Legislative Update - March 8, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
I would like to invite you all to attend our District 53 Town Hall coming up Sunday, March 19 at 10:00 AM at the Inver Grove Heights Community Center (8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota). I will be joined by Representative Mary Frances Clardy and Senator Matt Klein to answer your questions and discuss key issues facing the legislature this session! You can RSVP on Facebook and share with your friends and family here.
Bonding Bill Projects
Last night, the Minnesota House passed a capital investment bill package. As a member of the Capital Investment Committee, I was glad to see multiple important projects for our local communities included in the bill:
- $22.025 million to improve Inver Hills Community College’s technology and business center. This project is critical in supporting our community college students and ensuring they are ready to enter the workforce with the skills needed to succeed.
- $7 million to improve the Third Street Collector Roadway in St. Paul Park. This includes pedestrian and bike safety improvements as well as sewer, drinking water, and stormwater infrastructure.
- Grant money to assist the City of Newport with inflow and infiltration, improving wastewater collection systems, and improving treatment system capacity.
In addition to these critical local projects, I spoke on the House floor about how this bill includes the strongest environmental protection efforts from the state of Minnesota this century. You can read my full statement here.
Environment Committee Update
In the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, we have been moving forward with bill hearings on several important environmental protection and natural resource management bills. We heard legislation requiring stricter water pollution notifications for the public, a bill to improve boater safety, and a bill funding better maintenance of our scientific and natural areas.
Last Wednesday, we heard a bill I authored to provide funding to combat the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Minnesota. I was joined by Nick Phelps, director of the Minnesota AIS Research Center, who testified to our plan to manage invasive common carp. We have been researching this issue for a long time, we know the dangers of AIS, and it is time to move to implementation to protect our lakes, rivers, and streams.
House Floor Votes
Last Thursday, the Minnesota House passed the Pathways Home Act. This legislation increases funds dedicated to ending homelessness in our state by investing in emergency services programs, transitional housing, outreach, and a pathway to stable housing for all Minnesotans. Emergency services and shelters save lives and keep people safe. The Pathway Home Act invests $150 million through 2028 to preserve and add over 3,000 shelter beds throughout Minnesota to ensure more people can receive services and housing regardless of their background or zip code.
We also voted to put new guardrails into state law to prevent unconscionable price gouging during times of emergency such as a pandemic or natural disaster. Minnesotans deserve to be protected from bad actors seeking to profit off their needs and fears in a time of crisis. Voting for this bill is a vote to hold people accountable when they take advantage of our family, friends, and neighbors.
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