Legislative Update – April 3, 2025
Dear neighbors,
Minnesota is a labor state, and I’m proud to represent a district of dedicated union members and labor advocates who fight for a state with strong worker protections, like the AFCSME members I met with this week.
Today, I presented HF 2171, a resolution that reaffirms Minnesota’s support for the Child Labor Amendment to the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee. Minnesota first ratified this amendment in 1933, authorizing Congress to regulate the labor of people under 18 years of age. I was proud to be joined by former UFCW Local 1189 union organizer Bernie Hesse, who testified in support of the bill.
South St. Paul Projects
This week in the House Capital Investment Committee, I presented two bills alongside South St. Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis. You can watch the presentation here.
HF 224 would fund a new public works facility, making critical investments to replace a building first constructed in the 1970s. HF 225 would fund the design of a new swimming pool, as our current Northview pool is leaking an average of 12,000 gallons per day. I will be advocating for both of these projects to be included in our upcoming bonding bill.
Federal Cuts to MDH
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced last week that the Trump administration is unilaterally rescinding $226 million in federal grants related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cuts amount to about 25% of MDH’s current budget, according to KARE-11, and are likely to result in the layoffs of around 200 employees. The actions are part of a broader nationwide effort to eliminate $11 billion in spending by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The recent federal funding cuts raise serious concerns about healthcare access for all Minnesotans and may exacerbate existing medical care disparities across our state. These changes could potentially impact essential services, including COVID-19 testing capabilities, vaccination programs, and ongoing pandemic research initiatives.
I am committed to pursuing solutions through collaboration, advocating for adequate public health funding, and supporting affected employees while ensuring our communities maintain access to vital health services during this challenging transition.
Other News
This week, I participated in a meeting of the Legislative Audit Commission reviewing the results of its audit on Minnesota’s adult guardianship program for adults who cannot make decisions on their behalf. The audit made several recommendations that I and other legislators will look into to improve our state’s system. Find the report here.
I recently received an update from the Metropolitan Council regarding their biosolids land application program, which is being paused due to the EPA and MPCA updating PFAS rules for biosolids. We must work to reduce and combat these “forever chemicals” in every area, and this is just one more step in the Legislature’s efforts to prevent PFAS contamination before we have to deal with costly cleanup.
Finally, this week I was appointed to the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council, a 16-member legislative council that promotes and expands agricultural education. I am looking forward to serving and advocating for more programs that support emerging farmers and small, local operations.
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