Dear neighbors,
This week, my House colleagues and I continue our work on the state budget. Please stay in touch as we announce and debate the details.
The Minnesota Street Road Association (MSRA) displayed several cars at the Capitol today. Learn more about MSRA and their upcoming events here.
Capital Investment Budget
Yesterday, the House Capital Investment Division announced the projects that will be included in the 2019 bonding bill. The bill invests in crucial infrastructure needs and communities throughout the state. My proposals to upgrade West St. Paul pumping stations, provide grants for Serbian Hall, improve inflow and infiltration in municipal sewer systems, and support pedestrian and bicycle paths in Dakota County were included.
If you’d like to learn more, a video of the first public hearing for the bonding bill is available here.
Distracted Driving Prevention
A few weeks ago, the House approved legislation that would make our roads safer by requiring drivers to use their cell phones in a hands-free mode (HF 50). After the Senate passed a version of the bill, members of both bodies met in a conference committee to work through their differences. The revised bill was heard in the House this morning and approved with bipartisan support.
The legislation will now return to the Senate before being sent to the Governor. If the bill is approved, Minnesota will become the eighteenth state to adopt a hands-free cell phone policy. These laws have successfully reduced accidents and fatalities in other states.
Whitetails and Kids in Nature
I was a guest on the latest episode of Prairie Sportsman. I took the hosts along on a conservation hunt in southeast Minnesota and talked about the threat posed by chronic wasting disease. The episode also includes segments on practices that boaters can use to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and a camp where kids learn about outdoor sports and ecology.
You can watch the episode here.
Easter/Passover Break
The annual Easter/Passover break will begin next week. The legislature will not conduct any official business from Saturday, April 13 to Monday, April 22.
Please continue to share your questions and concerns.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative