Even though the Minnesota Legislature is not in session until February 17, my work as your state representative continues year-round. Last week, I highlighted my work with the National Conference of State Legislatures. Through those connections, I’ve met legislators from across the country who want to stand with Minnesotans as we protest these unconstitutional federal actions. Just this week, lawmakers in Pennsylvania introduced a resolution standing with Minnesotans and calling for transparency from the federal government and reforms to federal law enforcement.
Right now, Minnesota is showing the rest of the country how to resist an overreaching federal government and protect our residents. Whether it be in the courts as Keith Ellison fights to defend our constitutional rights and preserve evidence in the case of Alex Peretti, or in our communities, where neighbors are coming together to provide a surge of support for our immigrant neighbors, Minnesotans are united.
As your state representative, I’ll continue working to support our partners in state and local governments as they respond to these crises and push for accountability for the families of Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and all those who have been negatively impacted by ICE’s actions in our state.
Northern Green Expo
Last week, I attended Northern Green’s annual expo to meet with leaders in the nursery and landscaping industries to discuss how we can work together to keep Minnesota green. It was great to connect with Ryan and Dan McEnaney from Bailey Nurseries from our district in Cottage Grove, folks from Hoffman & McNamara, and Andrew Wilson with Wilson's Nursery Inc. I also met with attendees who were starting in the industry, interested in government, and those concerned about how the federal actions will impact our workforce and economy.
Dakota-Scott Workforce Development
Recently released numbers from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) show that Minnesota’s unemployment rate of 3.9% continues to be below the national average of 4.3%, with Dakota and Scott counties even lower than the statewide average.
For those seeking support, online information sessions for Dakota County are held most Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. and cover information on both programs. To register for an upcoming session, go to Events | CareerForce. For more information, go to Dakota Scott County Workforce Services in Burnsville or call 651-554-5955 (CareerForce West St. Paul) or 952-703-3100 (CareerForce Burnsville).
For more information on Scott County programs, complete a Scott County E & T Program Contact Record and mail it to or drop it off at the Scott County Government Center at 200 Fourth Avenue West, GW-200, Shakopee. Contact Records can also be faxed to 952-496-8675. Or call 952-496-8310 to discuss your options.
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.
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
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