Legislative Update – March 27, 2024
Dear neighbors,
I hope you are all staying safe and warm after our early spring snowstorm last weekend. Here at the Capitol, we have passed our first internal deadline, and are now working on passing policy bills and working on supplemental budget bills in key issue areas. This week, I was able to meet with union workers from IBEW, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Rhonda Fox who was at the Capitol for Disability Advocacy Day.
Local Projects – Lions Levee Park and the Croatian Hall
Last week the Environment Committee passed my bill funding improvements to the pedestrian bridge at Lions Levee Park in St. Paul Park. The funding would improve pedestrian safety, increase ADA access, and enhance public access to the river. Public parks are vital for our communities, and investing in them strengthens our environment, health, and local economies.
I was proud to be joined by St. Paul Park Mayor, and former state representative, Keith Franke, who testified in support of the legislation. The bill passed unanimously out of committee, and you can read my full press release here.
This Wednesday, I presented legislation in front of the Legacy Finance Committee, which oversees the use of our Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. My bill would fund improvements to the Hrvatski Dom Croatian Hall, which provides a community gathering space and preserves the history of Croatian immigrants here in Minnesota.
I was joined by Tom Buchan and Tony Biljan from the Croatian Hall who talked about the Hall’s history—going back to 1919 when it was first used by new Croatian immigrants to today as it continues to be a meeting place for local charities, youth sports, VFW events, and more.
Environment and Natural Resources Committee
Last Friday, the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, passed a policy bill focused on continuing our work of protecting our water, air, soil, and wildlife.
One highlight is my legislation preparing for the Department of Natural Resources to offer electronic game and fish licenses, which the DNR estimates will be available by March 5, 2025.
The bill also contains my legislation modifying the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), my bill requiring manure management plans, and the implementation of the Department of Natural Resources’ recommendations on Feral Pigs and Farmed Mink, as well as native rough fish. You can read more here.
Pigs Eye Landfill Cleanup Task Force
The Pig's Eye Landfill in St. Paul is set for cleanup and restoration due to health and environmental concerns. The Pig's Eye Landfill Task Force, established in 2022, is developing a cleanup plan addressing PFAS contamination in Battle Creek, Pig's Eye Lake, and nearby groundwater.
The task force's recommendations will blend public input with government regulations. The landfill, owned by St. Paul, is 200 acres and situated near the Mississippi River and Pig's Eye Lake. Cleanup efforts have been ongoing since the early 2000s, with the next steps and timeline leading to a completed plan by February 2026. Find out how you can get involved here.
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