Legislative Update – March 22, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
It has been a busy week at the State Capitol as we head towards our first internal legislative deadline to act on bills in committees. This week I presented 8 pieces of legislation, ranging from protecting our environment to reaffirming our support for fair labor laws and addressing local community needs.
In between committee hearings, I have been meeting with constituents from our district. I met with MAPE members including former State Rep. and current SSP School Board member Anne Claflin, fellow SSP school board member Monica Weber, and MAPE member Mary Davis about how we can continue to support union workers here in St. Paul. I also met with advocates seeking to end homelessness, college students, and more.
Reducing SSP Property Taxes
This week in the Property Tax Division, I presented my legislation that would reduce property taxes in South St. Paul. I am proud to have worked on this legislation alongside the City of South St. Paul and had city administrator Ryan Garcia join me in the committee to testify in support of the legislation and how this will help residents in South St. Paul. You can watch the hearing here.
Child Labor Amendment
Yesterday in the House Labor Committee, I was joined by former UFCW Local 1189 union organizer Bernie Hesse to present my resolution memorializing Congress that Minnesota reaffirms our support for the Child Labor Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The Child Labor Amendment was first proposed in 1924 and would give Congress the explicit authority to regulate the labor of those under eighteen years of age. It was ratified in Minnesota in 1933 but hasn’t been ratified by three-fourths of total states.
This issue is not something that has gone away, as last year federal investigators found underage children working dangerous jobs at Minnesota meat packing plants. This resolution affirms our support for strong labor laws that protect all workers, especially children and I am pleased to report it passed unanimously through the committee.
State Fair Transit Plan
Every year at the Minnesota State Fair, I volunteer at the nonpartisan Minnesota Public Information House booth, but as many of you have also experienced, getting to the fair is often a challenge.
My legislation to address traffic, congestion, and lack of parking at the Fair continues to gain support as it moves through the legislative process. My bill would require a plan to reduce traffic levels, increase public transit service options, and expand ridesharing and bike storage options. You can read more in this Star Tribune article: Bill aims to reduce State Fair gridlock and improve transit options.
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