Legislative Update – March 19, 2024
Dear neighbors,
Last year, I was one of the over 1.8 million people who visited the Minnesota State Fair, and like countless others, I had trouble getting to the fairgrounds due to the traffic, congestion, and lack of parking. That’s why I worked alongside Transportation Chair Frank Hornstein to write legislation requiring a plan to reduce traffic congestion, increase transit service levels, and expand ridesharing and bike storage options.
Last week, the bill was passed by the House Agriculture Committee and this week it will be heard by the Transportation Committee. You can watch KSTP’s coverage here: State lawmakers discuss ideas to relieve traffic at the state fair.
Yesterday, in the Capital Investment Committee, we heard a presentation from the Minnesota Zoo, which is in its 48th year and had its best attendance on record. The committee heard about the work the Zoo does and even had a visit from this furry creature.
Odor Complaint Hotline and Form
Last year, I passed legislation requiring the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to adopt an odor management plan for the metro area. The MPCA is currently in the planning stages of this new rulemaking process, but you can still report individual instances for the MPCA to investigate.
If the odor is coming from a company or facility, MPCA, city and/or county officials can check to ensure that is facility is complying with state and local rules and permits. To submit a complaint, call our air quality complaint line at 651-296-6300 or use the MPCA online complaint form.
Environment Committee Hearings
This week, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, is hearing many bills that will protect our air, water, soil, and wildlife. We will take up legislation relating to composting, managing wasted food, sustainable aviation fuel, and my legislation imposing a tax on nitrogen fertilizer to pay for the cost of cleanup and clean drinking water in southern Minnesota.
On Wednesday, the committee will also consider my legislation banning the planting of corn on state lands, requiring water quality monitoring at state fish hatcheries, and more. You can find the committee’s full agenda and any updates on the committee webpage here.
Federal Assistance for Small Businesses Affected by Warm Winter
Our “winter” this year has been unseasonably warm. While many of us have enjoyed foregoing winter jackets this year, the low precipitation we’ve experienced this winter has had a real economic impact on small businesses that rely on snow and winter tourism. Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available due to the ongoing federal drought declarations affecting 81 Minnesota counties. Small business owners should apply here for assistance as soon as possible.
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