Legislative Update – March 12, 2025
Dear neighbors,
I hope you’re enjoying some of the warmer weather and longer daylight hours as we spring forward. House members have been busy holding committee hearings, working on legislation, and meeting with constituents from across the state on key issues.
Yesterday, I participated in the River Heights Chamber’s coffee networking event to talk to local business owners. I’ve met with MAPE public employees from our district, representatives from Soil and Water Conservation Districts, School Board members from South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights, and constituents here with Unrestrict Minnesota rallying for protecting reproductive rights. I also was glad to connect with Alex, a college student from our district studying at Hamline who was here for the Private College’s Day on the Hill.
Committee Update
On Monday, I spoke on the House Floor in favor of a bipartisan bill to modify financial reporting requirements for grain buyers. In the Agriculture Committee, where I serve as DFL Lead, I brought forward some of my concerns about the bill being used to subsidize bad management with taxpayer dollars. Some of those concerns were addressed by Republicans, leading to my support of the bill this week.
Unfortunately, that was a rare bright spot of bipartisan work happening this week. On Monday in the Agriculture Committee, House Republicans decided they were going to use their temporary 1-vote margin to push through a budget bill that included unvetted proposals before the proper budget target process has been completed. You can watch my comments in committee here.
This is not normal and is contrary to the spirit of bipartisan work that my colleagues have stated they want to adhere to. It was an extremely disappointing partisan move, especially in our current House makeup where no bill can pass without bipartisan support.
As I said in committee, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. Republicans should not be pushing these one-sided budget bills at this time, especially before we know the full impact of the barrage of USDA cuts coming down from Washington D.C.
Minnesota Budget Forecast
Last week, the Minnesota Management and Budget Office released its February state budget forecast, which began to show how President Trump’s policies are already moving Minnesota’s economy and state budget in the wrong direction.
Last November, the state budget forecast showed a $3.7 billion surplus over the current budget cycle, a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming biennium, and our highest budget reserve fund ever–all due to responsible DFL governance. But since Trump took office, Minnesota’s projected positive balance has shrunk to $456 million.
This latest budget forecast means that the Legislature must be laser-focused on a state budget that helps working and middle-class Minnesotans, not corporations and billionaires who are doing better than ever. As your representative, I’m committed to fighting for an economy where everyone can get ahead, which is critical as we move closer to putting together a budget this session.
Other Updates
The City of South St. Paul and JLG Architects will host a Pool Feasibility Study open house event on Wednesday, March 19th from 5-7 PM at the Kaposia Library (131 7th Ave N, South St. Paul, MN 55075). Join on March 19th to provide your feedback on South St. Paul's aquatics program. Learn more at: https://www.southstpaul.org/979/Pool-Feasibility-Study
Share your input on the future of Pig’s Eye Dump! The MPCA is leading a multi-agency task force to develop a plan for cleaning up the dump and surrounding area and wants to hear from you on how the site should be transformed in the future. Visit the MPCA website to learn more about the project and fill out the survey. mnpca.info/pedtf
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