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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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LOCAL LEGISLATORS HANSEN, METZEN HARD AT WORK AT STATE CAPITOL
ST. PAUL, MN – Local legislators Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) and Jim Metzen (DFL – South St. Paul) are back at work at the state Capitol. The 2011 Legislative Session got underway last week as lawmakers returned to St. Paul to face a massive $6.2 billion state budget deficit. Metzen and Hansen are no strangers to difficult legislative sessions, but expect this one to be particularly challenging.
“The ongoing recession has created tremendous challenges for our state and community," said Sen. Metzen. “Facing another historic multi-billion dollar deficit, we need to work together more than ever to get the state’s finances in order and help get Minnesotans back to work.”
Metzen, former president of the Senate, will serve this session as the ranking DFL member on the Jobs and Economic Growth committee. He is also a member of the Capital Investment and Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications committees. On those committees, Sen. Metzen will play a direct role in the important work of stimulating the economy, and making needed infrastructure investments for our state.
“Even those who are working have seen a steep drop in wages,” Metzen said. “We need all hands on deck to fight for middle-class families and grow our economy out of this stagnant economy.”
Rep. Hansen is also focused on jobs and the economy this session. “First and foremost, we have to do what we can to jumpstart Minnesota’s economic recovery,” said Rep. Hansen. “Too many people are out of work. Those with jobs are working harder and earning less. That’s why my highest priority will be creating and protecting jobs.”
As a member of the House Capital Investment Committee, Rep. Hansen will begin that work almost immediately. He and Metzen have introduced legislation in that committee that would invest $14 million to help cities repair and replace infrastructure causing excess stormwater to enter the sanitary sewer system. Cities paying Metropolitan Council surcharges for these inflow and infiltration (I/I) problems would be eligible for the money through Metropolitan Council grants.
Governor Mark Dayton plans to release a proposal for infrastructure improvements by the end of this month, and is expecting a similar proposal from the legislature.
“State Economist Tom Stinson has made it clear that passing a jobs-focused bonding bill is one of the most important things the legislature can do to stimulate our state and regional economies,” Hansen said. “Working with Governor Dayton and legislators from both parties, that’s what we intend to do.”
Rep. Hansen will also be serving this session on the Agriculture and Rural Development Policy and Finance Committee, and the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee.
Hansen and Metzen encourage all residents of District 39 to contact them directly throughout the legislative session with any questions, concerns, or suggestions for legislation. Rep. Hansen can be reached by phone at (651) 296-6828 or by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn. Sen. Metzen can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4370 or by email at sen.jim.metzen@senate.mn.
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