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Dear neighbors,
I hope you’re taking advantage of the mild start to December. Here’s a brief update from the Capitol:
Economic Assistance for Minnesotans
Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) recently released a new budget forecast. As I said in my last email, these economic projections show Minnesota is well positioned to deliver immediate aid to workers and small businesses. House DFLers have put forth a strong COVID-19 assistance package, and we’re working with Governor Walz and our Republican colleagues to reach an agreement. I hope we can find consensus before the next special session, which will take place on December 14.
If you’d like more information about the budget forecast or the COVID-19 economic assistance package, the House Ways and Means Committee is holding public hearings devoted to these topics. You can watch the hearing from Tuesday, which centered on the November budget forecast, here. The hearing on COVID-19 economic assistance legislation is scheduled for this Thursday, December 10 at 1:30 p.m. Live video will be available here.
Support Small Businesses
Minnesota’s small businesses need community support as they do their part to curb the spread of COVID-19. I encourage you to consider doing your holiday shopping locally, buying gift cards, and getting takeout from nearby restaurants if you can.
I stopped for coffee at Amore Coffee on Monday! I had a great conversation with Tara about the need for small business aid in the upcoming special session.
Special CWD Hunts
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced two special deer hunts. By participating in these hunts, Minnesotans can help limit the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease that impacts deer. Special deer hunts remove infected deer and lower deer densities in areas where CWD is prevalent, reducing the potential for contact with infected areas.
The special hunts are scheduled for December 26-27 and January 2-3. You can find more information here.
I appreciate hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions or feedback. My email address is rep.rick.hansen@house.mn, and my phone number is 651-296-6828.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative
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