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Dear neighbors,
I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and were able to connect safely with family and friends. Here’s the latest news from the Capitol:
I enjoyed attending the annual South St. Paul tree lighting this weekend.
November Budget Forecast
Minnesotans are counting on us to provide assistance as we await more aid from the federal government. Today, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released a new budget forecast that indicates our state is well positioned to provide economic relief to workers, small businesses, and people who are struggling to weather the pandemic. These economic projections show that we’re capable of provide immediate aid to those who need it most.
House DFLers will continue working with Governor Walz and our Republican colleagues to reach agreement on a COVID-19 relief package. The legislation we announced last week includes direct aid for small businesses, extended unemployment benefits, and support for working families. It would help Minnesota families keep food on the table with grants to restaurants to provide food for healthcare workers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities.
You can view the November Budget and Economic Forecast here.
House Committees for 2021-2022
The committee structure for the upcoming legislative session was announced yesterday. I’m honored to share that I’ll continue serving as chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance & Policy Committee. I look forward to leading efforts to protect Minnesota’s environment and working with the most diverse group of committee chairs in history! A full list of committees and chairs can be found here.
State Agency Pollinator Report
Bees and other insects that pollinate plants play a vital role in our state’s agriculture and food supply. Unfortunately, the number of pollinators is declining in Minnesota and across the country. The annual Minnesota State Agency Pollinator Report provides information about the current state of pollinators and outlines efforts to support healthy and diverse pollinator populations. You can read the 2020 report here.
Solar Development Report
In 2019, the Legislature allocated funding to study the potential for solar development on closed, state-managed landfills. Installing solar panels on this underutilized land would generate clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create jobs. The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) recently released a report on the feasibility of this proposal. You can download a copy here.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions or feedback or if I can be of assistance. You can reach me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or 651-226-6828.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative
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