Legislative Update – March 1, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
Last month, we lost an integral member of our community—Lois Glewwe. Lois was a lifelong teacher for our community with a never-ending curiosity. An amazing historian and author, Lois served as a South St. Paul city council member, as executive director of the Dakota County Historical Society, and so much more. Lois was an icon in the community, and I am still in shock that she is gone. I thank the Pioneer Press for their tribute and for giving me the opportunity to share my memories of Lois.
I am dedicated to finding a sustainable memorial for her and keeping the teaching, sharing, and learning she embodied ongoing for our community. I encourage you all to read the full obituary here.
South St. Paul Water Projects
Today at 1:00 pm, I presented a pair of bills to the Capital Investment Committee focused on protecting water quality in South St. Paul.
I will be presented HF154, which appropriates funds to replace our drinking water infrastructure, and HF161, which will fund a water treatment plant to remediate radium contamination in one of our municipal wells. I am proud to have been working with city staff to address these critical infrastructure issues. You can watch the hearing on the House Information Youtube Page.
FFA Day at the Capitol!
Monday was FFA day at the Capitol! As an FFA alumnus, I was glad to meet with our MN FFA young leaders and discuss agriculture policy and more!
Budget Forecast
On Monday, the Minnesota Management and Budget office released the February 2023 economic forecast, which we will use to craft our state budget. Our state budget is more than a fiscal document – it is a moral document that should reflect Minnesotans’ values. I am committed to making sure this surplus is used responsibly, setting our state up for success now and into the future. This year, a new DFL trifecta has an opportunity to address the chronic underfunding of our people and communities. Democrats are working together to enact a new state budget that meets the needs of Minnesotans, builds a state that works better for everyone, and truly reflects the values Minnesotans share. You can read more about the budget forecast here.
Legislative Audit Meeting
On Monday morning, the Legislative Audit Commission, which I chair, met to hear a presentation of the legislative auditor’s evaluation of State Programs That Support Minnesotans on the Basis of Racial, Ethnic, or American Indian Identity. We were also joined by staff from various state agencies to discuss the importance of this work. You can watch a recording of the hearing here.
Stay in Touch
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my legislative assistant Sam O'Neill at 651-296-3305 or via email at samuel.oneill@house.mn.gov
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative