Dear neighbors,
When action resumes at the Capitol next week, there will be about a month remaining in the session. I’ll be spending most of my days discussing the budget bills on the House floor with my colleagues. First up on Tuesday is the budget legislation for E-12 education and jobs!
Investing in Minnesota Schools
Every child in Minnesota deserves a world-class education. Our E-12 education budget increases support for schools by three percent in 2020 and two percent in 2021, helping them keep up with inflation. For years, funding has not kept pace with inflation, and communities have been forced to raise property taxes to support schools. In communities that can’t afford to, teachers and students have struggled, creating a patchwork education system throughout the state. This legislation would address that problem so every student gets a great education, no matter where they live or what they look like.
More information on our plan to invest in education is available here.
Support for Working Minnesotans
The jobs bill includes measures that will help working Minnesotans, including paid family and medical leave and earned sick and safe time. Whether someone is sick, welcomes a new baby, or has aging parents, these policies give workers the time to take care of themselves and their families. Strengthening protections against wage theft and expanding training opportunities are also priorities.
Protecting Minnesota’s Environment
I’ve introduced legislation that would invest in protecting and enhancing Minnesota’s environment and natural resources (HF 2032). The bill is based on recommendations from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), a bipartisan panel of legislators and citizens.
Each year 40 percent of the proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery are deposited into the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The LCCMR, which I’m proud to serve on, considers applications and makes funding recommendations to the legislature.
The legislation includes support for:
- Collecting data on plants and wildlife that will aid conservation efforts and protect native species, including bees and other pollinators
- Efforts to restore quality in lakes, groundwater, and drinking water sources and prevent further contamination
- Programs that connect Minnesota kids and adults with nature
- Innovative clean energy systems that will lower costs for consumers and reduce carbon dioxide emissions
- Habitat restoration for imperiled species
- Maintaining and improving public lands, parks, trails, and recreation areas
- Improving access to lakes for people with disabilities
- A program that would increase diversity in environmental careers
West St. Paul Egg Hunt
The City of West St. Paul is hosting a free community egg hunt this Saturday, April 20. Bring a basket to the Harmon Park ball fields to visit the Easter Bunny and the petting zoo before the egg hunt starts at 10am.
When: Saturday, April 20 from 9:30 – 10:30am
Where: Harmon Park Ball Fields, 230 Bernard Street W.
Shoe and Clothing Recycling Dropoff
Several cities are hosting a dropoff for used shoes and clothing from Saturday, April 20 to Sunday, April 28. Get started on your spring cleaning and bring your items to one of the locations listed below. Items that are in good condition will be resold in thrift shops. Clothing that can’t be reused will be repurposed for insulation and rags, while shoes will be used for erosion control.
Mendota Heights
Mendota Heights City Hall (outdoor metal drop box)
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
South St. Paul
Central Square Community Center (inside rolling bins)
100 7th Avenue N., South St. Paul, MN 55075
West St. Paul
Sports Dome (outdoor metal drop box)
1655 Livingston Avenue, West St. Paul, MN 55118
Thank you for your interest in what’s going on at the Capitol. You can follow me on Facebook for the latest news and information. Please continue to contact me with questions and input.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative