Legislative Update - December 7, 2023Dear Neighbors, Yesterday, Minnesota Management and Budget released new projections showing a stable budget and economic outlook. This is good news for our state, and it’s a testament to the strength and resiliency of the people of Minnesota. Our state is in a good position to address unforeseen economic challenges over the long term due to strong budget reserves. This year, the Legislature enacted one of the most transformational budgets in state history. We’re excited about the investments we’re making in the people of Minnesota. Lawns to Legumes Info Session I hope you can join me this Sunday at the Croatian Hall to learn more about the state's Lawns to Legumes Program, which offers Minnesotans funding and technical assistance for installing pollinator-friendly native plants in their residential lawns. I'll be joined by researchers from the University of MN Bee Lab and staff from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.  Preventing Nitrate PollutionRecently I have been working to clean up drinking water contaminated with Nitrate, which mainly comes from agricultural fertilizers spread on row crops. Nitrate is a chemical that is dangerous in high quantities, and the porous geography of southeastern Minnesota makes wells particularly vulnerable to it. I recently spoke with the Star Tribune on these efforts and received this letter from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Water Quality Standards for Nitrogen. In response to my inquiry, the OLA has placed this topic on the list of potential evaluation topics for the Legislative Audit Commission to consider in 2024. 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 |