February 25, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. Paul, Minnesota — House DFL Leader Paul Thissen expressed his disappointment today in House Speaker Kurt Daudt’s decision to replace Representative Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) on the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Leader Thissen recommended Rep. Hansen to serve as the DFL House member on the council. Republicans also replaced Hansen on the committee the last time they held the majority in 2011. Rep. Hansen is in his 6th term and has served on the Outdoor Heritage Council for 4 years.
The move also comes after Republicans removed Rep. Jean Wagenius from her position as designated minority lead on the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee prior to session.
Rep. Thissen released the following statement:
“I am disappointed that Republicans are again playing games with qualified appointees to committees and councils. Rep. Hansen was a co-author of the Legacy Amendment that led to the creation of the Outdoor Heritage Council, was one of the original members of the council, and is a state leader on outdoor and environmental issues.
“Republicans and Speaker Daudt have talked a lot about wanting to work together to find solutions, but their words don’t match their actions. House Republicans continue to say one thing and do another.”
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