Dear neighbors,
Yesterday was the first day of school for thousands of Minnesotans. I want to wish all of the students and parents who are starting a new school year the best of luck! I’d also like to thank the teachers and staff who help Minnesota students learn and grow.
This year, the Legislature passed quite a few measures to support Minnesota schools. All of our public school districts will see a two percent increase in per-student funding this year and the next year. My colleagues and I addressed our state’s special education shortfall and secured pre-K opportunities for thousands of our youngest Minnesotans as well. There’s more work to be done to ensure that all our students receive the world-class education that they deserve, but these investments put our state on the right path.
Minnesota State Fair: Poll Results
I had a great time talking with folks at the Minnesota State Fair! Many thanks to those of you who stopped by the House of Representatives booth to visit and complete the annual legislative survey. The survey results indicated that:
- 89 percent of respondents favored criminal background checks for all gun sales, including private transactions and at gun shows.
- 74.4 percent of polltakers supported banning “conversion therapy,” a practice that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, for vulnerable adults and minors.
- 65.5 percent of fairgoers favored increasing sales tax in the Twin Cities metro area to provide funding for transit improvements and expansions.
You can read more about the survey and how these findings compare to past results here.
Cowtown River Run
The Cowtown River Run will take place this Saturday on the scenic Mississippi River Trail. There will be a 5k run/walk, a 10k run, and a .5 mile kid’s race. Proceeds will go towards the South St. Paul Youth Hockey Association. Register online at www.cowtownriverrun.com.
When: Saturday, September 7
7 – 8 a.m. (5k and 10k)
7 – 9:40 a.m. (kid’s run)
Where: Kaposia Landing
800 Bryant Avenue
South St. Paul, MN 55075
Have an excellent school year!
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative