Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are having a fantastic summer, the weather has been perfect for getting out and enjoying all our Minnesota has to offer!
This will be my second to last update until after the November election. Due to our campaign laws Legislators are not allowed to send email updates 60 days after the end of session, which is July 22nd. Even though I won’t be sending any more email updates you can still follow me on Facebook to stay informed. My office is also open and I encourage you to reach out if you think I can be a help in any way.
South St. Paul Night to Unite
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 5-9pm for South St. Paul Night to Unite. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors and create community. I look forward to seeing you there!
Bee Habitat Course
If you ever wanted to learn about the best habitat for bees, the U of M is providing a course where you can learn all you need to know. Thea Evans will lead participants through the pollinator demonstration garden outside the Bee Laboratory. She will identify native pollinators and signs of nesting bee habitat, as well as dive into the details of maintaining a pollinator garden. This class will not require bee veils, so feel free to invite non-beekeeper friends. If you are interested, click here to sign up and learn more.
Reminder: Frontline Workers Can Apply for Bonus Pay
Bonus payments are available for frontline workers who kept our state running during the darkest days of the pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans who faced elevated risks of exposure to COVID-19 are eligible, including health care workers, first responders, child care providers, food service workers, and retail workers. You can view eligibility information and apply for bonus pay at frontlinepay.mn.gov/submit. Applications will be accepted until Friday, July 22.
July Economic Forecast Update
Minnesota’s net general fund receipts for FY 2022 are now estimated to total $30.329 billion, $2.927 billion (10.7 percent) more than projected in the February 2022 Budget and Economic Forecast. Most of the higher-than-expected revenue reflects the timing of payments from Pass-Through-Entities (PTE). Over the next six months the Department of Management and Budget expects these revenues will be largely offset by related tax credits and refunds. They believe that at the close of fiscal year 2022, state revenues associated with tax year 2021 are at least $1 billion over forecast.
Overall, they are seeing some evidence in Minnesota’s tax revenues that is consistent with a slowing economy. Also, since February our national forecasters have consistently lowered their expectations for U.S. economic growth in 2022-2025, and they say the risk of a recession beginning in the next 12 months is increasing. You can find more information on this month's economic forecast here.
Stay in Touch
If you have any questions or feedback for me, please feel free to email me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or call (651) 296-6828. I always appreciate hearing from constituents!
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen State Representative