Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well. Our work continues at the State Capitol. Here's an update from the week: Updated Budget Forecast Yesterday, state budget officials released a new economic forecast showing Minnesota’s economy to be growing and our budget outlook to be stable over the long term. We are in a strong position to weather unforeseen challenges that may come our way. But the work isn’t over -- in my conversations with our communities, I recognize the state budget outlook doesn’t necessarily reflect the reality many of us are facing. Throughout the 2024 session, I’ll continue to work side by side with our residents together – rooted in the values we all share – to lower the cost of living, deliver economic security for working families, and grow the state’s middle class.  Black History Month As Black History Month concludes, let's remember that celebrating and learning about Black history shouldn't stop here. It's a continuous journey of education, reflection, and allyship. I’m currently working on Nellie Stone Johnson’s biography, and was excited to promote it on the House Floor in anticipation of the Minnesota Library Association’s “READ” event at the Capitol.  Women's History Month March 1st marks the beginning of women’s history month! I was excited to be featured as one of the first women to represent our region on the TPT Almanac at the Capitol segement recently. Frequently throughout the month, I’ll be highlighting Minnesota trailblazers who have made history in the state and our Chanhassen and Chaska communities on my Capitol Facebook page.  Legislation Update The House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee heard legislation I’m carrying to improve roadway safety in Minnesota by updating new rules on speed studies to better enable MnDOT and localities to reduce the speed limit on problematic roadways. Traffic fatalities continue to plague our communities across the state and data shows us speeding is a direct correlation. We know this is especially true in the southwest metro, specifically on Highway 7. My bill is a common sense approach to safer roads and will help prevent more tragedy statewide. You can hear some of my remarks from committee by clicking on the photo below.  Mini Survey: Should Minnesota have Speed Enforcement Cameras? The Transportation Committee recently discussed legislation that would allow cities and local communities to enforce speed limits and traffic control through the use of traffic safety camera systems. The bill requires local authorities to have a public engagement campaign before commencing enforcement and they must have signage notifying drivers ahead of where cameras are placed. What are your thoughts about implementing statewide traffic camera safety? Send me an email at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov to share your perspective. Affordable Childcare Proposal Announced Earlier this week, my colleagues held a press conference to introduce the Great Start Affordability Act, which would lower the cost of childcare and early learning for Minnesota families. The bill, which I am coauthoring, increases the affordability of high-quality early care and learning for families with children from birth to kindergarten, aiming to meet the federal recommendation that no family pays more than 7% of their annual income for early care and learning. Currently Minnesotans on average are paying $17,000 a year for childcare. We can and must do better to help young, working Minnesotans thrive and afford to provide for their families.  Connected to Community I appreciated meeting with constituent Peter Moe, and University of Minnesota Regent James Farnsworth recently to discuss higher education progress and challenges in our state.  The future is bright for Minnesota with these students! Loved meeting with these engaged students from our community advocating with Unidos MN and appreciated their perspectives.  Honoring Chaska's Hometown Hero, Officer Paul Elmstrand On Wednesday, a public memorial to honor and mourn the three fallen Burnsville First Responders was held in Eden Prairie. Officer Paul Elmstrand was our hometown hero as a resident of Chaska; my heart is with his wife Cindy and their two young children as they navigate through this unthinkable tragedy. The Chanhassen Villager published a beautiful tribute to Officer Elmstrand, which you can read here. Our entire community stands with the Elmstrand-Castruita family and all those who have been affected by this tragic and senseless loss. May we never forget their sacrifice. We deeply appreciate all of our first responders’ willingness to put themselves in harm's way in order to protect our communities. We will never forget. Our heart goes out to Officer Elmstrand’s family, friends, colleagues, and the community. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, faith leader, or call 988, a support line providing immediate emotional support to Minnesota residents. Keep in Touch Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066. Due to technical constraints, replies to this email won’t reach me, so please reach out directly with my email address or phone number above. I appreciate hearing from you! Thank you for the honor of serving our Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors. In community, Lucy |