Tri-County News

Hello, District 13!


Please see below for a quick update on what I have been up to in-district as well as an update on Hwy 23 corridors, your second amendment rights, and the DHS debacle.

I hope you and your family have a blessed Veterans Day weekend.

Jeff

DHS debacle

I went on the air with KNSI’s the “Ox” Nov. 6, to discuss the dysfunction in DHS. This is an issue that will keep developing and is just the tip of the iceberg. Here is the link (knsiradio.com/news/local, see page 3) to the short article detailing our discussion of the concerning scandals surrounding our most highly funded state agency. At the end of the day, we need to hold folks accountable and establish strict procedure that will not allow this level of dysfunction at tax payer cost to happen in the future.

Protecting your second amendment rights

In continuation of the gun conversation from the last newsletter, see below for more information concerning our current gun laws.

A few examples of gun laws already on the books are:

• 18 US Code §921: Dealers/Background Checks – Anyone engaged in selling firearms as a business MUST hold a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and run background checks.

• MN §624.7133: Straw Purchase –  Any person who obtains a firearm for a person known to be ineligible to possess is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

• MN §624.714: Permit to Carry – To carry a firearm in public, one must: take a class from a certified instructor, pay application fee to Sheriff, and the Sheriff must check yearly within the Minnesota Crime Information System and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to ensure the permit holders continue to be eligible. Permit is only good for five years.

As your State Senator, I will continue to remain vigilant in order to protect your rights and preserve your ability to lawfully exercise those rights free from unnecessary government intrusion. As gun issues develop going into next session, I will keep you updated on all the essential details.

Tobacco age change

The idea of raising the minimum tobacco sales age from 18 to 21 is gaining rapid momentum across Minnesota. As we move forward with this discussion, I wanted to touch quickly on the scope of the possible legislation that is sure to come up next session.

At the age of 18, we entrust young adults with a lot of responsibility and generally acknowledged that it is the age that they shed their minority status. At that point of time we entrust them to be responsible enough to decide to join the military, get an abortion, buy cigarettes and tobacco, donate blood and become an organ donor, serve on a jury, play the lottery, obtain special driving permits, consent to having sex with someone that is 18 or older, establish a checking and savings account and apply for loans, apply for credit cards, get piercings or tattoos, change their birth name, get married, adopt, buy spray paint, fireworks, and adult videos, and purchase a house or a vehicle.

I truly do believe smoking is bad, but there is more at play than just age. We must instill positive values in our children before they get to the age of adulthood, so they ultimately do make the right decisions.

Additionally, we need to keep in mind that these same adults are responsible enough to vote and determine the leader of the free world. They should ultimately be able to decide if they smoke or vape as an adult. As possible legislation moves forward next session, I will continue to inform you of the conversations happening at the capitol and what I plan to do for District 13 on this issue.

Social media

You’re invited to follow me on social media. Be sure to follow me on my Facebook page for the latest news from the Capitol and District 13. You’ll find legislative updates, constituent photos, events, video updates, and more.

Senator Jeff Howe

3235 Minnesota Senate Building

95 University Avenue West

Saint Paul, MN 55155

Tel: (651) 296-2084

Email: sen.jeff.howe@senate.mn.

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