NEWS ARCHIVE

SEPTEMBER 24, 2007

NEWS COLUMN
SMOKE FREE ON OCTOBER 1ST
By Rep. Torrey Westrom

Soon all bars, restaurants, private clubs, and any business with employees across the state will become smoke free. That means many things will change. As the date approaches a quick recap of what the law says might be useful.

The bill which was passed by the legislature on May 12 and signed into law on May 16 by Governor Pawlenty will go into effect on October 1, 2007. The law prohibits smoking in a public place or, at a public meeting, in a place of employment, or in public transportation.

There are a few exceptions to the law. Some of the exceptions include the family farm, farm vehicles and construction equipment, a disabled veteran's rest camp in Washington county and private homes, residences, and automobiles. Smoking is also still allowed outside of restaurants, bars, and bingo halls.

Penalties for not complying with the new law vary. For business owners who knowingly fail to comply with the new law will be guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Likewise, anyone who smokes in an area where smoking is prohibited is also guilty of a petty misdemeanor. There is also a protection against retaliation written into the law for anyone, either a worker or a member of the public, who reports anyone who is smoking in a smoke free area.

There was concern that the statewide smoking ban would have a negative consequence on lawful gamble around the state. Included in the law is the requirement for the Gambling Control Board, in cooperation with the commissioner of revenue, to report back to the legislature and governor before March 31, 2008 any impact the smoking ban has had on lawful gambling.

And one last note of interest: counties and cities still have the option of enforcing a stricter ban on smoking. If a city or county feels the statewide smoking ban does not go far enough in protecting people they can choose to enact and enforce more stringent measures.

If you have any questions or concerns about the smoking ban, you may contact the Department of Health at 651-201-4601 or 800-798-9050.

As always you can contact me with any legislative question or concern. I can be reached at the Capitol by calling 651-296-4929 or 800-711-2620, and by email at rep.torrey.westrom@house.mn. You can also send mail to my office which is located at 273 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2007

HOUSE PASSES RENEWABLE  ENERGY STANDARDS BILL

After more than a two hour debate on the House floor this past Monday, February 19, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed what is the most rigorous attempt to increase the statewide use of renewable energy in the nation, which Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed into law Thursday, February 22. The new law calls for a gradual increase in the percentage of the state’s electricity that comes from wind, solar, hydroelectric and other renewable sources to 25 percent by 2025. Xcel Energy, the state’s biggest power company, faces a tougher requirement of 30 percent by 2020. Click here to read more.

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FEBRUARY 15, 2007

NORNES AND WESTROM ANNOUNCE EMILY’S LAW LEGISLATION

Representative Bud Nornes (R-Fergus Falls) and Representative Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) announce legislation that responds to the June 17, 2006 death of 2-year-old Emily Lynn Johnson of a severe head injury one day after being assaulted by a 13-year-old boy at her day care in Fergus Falls. The bill calls for the age of adult certification for juvenile violent offenses to be lowered from 14 to 13, and lengthens the amount of time the offense stays on the perpetrator’s record. Click here to read more.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2007

HOW STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS BENEFIT DISTRICT 11A

Our Minnesota State Lottery dedicates a portion of its proceeds to environmental programs, specifically the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. I have been provided with a breakdown of the amount of lottery money wagered in District 11A and how much money we contribute to the dedication. All of these numbers cover the 2006 fiscal year, which was from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. Click here to read more.

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JOIN TORREY IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY REVOLUTION!

 

 

 

Click here now to find out how

 

November 7, 2006

TORREY WESTROM WINS RE-ELECTION!

Congratulations, Torrey on being elected to your sixth term in the Minnesota House of Representatives!

 

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October 20, 2006

 

 

RE-ELECT TORREY WESTROM!

Torrey's new campaign literature piece is now online. Click the links below to download it and read why Torrey is still the best choice to be the voice of District 11A in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Cover (PDF format)                 Inside (PDF format)

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JOIN TORREY IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY REVOLUTION!

 

 

 

Click here now to find out how

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September 10, 2006

NEW LAWS FOR MINNESOTA

August 1 marked the day that dozens of new laws will take effect in the State of Minnesota. In all, 113 bills were signed into law during the 2006 session, and I thought I would take a moment to review some of the highlights here.

July 17, 2006

Torrey files for re-election run

It's official! Rep. Torrey Westrom recently filed  with the Minnesota secretary of state to seek re-election as representative of District 11A. In the photo, Torrey is pictured with Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer. Click the photo for a larger version. Click here to help Torrey win re-election!

July 14, 2006

News Column: Cracking Down on Sex Offenders

Every Minnesotan was horrified by the details in the Dru Sjodin case, and even more horrified that a convicted Level III sex offender  -- one of the worst of the worst among sexual predators --  was allowed back on our streets to allegedly torture and kill another victim. (Read More)

July 13, 2006

Torrey's 2006 Legislative Report is now online! Click here to download it in PDF format. (Right click on the link, and choose the "Save Target As" option.)

June 26, 2006

NEW PHOTOS ADDED

Check out the photos section for some just added Torrey photos, including - by popular demand - more of the "Minnesota twins."

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June 22, 2006

Torrey Westrom Launches new Site

The new Torrey Westrom.com has launched this week. Come back often for frequent campaign updates, photos and more!

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May 25, 2006

THE 2006 LEGISLATIVE SESSION - IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR

The 2006 Legislative Session has ended, and it was a very productive session in passing legislation that is going to make a positive difference for our state. As Frank Sinatra once sang, "It was a very good year." (Read more)

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May 11, 2006

WESTROM RELEASES 2006 SURVEY RESULTS

 Earlier in the session I inserted a legislative survey in this newspaper which asked for your input on certain topics that were likely to be debated at the Capitol this year. With nearly 1,000 responding, here’s how you felt. (Read more)

 

Paid for by the Westrom for State Representative Committee, Box 210, Elbow Lake, MN 56531. 

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