 Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well and enjoying what’s finally starting to feel like spring.  Great news! The 82nd Street Project is officially underway! This vital transportation initiative will bridge an important gap by connecting Highway 13 (Bavaria Road) to just west of Highway 41, creating smoother travel for our residents, supporting our local businesses, and improving access for visitors to our beautiful Arboretum.  It was an honor to champion the funding for this project in the legislature. These are exactly the kind of investments that strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life for everyone in our district. Our communities’ advocacy made this possible, and I'll continue to keep you updated on its progress. 40,000That’s the number of tulips expected to bloom soon at the Arboretum! 20,000 will be found in the main Annual Garden space and the rest will be distributed throughout gardens near the Oswald Visitor Center, the gatehouse, and the Highway 5 entrance. Check out more fun facts from this Minneapolis St. Paul article highlighting this short but beautiful time of the year at the Arboretum.  Photo credit: Caitlin Abrams Minnesota Faces Potential Medicaid Crisis and Economic Challenges as Federal Cuts LoomLocal cities and municipalities across Minnesota are working to plug budget holes after President Trump signed a bill that ended the threat of a government shutdown, but eliminated hundreds of millions of dollars in local investments slated for our communities. In Carver County, one example is a $13,271,866 cut to funding that had been dedicated to strengthening our local and regional food bank system to help those in need. You can click the link above to see a comprehensive list of where federal cuts are impacting Chanahssen and Chaska. In addition, federal Medicaid cuts are threatening the lifeline of essential healthcare services for the most vulnerable Americans who depend on the program for surgeries, in-home care, and specialized support. Keith Piskur, a Minnesotan living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, recently shared his personal testimony at a Department of Human Services roundtable about how Medicaid has funded his 50+ surgeries, in-home care, and service dog. These community discussions are part of Minnesota's preparation for possible federal Medicaid cuts, which could severely impact the state's Medical Assistance program that serves about 25% of Minnesotans and relies on federal funding for nearly two-thirds of its $18.5 billion annual cost. Between tariffs, inflation, and collapsing consumer confidence under the current administration, it’s getting harder and harder for everyday Minnesotans to afford their lives. As your state representative, I am committed to addressing these economic pressures through people-centered and thoughtful policy solutions. Responsible fiscal stewardship requires strategic investments in Minnesotans and the essential services they require to not only get by, but to thrive. Please email me directly at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov to share your story. Transit AssistanceSpeaking of transportation and roadwork, for those of you who don't drive, are you aware of Metro Transit's Transit Assistance Program (TAP), which offers a reduced-fare option of just $1 per ride for lower-income residents? The benefits extend beyond affordability for individuals. As more people gain access to affordable transit, we'll see increased ridership on our public transportation systems, which contributes to safer transit environments for everyone. This is exactly the kind of practical, impactful legislation I'm interested in working on - connecting existing resources to the people who need them most while strengthening our public transit system at the same time. I welcome your thoughts on this initiative or any other transportation issues impacting Carver County.  Serving as the vice-chair on the House Transportation Committee provides unique opportunities to learn about how we can build a multimodal transportation system that works for all Minnesotans—whether you're commuting to work, taking kids to school, or accessing essential services. Clean Energy Resource TeamsI'm committed to finding new opportunities to move our state toward a cleaner and greener future. That's why I want to highlight the valuable work of Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) - a statewide partnership dedicated to connecting Minnesotans with the resources they need to develop community-based clean energy projects.They even help identify the steps to get started. You can learn more and find resources here!  Keep in TouchIf you celebrated Passover last week, I wish you a belated Sameach Pesach!  If you’re celebrating Easter this weekend, I hope it’s a great holiday weekend filled with joy and a sense of renewal.  Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance, have questions, or would like to share feedback. I appreciate your input; it helps me lift up Chanhassen and Chaska voices and priorities in St. Paul. Have a great weekend, Lucy |