Snapshots

The Snapshot is a new, weekly edition to the blog. It is intended to provide constituents with a glimpse of major pieces of legislation or legislative activity that was discussed in committee(s) during the previous week. For those of you that would like more in-depth coverage of information you can refer to the House website. […]

Conservation Corps – Jobs for the Environment

State Rep Rick Hansen has introduced Bill HF 345 to provide funding to the Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC). We have had numerous discussions on how to allocate the expected funds generated by the environmental Constitutional Amendment. MCC has a proven track record of getting the job done and providing meaningful experiences and employment to our […]

Q-Comp Evaluation

The Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor has released the program evaluation, Q- Comp: Quality Compensation for Teachers. To read the full report visit the State Auditor’s website.

The Middle Class Amendment

During my last campaign I talked frequently about a “Middle Class Amendment” I was working on. I discussed five (5) building blocks on which to build and strengthen our current middle class. Those 5 blocks are: 1. Transportation 2. Education 3. Health Care 4. A Living Wage 5. Clean Environment These five building blocks are […]

Snapshots

WEEK ENDING – JANUARY 23, 2009 Bioscience/workforce development policy division The committee heard testimony from DEED (their mission and goals) and the Commerce Department on the results of the Governor’s Economic Outlook Analysis Team’s work. Civil Justice On Wednesday, January 21, the Civil Justice Committee passed out of Committee the Minnesota False Claims Act, which […]

Snapshots

WEEK ENDING -January 16, 2009 The Snapshot is a new, weekly edition to the blog. It is intended to provide constituents with a glimpse of major pieces of legislation or legislative activity that was discussed in committee(s) during the previous week. For those of you that would like more in-depth coverage of information you can […]

SMIF Offering “Picture It Painted” Grants

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with Valspar Corporation, is looking for groups or communities who want to spruce up their community, neighborhood, or nonprofit center. Once again, free paint products are available to communities and organizations through the annual Picture It Painted Program (PIP).This year SMIF will give priority consideration to collaborative efforts […]

2009 Legislative Session Begins

Dear Friends, The 2009 Legislative Session officially kicked off on January 6th and while it has been busy, I have enjoyed getting back to the State Capitol to work towards the solutions our District and State need in these trying times. We are at a pivotal time in the history of our state. Minnesota workers, […]

State of the State

The Governor let us know his blue print for the historic budget shortfall. His plan is, “Cut taxes and increase spending.” Sound familiar? I don’t know anybody who seriously believes that we can solve this problem without taxes going up at some level of government. We can’t cut spending deeply enough and make things come […]