 Dear Neighbors, I hope you’re having a great week and are looking forward to what should be a gorgeous weekend. The bulk of our time this week was spent on the House Floor, debating and passing our proposals for new policies and supplemental budgets. Much of this work is building off our efforts from last year, ensuring our investments have the greatest impact possible for Minnesotans.  We’ve now passed all our major supplemental budgets. You can read about the latest ones we’ve approved since my last update with the nonpartisan summaries of our work on Higher Education, Judiciary and Public Safety, State and Local Government and Veterans, Elections, Human Services, Workforce and Economic Development, Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy, Health, and Taxes. As we continue to pass our remaining House proposals, House and Senate members are currently meeting in conference committees to craft consensus legislation for issue areas we differed on. I have been appointed to the conference committee for legislation I coauthored to eliminate “junk fees” or hidden fees for restaurant meals, hotels, credit cards, and more. I’m serving on the committee with Rep. Emma Greenman (DFL-Minneapolis) and Rep. Jeff Dotseth (R-Kettle River) and am pleased to share that we’ve reached a bipartisan agreement on the legislation. I look forward to passing the final compromise bill because we’re long overdue in addressing these deceptive prices in goods and services. These conference committee meetings, and passing these final bills, will likely take up our remaining days of the legislative session. Mental Health Awareness MonthMay is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health challenges continue to plague our country and state. Our work in the House to provide more support for more Minnesotans struggling with mental health is included in our Health supplemental budget. We’re putting words into action by addressing mental health care through numerous strategies including investments in respite care services, improving uniform services standards and adult mental health services, and pursuing a children’s residential crisis stabilization benefit under Medical Assistance.  Statehood DayThis Saturday, May 11, 2024, Minnesota celebrates 166 years of statehood. The Minnesota State Flag and Seal approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission early this year will become the official state emblems. This is a culmination of months of gathering input from and engaging with Minnesotans to find consensus on a flag and seal that represents the best of all of us.  We had a delicious Statehood Day celebration in between floor votes.  Keep in TouchAlways feel free to reach out with input, questions, or to let me know how I can provide assistance. Wishing all the moms and mother figures a beautiful weekend. It’s an honor to represent our Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors in the Minnesota House. In community, Lucy  |