 Dear Neighbors, This week’s snow event was a nice reminder of the natural beauty of our climate and state. A big thank you to our city plows, county staff, the law enforcement, and all those who helped keep our roads, highways, and sidewalks safe this past week.  We’re halfway through the 2024 session of the Minnesota Legislature and legislators have been working hard in committee to craft solid policy to strengthen communities. We’re building on the transformational budget lawmakers enacted during the historically productive 2023 session, which laid the groundwork for enduring prosperity, sustained growth, and a future where every Minnesotan can thrive. I’m pleased to share the House, Senate, and Governor Walz have agreed on a budget framework that will guide our communities on the right path to help Carver County residents and Minnesotans live a better life. Some of these investments include boosting pensions for dedicated teachers throughout our state, enhancing clean water protections, supporting emergency medical services for our neighbors, fixing Minnesota’s child protection system, and more. You can find more details here.  I met with Peter Wagenius, the Legislative/Political Director of the Sierra Club - North Star Chapter and other environmental advocates to talk about issues that affect the health of our planet; including the health of our state’s soil, water and air. Our discussion evolved into a great conversation about Minnesota’s beautiful prairie and how our prairies capture carbon more efficiently than any man made project. Kudos to all who worked on and supported the bill I carried to expand our Native Prairie Bank program. You can watch the remarks I made on the bill on the House Floor here.  Earlier this week, my colleague Rep. Frank Hornstein brought haman-tashen - a three-cornered pastry - to the Capitol in celebration of the annual Jewish holiday Purim. Thankful that our legislature represents and embraces a wide variety of beliefs and faith traditions. If you’re celebrating this weekend; whether you observe Easter or Ramadan, I wish you a happy holiday with loved ones. The legislature is in recess today through Monday.  Enjoy the holiday weekend! Happy Easter and Ramadan Kareem! In community, Lucy |