Legislative Update – February 11, 2025
Neighbors,
On Monday, I introduced and co-signed several bills that will directly benefit our community for consideration this legislative session. I authored bills to provide funding for improvements to the Doug Woog Arena, funding for a new South St. Paul public works facility, and a new swimming pool and aquatics center in South St. Paul. As a member of the House Capital Investment Committee, I look forward to advocating for these bills in committee.
I also authored a bill authorizing St. Paul Park and Grey Cloud Island Township to impose an aggregate material production tax. Corporations, not the general taxpayer, should pay for associated costs incurred by our cities and townships by opening up aggregate mining in our district.
Finally, I introduced bipartisan legislation requiring refinery facilities to notify local first responders of hazardous chemical releases in their area, ensuring folks on the ground can address public health concerns. I will continue to update you about the progress of these bills throughout the legislative session.
South St. Paul Day at the Capitol
I’m proud to be partnering with South St. Paul and State Senator Matt to bring back SSP Day at the Capitol. Join us for a morning at the Capitol on Saturday, March 1. See the Capitol up close and explore its incredible history, art, and architecture.
A bus will depart from South St. Paul City Hall at 9:30 AM, traveling to the Capitol. You’ll have a chance to meet with Sen. Klein and me before touring the Capitol, including the House and Senate Chambers. The bus will return to City Hall around noon.
This FREE event is limited to 44 residents, and pre-registration is required. To reserve your spot, contact Deb Griffith at 651-554-3230 or Deb.griffith@southstpaul.org. Registration is open until February 26 or until all spots are filled.
Other Updates
The latest revenue update from the Minnesota Management and Budget Office shows net general fund revenues totaled $3.1 billion in January, $64 million (2%) less than forecast. Net receipts from individual income and corporate franchise taxes were below forecast, while net receipts from general sales and use taxes and other revenues were above. Fiscal year 2025 year-to-date receipts are $18.8 billion, $315 million (1.7%) more than forecast. Find more information here.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) sent lawmakers its reports on state nitrogen fertilizer purchases and reduction goals, which you can read here as well as their report on de-icing salt purchases and reduction goals, found here. As we head towards our goal of reducing the use of both by 25% by 2030, I will be reviewing these reports to see what next steps need to be taken.
Finally, I wanted to highlight this excellent summary of Minnesota’s efforts to prevent and address PFAS contamination from the Minnesota State Bar Association. The article focuses on the measures we passed during the 2023 Legislative Session. Minnesota is becoming a blueprint for other states to regulate these dangerous forever chemicals, illustrating why it is so important that we use our power here at the Capitol to protect Minnesotans' health, soil, air, and water.
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.
For more regular updates, you can subscribe to these regular legislative updates if you haven’t already, here, and you can also “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative