Legislative Update – July 18, 2024
Dear neighbors,
I hope you have been enjoying your summer so far, even amidst the storms and heat waves. As we continue to see more rainfall and flooding damage, I continue to be in contact with authorities about the best way to ensure damaged areas in our district like the Lions Levee Park in St. Paul Park can access the resources they need for flood response.
I also wanted to update you on the Legislative-Citizen Commission for Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), which I co-chair. This past week, the LCCMR requested funds be released from the Emerging Issues account for the University of Minnesota Prion Research and Outreach Center to research the impact of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) prions in water. We need to fully understand the impact of CWD on our state, soil, wildlife, and water, and I support the request.
In the News: Air Quality Ruling
Last week, Ramsey County District Court ruled that the Northern Iron Foundry in St. Paul could continue normal operations despite Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) action for air quality violations. This is an unprecedented decision that puts corporate interests over environmental protections and resident’s health and safety, and I deeply oppose the decision.
I signed onto a statement alongside legislators who represent the area around Northern Iron calling on the MPCA to appeal this unprecedented decision. I have been in contact with the MPCA directly as well. You can read more about the court case and our response in the Pioneer Press: State lawmakers oppose judicial order on Northern Iron foundry.
Legislative Audit Commission
Last week, the Office of the Legislative Auditor released its report on Retroactive Pay Adjustments for Law Enforcement Employees at the Departments of Commerce, Corrections, Natural Resources, and Public Safety. The report can be found here and will be presented to the Legislative Audit Commission, which I co-chair, on Thursday, July 25th at 10:00 am. That meeting will be livestreamed here.
As co-chair of the Legislative Audit Commission, I am committed to ensuring that tax dollars are spent responsibly, and I have been reviewing the report ahead of the presentation and will work to improve our processes going forward.
Lawns to Legumes Garden Tour Day
Save the date for Lawns to Legumes Garden Tour Day! On Saturday, August 3rd from 9am - 12pm, Lawns to Legumes coaches, previous participants, and other DIY wildlife gardeners are hosting neighborhood native garden tours across Minnesota. Get inspired and connect with folks who are planting for pollinators in your area!
Visit our Garden Tour Day webpage for a map of tour sites or to sign up as a Native Garden Host: https://bluethumb.org/garden-tour-day/
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