Neighbors, Flooding is a major concern for some in areas of South Central Minnesota, and may be impacting many of you, your family, or friends. This is a serious situation and many of you are out there helping any way you can. Thank you to our local officials who are on top of the situation. We are all working to keep you safe. Make sure to be flood aware by watching for rising water and using caution around rivers, streams, and lakes. Look for more information from authorities should the situation warrant action or additional warnings. You can view several KEYC stories here. Reach out to my office if you have any questions. Honoring our Vietnam VeteransThe Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs recently commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Hundreds of Vietnam-era veterans attended events at the Mall of America to view exhibits and displays, attend the resource fair, and see the American Veterans Traveling Tribute wall. By all accounts it was a healing time for Vietnam veterans to connect, reflect, and gather information. Governor Walz addressed the group, expressing appreciation for their service. Thank you to all who served!  15,116 Minnesotans Registered to Vote Using Automatic Voter RegistrationLast week, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon announced in the first seven weeks of operation, more than fifteen-thousand Minnesotans successfully registered to vote through the new Automatic Voter Registration system. Also, 13,283 16-and 17-year-old Minnesotans had been pre-registered to vote through the new system. With Automatic Voter Registration, eligible Minnesotans who are applying for or renewing a state-issued ID will be registered to vote without needing to affirmatively “opt-in.” The system includes an intensive review process by state and local government officials to verify registrants' identity and residence and confirm their eligibility to vote. I serve on the Elections Committee and am proud of the work we accomplished to make our voting more accessible to more Minnesotans. We are a better state when we all can participate in our democracy! Budget UpdateThe Minnesota Management and Budget Office released the May Revenue Review on June 10th, which shows net general fund revenues totaled $2.1 billion in May 2024, $304 million (16.7%) above forecast. Net receipts from all major tax types exceeded forecast. FY24 year-to-date receipts are now $26.8 billion, $561 million (2.1%) over forecast. Celebrating Independence Day!Despite the rain, I hope you can enjoy the beauty of our area this summer. Just a reminder to attend the Independence Day Greater Mankato Red, Hot & Boom event from 6-11 p.m. on July 4th. Enjoy your holiday!  Lawns to Legumes FundingIf you want your lawn to be more pollinator-friendly, Minnesota residents can now apply for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching, and gardening resources. Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitats in their yards. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you must reapply to be considered for spring 2025 funding. Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website.  Stay connected with the LegislatureDuring the legislative interim, it is easy to stay connected to news from the State Capitol by going to the Minnesota House of Representatives website. You can also visit my House of Representatives website. I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn.gov or call me at (651) 296-3248. Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature. Sincerely, Luke Frederick State Representative |