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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
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STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF LEGACY FUNDS OMNIBUS BILL
(ST. PAUL) – Today the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 1061, a bill appropriating funds collected through the Legacy Amendment. State Representative Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) voted against the final passage of the bill, and released the following statement:
“I campaigned for the Legacy Amendment and remain a strong supporter, but this bill needs improvement. This bill does not go far enough to address the needs of our water and our parks. Here, near our district, we have the confluence of the two major rivers as well as several parks and trails. Water quality control is incredibly important to our state and our district, and this bill doesn’t get the job done. To that effect, I offered four amendments to the bill. Unfortunately, only one was adopted.
“I’m also concerned about constitutional process and the constitutionality of using these funds before we have a balanced budget. I fear there will be a temptation to use these funds to backfill budget cuts. With just over a week left in session balancing the budget has to be our top priority.
“Legacy amendment dollars need to be used in a fair and effective manner for the protection of our water, natural resources, and continuation of arts and culture programs. I don’t believe this bill is successful at that. In a nearly 100 page bill, there are nearly always positive things, but this bill is too weighed down by the negative provisions. I’m hopeful it can be improved as it moves through the process in the few days remaining in the regular legislative session."
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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