SAINT PAUL, MN – Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) chose to disregard Minority Leader Paul Thissen’s (DFL-Minneapolis) recommendation that Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St Paul) continue his service on the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC). Speaker Daudt chose instead to remove Rep. Hansen from the council yesterday.
The LSOHC recommends spending more than a $100 million in Legacy funds to protect, restore and enhance prairies, wetlands, forests and fish, game and wildlife habitat each year. Rep. Hansen was an original co-author of the Legacy Amendment. He has served on the original council from 2008-2011 and again from 2013 until now. He was the chief author of Outdoor Heritage Fund bill last session, which passed 90 to 39 on a bipartisan basis.
Rep. Hansen was also removed from the council the last time Republicans were in the majority (2011-2012) by then Speaker Kurt Zellers. Rep. Hansen, an avid hunter and angler who owns a family farm with conservation practices, has been one of the few consistent voices asking tough questions of groups vying for the Legacy funds.
Rep. Hansen released the following statement:
“I’m disappointed to have been replaced again. As a suburban legislator with a rural background, I brought a science and practical habitat background to the table. I always worked to ensure these public projects got the proper vetting they require. We need to fully examine every proposal to make sure it is sound. Some special interests do not like that. However, I took this public responsibility seriously and am proud of my service on the council.”
“I look forward to protecting the outdoors, clean water and the public purse at the Legislature during the next two years. Setbacks occur, but we must move ahead and serve in other ways.”
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