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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 SWORN-IN AS 2009 LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONVENES
ST. PAUL, MN - State Representative Rick Hansen (DFL - South St. Paul) took the oath of office yesterday as the 86th Legislative Session convened at the State Capitol. First elected in 2004, Rep. Hansen is beginning his third term in the Minnesota House of Representatives serving constituents in South St. Paul, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Eagan, Lilydale, and West St. Paul. Hansen’s long experience in local and state government will continue to serve these communities well as the legislature tackles a number of difficult issues in the weeks and months ahead.
“This session will be full of challenges," said Rep. Hansen. “But working together, we can turn the state’s many challenges into opportunities for responsible reform in state government, and economic progress throughout Minnesota.”
Job growth and economic development will be critical this session. Economic forecasts revealed early last month that lawmakers must settle a $4.8 billion budget shortfall this year - a record deficit brought on by a steadily worsening economy. According to State Economist Tom Stinson the nationwide economic recession has cast Minnesota lawmakers into “uncharted waters.” Stinson reported the current economic downturn is the longest and deepest recession since 1942. Minnesota lost nearly 30,000 jobs over the last 12 months alone, with another 77,000 slated to disappear in 2009.
“A strong and steady economy is the foundation of a healthy, prosperous state,” said Hansen. “The main focus as we begin our work at the Capitol this session must be on job creation and presenting a stable, balanced budget. These problems won’t be solved overnight, but with a solid commitment to bipartisan solutions I am confident we can make Minnesota an even better place to live.”
Much of that work will begin in legislative committees throughout the coming weeks. This year Rep. Hansen will be serving as a member of the Capital Investment Finance Division, Cultural and Outdoor Resources Finance Division, Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division, Environment Policy and Oversight, and the Game, Fish and Forestry Division. Hansen is also serving on the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council - a citizens group charged with overseeing the use of new environmental funding provided by the constitutional amendment approved by voters in November.
Rep. Hansen encourages all constituents of House District 39B to contact him with any questions, concerns, or suggestions throughout the legislative session. Hansen can be reached by phone at (651) 296-6828 or by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.
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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