Dear neighbors,
The House approved the new environment and natural resources budget yesterday! I’m very proud of our omnibuzz bill and excited about the great things it would do for our state.
Our budget is a problem-solving bill that addresses long-term environmental issues. It would help communities respond to emerald ash borer issues, manage aquatic invasive species, and research and control the outbreak of chronic wasting disease. The legislation also improves waste management and reduces the use of plastic.
The House voted 73-60 in favor of the omnibuzz budget!
It also protects the health of Minnesotans and our wildlife and natural resources. It bans toxic flame retardant chemicals that put children and firefighters at risk, protects communities from industrial toxins, and funds lead and asthma screenings. The budget includes a plan to plant one million trees a year for four years and establishes a Lawns to Legumes program that would help homeowners convert their lawns to pollinator-friendly habitat. It also increases support for pollinators by making the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee the official state bee and protecting the endangered species. MPR recently published an article about the importance of this bee; you can read it here. The House also passed an amendment to protect Minnesota’s vulnerable wolf population by prohibiting an open hunting season on the animals. Read more about it from the Pioneer Press here.
Finally, the budget gives more Minnesotans opportunities to enjoy our great outdoors. The new No Child Left Outside program would fund outdoor environmental and ecological opportunities for kids, and the Outdoor Recreation Office would work towards equitable and inclusive access for all Minnesotans.
The House has now approved our entire budget! Stay tuned for more details about other areas of our budget. Once the Senate finishes their work, we’ll start working with them to settle our differences. Please stay in touch during the negotiations.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative