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Dear neighbors,
The Minnesota Legislature is back in session today. In the wake of the insurrection in Washington D.C., I’m more resolved than ever to continue our work. I hope that we’ll be able to conduct this legislative session peacefully and with respect for our democracy and for one another.
Earlier this week, I authored a protest and dissent letter objecting to Minnesota House members who endorsed a Texas lawsuit to nullify legitimate election results. Elected officials have a responsibility to call out disinformation and baseless conspiracy theories like those that fueled the violent actions we saw yesterday.
Legislative Session Begins
On Tuesday, I was sworn in virtually for the 2021-2022 legislative session. I’m honored to serve you in the Minnesota House of Representatives and ready to get to work.
Most of our work will be done remotely this session due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there will be plenty of opportunities for Minnesotans to follow and participate in the legislative process. Public hearings and floor sessions will be broadcast on five House live stream channels, and House Public Information Services will continue providing nonpartisan updates. You can follow their page on Facebook or subscribe to Session Daily to receive news from the Capitol. I’ll continue sending these emails regularly, and you can follow my official Facebook page for more frequent updates.
My colleagues and I cast our first remote votes during today's floor session.
The first bills of the 2021 legislative session were introduced this afternoon. I authored three of them: HF 30, which invests in environment and natural resources projects across the state; HF 29, which would designate a West St. Paul bridge as Private Joseph Marthaler Memorial Bridge; and HF 15, which would improve the City of Mendota’s water main.
Committee Assignments
I’m happy to report that I’ll continue serving as chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee this session. I’m also excited to serve on the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, the Capital Investment Committee, and Ways and Means. You can find more information about all of the House committees here and see which are meeting each day here.
New Public Health Measures
Thanks to the actions Minnesotans have taken, the COVID-19 situation has improved over the past month. Governor Walz announced yesterday that some restrictions will be loosened. Here are some of the significant changes that will take effect on January 11:
- Indoor dining will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Reservations will be required, and bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m.
- Indoor events and entertainment venues may open with limited capacity.
- Wedding receptions and other private events may resume with limits.
- Maximum capacity for gyms and outdoor events will increase.
- Youth and adult sports can resume games on January 14.
You can find more information about these modifications here.
Stay in Touch
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my new Legislative Assistant Adam Kopel at 651-296-4165. I’d like to thank my previous Legislative Assistant Clay Schwartzwalter and send him best wishes for the future.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative
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