Dear neighbors,
I’ve spent the past two days traveling in southwestern and central Minnesota with other members of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). We toured several sites that have received funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) and discussed ongoing regional issues. We also held listening sessions to give Minnesotans an opportunity to share their thoughts.
Our first stop was the Charles Eastman Canoe Landing in Morton. This project received ENTRF funding in 2014.
Many Minnesotans joined us at a local coffee shop to discuss ENTRF funding.
Sam Rosemark, the president of the Morris Campus Student Association, presented LCCMR members with a letter about the proposals that are a priority for students at the University of Minnesota Morris.
LCCMR is seeking input for a strategic plan that will guide ENRTF funding for the next six years. I encourage you to take our short, anonymous survey and share it with anyone who might be interested in participating! The survey will be open until Monday, October 28.
Legislative Mini-Session
My colleagues and I are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for public input. That’s why we’re going to communities across the state in addition to inviting Minnesotans to the State Capitol. Field hearings make it easier for Minnesotans to engage with legislators and the legislative process. Next month, we’re holding a legislative mini-session in Winona and the surrounding communities. I’m looking forward to getting together with other lawmakers on October 2-4 and laying the groundwork for next session.
Public Hearing on Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease that impacts deer and similar species, is a long-term threat to the health of our state. My House DFL colleagues and I took significant steps to address CWD this year, but there’s more work to be done. The House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee, which I chair, has agreed to host a joint public hearing with our counterparts in the Senate. We’ll hear updates on efforts to stop the spread of CWD and discuss next steps with members of the public. Please stay tuned for more details.
When: Tuesday, October 29 at 10 a.m.
Where: Room 5, State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
Regardless of whether you’re able to join me at these events, please don’t hesitate to share your questions and feedback.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative