Dear neighbors,

Happy New Year! I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed the holidays, and I wish you all the best in 2020.

New Laws Take Effect

A few notable laws that passed during the 2019 session took effect yesterday, including legislation that:

• Increases oversight and transparency requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), pharmaceutical middle men that drive up prescription drug prices
• Ensures that people who prescribe opioids are educated on best practices for prescribing pain medication
• Prohibits trading prohibited animal parts, including teeth, tusks, and horns from elephants, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses and similar species, in Minnesota

An overview of the new laws is available here.

Real ID Deadline is Fast Approaching

When the federal Real ID Act goes into effect later this year, Minnesotans will no longer be able to use standard driver’s licenses to board flights or enter federal buildings. Starting October 1, residents must have a Real ID - a license or state ID card that meets extra requirements - in order to fly and visit federal facilities. However, less than 10 percent of Minnesotans have obtained one with just a few months until the deadline. On Monday, some of my colleagues and I sent a letter to the Commissioner and Director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to emphasize the importance of this upcoming deadline and ask about their plans to promote it. You can read the letter here.

If you’d like to find out if you’ll need a Real ID, more information is available here. If you do need one, please don’t wait until the last minute! Real IDs are currently taking four to six weeks to process, so it’s best to apply ahead of time.

DNR Takes Emergency Action on CWD

As I mentioned in my last update, a captive deer in Douglas County recently tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). The animal was connected to multiple deer farms, so state officials are investigating to find out where it was exposed to the disease and if additional herds were infected. Last week, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued an emergency rule to protect captive and wild deer until the source and extent of this outbreak can be determined. The rule prohibits moving farmed white-tailed deer for 30 days.

Lawns to Legumes Featured in Oprah Magazine

Oprah Magazine highlighted Minnesota’s new Lawns to Legumes program in the Live Your Best Life list, calling it a “buzzworthy solution” to declining pollinator populations! It’s exciting to see this program and our state getting national recognition. I hope increased public attention will inspire many people to take action.

Work for the Census

The Census is looking for people to serve as Field Representatives in our area. These jobs are temporary, but they’re very important and pay well. More information is available here. Please pass it on to anyone who may be interested.

Community Events and Activities

Climate Action Caucus Community Conversation

I’m excited to co-host the next Climate Action Caucus community conversation. It’s dedicated to local environmental issues and takes place at our very own Dodge Nature Center. I hope you can join us!

Cub Scout Pancake Breakfast

Cub Scout Pack 37 is hosting a pancake breakfast this weekend. You can learn more and RSVP here.  

When: Saturday, January 4 from 9 – 11am
Where: St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 1575 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118

Please continue to share your questions and feedback! You can contact me anytime at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or 651-296-6828.

Sincerely,

Rick Hansen
State Representative