We are in the final few days of the 2024 Legislative Session. As Chair of the Environment Committee, I have been working hard to deliver results for our communities and pass legislation that protects our air, water, soil, and wildlife. We will be meeting throughout the weekend up to our May 20 deadline, and I will update you on the final status of bills as they head to the Governor?s desk.?
This week, I was proud to join my Senate Environment counterpart, Sen. Foung Hawj of Saint Paul, at the Hmong Special Guerrilla Units Remembrance Day. May 14, 1975, signifies the end of the Secret War and the beginning of the Hmong journey to become Americans. I was proud to join the Senators at the Hmong and Lao Veterans Commemorative Memorial at the Lower Mall of the Minnesota State Capitol.?
I was also glad to take time outside to meet with Senator Hawj and discuss our 2024 Environment and Natural Resources Budget and Policy bill. We have had productive conversations with colleagues about how we can craft the strongest environment bill possible and I look forward to passing it on the House Floor later this week.?
I am incredibly proud to report that my provision providing $195,000 to the Havratski Dom Croatian Hall is headed to the Governor for his signature! As a part of our Legacy Budget, which uses lottery proceeds to fund projects preserving our environment, arts, and cultural heritage, these funds will help to Croatian Hall continue to be a gathering place for our community and commemorate the history of Croatian-Americans in South St. Paul and statewide!?
As a longtime supporter of and visitor to the Croatian Hall, I was proud to work alongside President Biljan and Manager Buchan to get this bill across the finish line this year. You can read my full press release here.?
Also headed to the Governor?s desk to sign is our 2024 Transportation Policy bill, which includes my legislation requiring a State Fair Transportation Plan to ensure we increase accessibility to the fair, increase transit options, and decrease congestion and traffic. The bill also improves road safety, DVS wait times, child passenger safety, and consumer protections.?
This week, the House and Senate re-passed our legislation ending junk fees. By taking action against hidden, deceptive fees, we are ensuring that prices are disclosed upfront, which protects consumers and helps Minnesotans better afford their lives.?
The Minnesota House and Senate have now passed all our major supplemental budgets. You can read these nonpartisan summaries of our work on K-12 Education, Children & Families, Transportation, Labor, and Housing, Higher Education, Judiciary and Public Safety, State and Local Government and Veterans, Elections, Human Services, Workforce and Economic Development, Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy, Health, and Taxes.?
House and Senate members are currently meeting in conference committees to craft consensus legislation for where we differ in these issue areas. These conference committee meetings, and passing these final bills, will likely take up our remaining days of the legislative session.?
I?ll continue to work with colleagues on these bills and, as they reach the House floor, vote in favor of these bills which build on the progress of last year?s historic wins. More to report next week.?
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the year. You can reach me by email at?[email protected]?or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my Legislative Assistant Sam O'Neill at 651-296-3305 or via email at?[email protected].?
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative
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