Legislative Update – November 30, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
This morning South St. Paul Police and South Metro Fire responded to reports of an explosion and fire on the 1200 block of 9th Ave South. This is still an active incident and Police and Fire expect investigators to be working throughout the day on scene. Police are asking residents to avoid the area until further notice. KSTP’s coverage on the incident can be found here.
We mourn the loss of life and support law enforcement and our first responders. As this situation continues to develop, please keep updated on the South St. Paul Police Department page and call 651-413-8300 with any additional information.
Elementary School Visits
Recently I was thrilled to welcome students from Lincoln Center Elementary in South St. Paul to the State Capitol to learn about civics, government, and the work that happens in Saint Paul. The students were able to take a tour of the Capitol with our fantastic guides and then spend some time with me in the House Floor Chambers–sitting in the seats legislators vote from!
I also met students from Kaposia Education Center in the Rotunda as they visited the State Capitol recently–with its marble star center that represents our motto as the North Star State. Against the walls are glass cases displaying, on a rotation, battle flags that were carried by Minnesota soldiers in the Civil War and Spanish-American Wars.
2024 Session Update and Survey
As we head into the end of 2023 I wanted to highlight some upcoming important dates for the legislature. The Minnesota Management and Budget office will release the latest budget forecast on December 6, 2023. Watch my social media for additional information that day.
The 2024 Legislative Session will begin on Monday, February 12. This year is not a budget year, so work at the legislature will be focused around policy, a capital investment infrastructure package, and some small supplemental spending. As we prepare for the upcoming 2024 legislative session, House DFLers want to hear about the issues that are most important to you!
That’s why I wanted to share with you our Minnesota Values Project Survey, an easy way to share your values, hopes, challenges, and ideas on solutions with us at the legislature. It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and can be found here or using the QR code below. Thank you!
Pollinator Garden Information Event
On Sunday, December 10th at the Croatian Hall I will be hosting an information session about the legislature’s popular Lawns to Legumes program, which helps homeowners make their lawns and gardens more pollinator-friendly through individual grants and technical assistance.
I will be joined by MN Board of Water and Soil Resources Director John Jaschke, Senior Ecologist Dan Shaw as well as two of the University of Minnesota’s top pollinator researchers, Dr. Marla Spivak and Dr. Elaine Evans.
Nitrate Pollution Story
Finally, I wanted to highlight a recent environmental story from the Star Tribune: Nitrate contamination of Minnesota waters shows little sign of going away, despite years of effort. Though we’ve spent much time and effort trying to reduce nitrate pollution, this report clearly shows it is not enough.
We must take stronger action in this area–especially addressing pollution caused by nitrate fertilizers. I will be working with my colleagues next session to address this issue and ensure our water is safe, clean, and protected.
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