Dear neighbors, 

Minnesota’s 2020 presidential primary is today! No matter what your party affiliation is, I hope you’ll cast your vote. You can find your polling place here. If you’d like more information about the presidential primary, click here for answers to some frequently asked questions.

It’s another busy week at the State Capitol. Here’s an overview of what’s coming up:

Yesterday I met with folks from the West St. Paul YMCA. We talked about Minnesota’s child care shortage and the important work that state YMCAs do every day as the largest nonprofit provider of child care in Minnesota. Click here to learn more about the West St. Paul Y.

Capital Investment Committee Update

The Capital Investment Committee, which I’m a member of, heard several bills this morning, including a proposal that would help the Firefighters for Healing organization build a new Transitional Healing Center for burn survivors. The center would have temporary housing for victims and their families, therapy rooms, and program space. You can learn more about this bill and others by watching a video of the hearing here.

First Hearing for Perc Ban

This afternoon the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee will hear my bill to ban perchloroethylene, a hazardous chemical known as “perc” that’s used in many dry cleaning facilities. Research shows that perc may cause several types of cancer; damage the kidneys, liver, immune system, and blood system; and affect reproduction and fetal development. My bill (HF 3830) would help dry cleaning facilities transition to safer alternatives and ban the chemical in Minnesota.

The public hearing begins at 5 p.m. You can follow along by watching live video here. 

Community Events and Activities

Dodge Nature Center Pancake Breakfast

The annual Dodge Nature Center Pancake Breakfast is this Saturday, March 7. Stop by Garlough Environment Magnet Elementary School (1740 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118) between 8 and 10:30 a.m. for pancakes and a naturalist-led hike. More details are available here.

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Sincerely,

Rick Hansen
State Representative