SAINT PAUL, MN—Today, Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South Saint Paul) took his name off the House Environment Finance Omnibus Bill, HF 888. The bill, originally a reflection of Governor Dayton’s budget, has changed dramatically during the committee process.
Rep. Hansen, the DFL Lead on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement:
“Today I removed my name as an author of the Environment Finance bill. What was once a bipartisan effort has devolved into partisan politics of cutting state programs and veto bait for the Governor. Instead of focusing on the budget, this bill has more than 80 pages of policy provisions that roll back environmental protections. It rolls back Governor Dayton’s buffer initiative, guts the Environmental Quality Board, and cuts $94 million from current funding that protects our air, water, and natural resources. The people of Minnesota don’t want to cut programs for outdoor recreation or that keep our water and air clean. I cannot lend my name to such a bill any longer.”
Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South Saint Paul) is the DFL-Lead on the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance. Rep. Hansen has authored nation leading legislation on pollinator and environmental protections.
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