Legislative Update - June 4, 2026Dear neighbors, We’re now a few weeks removed from the 2026 legislative session, and I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve our community at the Minnesota Capitol. As summer begins, I hope you have the chance to enjoy Minnesota's beautiful parks, trails, lakes, and outdoor spaces with family and friends. I wish you a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer season. Recently, I participated in a National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) tour of Colorado's Greenland Wildlife Overpass, part of a broader effort to improve transportation safety while maintaining critical wildlife habitat and migration corridors. During the tour, legislators met with Colorado transportation and wildlife officials to learn about the planning, funding, and implementation of wildlife crossing infrastructure. As Minnesota continues to explore ways to balance transportation needs with conservation goals, it was valuable to see firsthand how other states are addressing these challenges and creating safer outcomes for both people and wildlife.   South St. Paul School Board VacancyThe South St. Paul School Board is currently accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Board. This appointed position offers a unique opportunity to serve the community by helping set district policy, overseeing operations, and supporting the success of students, families, and staff throughout the school district. Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. For additional information about the position and application process, visit: www.sspps.org/about/school-board. Academy for Public Service Accepting ApplicationsDo you have a high schooler interested in government? The Academy for Public Service, a nonprofit that teaches public service leadership and civic education focused on state and local government, is looking for 10th- to 12th-graders to serve as members of the Minnesota Model House of Representatives. Students will learn about collaboration, networking, conducting legislative business, policy formation and analysis, and procedures of conducting meetings. The model session is July 8th to July 10th at the State Capitol. Applications are due on June 30. Learn more about the program 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. 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 |