Dear neighbors,
This afternoon, I’m driving south to Austin to participate in the 2019 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener, which is shaping up to be a frosty, but fun, gathering. Before I hit the road, I’m sharing a quick update. In my next email, look for pictures of me, Governor Walz, and fellow pheasant hunters down in Austin.
Grants now available for new No Child Left Inside program
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers grants for youth education and recreation programs through its No Child Left Inside grant program, created this year by the Legislature. This important initiative aims to support and increase efforts to expand programming that connects youth to the outdoors. More information about the grant application process is available here.
To be eligible for the first phase of grants, applicants must be one of the following:
Public entity (cities, counties, special purpose districts)
Native American Tribe
Non-profit organization
Formal school program
Informal after school program
Community-based and city youth program
Grant dollars cannot be used for activities such as, but not limited to:
Purchase of hunting or fishing licenses, tags or stamps
Group banquets, raffle prizes or other fundraising activities
Hunting and fishing competitions with cash awards or prizes larger than nominal value
For-profit projects
Administrative costs, such as overhead or indirect costs
Purchase of firearms and ammunition
Saint Paul Art Crawl takes place Oct. 11-13
The three-day Saint Paul Art Crawl kicks off today at 6 p.m. If you plan to participate, stop by the Schmidt Brewery’s atrium to see a painting of me walking through my land in Harmony, MN.
Thank you to South St. Paul artist AJ Wrobel for this work and for his many other contributions to our local arts community. An online directory and maps are available at saintpaulartcrawl.org.
Legislative Auditor seeking new six-year term
As chair of the Legislative Audit Commission, I recently helped launch the process of considering current Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles for reappointment to another six-year term. Mr. Nobles is completing his sixth six-year term in the position, and the next step in the process will be to conduct a performance review later this month. Our State Auditor Julie Blaha recently asked Mr. Nobles to conduct an audit of her office to ensure that she is able to give Minnesotans the oversight and support they deserve. Stay tuned for more details.
The LCCMR wants your feedback
In conjunction with the upcoming Metro and Southeastern Minnesota Site Visits on October 15-16, the LCCMR will be holding the two following listening sessions:
Food for Thought
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Bell Museum, University of Minnesota, The Nucleus Room
2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113
In an open-house style listening session, enjoy coffee and donuts while telling state decision-makers what environment and natural resource issues need funding.
Coffee & Conversation
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
7-8 a.m.
Fiddlehead Coffee Co.
412 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Sit down with LCCMR members over a cup of coffee and let them know what natural resources issues are important and need funding in Minnesota.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative