Rick Hansen (politician)

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Rick Hansen
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 53B district
Assumed office
January 4, 2005
Preceded byTom Pugh
Personal details
Born (1963-03-01) March 1, 1963 (age 61)
Albert Lea, Minnesota
Political partyDemocratic (DFL)
SpouseSuzanne
Children1
ResidenceSouth St. Paul, Minnesota
EducationUpper Iowa University (B.S.)
Iowa State University (M.S.)
Occupation
WebsiteGovernment website Campaign website

Rick Hansen (born March 1, 1963) is an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2005. A member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), Hansen represents District 53B in the southeastern Twin Cities metropolitan area, which includes the cities of South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Cottage Grove and St. Paul Park, and parts of Dakota and Washington Counties.[1][2]

Early life, education, and career[edit]

Rick Hansen and Tom Vilsack stand together at the launching of the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification program

Hansen was raised on a farm in rural Minnesota. He graduated magna cum laude from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, and later earned a MS degree in soil management from Iowa State University in Ames.[1]

Hansen worked at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture from 1998 to 2005. He served on the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Managers from 1996 until he was elected to the state legislature. He works for Harmony Cedar, Inc., a company that sells handcrafted Amish furniture and owns a farm in southeast Minnesota.[1][3]

Minnesota House of Representatives[edit]

Hansen was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004 and has been reelected every two years since. He first ran after seven-term incumbent Tom Pugh resigned to accept an appointment to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. In 2020, Hansen had his election results challenged, but a judge dismissed the case for failing to state a claim and lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.[1]

After U.S. Representative John Kline announced his retirement in 2015, Hansen briefly considered running for the Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District.[4][5] He supported fellow state representative Erin Murphy in the 2018 DFL primary, and endorsed Pete Buttigieg in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primary.[6][7][8]

Hansen has chaired the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee since 2021. He also sits on the Agriculture Finance and Policy, Capital Investment, and State and Local Government Finance and Policy Committees. From 2007 to 2008, Hansen chaired the Watersheds, Wetlands and Buffers Division and he served as an assistant majority leader from 2011 to 2012. From 2018 to 2019 he chaired of the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee.[1]

Hansen has served on the Minnesota Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council, the Minnesota Citizen-Commission on Natural Resources, the Legislative Audit Commission, and the House Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government.[1][9][10][11]

Environment and Natural Resources[edit]

Hansen has been a longtime advocate of more stringent environmental protections and critical of corporate special interests.[12][13][14] He has been described as "one to challenge powerful special interests" and "a leader on environmental issues".[10][15] In 2017, Hansen removed his name from that year's environment bill, calling it a giveaway to narrow interests.[16][17] Hansen criticized Senate Republicans for "hostage taking" over clean car emission standards and called out Senate Environment committee chair Bill Ingebrigtsen for visiting Alaska during the 2021 legislative session.[18][19] Hansen has supported Governor Tim Walz's efforts to use his rule-making authority to adopt stricter car emission standards.[20][21][22]

Hansen has pushed for increasing state funding to deal with invasive species such as emerald ash borer, and restoration programs for wildlife habitats and wetlands.[23][24][25][26] In 2019, he voted to support a ban on wolf hunting in the state, advising members to "vote their districts" due to inter-party conflict over the vote.[27] Hansen authored legislation requiring carpet manufacturers to create recycling programs to cut down on landfill waste.[28] He supported efforts to replant drought-killed trees as part of a 2022 deal on farm relief.[29][30][31]

Pollinators and pesticide regulation[edit]

Hansen supports increased research into sources of pollinator decline, especially due to neonicotinoid chemical pesticides and their use in the agricultural industry.[32][33][34] In 2019, Hansen authored a bill that designated the native rusty patched bumblebee as Minnesota's state bee, providing it with endangered species protections.[35] He has called for banning neonics on state lands, the creation of pollinator-safe zones, and alternatives to pesticide-treated seeds.[12][36] He authored legislation that would give Minnesota's four largest cities the ability to enforce rules on the use of pesticides within city limits and ban the use of certain pesticides.[37][38] He carried a bill that would allow residents to have native landscapes to promote pollinator habitats and biodiversity.[39] Hansen supported the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's decision to ban chlorpyrifos pesticides in 2021 after it was found to pose risks to children and fetuses.[40]

Chronic wasting disease[edit]

Hansen, a hunter, has sponsored legislation to deal with the spread of chronic wasting disease in Minnesota's wild and farmed deer populations.[41][42][43] He has supported efforts to increase testing of live and deceased deer.[44] He has been critical of Minnesota's Board of Animal Health, saying it was failing in its oversight of the state's deer farms, calling for a legislative audit, and accusing it of regulatory capture.[45][46] He has supported efforts for stronger fencing requirements, declaring a moratorium on new state deer farms, and banning the movement of farmed deer.[47][48][49][3][43]

Water quality and pollution[edit]

Hansen has said that corporations who pollute water sources should pay to clean up water sources, and criticized Minnesota-based company 3M for settling a lawsuit over contaminated drinking water in the east Twin Cities metropolitan area.[50][13][51] Hansen supported Governor Mark Dayton's efforts to establish buffer strips between farmland and waterways to protect from agricultural runoff.[52][53] He has authored legislation to study the impact of microplastics on water quality and human health.[54][42] He also supports making manufacturers pay to clean-up landfill contamination caused by their use PFAS chemicals.[55][56] Hansen, a member of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, has opposed efforts by Republicans to use that funding to include local wastewater treatment projects.[57] He has drafted legislation to clean up Saint Paul's Pig's Eye Regional Park of harmful contaminants due to a nearby landfill, and supported using solar panels and wind turbines at wastewater treatment plants.[58][59]

Mining[edit]

Hansen called for an audit of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's handling of PolyMet mining and water quality permits, and expressed concern about the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline, citing young voters' environmental concerns in his district.[60][61][62] He argued that mines should pay additional taxes to pay for local government infrastructure costs and environmental reviews.[63][64][65]

Other political positions[edit]

Hansen voted against proposing the 2012 Minnesota constitutional amendment, which would have prohibited same-sex marriage in the state, and voted in 2013 to codify same-sex marriage.[66][67] In 2015, he voted against allowing liquor stores to be open on Sundays.[68] He was one of five representatives to vote against moving the state's primary election from September to August 10, saying it would extend the campaign season and increase the cost of elections.[69] He sponsored legislation to commission a bust of U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone to be displayed at the state Capitol.[70]

Hansen has supported grants included in the 2020 Tax Bill to help meat processing plants in his district of South St. Paul relocate and grow.[71] Hansen advocated for the cost of federally-required REAL ID licenses to be covered by the state, rather than individual fees on drivers.[72] He introduced legislation to increase funding to Minnesota's Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) in 2018 after months-long delays.[73][11] He supported efforts to divest Minnesota from any investments into Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.[74]

Electoral history[edit]

2004 Minnesota State House - District 39A[75]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Rick Hansen 11,644 55.30
Republican Paul Ives 9,398 44.63
Write-in 14 0.07
Total votes 21,056 100.0
Democratic (DFL) hold
2006 Minnesota State House - District 39A[76]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Rick Hansen (incumbent) 11,211 64.87
Republican Tom Marver 6,045 34.98
Write-in 25 0.14
Total votes 17,281 100.0
Democratic (DFL) hold
2008 Minnesota State House - District 39A[77]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Rick Hansen (incumbent) 12,798 60.35
Republican Bill Jungbauer 8,373 39.49
Write-in 34 0.16
Total votes 21,205 100.0
Democratic (DFL) hold
2010 Minnesota State House - District 39A[78]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Rick Hansen (incumbent) 9,512 58.34
Republican Don Lee 6,777 41.57
Write-in 15 0.09
Total votes 16,304 100.0
Democratic (DFL) hold
2012 Minnesota State House - District 52A[79]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Rick Hansen (incumbent) 13,732 62.45
Republican Joe Blum 8,216 37.36
Write-in 41 0.19
Total votes 21,989 100.0
Democratic (DFL) hold
2014 Minnesota State House - District 52A[80]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Rick Hansen (incumbent) 9,777 59.38
Republican Joe Blum 6,661 40.46
Write-in 26 0.16
Total votes 16,464 100.0
Democratic (DFL) hold
2016 Minnesota State House - District 52A[81]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Rick Hansen (incumbent) 13,737 63.33
Republican Larry Sachi 7,929 36.55
Write-in 25 0.12
Total votes 21,691 100.0
Democratic (DFL) hold
2018 Minnesota State House - District 52A[82]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Rick Hansen (incumbent) 13,549 65.84
Republican Beth L. Arnston 6,998 34.01
Write-in 32 0.16
Total votes 20,599 100.0
Democratic (DFL) hold
2020 Minnesota State House - District 52A[83]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Rick Hansen (incumbent) 15,704 65.84
Republican Mariah de la Paz 8,243 34.36
Write-in 40 0.17
Total votes 23,987 100.0
Democratic (DFL) hold
2022 Minnesota State House - District 53B[84]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Rick Hansen (incumbent) 9,290 54.36
Republican Steven Swoboda 6,713 39.28
Legal Marijuana Now Laura E. Pride 1,074 6.28
Write-in 14 0.08
Total votes 17,091 100.0
Democratic (DFL) hold

Personal life[edit]

Hansen lives in South Saint Paul, Minnesota, with his spouse, Suzanne, and has one child.[1]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Hansen, Rick - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present". www.lrl.mn.gov. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  2. ^ "Rep. Rick Hansen (53B) - Minnesota House of Representatives". www.house.mn.gov. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Gunderson, Dan (October 29, 2021). "Hunters want more 'urgency' in state's CWD response". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  4. ^ Pugmire, Tim (September 4, 2015). "Gerson grabs CD2 spotlight as others weigh options". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  5. ^ Sturdevant, Lori (September 18, 2015). "OPINION EXCHANGE | An open seat in Congress? Tough sell". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  6. ^ Coolican, J. Patrick (July 2, 2018). "DFL race for governor splits along regional lines". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  7. ^ Van Oot, Torey (February 22, 2020). "Will Mondale quip hurt Buttigieg?". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  8. ^ Bakst, Brian; Montgomery, Davis (February 28, 2020). "Klobuchar, Sanders sprint to finish in Minnesota". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  9. ^ Kimball, Joe (January 25, 2011). "'My Outdoor Heritage Council dissent has been civil and respectful'". MinnPost. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Star Tribune Editorial Board (September 28, 2015). "EDITORIAL | State Rep. Rick Hansen should have been reappointed to Outdoor Heritage Council". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Browning, Dan (February 23, 2018). "Minnesota legislators want answers about MNLARS no-bid contract". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Hansen, Rick (February 11, 2016). "OPINION EXCHANGE | It's time for action on Minnesota's pollinators". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Marcotty, Josephine (March 3, 2018). "Minnesota settlement with 3M may fix drinking water but not the environment". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  14. ^ Scheck, Tom (March 31, 2015). "Minnesota farm lobbyists flex new political muscle". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  15. ^ Marcotty, Josephine. "In a small brewery town in Minnesota, options for water are running dry". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  16. ^ Coolican, J. Patrick (March 29, 2017). "Republicans want to reshape environmental protection, meeting stiff DFL resistance". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  17. ^ The Associated Press (March 31, 2017). "MN House backs GOP-driven environmental agency changes". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  18. ^ Bjorhus, Jennifer; Stanley, Greg (May 19, 2021). "Impasse over 'clean cars' rule continues to jeopardize Minnesota environmental funding". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  19. ^ Bjorhus, Jennifer; Stanley, Greg (June 22, 2021). "Minnesota to ban 'forever chemicals' in food packaging". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  20. ^ Stanley, Greg (September 26, 2019). "Gov. Tim Walz says Minnesota will adopt stricter emission standards for cars and trucks". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  21. ^ Stanley, Greg (July 12, 2020). "Partisan fight over emission standards threatens $60 million in Minnesota environmental trust fund projects". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  22. ^ Stanley, Greg (May 7, 2021). "Minnesota 'clean cars' rules may move forward, administrative law judge says". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  23. ^ Mahamud, Faiza; Walsh, James (May 9, 2017). "Minneapolis and St. Paul are losing thousands of trees to emerald ash borer". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  24. ^ Hansen, Rick (July 26, 2022). "OPINION EXCHANGE | We must address emerald ash borer like we did Dutch elm disease". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  25. ^ Collins, Bob (March 16, 2009). "An outdoors fight brews". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  26. ^ Hemphill, Stephanie (March 23, 2010). "Legislator says DNR failing to protect wetlands". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  27. ^ Orenstein, Walker (May 25, 2019). "Fight over wolf hunting in Minn. is heating up again". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  28. ^ Orenstein, Walker (March 29, 2019). "Why the DFL is taking on the carpet industry". MinnPost. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  29. ^ Van Berkel, Jessie (March 10, 2022). "Minnesota legislators seek long-awaited deal on farm relief". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  30. ^ Vondracek, Christopher (April 29, 2022). "Fight over tree fund sticking point in Minnesota Legislature's dueling drought bills". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  31. ^ Ibrahim, Mohamed (March 4, 2022). "Minnesota lawmakers at odds over drought relief package". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  32. ^ Cronin, Mike (June 20, 2014). "Don't cross the pollinators: Starting July 1, they're protected by law". MinnPost. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  33. ^ Gunderson, Dan (March 29, 2017). "Pollinator protections facing obstacles at Capitol". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  34. ^ Stanley, Greg (September 10, 2022). "Nearly all Minnesota deer exposed to pesticides linked to pollinator die-off". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  35. ^ Bakst, Brian (April 30, 2019). "What's the buzz? Minn. could soon have a state bee". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  36. ^ Gunderson, Dan; Dunbar, Elizabeth (August 26, 2016). "Dayton orders limits on pesticide use". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  37. ^ Belz, Adam; Coolican, J. Patrick (May 2, 2019). "Landscapers, pest control firms lash out at Minnesota bill that lets 4 cities enforce pesticide rules". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  38. ^ Stanley, Greg (February 16, 2020). "Minnesota cities could get power to ban pesticides as bee populations fall". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  39. ^ Callaghan, Peter (October 8, 2021). "'Native landscape' bill would make Minnesota cities more pollinator friendly, one lawn at a time". MinnPost. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  40. ^ Stanley, Greg (September 4, 2021). "Ban on common insecticide will force Minnesota soybean farmers to find alternatives". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  41. ^ Roper, Eric (October 30, 2019). "Minnesota scrambling after deer disposal plan falls apart". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  42. ^ a b Kennedy, Tony (January 11, 2020). "CWD, lower walleye limit on agendas at Capitol". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  43. ^ a b Stanley, Greg (April 4, 2022). "Minnesota lawmakers would ban new captive deer farms to prevent spread of chronic wasting disease". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  44. ^ Gunderson, Dan (November 4, 2021). "New CWD test: Game-changer or unproven?". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  45. ^ Kennedy, Tony (February 25, 2017). "National alliance calls for a review of Minnesota's handling of deer farms". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  46. ^ Kennedy, Tony (April 20, 2018). "Report: Oversight of deer and elk farms lax in steps to contain CWD". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  47. ^ Anderson, Dennis (June 24, 2021). "Legislature could have done more to staunch CWD threat". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  48. ^ Orenstein, Walker (May 22, 2019). "Budget deal looks to address chronic wasting disease, even as Legislature sidesteps more controversial environmental issues". MinnPost. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  49. ^ Kennedy, Tony (October 12, 2021). "DNR's latest crackdown on deer farms could halt movement of captive whitetails for more than a year". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  50. ^ Coolican, J. Patrick (February 27, 2016). "Gov. Dayton rallies support for clean water at summit after facing a protest". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  51. ^ Marohn, Kristi (March 1, 2018). "State lawmakers probe details of 3M settlement". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  52. ^ Bierschbach, Briana (May 7, 2015). "The greening of Mark Dayton". MinnPost. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  53. ^ Orenstein, Walker (October 25, 2018). "Minnesota's buffer law is likely to change — no matter who wins the governor's race". MinnPost. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  54. ^ Bjorhus, Jennifer (August 12, 2019). "Great Lakes' latest pollution threat is 'microplastics'". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  55. ^ Bjorhus, Jennifer (March 18, 2021). "Landfills are leaking PFAS 'forever chemicals' in 41 Minnesota counties". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  56. ^ Marohn, Kristi (February 10, 2021). "Minn. agencies roll out plan to tackle 'forever chemicals'". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  57. ^ Bjorhus, Jennifer (April 24, 2020). "Standoff at Capitol could block Minnesota environmental spending". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  58. ^ Jackson, Zoë (January 11, 2022). "MPCA says several contaminants in St. Paul's Pig's Eye dump, city asks for cleanup funds". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  59. ^ Hansen, Rick (December 3, 2021). "Minnesota's big opportunity to address the climate crisis: Use solar panels and wind energy at wastewater plants". MinnPost. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  60. ^ Bjorhus, Jennifer (June 24, 2019). "Lawmaker calls on state legislative auditor to investigate handling of PolyMet permit". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  61. ^ Kraker, Dan (June 25, 2019). "Court, legislative auditor scrutinizing PolyMet permit". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  62. ^ Coolican, J. Patrick (October 15, 2017). "Enbridge pipeline replacement divides DFL". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  63. ^ Scheck, Tom (February 19, 2013). "Frac sand mining fissures exposed at Legislature". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  64. ^ Pugmire, Tim (March 19, 2013). "Frac sand mining tax bill gets cold reception in committee". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  65. ^ Hemphill, Stephanie; Dunbar, Elizabeth (May 14, 2013). "DFL lawmaker: Compromise reached on frac sand regulations". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  66. ^ Aslanian, Sasha (August 26, 2011). "Same-sex marriage supporters, foes stake out ground at state fair". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  67. ^ The Associated Press (May 9, 2013). "Minnesota House approves gay marriage bill after two-hour debate". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  68. ^ Pugmire, Tim (April 28, 2015). "Minnesota House rejects Sunday liquor sales". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  69. ^ Scheck, Tom (February 25, 2010). "Bill moving up Minn. primary passes House". MPR News. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  70. ^ Kimball, Joe (March 15, 2012). "DFL legislators call for bust of Paul Wellstone at state Capitol". MinnPost. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  71. ^ Adler, Erin (November 11, 2021). "South St. Paul immigrant slaughterhouses weigh options for growth, relocation". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  72. ^ Coolican, J.P. (January 7, 2016). "Legislators spar during early session on Real ID". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  73. ^ Golden, Erin (December 17, 2018). "Minnesota lawmakers say state should pay for vehicle licensing problems". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  74. ^ Orenstein, Walker (March 2, 2022). "Can the state of Minnesota take economic action against Russia?". MinnPost. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  75. ^ "2004 Results for State Representative District 39A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  76. ^ "2006 Results for State Representative District 39A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  77. ^ "2008 Results for State Representative District 39A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  78. ^ "2010 Results for State Representative District 39A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  79. ^ "2012 Results for State Representative District 52A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  80. ^ "2014 Results for State Representative District 52A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  81. ^ "2016 Results for State Representative District 52A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  82. ^ "2018 Results for State Representative District 52A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  83. ^ "2020 Results for State Representative District 52A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  84. ^ "2022 Results for State Representative District 53B". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.

External links[edit]

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