Dear neighbors,
One of my priorities as your representative is to share the work that I’m doing so you can follow along and give your input. Today I’m including a schedule of upcoming public hearings for my bills in addition to my regular updates. I hope you can tune in sometime this week, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Improving Drainage
My plan to improve drainage practices and regulation (HF 1244) will be discussed on the House floor today. This legislation would protect our lakes, rivers, streams and the plants and wildlife that rely on clean water and healthy soil. It is the product of years of research by the Drainage Work Group and has strong bipartisan support. Tune in live here at 3:30pm to watch the floor session.
Working with Students
Eli is a student from the University of Minnesota who is shadowing me today. She grew up in South Dakota but has family in Mendota Heights. As a biology major, Eli is currently taking an agriculture policy class through the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS).
Serbian Hall
I had a great discussion about Serbian Hall with South St. Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis and Alex Stojmenovic of the Serbian Cultural Center of Minnesota last week. This South St. Paul museum has items from Serbian immigrants, including a Nikola Tesla coil and medals from American Serbian soldiers. My bill to support Serbian Hall will be introduced this week.
Upcoming Bill Hearings
Due to the large volume of bills being heard this week, the dates of some of the hearings I mentioned in my last legislative update have changed. My proposals to increase local government aid for West St. Paul (HF 461) and Lilydale (HF 949) likely won’t be heard today. The Property and Local Tax Division will hear them later this week.
The legislative schedule lists all of the public hearings scheduled each day and the bills that the groups will consider. You can also find links to watch or listen live.
Monday, March 11 at 4:30pm
Government Operations
- HF 2225 would streamline the process for conducting audits of government programs and funding. The plan would ensure that the Legislative Audit Commission and the legislative auditor are using their resources as efficiently as possible.
- HF 2070 would establish the rusty patched bumble bee as the official bee of the state of Minnesota. The bill also includes funding for the protection of the species.
Tuesday, March 12 at 8am
Capital Investment
- HF 1598 would improve West St. Paul’s wastewater management by replacing or upgrading several lift stations.
Tuesday, March 12 at 9:45am
Agriculture and Food Finance and Policy
- HF 1908 would prohibit using “pollinator friendly” labels on plants that have been treated with pesticides.
Tuesday, March 12 at 12:45pm
Environment and Natural Resources Finance
(If necessary, the hearing will reconvene at 6pm to finish hearing all of the testimony.)
- HF 1854 would design, construct, and improve bicycle and pedestrian trails in Dakota County.
- HF 1081 would invest in a "forests for the future" program.
Wednesday, March 13 at 9:45am
Environment and Natural Resources Policy
- HF 1845 would create new paths to certification for wastewater treatment plant operators. Small towns and cities often find it difficult to recruit qualified workers. This measure would make it easier to find skilled employees.
While schedules can and do change, talking with constituents will always be my top priority. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback on the issues that are important to you.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative