Dear neighbors, 

I hope you enjoyed the warmer weather this weekend. Here’s an update from the Capitol:

EAB in Minnesota

The House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee heard the latest information about emerald ash borer (EAB) on Thursday. As you may know, this invasive insect has already infested many communities in our area. EAB is spreading across the state, putting other communities and Minnesota forests at risk. Last session, we secured funding to help communities address EAB issues.

12 cities, including Mendota Heights and West St. Paul, received grants to replace lost ash trees with a diverse variety of replacement trees. 13 cities received grants to help them prepare for EAB infestations in community forests. The funds will be used to inventory trees, develop management plans, treat and remove ash trees, plant new trees, and educate residents.

A video of the public hearing on EAB is available here.

Community Events and Activities

South St. Paul Day at the Minnesota History Center

This year we spent the annual South St. Paul Day at the Capitol at the Minnesota History Center. We were able to see South St. Paul and Minnesota historical items and the She Voted exhibit, which is about the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment. Town Square Television recently shared coverage of this event. You can watch it here.

Bandcake Breakfast

The Bandcake Breakfast is just a few weeks away. This annual breakfast will be served in the Henry Sibley High School Cafeteria (1897 Delaware Avenue, Mendota Heights, MN 55118) on Sunday, March 15 from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Henry Sibley High School band students will provide musical entertainment.

The Legislature will not hold floor sessions tomorrow or Wednesday morning. Please stay tuned for more updates.

Sincerely,

Rick Hansen
State Representative