Legislative Update – October 30, 2025
Dear neighbors,
I was grateful for the perfect fall weather last Friday, as we had third graders from Lincoln Center Elementary visit Saint Paul for a tour of the Capitol. It’s always great to connect with students as they learn more about their government and Minnesota’s history.
The Capital Investment Committee also continued our Bonding Tour, visiting projects in Chaska, Carver, Burnsville, and more cities around the state. One major highlight of these tours is checking in on past projects and seeing how the investments we made in prior sessions are helping our communities thrive today.
Shutdown Impacts to SNAP
On November 1st, over 440,000 Minnesotans will lose critical food assistance due to the federal shutdown under the Republican Trifecta in Washington.
For millions of Americans, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline. Just $6 per day makes the difference between just getting by and going hungry for too many of our neighbors. Here in Minnesota, nearly 40% of all SNAP recipients are children. In fact, almost 1 in 3 kindergartners throughout the state receive SNAP benefits.
Minnesota has led the way in supporting our neighbors through food assistance programs, food shelf support, and providing children with healthy food through Universal Free School Meals and Farm to School, and Early Care programs. Unfortunately, many working families still struggle with high prices in their everyday lives. It’s unconscionable that Donald Trump and his Republican allies are holding funding for the government – and critical lifelines like affordable health care and SNAP – hostage so they can enrich the very wealthiest among us with more needless tax cuts.
As your state representative, I’m focused on finding solutions that help you and our neighbors. Though Minnesota won’t be able to fully make up for a lack of federal funding, I’m dedicated to helping connect folks with resources to help them and their families.
The Department of Children and Families has a list of resources, FAQ’s and more information here. If you or someone you know needs help with food this fall, Hunger Solutions has a list of statewide food shelves and additional resources here. If you’re able to, please consider making a contribution to a local food shelf. They’re already struggling to meet the demand, and the longer the uncertainty around SNAP continues, the more pressure they will face.
High School Page Program
Do you know a high school junior interested in learning more about the legislative process or state government?
The High School Page program gives students an opportunity to serve as a page on the House Floor, meet with their representative, meet with nonpartisan staff, and discuss and debate topics the legislature is considering.
The Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program is open to all Minnesota high school students in their junior year. Program participants are selected in the fall of each year based on a formal process which includes an application, faculty recommendation, and an essay. Applications are due by December 4, 2025, and more information is available 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