Dear neighbors,
This will be my last legislative update for awhile, as legislators can’t use state resources for unsolicited communications during an election period. I want to thank you for your interest in what’s happening at the Legislature and leave you with a few updates, reminders, and resources.
The House and Senate are expected to reconvene on Monday. We’re still working hard to find bipartisan agreement on COVID-19 relief measures, a Jobs and Local Projects bill, police accountability and criminal justice reforms, and other measures that Minnesotans have asked us to address. We’re also working on a series of targeted tax cuts for working families, farmers, and small businesses that includes equalization aid for South St. Paul Schools.
Respond to the Census
If you haven’t responded to the 2020 Census yet, here’s a reminder to do so. It only takes a few minutes, and the data determines how billions of dollars in federal funding is allocated. It also impacts representation at the local, state, and national level. As you may know, Minnesota could lose one of our eight Congressional seats if we don’t get a strong count, which would result in diminished influence in Washington.
You can respond online here, by phone, or by mail. Please remind your friends and family to respond as well! Responding online, by phone, or by mail will help keep everyone safe because it means fewer census workers will need to go door to door during the pandemic.
Request an Absentee Ballot
Absentee voting is a great way to protect yourself, other voters, and election officials from COVID-19. If you’d like to vote from the comfort and safety of your own home, you can request an absentee ballot for the upcoming primary and general elections here. The online application will ask for an email address and an identification number – either a Minnesota-issued driver’s license, Minnesota ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can check your voter registration status here and update it here.
NCEL Recognition
This afternoon I learned that the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) selected me as one of three recipients of the Leon G. Billings Award for Environmental Achievement, which is given to legislators who have advanced monumental policies to protect and restore the environment. It’s an honor to receive this award! I’ll continue working to preserve and enhance our state’s environment and natural resources.
Environmental Reports and Information
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released the 2019 Minnesota Deer Harvest Report. You can download and read the report here. I encourage you to check out the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)’s Plant of the Month resource as well. With a focus on plants that are important for conservation projects, it includes information on native species identification, range, preferred habitat, uses, and planting recommendations. You can find this information here.
While I won’t be able to send these emails until after the November election, I’m still available to answer questions and discuss issues that are important to our community. Please don’t hesitate to email me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or give me a call at 651-296-6828. You can also stay in touch by liking or following my Facebook page here.
I hope you and your family have a great summer. It’s an honor to serve as your state representative.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative