Dear Neighbors,
Today the Department of Management and Budget released the November budget forecast, showing an estimated surplus of $17.6 billion. This is a truly historic surplus, which we can utilize to lower costs around childcare/healthcare, fully fund education, enact sick leave and more. We have an opportunity to accomplish a great deal for all Minnesotans!
Read the forecast here, and watch the presentation and following press conference on the forecast here.
Meeting at the White House
This week I traveled to Washington D.C along with legislators from 32 other states to discuss our state priorities for the 2023 session. My visit focused on climate and environmental issues including building a cleaner more sustainable country, climate infrastructure and environmental justice.
I was given the opportunity to highlight some of the work we will focus on this year to ensure Minnesota is a climate leader. Along with our strong state budget, the Inflation Reduction Act will provide over $2.6 billion for infrastructure and climate projects. This is the exact type of coordination between state and federal policy makers we need if we are to tackle the climate crisis. I’m excited to carry this momentum into the 2023 session to make this a banner year for climate action.
If you would like to learn more about how the inflation reduction act will benefit our efforts, here is a fact sheet as it relates to environmental justice, and one as it relates to climate change.
Crop Convening Washington D.C
I was also able to attend ‘Crop Convening: Seeding Our Power’ to learn about urban agriculture and how to make investments to get new generations and underrepresented groups into agriculture careers. These are important models we can learn from to craft effective policies so no Minnesota has to go without fresh, nutritious food.
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