Legislative Update - January 25, 2022

Dear neighbors, 

It’s another busy week at the Minnesota House of Representatives. With the 2022 legislative session set to begin next Monday, my colleagues and I are preparing bills, gathering feedback from Minnesotans, and sharing our priorities.   

Introducing New Legislation

While the legislative session hasn’t started yet, I’ve already introduced a few bills and co-authored several others. HF 2674 increases revenue for qualifying school districts, including South St. Paul Public Schools, through referendum equalization. HF 2719 provides incentive funding for Minnesota’s conservation reserve program. I’m a co-author of HF 2814, a science-based bill that strengthens testing for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer, and HF 2666, which would provide campus improvement funding to Inver Hills Community College.  

2022 Economic Security Plan

Many people are still struggling and facing an uncertain future due to COVID-19 and other challenges. Last week, House DFLers released a plan to address the urgent needs of Minnesotans and expand economic opportunity.  

Paid Family & Medical Leave and Earned Sick & Safe Time – policies that would give every worker time to welcome a new baby, help an aging parent, care for a sick child, or seek the care they need to stay healthy – are an important part of the plan. It also includes measures to support frontline workers, improve access to broadband, and increase the supply of safe and affordable housing. You can find more details here.  

2022 Public Safety Plan

Yesterday, legislators shared a plan to improve public safety in Minnesota. It invests $100 million in proven solutions to help make sure everyone is safe, no matter where they live or what they look like. For example, the plan includes $40 million for Innovation in Community Safety grants, which can be used for juvenile diversion efforts, violence interruption, restorative justice programs, community-based mental health and social service centers, victim services, and more. The plan also invests $22 million in Crime Investigation grants, which will help solve crimes. More information is available here.  

Request Free COVID-19 Tests 

As you may have seen, the federal government recently launched a website where people can order free COVID-19 tests. You can request four tests per household, and they will be shipped directly to your home in late January. I encourage you to order tests and to spread the word to your family and friends.   

If you have questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out. You can contact me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or call (651) 296-6828. 

Sincerely,  

Rick Hansen  
State Representative