Dear Neighbors, Season’s Greetings! I hope you’re staying warm with the sub-zero start to December. In my last email, I mentioned Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule, a mechanism we have in place to help Minnesotans struggling to pay their heating bills. An important note for renters: lawmakers enacted a minimum heat requirement. Temperatures must be set at a minimum of 68 degrees from October to April if the tenant does not control the thermostat. If you have questions about this, please feel free to email me directly at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or you can click here for more information from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. I appreciate being so close to Chanhassen's The Garden By the Woods where we purchased our Balsam Fir Christmas tree. Balsam Firs are supposedly a lot more fragrant than other pine trees and I love a good-smelling pine tree! Since I last wrote, committee assignments have been allocated to ensure there is fair representation among both parties with our tied State House. I’m excited to share that I'll be serving as a vice-chair of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. After securing $20 million for Highway 5 in our area and making significant strides forward to improve pedestrian and driver safety, I’m looking forward to this new opportunity. I'll also sit on the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee (a new one for me this biennium), and continue serving on the Education Finance Committee. I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish and build on together for Chanhassen and Chaska.
Minnesota's Budget ForecastIn Early December, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) reported an updated state budget forecast, showing a $3.7 billion surplus in the current biennium and a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming budget cycle. The budget outlook also showed the highest “Rainy Day” fund or budget reserve – in state history totaling $3.5 billion. If federal tariffs do in fact take effect next year, our state’s largest trading partners will be impacted, which would harm our local economy. Now more than ever, we must budget responsibly while working to lower costs for working families. The legislature will receive an updated economic forecast in February, which will help guide our work when the legislative session begins. Last biennium, we garnered several bipartisan, local wins for our southwest metro communities, and I'm committed to building on those collective wins for all residents in Chanhassen and Chaska.
Early Reminder about Filing for a Child Tax CreditAs we look to 2025, I want to share an important reminder regarding filing for the state child tax credit. To check your eligibility and learn more information, please click here. These are good documents to have ready to go when you file your taxes, and remember: if you are eligible for the child tax credit, you must file for it; it is not automatic. Don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you need help or have questions.
Keep in TouchAs I mentioned above, please always feel free to contact me with any questions or if I can provide any assistance. You can email me directly at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or give me a call at 651-296-5066. You’re also welcome to follow me on my Facebook page for more community and state updates from the State Capitol. I’m honored to lift up our communities’ voices and ensure they are all represented in St. Paul. Buckle up and take care on the snowy roads this week. Wishing you and yours a safe and merry holiday season, Lucy |
Representative Lucille "Lucy" Rehm5th Floor, Centennial Office Building |