Dear neighbors,
I’m looking forward to passing a state budget for the next two years! After months of hard work, my colleagues and I will be debating each section of the budget on the House floor.
I’m particularly excited to vote for the environment and natural resources budget that I mentioned in my last legislative update. Here’s some of the great things that this bill does:
Our comprehensive plan to help stop the outbreak of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, is a huge achievement. The plan provides more funding for disease management and research to develop a better diagnostic test that can be used on live animals.
Yesterday, the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division held a public hearing to walk through what was included in our budget compromise. A link to watch the hearing is included below.
The budget contains innovative solutions to other long-term environmental issues, including managing aquatic invasive species and helping communities address emerald ash borer issues. It also bans flame retardant chemicals that increase health risks for children and firefighters and reduces the use of industrial toxins and other contaminants.
Another highlight of the budget is stronger protections for Minnesota’s wildlife and natural resources. I’ve worked on measures to support pollinators for years, so I’m glad that the budget designates the threatened Rusty Patched Bumble Bee as the official state bee and establishes a Lawns to Legumes program that would help homeowners convert their lawns to pollinator-friendly habitat. Other funding supports conservation efforts that target other species.
In addition to protecting the natural beauty of our state, the budget helps Minnesotans enjoy the great outdoors. The No Child Left Inside bill funds outdoor environmental, ecological, and natural resource-based programs for youth. The budget also establishes a new Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Office to improve access to outdoor opportunities for all Minnesotans.
If you’d like to learn more about the budget, the entire text is available here. A Session Daily article about it is available here. You can also watch an informational hearing on the budget here.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative