 Dear Neighbors, It’s finally starting to feel like summer is here to stay! I’m looking forward to a visit to our treasured Arboretum after session adjourns.  Photo credit: Johanna DeBuhr We’re working efficiently to wrap up our budget bills with the Senate by resolving differences within each version a bill through the conference committee process. Democrats and Republicans serve on these committees, and we’re making positive strides forward, gathering more public testimony, considering and adopting amendments, and vetting final provisions. So far we’ve completed and passed the following conference committee reports: Higher Education; Housing; Legacy; and Veterans; and Agriculture. We’re on track to adjourn on May 18 ahead of our constitutionally required date to finish business on May 22.  As I talk to neighbors in our community, I’ve heard a similar theme and request: work hard to find solutions for Chanhassen and Chaska residents to make life easier for everyone. And complete the work on time! As I round out my first session as your state representative, I remain committed to cutting inefficiencies in state government, bridging gaps, and building on what makes our North Star state such a wonderful place to live and work. I’ve heard from many about their concerns with the state of our roads; the potholes on Galpin Blvd., significant wear and tear on our highways, and addressing the dangerous intersections on Highway 7 and throughout the West Metro. I’ve been advocating for my Safe Roads Act legislation to be included in the final Transportation budget bill, which would help target more resources toward our region. Much more can change over the next few days, but I continue to fight for these critical investments via Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths initiative to keep more people safe in our communities and in other problem areas across the state. I’ve also authored legislation to deliver funds to fix Carver County Highway 18; specifically to increase traffic flow, improve stormwater treatment to protect our water quality, connect more people to jobs and community destinations, expand resources and add a secondary access point to the Arboretum, and allow development of over 700 acres in Chaska. As I mentioned above, as discussions continue, I’m hoping for a path forward for passage of the bill via the transportation budget or through a bonding bill. In other transportation news, I’m pleased to share the bipartisan Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway legislation I carried has been signed into law. It was fun to celebrate earlier this week at Paisley Park with the advocates and family members of Prince who worked so hard to get this across the finish line. A big shout out to Jennifer Witt from the Minnesota Department of Transportation for accommodating the unprecedented request to have the sign created in purple.   The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was first passed by Congress in 1972 and was sent to the states for ratification, Minnesota ratified the ERA in 1973. It guarantees "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." I was proud to vote for a resolution urging Congress to ratify the ERA. Together, we can make sure that all Americans have the same rights under the law, regardless of their sex. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov with questions, input, or ideas. Beginning next week, I’ll have a new legislative assistant, Jared, and you can reach Jared at Jared.Margolis@house.mn. I appreciate hearing from you! Thank you for the honor of representing our Chanhassen and Chaska neighborhoods in St. Paul. Wishing you and yours a happy Mother's Day on Sunday! Lucy  "A mother's love liberates." - Maya Angelou Representative Lucy Rehm533 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155 |