Legislative Update – February 25, 2026
Dear neighbors,
The 2026 Legislative Session is now into our second week. With only four and a half weeks until our first bill deadlines, I’m working to get hearings for the legislation I’ve worked on over the interim to move our district and state forward.
I’ve been meeting constituents as they visit the State Capitol, like Brandon and Jacob, who were for Chiropractor’s Day on the Hill, and Sydne from the National Conference of State Legislatures. I also met with Calvin Phillips, a constituent and the Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and Aaron and Andrew with LeadMN, who were here advocating for Minnesota State College system students.
Over the weekend, I attended Pheasant Fest, where we talked about pollinators, conservation, and the Farm Bill’s impact on Minnesota.
Supporting New Farmers
In the Agriculture Committee, which I co-chair, we’re already seeing the differences between DFL and GOP priorities in building an agricultural system that works for everyone. I’m focused on solving problems, prioritizing people over profit and planting food over fuel.
This week, Republicans proposed a bill amending a program meant to help new farmers get started, changing it to allow money to go to those who already have a leg up, and leaving urban and emerging farmers behind.
You can watch my comments here.
I spoke against this proposal because if we want a resilient agriculture system, we need more farmers all across the state, growing food and contributing to the culture of agriculture. The bill was laid over without action, and I’ll be pushing for changes that allow new farmers to enter the industry, no matter where they live.
Farm to Food Program
In 2025, House DFLers passed the Farm to Food program, which supports local farmers and gets food to Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity. In short: connecting local food to local people. That program is now open for applications. Full grant eligibility requirements and application details are available on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Farm to Food Security webpage. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. | |  |
AURI Board Term
As co-chair of the Agriculture Committee, I have spent the last year serving on the board of AURI, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute.
Due to our power-sharing agreement, my seat on the board will now pass to my co-chair, Rep. Paul Anderson. Earlier this month, AURI presented me with a plaque thanking me for my time and contributions on the board.
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