Legislative Update – November 8, 2023
Dear neighbors,
This Saturday, November 11th is Veterans Day, a day to honor the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed to protect our freedom. Thank you for your service.
The State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will take place on Saturday, November 11th at the Inver Grove Heights Veterans Memorial Center at 10:00am. You can find more information here. The South St. Paul VFW Post #295 will have an open house from 10:00am-2:00pm on the 11th as well, located at 1401 Thompson Ave.
I was proud to vote in support of the 2023 Veterans and Military Affairs Budget, which increased veterans’ service bonuses, invested in our veterans homelessness initiative, funded a new Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley, and more.
Deer Hunting Opener
Last weekend I joined Governor Walz, DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen and fellow legislators for the 2023 deer hunting firearm season. I visited one of our Chronic Wasting Disease self-sampling sites in Granger, Minnesota to see how agency staff are continuing to track CWD and educate hunters on its impact. You can find more hunting and trapping information at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website and information on CWD testing and disposal here.
Other Updates
This week, on the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, I signed-on to a letter with 199 legislators from 41 states calling on the federal government to strengthen our efforts on endangered species recovery. Now more than ever, a strong commitment of support for endangered species recovery is needed from all levels of government. You can read the letter here.
I also wanted to share that the Minnesota DNR is currently seeking public comments on the future threat of feral pigs and released minks. State agencies are currently reviewing current policy, and public comment is an important first step. You can find more information here, and answer the questionnaire here. You also can join an informational webinar from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
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