Senator Hauschild talks key issues for Cook County as legislative session begins final stretch
Senator Grant Hauschild, who represents Cook County in the state senate, and Gov. Tim Walz were in Ely April 6 to discuss plans to make childcare more affordable and accessible for Minnesotans.
Democrats who control Minnesota’s state government have proposed significant increases for spending on child care from the state’s historic budget surplus in 2023.
Sen. Hauschild spoke with WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs about childcare costs and needs in Cook County during a live interview April 7. Other topics discussed during the interview include a proposed public train that would take passengers from Duluth to the Twin Cities, funding for Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, and how Sen. Hauschild has dealt with being a key swing vote on many of the top priorities for Democrats this legislative session.
Another topic discussed at length during the interview was a proposal by Gov. Walz and members of the Minnesota House of Representatives to increase fishing license fees in the state. Under a bill moving forward in the House, and that is supported by the governor and the DNR, resident fishing licenses would increase from $25 to $30 and nonresident licenses from $46 to $62. Similarly, trout stamps would increase from $10 to $12.
Hauschild told WTIP he does not support the changes to increase fishing license fees, despite the fact some of the funding would go toward fish stocking and desperately needed fish hatchery improvements in Minnesota.
“Minnesotans should be able to enjoy the great outdoors without facing financial barriers, which is why I opposed any and all fee increases to DNR recreation fees this session,” Hauschild said. “Folks in the Northland cherish our hunting, fishing, and parks, and we need to protect those opportunities. Public access to these natural resources is the key to preserving our outdoor heritage across Northern Minnesota. Everyone has the right to enjoy the abundance of nature the Northland provides, but fee increases would get in the way.”
Listen to the audio below to hear the full interview with Hauschild.
Joe Friedrichs April 9, 2023
