Staying in the Legislative Loop with Lucy

Dear Neighbors,

Happy Friday! We woke up with a few inches of snow in Chanhassen today and I’m looking forward to a few more snowy days to make up for our dry winter. 

Today marks our first internal deadline at the Capitol, in the House and the Senate, to pass bills through the committee process. The committees I serve on, Education Finance, Sustainable Infrastructure, Climate Energy and Finance, and Agriculture Finance and Policy are assembling bills from the various proposals we’ve heard and considered since we gaveled in on February 12. 

A bill I mentioned in my last update around pedestrian safety and e-bikes had another committee stop this week, where it advanced out of the Commerce Committee on a unanimous voice vote. I recently spoke with Fox 9 News Anchor and Journalist Leah Beno about the legislation and why it’s important. You can check out the segment by clicking on the image below.

Free Admission to the Arboretum for Disabled Veterans

One of the bills moving forward amid the flurry of activity at the Capitol is legislation I’m carrying to provide disabled veterans and one guest free admission to our Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. Veterans with disabilities ought to have more free opportunities to enjoy and heal with access to our state’s great outdoors, especially with our regional gem of the Arboretum in the southwest metro. Our veterans have sacrificed so much to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day and this is one small way we thank Minnesotans who have served. I’m pleased to share that the bill’s next stop will be the House Floor for a full vote.

Great to have support from Mike Schachterle, a veteran residing in Chanhassen, Dr. Kristi Janigo, House Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Jerry Newton and Earl Hetherington, a Carver County veteran.

Expanded Eligibility for Bonuses for Veterans Serving Post 9/11

In 2022, legislators invested in service bonuses for veterans serving post-9/11. Last year, we expanded eligibility to this program. Veterans who were previously denied the bonus or are now eligible for a larger bonus can reapply based on the changes that were made in the 2023 session. The application opened July 7, 2022 and will run until June 30, 2024, or until funds have been exhausted. You can visit the application portal, review and answer the initial pre-screening questions to assist in determining eligibility.

Survey

If you haven’t had a chance to fill out my survey, you still have an opportunity to share your input. Our community online survey will close on March 25. In addition to all the responses I’ve been getting, I’m also receiving a lot of emails, phone calls, and letters from people in our area sharing their priorities- thank you! It is wonderful representing such an engaged community. One of these in particular is for the concern around affordable housing. 

With over 600,000 Minnesotans paying more than 30% of their income on housing costs, it’s clear a solution is sorely needed. As housing continues to be sparse due to a variety of reasons including community expansion and growth, a comprehensive proposal has been introduced to bolster the state’s “missing middle” housing supply. HF 4009 aims to address the demand for more housing choices across Minnesota by allowing communities-if they choose- to enact zoning reforms that may allow for more modern housing that meets each city or town’s unique housing needs.

Although I do not serve on the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, my understanding is that the author and other stakeholders are currently working to refine the bill and it remains to be seen when the next hearing will be scheduled. Please know I’m in contact with the bill author and others, finding out more details and considering how this will work for the people of Chanhassen and Chaska. Safe, stable housing is a critical part of our work to build a better future – for Minnesotans and our communities.

I do not support the current language in the legislation as it's been introduced. We need more time to work on crafting good housing policy that will take into account our parking needs; the impervious surfaces, water and our local watershed districts; as well as rising homeowners’ insurance rates.

Please reach out anytime with any questions about the bill and to share your experience with housing costs in our district.

Connected to Community

In between committee work and Capitol meetings, I always love spending time back in our community. Last weekend, my daughter and I were able to see the Chaska Valley Family Theatre production of Fiddler on the Roof. Since 1995, the Chaska Valley Family Theatre has been bringing families and community together with their whimsical and talented shows. I encourage you to check out their roster of upcoming productions here. 

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066. I appreciate your questions and perspectives. You're also welcome to follow me on my official Facebook page for more updates.

Have a safe and warm weekend!

In community,

Lucy

An Ode to Spring; local artwork by Gwen Chynoweth at the Art Gallery in the Chaska Community Center.