Legislative Update - October 30, 2019

Dear neighbors, 

Here’s a quick update on what I’ve been working on this week.

Addressing Chronic Wasting Disease

Yesterday, the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee – which I chair – held a public hearing on chronic wasting disease (CWD) with our Senate counterparts. Experts from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Board of Animal Health, and the University of Minnesota provided updates on efforts to contain the fatal neurological disease. Members of the public were invited to share their thoughts as well. You can watch the entire hearing here. You can also read about it in the Pioneer Press here.

While progress is being made, there are still concerns to be addressed. For example, the hauler that was supposed to dispose of carcasses dropped off at new Adopt-a-Dumpster sites backed out earlier this week. I’m committed to working with others to address these issues.

Before firearm deer season opens, please take a few minutes to read about what you can do to halt the spread of CWD. Helpful tips and information from the DNR is available here.

No Child Left Inside Update

The No Child Left Inside program is off to a great start! This new grant program funds outdoor activities for young Minnesotans, particularly those who would otherwise have limited access to these opportunities. The first phase of applications began last week. The DNR received hundreds of applications and had to stop accepting them the day that applications opened. Please stay tuned for updates on future phases.

More information about No Child Left Inside is available here. You can also learn more by listening to KFAN Outdoors here or wherever you get your podcasts. Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn, who championed the legislation that created No Child Left Inside, was a guest on last week’s episode.

Legislative Audit Commission Update

I chaired the Legislative Audit Commission meeting that took place yesterday. You can read the report that we discussed here. It’s a review of payments that the Department of Human Services made to the White Earth Nation and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe for opioid treatment programs.

Please don’t hesitate to share questions or feedback. You can reach me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or 651-296-6828.

Sincerely, 

Rick Hansen
State Representative