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

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Legislative Update - March 17, 2021

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Dear neighbors, 

It’s been an eventful week at the Capitol as we approach the second of three deadlines to move bills through committees. I’ve presented and heard many bills over the past three days and wanted to share some of the notable legislation with you.  


Investing in Clean Water  

The House Capital Investment Committee heard one of my bills yesterday. The bill provides funding to replace three of West St. Paul’s lift stations, a critical piece of the city’s wastewater management system. West St. Paul Councilor Lisa Eng-Sarne testified in favor of this legislation. 

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Today, I presented a plan to invest $256.8 million from the state’s Clean Water Fund in dozens of important projects to the Legacy Finance Committee. This bill would help protect and restore Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater, and drinking water sources. Conservation Minnesota provided a letter stating their support for the proposal.


Cleaning Up Landfills 

Yesterday, we heard a bill authored by Rep. Ruth Richardson in the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee. The bill would return $13.9 million that was borrowed from the Metropolitan Landfill Contingency Action Trust (MLCAT) from 2004 to 2015. These funds would be used to repair or clean up landfills across the state, including the Pine Bend Landfill in Inver Grove Heights and the Burnsville Landfill. 

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Get Involved: Apply for Boards, Councils, and Committees 

The Secretary of State’s Office recently released a list of current vacancies on state boards, councils, and commissions. These positions are a great way to serve your community and state. I encourage you to check out the openings and apply for any that match your skills or interests.  


It’s an honor to represent you! Please continue sharing your questions, ideas, and feedback.  

Sincerely,  

Rick Hansen  
State Representative