Dear neighbors,
As I mentioned in my last email, the House Capital Investment Committee came to our community last week. After travelling to Mendota and Mendota Heights on Tuesday, the lawmakers visited South St. Paul and West St. Paul on Wednesday. I appreciated this opportunity to welcome my colleagues to our area and to advocate for important local projects.
The committee was in our area to learn about projects that could receive capital investment. In South St. Paul, for example, committee members toured the public library and learned about plans to possibly build a new, 16,000 square foot building at the corner of Marie Avenue and 7th Avenue. We also learned about needed upgrades to the city’s utility system.
Our final stop was one of West St. Paul’s lift stations. These stations are a critical part of wastewater management, and several of them need to be replaced or upgraded. We had a great time talking with city staff and Councilor Wendy Berry, despite the rain.
The committee will return to South St. Paul on Thursday to learn more about housing needs in our community. They’re going to tour the John Carroll Highrise, which provides apartments to people who are 50 years old or older with low or moderate incomes.
On Monday, I helped staff a panel on cybersecurity hosted by the Council of State Governments and Science is US. I encouraged bringing this event to Minnesota. It was a good opportunity for Midwestern legislators to learn more and discuss this important issue.
Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights
Minnesotans with student loans are now better protected thanks to the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights. This new law, which we passed earlier this year, protects borrowers by:
- Ensuring student loan providers are responsible and responsive to borrowers
- Prohibiting student loan servicers from using deceptive and misleading marketing practices or providing inaccurate information
- Prohibiting the misapplication of loan payments
- Requiring providers to be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce
Student loan servicers shouldn’t be allowed to use predatory practices. The Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights will help protect Minnesotans and create a safer and fairer environment for students. You can read more about it here.
Serve on the AIS Advisory Committee
The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Advisory Committee is currently seeking new members. This group advises the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on AIS issues and helps protect our lakes, rivers, wetlands, and native species. If you’re interested in becoming a member, you can learn more and apply here. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or feedback. You can email me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or call (651) 296-6828.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative