August 20 (Winthrop)
One of the main state bonding projects that Representative Terry Morrow and Senator Kathy Sheran worked on in their first term focused upon the Minnesota Prairie Line, the publicly-owned freight rail that runs through Gibbon, Winthrop, Gaylord, and other towns in five counties. Morrow and Sheran hosted the House and Senate bonding committees when they visited our area in 2007. In 2008, Morrow and Sheran successfully secured $3 million in state bonding funds to improve the line.

The state bonding money replaces the smaller, century-old track (right) with the heavier track (left) that supports heavier modern trains and safer travel at higher speeds. Businesses seek both strength and speed when deciding whether to locate or expand their operations along the Minnesota Prairie Line.

To sustain this effort and encourage federal, state, and private cooperation on this economically-essential project, Representative Morrow and Senator Sheran proposed the formation of a coalition of local officials, business and agricultural leaders, economic development officers, local chambers of commerce, and other.

On Wednesday, August 20, this Coalition kicked off with a large meeting in Winthrop to discuss plans for improving Minnesota’s freight rail system. The new coalition will work to bring the 100-year-old rail track up to 21st century strength standards—this will support existing and new businesses.

Senator Kevin Dahle, Congressman Tim Walz, Twin Cities & Western CEO Mark Wegner, Representative Marty Seifert, Representative Mike Beard, and Terry.

Terry achieved a 100% rating for his votes on conservation bills during the 2008 Minnesota legislative session, Conservation Minnesota announced this week.  This session was a ‘landmark for natural resources,’ Conservation Minnesota stated.  In September, Conservation Minnesota will present Terry with a plaque to mark his “100% Minnesotan” award.

Washington D.C.- President Bush recently signed a bill that will ban six types of phthalates from children’s toys after scientists, consumer advocates and parents sounded the alarm. The provision was part of a larger bill called the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act HR 4040, which was spurred after numerous toy recalls in 2007.

The phthalate ban, a provision of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act, will protect children from these harmful plastic-softening chemicals, which are linked to breast cancer, decreased sperm counts, birth defects and other health problems.
Advocates see this legislation as a first step toward broader chemical policy reform.

Minnesota legislators Representative Terry Morrow (DFL-St. Peter) and Senator Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato) played integral roles in pushing this bi-partisan legislation. During the 2008 session these legislators supported the Safe Baby Products Bill (HF2100/SF1858), which would have phased out phthalates and bisphenol-A from children’s products intended for the use of children under the age of three. Both legislators supported this bill as it moved through the legislature and its final passage.

“This is a clear example of the importance and power of the Minnesota legislature. State leaders can play an important role in spurring federal protection for children’s health” said Deanna White, co-Director of Healthy Legacy.

The passage of HR4040 is also a direct response to a growing movement of parents, scientists and advocates who are raising concerns about unsafe chemicals in consumer products. Months before Congress took action, retailers and manufacturers including Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us, Lego, Evenflo and Gerber responded to consumer outcry by announcing plans to phase out phthalates in toys.

“The public cares about these issues and wants safe products for their families, period. It is encouraging to know that our state leaders are willing to listen and support the requests of their constituents,” White said.

—Healthy Legacy announcement

Today, Terry received the Minnesota Farmers Union “Golden Triangle” Award as his daughter Sally and he attended Farm Fest. MFU President Doug Peterson, in presenting the award, noted that Terry had a 100% voting record in support of family farms and rural communities during the 2007-08 session.

The MFU letter stated:

MFU recognizes your strong work on the Transportation and Agriculture Committees…it is clear to us that in your short time in the legislature you have established yourself as a leader on transportation issues.

In accepting the MFU award, Terry thanked President Peterson, Thom Peterson, and MFU’s membership for their guidance, support, and friendship.