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Dear neighbors,
Last week, I attended our South Saint Paul Local Issues meeting hosted by the River Heights Chamber of Commerce, where we heard updates from local police, elected officials, and community and business leaders.
I also welcomed state legislators from Michigan and Missouri to our district to hear from local people on-the-ground about how Minnesotans are protecting each other during this federal action. Finally, I recently met with Alex Stojmenovic at the Serbian Hall, which serves as a gathering place for our community and a reminder that our nation has always, and will continue to be, a nation built by immigrants.
Legislative Audit Commission
Last week, the Legislative Audit Commission, which I serve on, met to hear a report on the Office of Ombudsperson for Families (OBFF). The office is meant to ensure that children and families of color who are involved in the child protection system are treated fairly and appropriately.
The auditor found that the office has not consistently followed requirements and lacks adequate oversight. Ultimately, the office’s impact in recent years is unclear. They also make several recommendations, including to the Legislature, which my colleagues and I will be looking into ahead of this year’s legislative session. You can read the full report here.
Public Input – Native Rough Fish
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting the public to comment on proposed rules related to daily and possession limits on native rough fish. Under the new proposed rules, these fish – including bowfin, buffalo, carpsucker, freshwater drum, goldeye, mooneye, quillback, redhorses, and suckers – would also get a variety of other protections.
In 2024, DFLers passed a new law to better define the status of native rough fish, protect these species, and raise awareness of the important role native fish play in our ecosystem.
The Minnesota DNR is currently taking comments on the proposed rules. People can submit their comments on the proposals until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12. People can find more information about the proposed rules on the DNR fisheries rulemaking webpage.
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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