Legislative Update – July 7, 2023
Dear neighbors,
Yesterday, I was glad to join Friends of Grey Cloud to discuss the protection of the former Mississippi Dunes property and the Scientific and Natural Area--including the $6 million allocated in this year's Environment budget for the Grey Cloud SNA.
Thank you to all who came out to share your perspective, ask questions, and enjoy our natural resources on this beautiful summer day!
Metropolitan Council Inflow and Infiltration Grants
This year’s Environment and Natural Resources budget included a grant program through the Metropolitan Council that will help cities make improvements to their inflow and infiltration systems—improving wastewater collection and helping to keep our water clean. Cities around the metro, including in our district, have struggled to cover the costs of these expensive but needed upgrades.
This program will help close those gaps and ensures that the funds go to the cities that need help the most. You can learn more about how inflow and infiltration negatively affects our wastewater system here.
Opinion Piece on Chronic Wasting Disease
Last week, Hunting Magazine published an opinion piece I wrote detailing this year’s comprehensive legislation passed to slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in our deer populations.
By passing this comprehensive CWD legislation we are working to ensure that future generations of Minnesotans can hunt without the fear of coming into contact with CWD. I am proud that we did not let this opportunity pass us by and I will continue to advocate for investments in protecting our wildlife and our ability to hunt safely. You can read the full article here.
Agricultural Weather Study
As chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, I received a copy of the University of Minnesota’s Agricultural Weather Study Interim Report. The study provides an overview of work done to develop climate projections for our state—which can help inform how we design infrastructure, decide when and where to plant crops, assess the risk of infectious diseases, and more. You can find that report and other public information here.
Stay in Touch
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the year. 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