Dear neighbors, It’s Climate Week in Minnesota! I joined state and local officials in Eden Prairie yesterday to help kick off the week. We planted two trees that will remove about 1,652 pounds of carbon dioxide from our air over the next 30 years. A video is available here.   In addition to reducing carbon emissions, certain kinds of trees can help mitigate the impact of invasive species like emerald ash borer (EAB). There was a grove of damaged trees near the spot where we were yesterday. The city is going to use an EAB grant they received to remove and replace the ash trees with more diverse, climate-resilient species. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was able to provide these EAB grants to 26 communities thanks to support from the legislature. Grants Available for Small Businesses The Main Street COVID Relief Grant program began accepting applications yesterday. Grants of $10,000 to $25,000 are available for Minnesota-owned and -operated businesses that experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19. More than $64 million is available, and businesses that are owned by veterans, women, people of color, and Indigenous people; employ six people or less; and/or didn’t receive assistance from other state relief programs will be prioritized. You can find more information and apply on the program’s webpage. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, September 29. Upcoming Events On the Road Again On the Road Again will be back in South St. Paul on Saturday, October 2. As usual, there will be plenty of craft vendors, food trucks, a flea market, a car show, and the annual booya and pickle contests. Shirts and koozies with the On the Road Again logo will also be available this year!  I always appreciate hearing from community members, so please don’t hesitate to share questions, ideas, or feedback. You can reach me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or (651) 296-6828. Sincerely, Rick Hansen
State Representative |