Dear Neighbors, I hope you’re having a great week! We’re wrapping up week four of the legislative session and it’s been busy and productive as we continue our work to grow communities, help families achieve economic security, and create opportunities for all Minnesotans to thrive. It’s also been an exciting week for the Chanhassen Boys Hockey Team! I’m looking forward to cheering them on this evening when they face off against Cretin-Derham Hall at 6:00 p.m.  Photo courtesy of Eastern Carver County Schools Here’s an update from the State Capitol: From December to January, Minnesota gained 3,000 jobs, meaning the state has seen job growth for nine out of the past 12 months, according to numbers released yesterday by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Here are the sectors that saw the most growth: - Education & Health Services gained 2,600 jobs
- Trade, Transportation & Utilities gained 1,100 jobs
- Leisure & Hospitality gained 800 jobs
- Professional & Business Services gained 600 jobs
- Information gained 100 jobs
But the work to enhance job creation and grow our economy isn’t over. The reality is too many people across the state aren’t feeling this growth, and I remain committed to ensuring all of us can earn a good living, have the freedoms they deserve, and build a better, more affordable life. Mini Survey: Should Insurance Companies Cover IVF Treatment Costs? Earlier this week, a bill to require insurance companies to cover Infertility Treatment costs advanced out of the House Commerce Committee. Last year, we passed legislation into law to ensure Minnesotans can get additional breast cancer screening via insurance coverage if a medical doctor has concerns that require it. Do you think we should follow suit for the 1 in 8 couples who are having trouble conceiving? Send me an email at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov to let me know what you think. Legislation Advancing This week, we passed bipartisan legislation funding 101 environmental projects through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) is a permanent fund in the Minnesota state treasury dedicated to funding activities that protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. The ENRTF was created in 1988 when 77% of Minnesota voters approved via constitutional amendment, a long-term, consistent, and stable source of funding for Minnesota's environment and natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations. You can find a list of the projects we invested in here.  We also passed my bill with strong bipartisan support to expand protections for our native prairies in Minnesota. You can read more about the bill in my press release here.  High Demand for School Meals Exceeds Need Across the State; Prompts Legislation for Fiscal Adjustment Data released recently shows that nearly 4.3 million more breakfasts and 4.5 million more lunches were served to Minnesota students last fall than in the same period in 2022. The number of school breakfast meals served to students last fall increased by 37% compared to the previous school year. To meet the growing need and account for the overwhelming popularity of the universal school breakfast and lunch programs, this week in the House Education Finance Committee, we approved legislation to adjust these investments so they match the updated February 2024 budget forecast. EMT Training/Paramedic Scholarships Available We’re working hard in the House to address the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) statewide shortage. One of these initiatives that we passed last year with my support invests $3 million to fund 600 scholarships of $5,000 each starting Fall 2024 to be awarded by June 30, 2026. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this opportunity to serve the public and give back to the community, you can find eligibility information here.  Keep in Touch Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066 with questions, input, or to let me know how I can help. You can also follow me on my legislative Facebook page for more updates. It’s an honor to represent our Chanhassen and Chaska neighborhoods in St. Paul. Have a great weekend! In community, Lucy |