<tive session is underway at the Capitol, and while the state budget deficit is in the spotlight, many of our elected officials are working to enact positive policy change for Minnesotans. One such legislator is Representative David Bly, Minnesota State Representative serving District 25B. The Senator is a co-author of SF225 , the Toxic Free Kids Act, introduced on the Senate floor recently. SF225 is a bill that would phase out the use of the chemical BPA in products intended for use by children ages three and under.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical component of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, and is commonly used in baby bottles and in other products that children are exposed to daily. BPA is a hormone disrupter, mimicking estrogen in the body. Even in small doses, exposure to BPA can have detrimental effects on children’s development, and carries long-term health risks including cancer and diabetes.
By supporting and championing this bill at the legislature this session, Representative Bly is fighting for the health one of the most vulnerable segments of the population, our children.
-Christa Owens is a first-year student.