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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Nick Halter 651-297-1934
Column/LTE
Holding the Line
The 2010 Legislative Session came to a close on the morning of May 17. The last weekend was filled with sleep-less nights and intense negotiations. In the end, the Legislature and the Governor were able to agree on a balanced budget. There have been many times when we haven’t been able to see eye to eye with the Governor. But this session we were able to complete the work demanded by our constituents. Even better, we ended (almost) on time, needing only a quick special session to wrap up the final details.
Over the past months we’ve made sure to stand up and fight for Minnesota’s values. The DFL’s budget plan showed our commitment to the middle-class, seniors, students, and those whose voices often aren’t heard. Unfortunately, our plan to combine severe budget cuts with a modest revenue increase on those making above $200,000 was rejected. But we went back to the drawing board and compromised with the Governor. While nearly all of the Governor’s unallotments were approved we made sure to protect schools, local governments, and our hospitals as best we could.
The plan that passed will cut nearly $3 billion in state spending. We were able to secure some concessions that were crucial to our side too. $1.9 billion of the Governor’s unallotments delayed funding to schools. Originally, there was no guarantee that this would be paid back. But we made sure that beginning in 2011 schools will get the money they’re owed.
There was also an opportunity to capture federal Medicaid dollars. If we spend $188 million in health and human services over the next three years we can get $1.4 billion in federal funds. This is known as the early opt-in option. All it would do is expand Medicaid, a program we’ve had for forty years. While it didn’t get approved this session the Governor will make a decision later this year on whether to join. I trust he’ll see the benefits in getting back $7 for every $1 the state spends on healthcare.
Besides producing a balanced budget, the House also focused on job creation. We crafted a bonding bill in the earliest days of the session. It moved quickly because it was obvious Minnesotan were hurting. With over 250,000 Minnesotans out of work swift action was needed. So we ironed out the details to get a bonding bill approved as soon as possible.
The bill ended up being around $650 million and focused on projects that will revitalize our infrastructure so commerce can flourish. More importantly, it puts 20,000 Minnesotans back to work building up those projects. But our work didn’t stop there. We also passed a “Jobs Bill II" filled with tax credits to spur entrepreneurship and private investment throughout Minnesota. The best part about “Jobs Bill II” is its focus on spurring the growth of a green energy economy and other scientific industries of the 21st century.
Besides helping out residents of District 39A I spent a good chunk of the session building this year’s outdoor heritage bill. We were able to fund 25 outdoor projects across the state that will invest $59 million in our natural habitats. Clean water projects in our area got the green light too.
The Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge Trust will run a major restoration of metro rivers. It will focus on cleaning up the waters and shores of the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix rivers. There is also money to bolster groundwater monitoring within the metro area. This will help the DNR map out water resources in the Twin Cities region.
Though the session might be over my job isn’t finished. In the interim I’ll be working on legislation to present in 2011. What’s more, I will be able to spend more time with everyone in the community. I encourage anyone with a question, comment, or problem to please come talk to me. I look forward to continuing to serve all my neighbors in District 39A.
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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