Legislative Update – April 4, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
As the Legislative Session reaches our mid-point, we are working on passing policy bill packages that build on the work of last year’s historic session and improve the lives of Minnesotans. Last weekend, I was glad to join South St. Paul at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Asian Mart on Concord Street.
I also met with our partners at Washington County, including Commissioner Karla Bigham, Mary and Janice from Housing First, and AFCSME members Allison, Jacob, Peter, and Douglas. Finally, I spoke to a group of young students for a Kids for the Boundary Waters meeting about the importance of protecting our environment and wilderness spaces!
South St. Paul Bonding Project
On Wednesday I was joined by South St. Paul city administrator Ryan Garcia in the Capital Investment Committee to present my bill to fund the Northview Swimming Pool in our district.
The pool, which has been in operation since 1956, is currently in critical condition and my bill would help ensure our community has a modern and functioning public pool for future generations to enjoy. You can watch the committee presentation here.
Agriculture and Food Policy
Yesterday I was proud to host author Austin Frerick at the State Capitol to meet with legislative leaders and talk about agricultural issues and food policy. I was joined by Agriculture Committee Chair Samantha Vang and Vice-Chair Kristi Pursell as well as Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy.
Austin's new book, Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry, talks about issues facing agriculture across the country and in Minnesota, and I was glad to get his insight. You can read more in his recent Q&A here: Austin Frerick on farm policy, Cargill and food industry ‘barons’.
House Floor Votes
This week the House began passing policy bill packages in major issue areas building on the work of our historically productive 2023 session and improving the lives of Minnesotans. Today the House is set to pass two broadly bipartisan policy bills supporting our Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs.
Tonight we will pass a transportation policy package that improves road safety, DVS wait times, child passenger safety, and consumer protections. It also includes my legislation requiring a State Fair Transportation Plan.
We will also take up a higher education policy bill that includes the clean energy sector in our Workforce Development Scholarship Program and expands support in higher education for students who have a disability. Finally, we will vote on an early education policy bill focused on strengthening our pre-kindergarten and school readiness programs.
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