Legislative Update – July 26, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
I would like to thank everyone who came out to our District 53 Town Hall with Representative Frances Clardy and Senator Klein in Inver Grove Heights this Monday! I appreciated the chance to update you all on our work this session and during the interim. (Photo credit Tom DeGree)
I am also happy to share that the South St. Paul Arts Council, recently received a Flexible Support grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) to purchase Free Little Art Galleries (FLAGs), and to bring in special guests for our BYOArt monthly events. The funding was made possible by legislative funding I voted for, and I will continue to support community art initiatives that help our state thrive!
NWTF 50th Anniversary
I joined the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) for its 50th Anniversary Celebration this weekend! NWTF is dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage in the great state of Minnesota. Over the past 50 years, NWTF and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) worked hand in hand to restore our wild turkey population in the state.
Throughout the years I have been proud to work with NWTF, which has been a great partner on countless pieces of legislation to protect our environment, wildlife, and habitat. Earlier this year I authored a House Resolution honoring NWTF and celebrating their 50th Anniversary.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Debuts New Federal and Junior Duck Stamps
I am glad to share that this year's Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp – commonly known as the Duck Stamp – was released and was painted by Joseph Hautman of Plymouth, Minnesota! His artwork was chosen in September 2022 from 187 entries in the country’s only federally regulated art contest.
The new duck stamps are available for purchase online, at sporting goods and retail stores, and at some post offices and national wildlife refuges.
Community Forest Management Funds Announced
Beginning July 31, The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will have $16.946 million in funding available to provide grants to local units of government and non-profit organizations within Minnesota to assist in managing urban and community forests.
DNR staff invite those interested to attend an upcoming in-person information session to learn more about these grant programs. One will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 16: 10am, at the DNR Central Office, in St. Paul. Information sessions will run for an hour. Staff will remain available to field additional questions and chat through potential project ideas after the programming ends. You can find more information and download applications when available 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