Week of February 17 – 21
New year. New bills being introduced.
We’re through the second week of session, and lots of interesting bills have been introduced as the intensity picks up. Some that I have introduced are:
- A bill to allow 17 year-olds to vote in a primary if they turn 18 before the general election.
- A bill to educate parents on screen use with young children, and help them understand how that can affect brain development.
- A bill to protect Minnesota birds from lead poisoning.
Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: February 21, 2020”
I could not be more thrilled to get back to work for the people of Minnesota. The interim between sessions was productive and informative, and I look forward to putting what I’ve learned to good use in the coming weeks and months. You can view my video on this subject by clicking 
As Senators returned the to chamber on Tuesday, we were met by passionate gun violence prevention activists, including some from my district.
The work these individuals are doing to save lives does my heart good, and I’m so grateful they took the time to come out and effect positive change. I am hopeful that we can get something done this session.Becoming a better legislator at the One Minnesota Conference
On Wednesday, the legislature held its annual One Minnesota Conference, a day full of workshops to help us to better serve our constituents. We talked about upcoming redistricting, negotiating strategies, and what we can do to make the end of session run more smoothly.Session is Underway
The capitol’s “electrolier” is only lit twice a year: the start of a new session and Statehood Day<The legislative session has once again begun, and I am thrilled to be back at the capitol advocating for the people of Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. As your state senator, I understand it is an awesome responsibility to be your voice as my colleagues and I work to craft laws that improve the lives of Minnesotans. Each and every senator here cares deeply about our state, and we have a lot of work to do.We have urgent policy issues that we must tackle. Insulin access and affordability, gun violence prevention, and the vaping epidemic are among the many things our legislative session will address. We also need to get a bonding bill done, to invest in public assets and infrastructure needs across the state. With tight legislative deadlines, this session will be done before we know it. There is no time to waste.As your state senator, I want to make sure I am doing my best to represent our community and advocate for the issues we all care about. One of the greatest joys of this job is the opportunity to learn from my constituents, and to have conversations about how we can make the world a better place. Our democracy depends on an engaged citizenry, and I look forward to hearing from you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me via my email at 
If you cannot make it to St. Paul, I hope we can connect in the district. It’s an honor to work with my colleagues in the House, Representative Laurie Pryor and Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, and the three of us will be hosting a town hall on Saturday, February 29, from 10 – 11:30am at Eden Prairie High School in the East Commons. Please bring us your questions, comments, and concerns. Every resident of Eden Prairie and Minnetonka deserves the opportunity to make their voice heard, so we can be better advocates for you in St. Paul.This is the final year of my first term as your state senator, and I am proud of the work that we have accomplished together. It is an honor and a privilege to be your state senator, and I look forward to hearing from you this year.
When Elina Curran’s only son, Chris Wivholm, died of a fentanyl overdose in 2018, it felt like her world was over.
