Legislative Update – May 5, 2025
Dear neighbors,
Legislators are passing budget bills to fund our state government and agencies for the next two years. By working together, we are making good progress, and all our bills are passing with bipartisan support.
Due to the current reality of a 67-67 tied House, many of these bills include provisions I support and provisions I don’t agree with. However, we must compromise to pass a state budget, and I am continuing to have conversations with my colleagues to improve these budget bills in the final two weeks of session.
Here’s a quick recap of the bills we have voted on so far:
- An Agriculture Budget that invests in Farm to School Programs, worker protections for bird flu, and supports new farmers with down payment assistance.
- A Higher Education Budget that makes it easier for Minnesotans to pursue higher education and protects the North Star Promise program.
- A Transportation Budget that builds reliable roads and sturdy bridges, invests in aviation infrastructure, and more.
- A Veterans Budget that invests in those who served our country, especially focusing on reducing veterans' depression and suicides.
- A Public Safety & Judiciary Budget that improves and supports victim services, police training, and privacy protections for judges.
- A Legacy Bill that uses our lottery proceeds wisely to enhance our environment, protect our clean water, expand parks and trails, and celebrate arts, culture, and history.
- A State Government and Elections Budget that preserves key services, invests in the Attorney General’s capacity to fight consumer and Medicaid fraud, and supports the state workers.
A “Bee Kind” embroidery made by my colleague, Rep. Jess Hanson, from Burnsville
Local Funding Announcements
Today, the Perpich Center for Arts Education announced its recipients of the Minnesota Comprehensive Arts Planning Program (CAPP), including Inver Grove Heights Schools. I was proud to vote for legislation funding this effort and glad to see it have an impact right here in our district. You can learn more about CAPP here.
I was glad to receive word that the Minnesota Public Facilities Finance Authority (MPFA) has approved financing for the Metropolitan Council to fund clean water projects and wastewater treatment funding for local governments. Ensuring clean water for residents is one of the highest responsibilities of our government, something we recognize here in Minnesota.
Remembering Jeff Broberg
I spoke to Jill Burcum of the Star Tribune about Jeff Broberg, one of Minnesota’s most influential clean water advocates, who passed away on April 12. Jeff was a tireless advocate whose knowledge superseded partisanship throughout the time I knew him at the Capitol.
Jeff was persistently optimistic and always had the facts and reason on his side. His passion for fishing and the outdoors and willingness to talk to folks on any side of the issue kept doors open to him at the Capitol, and I’m grateful for all the work he did to improve our state for future generations. You can read the full editorial 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