Legislative Update – July 21, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
On Monday, I visited the Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center Facility in Newport as the counties launched their food scraps initiative.
This program, funded by the legislature through a bill I voted for in 2020, will allow residents in Newport, Cottage Grove, Maplewood, and North St. Paul to throw away food scraps in compostable bags that are automatically sorted out of garbage and then composted! You can read more in the Pioneer Press
I also wanted to add a quick reminder about our upcoming District 53 Town Hall next Monday. You can find more information here.
St. Paul Park Heritage Day
The St. Paul Park Heritage Day Festival is coming up on Saturday, August 19! You can find the full schedule, including the Grande Day Parade, live entertainment, and more, at the City of St. Paul Park’s website here: https://stpaulpark.org/heritagedays.
Addressing EAB in District 53B
Last week, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced $2.4 million in funding to protect urban forests, many of which are threatened by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The funding includes $67,117 for the City of Newport and $123,000 for the City of South St. Paul and was provided by the legislature in this year’s Environment Budget bill, which I authored. You can learn more here.
LCCMR Recommendations Made
Thursday I chaired a meeting of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Natural Resources (LCCMR) as we finalized our recommendations for proposals for projects seeking 2024 funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). The commission voted with an 11-4-2 supermajority, and our recommendations will be taken up by the legislature next session.
These projects must work towards preserving, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota’s land, water, air, and wildlife. You can find the project proposals and video recordings of the meetings here.
Stay in Touch
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the year. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my legislative assistant Sam O'Neill at 651-296-3305 or via email at samuel.oneill@house.mn.gov.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative