Legislative Update – August 7, 2025
Dear neighbors,
This week, I attended the 2025 National Conference of State Legislatures’ Legislative Summit in Boston. NCSL is a highly respected organization that brings together legislators from across the country to share policy solutions on the issues facing us all.
Yesterday, I was elected to serve on the Executive Committee of NCSL, which coordinates the efforts of the members and decides the organization’s ultimate positions on public policy matters. I’m glad to give Minnesota a voice on this important national committee and highlight our state’s solutions to pressing issues.
Environmental Resolutions
At the conference, I brought a resolution forward supporting beginning ranchers and farmers amidst the chaos we’re seeing at the national level. Another resolution I authored calls for a multi-state response to chronic wasting disease in deer, which Minnesota has been a national leader in responding to. Finally, I brought forward a resolution supporting forestry from threats like invasive species, wildfires, and more. All three resolutions passed unanimously.
Policy Panels, Committee Work, and Tours
Throughout the conference, there were many opportunities to share Minnesota’s perspective on issues and learn from other states. I was glad to represent Minnesota at the Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment Committee, attend panels on PFAS and conservation funding, and have a conversation with EU Deputy Ambassador Ruth Bajada.
We toured Green City Growers, a food sustainability project, and the Boston fishing pier with the NCSL Agriculture Task Force, and met with other environmental legislators at the National Conference of Environmental Legislators.
Finally, I joined a rally with Texas legislators who are standing up against an undemocratic effort in their home state. In America, voters should choose their politicians, not the other way around. I’ll continue to advocate for a true representative democracy, in Minnesota and across the country.
Newport Pioneer Day
Newport’s Pioneer Day will be held this weekend, with a movie in the park on Friday evening! Saturday’s events will include the first-ever Pioneer Day 5K, kids' fun run, parade, car show, and more. More information can be found on the website here. I hope you can make it out!
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