Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well. It’s been a whirlwind of activity at the Capitol, as we continue to work judiciously to deliver on our shared values as Minnesotans. On Monday last week, the Minnesota House and Senate held Sovereignty Day at the Capitol. It was an educational opportunity for legislators that included tribal history and culture, sovereignty, and the interplay between federal, state, and tribal law. Our own Carver County is part of an expansive territory of the Dakota. Chanhassen has origins in the Dakota language loosely translating to “maple sugar,” which is still represented in our city emblem today. It was an honor to have the opportunity to listen and learn more from the leaders of all the eleven federally-recognized sovereign tribal nations in Minnesota.   Budget Work UpdateAs I mentioned in my last update, the House passed a significant $1.9 billion package of public works and infrastructure improvements - including legislation I carried to secure $3,760,000 million for Carver County to help improve safety on Highway 18 from Bavaria Road to Highway 41. Unfortunately, last week the Senate Republican Minority blocked this bipartisan bill from advancing. With interest rates rising and crumbling infrastructure worsening, now is the strategic time to get our best bang for our buck and get more people to work in this tight job market. There are leaky roofs in state buildings, an outdated campus chemistry laboratory, unstable riverbanks, kids taking unsafe routes to schools, failing wastewater infrastructure and more. These and other projects are crucial to communities throughout the state. We have the capacity to make these repairs and inflation is only causing them to increase in cost the longer we delay. As we work toward crafting Minnesota’s two-year state budget, we’re taking a close look at all areas of the budget to determine the best path forward now and into the future. The literacy and mental health crisis in our schools can no longer be ignored. Prescription drug prices continue to soar. For a healthy state, one where everyone can thrive, we must keep these issues and more at the forefront of how we can provide relief now, and secure a stable future moving forward.  Social Security Tax Exemption UpdateThe House Taxes Committee heard a pair of bills related to state tax exemption on Social Security benefits. I’m co-sponsoring, HF 1040, a targeted approach to ensure that lower- and middle-income seniors living on fixed incomes are able to afford their lives. The bill ensures seniors earning less than $80,000 (for married joint returns) or $62,500 (for single or head of household returns) will pay no state income taxes on their Social Security benefits. The other bill under consideration, HF 300, would fully exempt Social Security benefits from taxes. Although there is some support, this tax cut would disproportionally benefit almost exclusively the top 20% of retirees. Minnesotans count on quality public schools, nursing and veterans’ homes, and critical infrastructure investments we all enjoy to thrive and live the quality of life we all deserve. Down the road, full exemption of Social Security income could threaten our ability to invest in these key values. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, nearly 60% of all retirees do not currently pay any state taxes on their Social Security benefits. As final bills take shape, I’ll continue to advocate for a balanced approach that helps the most vulnerable and doesn’t jeopardize the vibrancy of our state’s potential. Bill ProgressI'm authoring legislation to invest in Solar for Schools , improve statewide traffic safety, and help construct a new city hall and senior center, city council chambers, and park amenities in Chanhassen. You can find a list of all of the bills I'm carrying here.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov with questions, input, or ideas. If you have emailed me and have not yet heard back, please let me know. I receive hundreds of emails daily and I'm working with my staff to prioritize constituents who live in our community. Thank you for your understanding. It’s an honor and great privilege to serve our Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors at the Capitol. Sincerely, Lucy Rehm
State Representative |