Legislative Update – September 18, 2025
Dear neighbors,
This week, I participated in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus (GLLC) Annual Meeting in South Bend, Indiana. This conference brings together legislators from across the Midwest working to protect and restore the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin for our residents and wildlife.
The well-off and well-connected always have access to power, and we are seeing that with the current federal administration. Just this week, the EPA announced it would seek to eliminate critical PFAS drinking water protections. That means states must step up to the plate and protect people—like Minnesota has done with our nation-leading PFAS ban.
At the conference, we passed resolutions on emerging contaminants such as PFAS and encouraged stronger action on microplastics in our water. I shared information with the conference from a recent study showing PFAS levels in deer in Minnesota, which could impact hunters and consumers in our state. I also took part in site visits to see local city infrastructure and heard from experts on the impacts of federal funding cuts, data center water concerns, and more.
Supporting the Union and Farm Movements
Last week, University employees in Teamsters Local 320 undertook their first strike in the union’s history, fighting for wages consistent with those of other employees and a fair contract. My fellow DFL legislators and I proudly stood in support of our union members, who also had the backing of Farm Aid’s crews and performers who refused to cross the picket line ahead of Farm Aid 40, taking place at the U of M campus and across the state this week.
Solidarity prevailed, and the University agreed to a tentative agreement that respects the work of employees. As the organizers and Farm Aid performers said: the farm and labor movements are inseparable, and I’m glad that Farm Fest is back on and we can highlight Minnesota’s strong agricultural tradition.
Farm Aid is coming to Minnesota for the first time, marking the 40th Anniversary of a festival that celebrates music and family farmers. Farm Aid has consistently stood against corporate power, bad policies, and broken promises that have made it difficult for average Americans to succeed in farming.
Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Trampled by Turtles, and more will be here this weekend for Farm Aid, and just announced that Bob Dylan will be joining the concert! You can get tickets and learn more about Farm Fest here.
DNR Fall Color Finder
The Department of Natural Resources announced that conditions this year could lead to especially vivid fall colors across Minnesota, and they’re already seeing some orange and yellow in Northern Minnesota.
Use the DNR's Fall Color Finder to plan your weekend adventure here. Subscribe to the DNR weekly fall color newsletter for state park features, recommendations, and so much more!
Legislative Audit Commission
This week, the Office of the Legislative Auditor released a performance audit on the Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Data Sales program. The audit found that DPS generally complied with the requirements tested, but that there is still room for improvement in specific areas. You can find the full report here.
As a member of the Legislative Audit Commission, I’m committed to working with my colleagues to address these issues and ensure that our citizens are getting the high-quality services they deserve.
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