Dear Neighbors, Happy Friday! I hope you have a fun and long holiday weekend up ahead. I wanted to take a moment to share with you a quick update from the Capitol and our communities: New Laws Take Effect July 1stMany laws passed by the legislature this session will take effect tomorrow. These include statewide investments from our major budget bills along with countless other provisions. The nonpartisan office of House Public Information has put together a document highlighting the major laws, which you can find here. A full list is also available here. I have received some questions about how and when certain programs, such as the E-Bike tax rebate I carried as legislation, will take effect. The E-Bike Program becomes available in July of 2024 and will be administered by the MN Department of Revenue. Here is a link to a page with the available information.  Legislative Recap with ChaskaI recently had the opportunity to deliver a legislative recap to the City of Chaska staff and council members. It was an honor to have earned a special recognition for my efforts to secure funding for Chaska Square West. Chaska Mayor Mark Windschitl presented me with one of Chaska’s historic cream-colored bricks, a symbol of not only Chaska, but the idea that investments in our local infrastructure will benefit our communities for many years to come.   LOCAL HISTORY: DID YOU KNOW? The Minnesota State Capitol’s basement contains over 2 million Chaska bricks? Our Chaska community’s abundance of high quality clay led to the start of brick making in 1857, which led to a thriving brick manufacturing epi-center in the 1880s. This material also contributed to the construction of the Orpheum Theatre, Renaissance Square, Market Square, Wesbrook Hall on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus, the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, and many types of buildings, such as schools, city buildings, factories, mills, hotels, barns, houses, outhouses, stables, saloons, restaurants, banks, and churches across the state. You can find more information here. Local Summer Festivals Chanhassen is commemorating its 40th annual 4th of July Celebration this year! You can enjoy live music, local food vendors, a complete carnival, street dance, beer garden, kids’ activities, a parade, and so much more! You can find more information, including the schedule of events, here.  Chaska’s Fire and Ice Festival runs July 14-15! Fireworks will be happening on both nights and you can find more information, including a line up of live musicians, here.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out to share your thoughts, questions, and input anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov. It’s an honor to represent you and our Chanhassen and Chaska families in the Minnesota House. Thank you. Have a safe Fourth of July! Lucy  |