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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL)

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Legislative Update - April 12, 2019

Friday, April 12, 2019

Dear neighbors,

After months of public hearings, my House colleagues and I have finished the majority of the work that we’ll do in committee. I want to thank those of you who came to the Capitol to testify or shared your thoughts with me after watching a hearing online. Your input is a key part of the legislative process! Please stay in touch as we shift our focus to debate on the House floor.

I met with a few physicians and physicians-in-training yesterday. Brad Stroik, a resident of West St. Paul and one of the physicians-in-training, is currently interning at Regions Hospital.

Omnibuzz Update

The omnibus environment and natural resources finance bill (HF 2209) is one step closer to being heard on the House floor. On Wednesday, the House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill and amended it to include the omnibus environment and natural resources policy bill (HF 1656). The legislation will be discussed on the House floor sometime after the legislature returns from next week’s break.

In fact, the House has already released the details of our entire budget. If you’d like to read more about the Minnesota Values Budget, I encourage you to start with Speaker Hortman’s Facebook post, which includes links to the text and spreadsheet of each budget bill. Session Daily, an outlet that provides nonpartisan coverage of the legislature, is also an excellent resource.

Governor Walz’s Executive Order on Pollinators

Governor Tim Walz has issued an executive order to recognize the important role of bees and other pollinator species in our environment, economy, and way of life. He orders several state agencies to take action to ensure that public lands support pollinator populations, reduce the harm caused by pesticide use, and increase support for pollinators. You can read the full order here.

Public Works Projects

Yesterday the House Capital Investment Division approved a comprehensive and well-crafted omnibus bill (HF 2529). It’s a great public works bill that I was proud to vote for. Stay tuned for more details.

The annual Easter/Passover break begins next week, so there won’t be any official legislative action until session reconvenes on Tuesday, April 23 at 9:00 a.m.

Sincerely,

Rick Hansen
State Representative