Dear neighbors,
I hope that you, your family, and friends had a happy, safe, and successful deer firearms season opener.
Deer Harvest
Real-time deer harvest figures and harvest reports for past years are available on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources deer reports and statistics webpage. As of today (November 13), the DNR reports a statewide total deer harvest of 104,162.
LCCMR Meeting
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) met today at the Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley. The meeting was an opportunity for members to process stakeholder and public input gathered in order to formulate a draft strategic plan to guide Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund spending for 2020-2026. More information and informational handouts from today’s meeting are available here.
Minnesota House Capital Investment Tour
The Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee is completing a statewide tour this week, including a Nov. 14 stop in Mendota to learn about the following proposals:
1) Water main extension ($920,000)
2) 2016 landslide clean up ($240,000)
3) Water pressure valve ($50,000)
I attended last night’s Mendota City Council meeting to let our local officials know that I will be a strong partner at the Legislature for their requests. Local officials and state agencies have requested more than $5 billion in repairs and improvements to roads, bridges, wastewater treatment systems, higher education facilities, and other public assets this year. Answers to frequently asked questions about the capital investment budgeting process are available here.
When the 2020 legislative session convenes, one of lawmakers’ top responsibilities will be to craft a robust, bipartisan public works and construction package. I am grateful that House bonding committee visited our communities and look forward to authoring legislation that ensures a strong quality of life in District 52A.
Office of the Legislator Auditor releases new reports
Today, Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles release two new reports:
(1) Minnesota Management and Budget, US Bank Stadium Reserve Account and (2) Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design.
You can review the findings and learn more here.
Commissioner's Advisory Committee on Natural Heritage
The Commissioner's Advisory Committee on Natural Heritage (CAC) advises Minnesota Department of Natural Resources programs on issues related to sustaining the state's natural heritage and biological diversity. Minnesota's natural heritage consists of its native prairies, forests, and wetlands and the native plants and animals that live here. The Committee is a citizen voice for protecting high quality natural resources and integrating conservation of these resources. The DNR is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on the committee. You can find more information and download an application here.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative