1 big thing: Toxic metals ban rattles key makers
,
Kyle Stokes,
Nick Halter
Good morning!
A chance of showers this morning, then partly sunny with a high of 60, per NWS.
🎶 Sounds like:" Kick, Push," by Lupe Fiasco.
🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Twin Cities members Peggy Mead and Sandy Timm!
Key makers say they'll be locked out of Minnesota's market without an exemption from a new state ban on toxic metals.
Why it matters: A law meant to protect kids from harmful materials could also make it harder for Minnesotans to obtain or replace keys for homes, cars, boats, padlocks and more.
State of play: The law, passed in 2023 as part of a broader spending bill, makes it illegal to import, manufacture, sell or distribute keys and other items containing certain levels of lead and cadmium.
Other products covered by the ban include toys, clothing, kitchenware, and school and art supplies.
Context: The law's backers say the goal is to reduce exposure to metals that can harm health and development, especially for children and the workers who make such products.
Yes, but: Those lobbying for a change, including the auto and boat industries, say "commercially viable" alternatives for making keys and FOBs simply aren't available.
"We don't have another option," DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild, who's pushing for the key carve-out in the Senate, told Axios. "I don't want to be in a place where Minnesota outlaws keys."
Between the lines: Critics have also pointed out that Minnesota's new standard is more stringent the European Union or California, the only other state to limit lead or cadmium in keys.
Zoom out: Lawmakers are also seeking carve-outs for pens and mechanical pencils used by architects and cadmium paints and pastels that artists say are crucial for capturing vibrant colors.
"This is the only government in the universe that outlaws cadmium paint for artistic purposes," Rep. Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont) told a committee recently of the proposal to exempt art supplies.
Friction point: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency opposes fully exempting products from the law "due to the toxic properties of these metals and their availability to the general public," spokesperson Becky Lentz told Axios.
But the agency is "working collaboratively with industries" to determine whether they need more time to comply," she said.
What we're watching: Language exempting keys, paint and pencils from the law was amended into a Senate commerce policy bill. Hauschild plans to offer the key carve-out for a separate environmental package later this week.
Lawmakers in the House, meanwhile, recently moved to exclude keys from draft exemption language under consideration for one of that chamber's omnibus bills.
2. 🏠 Prepare for more premium hikes
Nick Halter
Minnesota home insurance premiums are projected to rise 15% this year, one of the biggest hikes in the country, according to a new report by Insurify.
Why it matters: It would mean the average homeowner would see their monthly premiums rise $44 a month, from $294 in 2024 to $338 in 2025.
What they're saying: Insurify, an insurance comparison service, cited a sixfold increase in the number of billion-dollar disasters in Minnesota in the past three years compared to the 2010s as driving force for the hikes.
Hail has been a major factor, and one of the most recent storms brought near-record-size stones in late July.
Zoom out: Insurance rates are expected to increase 8% across the country this year. With Minnesota outpacing that number, it will move up to the 14th highest average premiums in the country.
It could be worse: Florida's average annual premium is expected to reach $15,460 this year, which is nearly quadruple Minnesota's rate.
3. The Spoon: Fewer places to park in downtown St. Paul
🚗 St. Paul condemned the 950-stall Capital City Plaza ramp, saying a lack of upkeep by troubled landlord Madison Equities created a threat to public health and safety. (Pioneer Press)
Shutting down the garage, which is next to the vacated Alliance Bank Center, will further limit skyway access downtown.
🐠 All of the 700-plus creatures that lived at SeaQuest's shuttered Roseville locations have been placed in new homes, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums says. (KARE 11)
🎸 Atmosphere, Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde, and DJ Abilities will headline The Current's Music On-A-Stick Show at the State Fair. Tickets for the Aug. 23 show go on sale Friday. (Info)
4. Map du jour: 🗳️ Women in local office
Women now hold about 37% of elected municipal offices in Minnesota, according to a new analysis.
The big picture: Nationally, the percentage of women in local offices remained stagnant at about 32%, a report released yesterday by the Center for American Women and Politics found.
5. 🍩 1 ask to go: Share your favorite donut
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