Legislative Update – June 25, 2025
Dear neighbors,
I want to thank the City of South St. Paul. Clark-Grace Church and Pastor Oliver White for putting on a great Juneteenth Community Celebration last week. It was great to be with you all to celebrate Freedom Day and to continue to listen and learn about how we can build communities that support all Minnesotans.
This morning, I attended the River Heights Chamber’s SSP Local Issues meeting, where I spoke with local leaders and business owners about the recent developments at the Capitol and how we can continue to build on that progress together.
Tree Planting
This week, the Metropolitan Council announced the recipients of the Community Tree Planting grant project, which awarded $2.5 million to cities around the metro to plant trees and address emerald ash borer (EAB) in our communities. These funds were appropriated by legislation I passed during the 2024 legislative session, and I’m glad to see so many cities using these funds for canopy restoration, ash replacement, and reforestation projects.
Kaposia Days
 Kaposia Days is this weekend, from June 27-29, in South St. Paul. Whether it’s the parade on Friday night, bingo, fireworks, or the pancake breakfast, there are so many great events happening this weekend. You can find more information about the event on their website or Facebook page. I’ll be there throughout the weekend’s festivities, and I hope to see you there too. |
Memorial for Melissa and Mark
Finally, I wanted to share with you that Melissa and Mark Hortman, and their golden retriever Gilbert, will lie in state at the Capitol this Friday, which will be open from 12:00-5:00 pm for members of the public to pay their respects.
A private funeral will be held at 10:30 am Saturday and will be livestreamed on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s YouTube page.
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