Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well. The legislative session got underway on Monday. Committees are meeting and the Capitol is abuzz with people across the state, sharing their ideas and priorities for their families and communities. I’m excited to continue serving on the Education Finance, Agriculture, Climate, and Sustainable Infrastructure Committees this year! I am looking forward to digging into policy in these areas to serve Chanhassen and Chaska well.  As a reminder, if you haven’t already, I’d be grateful if you have a moment to take our district 48B legislative survey. Your input is important and I appreciate knowing your thoughts on various issues in our community and state. Here’s an update from the Capitol and our community: Our State Our Future ConferenceWe started the week at the Our State Our Future conference which is an annual tradition setting a bipartisan and productive tone for the session to come. This year’s theme involved the importance of early childhood care and education and long term care. As I start out my second year at the legislature, I appreciate these opportunities to learn more about the challenges our state is facing in an academic setting. All of us, Democrats and Republicans, are receiving the same nonpartisan data and can come together to find common ground on how to best tackle these issues.  Protecting Native Prairie LandThis week I presented a bill I’m carrying to the Environment Committee supporting expansion of native prairies. I’m working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to improve the easement purchase process to make this possible. We are fortunate to have native prairie land in Carver County and I want to make sure we’re able to protect it by allowing the DNR to purchase conservation easements. You can read more about the bill here.  Communities of Belonging- Get InvolvedWhen I’m not in St. Paul, I’ve been working with community members on the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) in Carver County, which aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of area residents. Within CHIP, I’m involved in the Communities of Belonging initiative, which launched in late 2021.The Carver County Public Health Department facilitates the planning process with non-profit organizations, public agencies, health care, businesses, and the faith community to collaborate and assess strengths, needs, and interests of our community. The information is then used to craft specific strategies to improve health outcomes for county residents. I believe we’re stronger when we work together to address the challenges our neighbors are facing and that means showing up for each other and working toward solutions. Regular meetings are a part of this work and I hope you can join me and help with the project at a future gathering! More information can be found here.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact me anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5506 with input, questions, or to let me know how I can help. You’re also welcome to follow me on my official Facebook page for more updates. Have a great weekend! In community, Lucy |