs, supporting these programs and meeting with small and large businesses in the district to see how we can make Minnesota more economically secure for families.
Posted in: Capitol News.
Apr 18th, 2009
by Rep. Phil Sterner.
Because of a bill I am co-author of SF236/HF433, we will now celebrate March 25 as Medal of Honor day in Minnesota. The countless scarifies medal of honor winners have made for our country can never be re-payed. However, we can continue to honor their service and sacrifice. We owe these men and woman a debt of gratitude and I am glad that because of this bill, the Governor and members of the state legislature will honor these veterans.
Posted in: Capitol News, Legislation.
Apr 16th, 2009
by Rep. Phil Sterner.
I am proud that today a bill I am a co-author of SF265/HF254 was approved by the Governor. This legislation would require local and state governments to distribute crime alerts in a format that disabled citizens can access. I am not the biggest fan of government mandates on local entities, but this is an essential way to make our communities safer and stronger and I am glad that this legislation is now law.
Posted in: Capitol News, Legislation.
