Dear neighbors,
My colleagues and I are making progress at the Capitol! Yesterday, House and Senate members agreed to include several policies in the final environment and natural resources legislation.
The conference committee reached a consensus on several policies, some that originated in the House bill and others from the Senate bill. These include assisting hunters with disabilities, prohibiting trade in endangered animal parts, and clarifying the duties of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Read more about the accepted provisions in a recent article from Session Daily.
Reaching a consensus on these policies was a great first step. I’m optimistic that we’ll accomplish more in the next few days.
Students from St. Joseph's School in West St. Paul came to visit the Capitol today.
Higher Education
Too many Minnesotans struggle to afford a college education. That’s why our higher education budget includes a tuition freeze for all two- and four-year public colleges and universities. As a result, tens of thousands of students wouldn’t see increased tuition costs for the next two years.
The House budget also invests in the state grant program, which provides financial support to working families. 80,000 Minnesotans who are currently enrolled in the program would see an average increase of $400 a year, and 6,000 students would become eligible for the first time.
The Senate higher education budget doesn’t provide adequate funding for colleges and universities. Minnesota colleges wouldn’t be able to offer students the support and opportunities that they are currently offering and would have to increase tuition to close funding gaps.
Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K
The annual Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K will take place on Saturday, June 1 in Mendota Heights. The proceeds from the event go towards year-round sports training and competition for more than 8,200 athletes of Special Olympics of Minnesota! You can find more information here and register online here.
When: Saturday, June 1 at 9 a.m. (registration is from 7 – 8:30 a.m.)
Where: The Village at Mendota Heights, 750 Main Street, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let me know.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative