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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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REP. RICK HANSEN SUPPORTS KEY LEGISLATION INTRODUCED THIS WEEK
ST. PAUL – Rep. Rick Hansen joined his fellow Democrats Monday in supporting several bills intent on positive progress for our state. In doing so, he and his legislative colleagues have held true to their campaign promises by responding to the call by voters to focus on the basics – fair funding for education, health care reform, and property tax relief. In fact, five of the eight bills introduced this week directly address these very concerns.
"Good schools, lower property taxes, and better health care coverage, are what Minnesotans want. I am committed to doing all that I can to ensure that is what they get," said Hansen. "The initiatives laid out today will be the first steps of many toward a successful session."
Rep. Hansen has taken the lead on several of these bills. Specifically, he has been instrumental in drafting the "Lights On" bill that will prevent government shutdowns in instances of political gridlock. He has also signed on to the 25/20 Renewable Energy Bill that increases the percentage of retail electric sales that must be generated from eligible renewable sources from the current 10% by 2015 to 5% in 2010, 11% in 2013, 15% in 2015 and 25% in 2020. These are two of the DFL's top priorities and have the potential to be very successful this session.
Other efforts introduced this week as part of the DFL agenda include:
· A Property Tax Relief Bill that uses a combination of aid increases to cities and counties, more school aid and levy support and direct credits and refunds to homeowners.
· A Cover All Kids Bill, that extends health care coverage to every Minnesota child.
· A Full-Day Kindergarten Bill that would make voluntary full-day kindergarten available in every school district in the state.
· An Early Education Bill that restores funding to 2003 levels and increases school readiness and Head Start funding.
· An Increased K-12 Funding Bill that will increase the basic formula by 3% in 2008 and 3%
· A Federal Tax Conformity Bill that provides $20 million in tax relief to Minnesota taxpayers, including college students and their families, teachers and military personnel.
All of these proposals will now undergo the complex legislative process. However, with a majority party in both houses committed to bipartisan progress for our state and widespread support throughout the legislature to address these pressing issues, these bills have a great chance of becoming the first of many steps toward progress this session.
In Hansen's words, "A bipartisan effort to find solutions to the many problems currently facing our state is a priority for both parties this session. A continued adherence to this goal will ensure the achievement of constructive results, including the passage of the progressive initiatives introduced this week."
News Items
- Rep. Rick Hansen chosen as leader of Great Lakes Legislative Caucus - (Posted: Dec 27 2012 8:34AM)
- Need Holiday Gifts? Consider DNR Gift Cards - (Posted: 2012-11-27 00:00:00)
- Looking Forward to Serving, Getting the Job Done - (Posted: 2012-11-14 00:00:00)
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