On Thursday night, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill that would protect the rights of a woman in
The House passed the PRO (Protect Reproductive Options) Act by a 69-65 vote after what was reportedly a session filled with high emotions from both the legislators on the floor and spectators in the gallery.
Representative Kristi Pursell (D-Northfield) said she was a supporter of the bill and was very glad that it passed. While Minnesotans already have the right to what she called “the full slate of reproductive health care,” due to the State Supreme Court decision of Doe v. Gomez, it is necessary for the legislature to codify those protections into the state lawbooks, and to make the reproductive rights of women as clear as possible.
“What we’ve seen in other states since the repeal of Roe v. Wade is there are physicians worried about if a woman, say, is miscarrying, or has an ectopic pregnancy, they’re worried about treating that woman for fear of punishment or jail time. The line is pretty blurry about, you know what’s considered an abortion.”
As Minnesota has become a destination for many women around the country seeking an abortion who are unable to receive one in their home state, Pursell said the bill offers protection for those women as well. The law says that Minnesota will not comply with other states who want to prosecute women that cross state lines seeking an abortion by keeping medical records private.
As close as the 69-65 vote was, it still does not illustrate the passion that people have on both sides of the issue. Members of the gallery on Thursday night jeered the Representatives as the vote was taken, and protests, both for and against the bill, were held in the Capitol Rotunda. Representative Athena Hollins testified on the House floor about her own abortion.
Pursell said emotions did indeed run high on Thursday night, but the passage of the bill showed an equitable decision.
“There are a lot of, as I say when I’m talking to my kids, there are a lot of big feelings about this. The people who do not want to have an abortion still get to not have an abortion. And the people who need an abortion can still access an abortion.”
The version of the bill in the Senate is still making its way through committee.
Jeff Johnsons’ full conversation with Representative Kristi Pursell can be heard here
City orders environmental report in anticipation of development
Last week the Northfield City Council authorized an order for an Alternative Urban Area-Wide Review, or an AUAR, for the Northwest 
Development section of the city.
For several years now, growth of Northfield’s commercial industrial sector has been a goal of the municipal government and, in fact, was worked into the city’s most recent strategic plan. In partnership with Xcel Energy, the AUAR will bring the city a step closer to attracting commercial industrial companies who, they hope, will decide to set up shop right here in Northfield.
Xcel Energy has offered to pay for the project, which would cost anywhere from $100,000 – $250,000. City Administrator Ben Martg said it’s a nice benefit of the partnership the city has with Xcel, as any development would benefit both parties.
An AUAR, as explained to the Council by John Charboneau of the Stantec Design and Engineering firm, is an examination of a specific area that is done prior to development, assessing the environmental impact of different development scenarios. It is not tied to one specific project, but rather done to remove a step in the development process.
Mayor Rhonda Pownell said putting this project in motion will be a positive development for Northfield.
“There are a lot of, as I say when I’m talking to my kids, there are a lot of big feelings about this. The people who do not want to have an abortion still get to not have an abortion. And the people who need an abortion can still access an abortion.”
The report would take the place of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet and an Environmental Impact Study. By proactively having a study like this done, Martig explained, it saves time for both the developer and the city.
“So, it really identifies all kinds of environmental questions and infrastructure needs, and then comes up with a mitigation plan related to that. That mitigation determination actually serves as guidance on any development that occurs. [All development plans that follow must] follow adhere to the rules and regulations that are identified.”
Indeed, Charboneau said the report, once approved by the City Council, would carry the same weight as a city ordinance.
Martig said the study will look at two different ideas in the 800 acres of the Northwest section of the city earmarked for commercial industrial development. One would be a large technology or data center, while the other would be a light industrial park.
The process will start in April, moving through city boards and commissions, and with opportunities for public comment along the way. Martig said the final report could come back to the City Council as early as June.
School Board will hear updated financial forecast, discuss girls hockey co-op
The Northfield School Board will meet tonight in the Northfield School District Office Boardroom, at the District Office building. 
Among the items on the agenda this evening will be an updated financial forecast presentation from District Director of Finance Val Mertesdorf, an update from Northfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann regarding the district operations and the Strategic plan, and Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez-George will give a summary of Hillmann’s mid-year evaluation.
There will also be discussion about dissolving the girl’s hockey cooperative sponsorship with the Randolph Public School District, a discussion on the policy recommendation for equal access to secondary school facilities for all student groups, and the announcement of committee assignments for all School Board members.
The Northfield School Board will always invite public comment from those who live in the Northfield School District. Public comments for the regular school board meetings may be made in person at the beginning of the meeting. Those wishing to speak must sign up in person prior to the beginning of the meeting. The boardroom opens at 5:30pm. Tonight’s meeting will begin at 6:00.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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