Legislative Update – February 21, 2024
Dear neighbors,
Yesterday, I was proud to speak at the grand opening of the new Dakota County Kaposia Library in South St. Paul! I successfully passed legislation to aid in the renovation and restoration of the library, which is named after the Mdewakanton Dakota and their seasonal village on the banks of the Mississippi River.
I also signed up for one of the new Kaposia Library cards. Our libraries are an invaluable resource for our citizens and a meeting place for our community, I encourage you all to check out the new library space soon!
Environment and Natural Resources Committee
Yesterday, in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, we heard my bipartisan bill ensuring that money dedicated to closed landfill maintenance is not misused in times of budget shortfalls. Last year we re-paid past debts by restoring funding to landfill accounts that were misused, and with my bill, we can ensure that doesn’t happen in the future. You can watch the committee hearing here.
We have a waste problem in Minnesota, and 40% of that waste comes from packaging. That’s why we heard The Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, which would increase oversight and enforcement by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, strengthen requirements for producers to ensure recycling services are easily accessible, and provide recycling education materials.
Insulin Prices Capped
Democrats are dedicated to reducing the cost of health care and protecting against price-gouging. Earlier this month, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a landmark settlement with the Eli Lily insulin company that caps insulin at just $35 for the next 5 years.
Drug companies raised the price of insulin by over 1,100% between 1990 and 2020, and this settlement ensures that Minnesotans can afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect.
You can learn more about the settlement and how to get insulin for just $35 a month here: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/MNinsulin35/.
Other News and Updates
This Monday, the House passed our first bill of 2024, with a nearly unanimous vote of 128-2. The bill is a technical corrections tax bill that will help ensure that as many Minnesotans as possible will fully experience the benefits of the 2023 Tax bill.
I also spoke to MinnPost for its preview of environmental priorities this year: Environmental priorities come into focus for 2024 Minnesota legislative session.
Here’s an excerpt: “Hansen said he anticipates more PFAS legislation on the horizon in his committee. He’s also expecting a package related to nitrates seeping into and contaminating groundwater after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined in November that the state needs to take action on the contamination.”
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