Legislative Update- February 28, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

Things are picking up in the Minnesota House. Bills are moving through committee and making their way to the House Floor. 

I’m drafting legislation to help our communities of Chanhassen and Chaska. I’m particularly excited about one aimed at replenishing unemployment aid specifically for hourly workers, especially those employed in school systems who face a significant income gap during the summer months. These essential workers contribute long hours and expansive support to our educational infrastructure and kids’ success, yet face a significant income gap during the summer months. I’m working to provide a more stable economic foundation for them and their families. I’m also exploring ideas about how we can best make use of limited state investments to improve Chanhassen’s local infrastructure.  

This week, we passed two bipartisan bills off of the House floor. The first bill, HF72, passed 130-3 and prohibits organizations from making political contributions or expending money for a political purpose. The second creates the State Agency Value Initiative (SAVI) program to encourage state agencies to innovate and identify efficiencies and cost savings.

Both bills now go to the Minnesota Senate.

Federal Funding Freezes Impacting our Community

Another thing DFLers and some Republican legislators have found common ground on is concern over cuts to Medicare and Medicaid by the Trump administration. A small handful of State Republican legislators sent a letter to their congressional counterparts urging them to stand up against these cuts, as they’ll hurt people who rely on these services in all corners of the state. I hope this show of support for public health means they’ll join us this session in strengthening health care and services for people with disabilities, the elderly, sick, and poor- our most vulnerable and marginalized communities - rather than cutting it as some have proposed.

This week, my colleagues highlighted the “five-alarm fire” caused by federal funding freezes to Minnesota domestic violence groups, including those serving our community, Southern Valley Alliance Shelter. Part of the federal funding freeze is impacting Meals on Wheels services as well. I was disappointed to learn legislation is advancing that cuts the only dedicated state funding source for the critical Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels is a lifeline for vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities, enabling these Minnesotans to live full and independent lives. I’ll always stand up for these Minnesotans and the services they deserve.

Extreme Risk Protection Orders are Saving Lives

During the 2023 legislative session, the legislature took overdue action to protect our communities against gun violence. One of the measures lawmakers enacted allows for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), also known as a “red flag” law. This tool helps prevent tragedies by allowing law enforcement and family members to request court orders temporarily removing firearms from individuals who pose an imminent risk of harming themselves or others.

After one year of implementation, the evidence is clear: it’s working. The Star Tribune recently published a spotlight on the impact of this important law, which you can read here. So far, 135 ERPO cases have been filed, with law enforcement initiating the vast majority of the petitions. The red flag law is saving lives, particularly in situations involving domestic violence or when individuals are experiencing mental health crises. Minnesotans overwhelmingly support common-sense gun violence prevention measures, like ERPOs and criminal background checks, and I remain committed to keeping our communities safe.

I was honored to meet and thank Gabby Giffords in 2023 for all her work helping keep Americans safer.

Southwest Metro Legislative Town Hall Meeting

I’m co-hosting a Southwest Metro Legislative Town Hall meeting with my colleagues Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, Rep. Alex Falconer, and Senator Steve Cwodzinski on Saturday, March 8th at noon. I would love to see you there and hear what’s on your mind and if you’ve personally or professionally been impacted by any federal freezes.

Keep in Touch

Even if you can’t make it next Saturday, please continue to reach out anytime with questions, input, and ideas. You're also welcome to follow me on my Facebook page for more community updates.

Thank you for the honor of representing you at the State Capitol.

Have a relaxing weekend!

In community,

Lucy