Legislative Update – April 19, 2024
Dear neighbors,
We have one month remaining in the 2024 Legislative Session, and work is now transitioning out of committees as bills head to the Floor for a full vote. Next Monday and Tuesday, the House will be closed as our colleagues celebrate Passover. As always, I am dedicated to passing legislation that invests in our local communities, protects our environment, and supports middle and working class Minnesotans.
Recently I’ve been able to meet with advocacy groups like Habitat for Humanity and Ducks Unlimited, as well as the River Heights Chamber. I was also glad to connect with folks from Town Square TV when they visited a recent bill hearing in the State and Local Government Committee.
Yesterday I took some time off the House Floor to recap our recently passed Environment and Natural Resources Policy bill. We talk about the importance of pollution prevention, recognizing the importance of native fish, and more.
2024 Environment and Natural Resources Budget bill
This week, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, presented our 2024 Environment and Natural Resources Budget and Policy bill. We also heard public testimony, had member debate, and voted on amendments. The bill passed on Thursday and will soon be headed to the Floor for a full vote.
The bill includes a significant investment in addressing Emerald Ash Borer and planting new trees and continues making progress on preventing pollution in our air, water, and soil. The package touches on many areas and I will share more provisions as the session continues. You can read more about the legislation here.
I am also glad to share that yesterday the Minnesota Senate voted to send the policy bill we passed last week to the Governor’s desk for his signature. This week Governor Walz signed the 2024 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund bill, which funds 101 environmental projects statewide, into law.
Arbor Day
Next Friday, April 26th is Arbor Day, when we recognize the importance of planting and caring for trees and the integral part they play in our ecosystem. As I’ve done every year, I will be giving out tree saplings to all members of the Minnesota House that they can bring back to their districts to plant.
Every Arbor Day I invite legislators from both sides of the aisle to help prepare and hand out saplings, and past celebrations even included plantings on Capitol Grounds in 2005 shortly after I joined the legislature. You can find more information about tree care and planting at the Minnesota DNR’s Arbor Day page here.
Join a State Board, Council, or Committee!
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Any Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers.
You can find the full list of vacancies 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