Legislative Update – March 14, 2024
Dear neighbors,
As the legislative session continues, I have been glad to meet with constituents from our community who are passionate about the issues that matter most to them. This week I spoke with Mark from the nonprofit Beacon Interfaith Housing and members from the Washington and Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Districts about key environmental issues.
On the House Floor, we passed several bipartisan and noncontroversial bills. I was proud to vote in favor of legislation expanding our price-gouging laws to protect people who need services after a declared emergency like a flood or tornado. When a community is picking up the pieces after a terrible storm, it’s not OK for companies to come in with skyrocketed prices to fleece Minnesotans who need help.
Environment Committee Hearings
In the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, we heard bills relating to tribal rights for land and hunting, and legislation to study the use of public lands set aside to help fund our public schools.
The committee also took up my legislation setting a goal to reduce the purchase of deicing salt by 25% by January 2030. It only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water, so we must ensure we are not over-applying salt and threatening our water and wildlife. You can watch the committee hearing here.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Environment Committee heard legislation I’ve authored to modify soil and water conservation districts, regulate fur farms, require manure management plans, and more. You can find the full schedule and any updates on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee webpage here.
Other News
Last Friday, the Minnesota House passed my legislation to fund 101 projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil using lottery proceeds. You can read more in this MinnPost article: More than 100 projects on tap to receive environmental trust fund dollars.
I also spoke with KARE-11 about the threat of domestic pig escapes and feral hogs, as well as legislation I’m proposing to set clear guidelines for the Department of Natural Resources on how these hogs are reported, tested, and handled. You can read more here: Looming threat of feral hogs prompts legislation.
Today, the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) released a report on Worker Misclassification. The office found “Minnesota has neither an adequate nor coordinated approach for ensuring that Minnesota workers are properly classified.” I am committed to correcting this and working with the recommendations of the OLA in my capacity as co-chair of the Legislative Audit Commission.
Environmental Funding Survey
A portion of Minnesota’s lottery proceeds go towards protecting our environment and natural resources through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided approximately $700 million to over 1,700 projects around the state.
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is now gathering input about the future of Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund spending and taking feedback about what environmental issues are most important to you. Make your voice heard about how to improve Minnesota's environment & natural resources.
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