Dear Neighbors,

We have entered a new chapter in American democracy where the voices of the American people are valued and heard. This new chapter has risen out of the election of President Biden and Vice President Harris. I congratulate and welcome them both to this new and hopeful chapter in our democracy.

As the first Latina to serve in the Minnesota Senate, I was moved when I saw Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor swear in Vice President Harris. This historic moment will be cherished by current and future generations of women. 

I look forward to partnering with our federal representatives to address some of the challenges affecting our district today, and I welcome your ideas and participation.

Patricia

First 2021 Session Virtual
Town Hall SD 63

Please join Sen. Torres Ray, Rep. Jim Davnie, and newly elected Rep. Greenman to discuss the 2021 legislative session priorities and the impacts for our district. 

We would also like to hear from you about the issues you value most. We encourage you to submit your questions ahead of time to help us address more topics and have greater community participation!

rep.jim.davnie@state.mn
rep.emma.greenman@state.mn
sen.patricia.torres.ray@senate.mn

DETAILS:
When: Saturday, January 30th, 2021
Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Where: Livestream Event on https://www.facebook.com/senatorptr


For Facebook Event, click here.

Prove It First Legislation

Thank you to all the constituents who inspired me to co-author S.F. 59- the Prove it First bill to protect the Boundary Waters and Lake Superior from sulfide-ore copper mining pollution!  

Prove it First protects our clean water resources across Minnesota, and simply requires that proposed copper-sulfide mines in Minnesota prove that they have operated safely elsewhere in the United States for 10 years, and not polluted their local watersheds for 10 years after they ceased mining. 

We are not willing to serve as a test case for wealthy international corporations to come into our area with experimental projects that put our public health, our economy, and our whole region in danger. We are going to insist that they Prove It First.  

Many thanks to the Coalition for leading these efforts!
Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP), Sierra Club NorthStar Chapter, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), Honor the Earth, WaterLegacy, EarthWorks, DFL Environmental Caucus, League of Women Voters Minnesota, Duluth for Clean Water, Friends of the Cloquet Valley State Forest, Wilderness Watch, MNSTOP, North American Water Office, Environment Minnesota, Land Stewardship Project, Save Lake Superior Association, Save Our Sky Blue Waters, Hungry Jack Outfitters, Malach Consulting, Cafe Imports, Duluth Coffee Company, Vikre Distillery, Sawbill Outfitters, Voyageurs Conservancy.

Catalytic Converter Legislation

The number of catalytic convertor thefts are increasing in our area and people are increasingly frustrated as they keep finding that this vital piece of the emissions system has been stolen from their cars.

Thefts of catalytic converters are not only inconvenient, but can also increase insurance premiums,  or worse still, if you own an old car, it could put it beyond economic repair, leaving car owners without a method of transportation.

Senator Marty and I have been consulting with experts and victims of theft to craft legislation to address the problem. While the bill is not ready for introduction yet, we are working with others to seek support for a hearing in the Senate, and we are hopeful we will get a hearing in the House. 

Clean Cars Rulemaking

Members of the Senate DFL joined climate experts and advocates to clarify some of the misinformation currently being circulated by some parties about the Clean Cars Minnesota Rules that was first proposed by the governor in September 2019.

The rules are now undergoing a public comment period, and comments may be submitted online at the Minnesota Office of Administrative hearing’s website. The current period for public comment is scheduled to close on Mar. 15, 2021, but there will be further opportunities for Minnesotans to weigh in on the topic after that date.

It is crucial to recognize that Indigenous communities and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by air pollution, as existing social, economic, and health inequities intensify health effects. There is also additional evidence supporting the cost savings Greater Minnesotans – who are more likely to drive greater distances – stand to gain at the pump, as electric and low emission vehicles result in lower spending on gasoline.