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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI' Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong, lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least seventeen states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Senate Reaction: State Water Quality Report "Not Good News"

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Monday, July 21, 2008   

St. Paul, MN – At least one state lawmaker is calling a new report on Minnesota waterways a "loud wake-up call" for action. Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency has released an updated inventory of "polluted" lakes and rivers, and the list has grown by 300, to a total of more than 800. Senator Sandy Pappas says that's not the news she had hoped to hear.

"It shows that we still have a long way to go to clean up our beautiful lakes and rivers. We're really a state of waterways, so it's kind-of disgusting that we've let our waters get into such a horrible state of pollution."

The agency's report finds the majority of the waterways are either polluted by phosphorous, are cloudy, or have unacceptable levels of mercury.

Pappas notes that a Constitutional amendment on this fall's ballot includes a measure to help pay for waterway cleanup and restoration, through a small tax increase. In the meantime, she says, the report is increasing public concern about the health of Minnesota's waterways.

"We have to be worried about the fish, that we catch and that we eat. We have to be worried about swimming in polluted waters; about groundwater contamination, and the water that we drink. And, there can be odor issues, and the growth of algae and other unwanted weeds - invasive species, or no species."

Pappas says cleaning up Minnesota waterways is a big job. But they're critical to the state's economy and identity. And, she adds, we have the tools to do the job.

"It takes time and resources. It takes a little money and effort, and a little focus. We have a wonderful opportunity, as citizens of Minnesota, to vote for the 'Clean Water Legacy Act' that will be on the ballot this fall that will dedicate a percentage of sales tax to clean waters in our state."

Pappas says it will cost the state almost a trillion dollars a year over the next decade to restore polluted lakes and rivers; the Legacy Act can help pay for the work.

The impaired waterways list is updated every two years. More information, including the latest report, is available online at www.pca.state.mn.us.




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