Legislative Update – May 28, 2025
Dear neighbors,
This morning, I was glad to participate in the River Heights Chamber’s SSP Local Issues meeting. I provided a recap of what got done during the regular 2025 session, what we still have to do and had the opportunity to hear from local leaders about how we can continue working together to improve our district.
Improving Pensions
One bill that passed before the House adjourned last Monday was our Pensions Budget bill, which invests in state aid pension improvements for Minnesota’s teachers, police, and firefighters. The bill passed on a 133-1 vote, with all DFLers voting in support.
The bill adjusts the three-year cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) delay and provides significant COLA increases for police and firefighter members, as well as the state patrol.
It also lowers the teacher retirement age from 62 to 60, while lowering the reduction percentage from 6% to 5% for teachers with 30 years of service. This will allow our longtime teachers to retire earlier with lower penalties to their pensions. You can read more about the teacher pension adjustments here.
Agriculture Budget Signed into Law
The Agriculture Budget bill, which I authored and negotiated as co-chair of the House Agriculture Committee, has been signed by the Governor and is officially law!
We’re investing in farm-to-school programs and local food purchasing, increasing worker protections for all farm laborers, and providing down payment assistance to small new farmers trying to break into an economy tilted towards Big Ag. You can read more in this AgWeek article.
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.
For more regular updates, you can subscribe to these regular legislative updates if you haven’t already, here, and you can also “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative