Dear neighbors,
There will be a public hearing for my proposals to increase local government aid for West St. Paul (HF 461) and Lilydale (HF 949) tonight at 6:45pm. Listen live here.
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
I’m happy to report that the Government Operations Committee voted unanimously in favor of my proposal to name the rusty patched bumble bee as the state bee of Minnesota (HF 2070). The bill also includes funding for the protection of the species. You can watch the public hearing here.
Dr. Elaine Evans and Dr. Marla Spivak from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab testified in support of my bill.
Reducing Carpet Waste
100,000 tons of carpet material enter Minnesota landfills every year, while just 6,000 tons are recycled. California and New York recently set goals for recovering more carpets, keeping them out of landfills and preventing operational problems associated with carpet disposal. 45 to 60 percent of the material from recovered carpets can be reused. I’ve introduced legislation to help keep carpets out of landfills (HF 2267). Producers would promote collect, transport, and process carpet that’s no longer wanted.
The first hearing will be tomorrow at 5:30pm.
Meet Scotland Kraker
Scotland is one of the two students who’ll be interning in my office this session. Scotland grew up in Stillwater, but returned to his birthplace of St. Paul to attend Macalester College. He’s currently studying political science, philosophy, and Russian studies and plans to study abroad in Scotland. In his spare time, Scotland plays guitar, participates in Mock Trial, and hosts a college radio show.
Legislative Audit Commission
On Monday, the Legislative Audit Commission narrowed a list of 95 topics for further evaluation down to 15. We’ll meet again in a week to decide which of the topics are most important to evaluate.
The Office of the Legislative Auditor released a report on the Child Care Assistance Program today. You can read it here.
I’m always happy to hear from constituents. Feel free to contact me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or 651-296-6828.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative