 Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well. Although it doesn’t feel like spring has arrived yet, I’m grateful for the sunshine and hope you had a chance to enjoy it over the weekend.  Tulips will soon be in bloom at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum! Last week was another busy one. DFLers and Republicans continue to work in a mostly bipartisan fashion to advance legislation ahead of our deadlines to craft and pass a budget. One bill we heard last week while the GOP had the gavel in the Education Finance Committee would dismantle the universal school meals program we passed into law in 2023. Families are hurting with gas prices skyrocketing, grocery costs rising, and stock plummeting; you can watch my remarks from committee about why we ought to keep feeding kids at school, regardless of income, here.  During my visit to Chaska East Middle School earlier this year, I was glad to hear how much the kids love the universal meals program, which ensures every student has access to free breakfast and lunch. Here’s a look at what was approved ahead of last Friday’s first and second committee deadlines: This week, we’ll continue shaping our two-year state budget with legislation containing fiscal components to meet our third and final deadline for bills to pass through the committee process. Today I presented legislation to update and expand our local infrastructure in Chaska and Chanhassen. The first, HF 2207, would deliver funding for the City Square West redevelopment project in Chaska. The second bill includes bonding funding for Chanhassen to build the Chanhassen Sports Complex, a regional sports facility featuring ice rinks, indoor turf, and community spaces.  Great to have Chaska Mayor Taylor Hubbard testify in the Capital Investment Committee. PHOTO CREDIT: MN House Photography Muslim Day at the CapitolI had a great meeting with constituents advocating on behalf of Muslim Day at the Capitol. Their main priorities are protecting Paid Family and Medical Leave, affordable housing and health insurance, and youth programming for middle and high school students.  Hot Topic: Have federal tariffs impacted your family/individual budget?YES NO UNSURE Your voice matters. Please feel free to email directly at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov with your response about how tariffs affecting you or your family. This is to better help me advocate for policies at the state level to make life more affordable here in our Northstar state. In addition, I hope that you will take the time to contact your federally-elected officials to share your thoughts and to help ensure that the importance of this economic issue is recognized and acted upon. Affordability Corner: Food Shelf Information for Local ResidentsWith rising costs affecting everything from housing to groceries, many families in our community are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Please know that you're not alone in these challenges, and our local food shelves are here to provide support with dignity and respect. Food shelves throughout our community welcome both walk-ins and appointments. If you're facing an unexpected shortage or planning ahead, these resources are available to help ease the burden of grocery costs during difficult times. Bountiful Basket Food Shelf
1600 Bavaria Road, Chaska
(952) 556-0244 Watertown Food Shelf
309 Lewis Avenue South, Watertown
(952) 955-1980 Gather and Grow Food Shelf and Resource Center
11 South Elm Street, Waconia
(952) 442-3878 People Reaching Out to People (PROP)
14700 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie
(952) 937-9120 Southwest Carver County Food Shelf
10 First Avenue NE, Norwood Young America
(952) 467-1870  I'm so grateful for the work of Bountiful Basket Food Shelf in Chaska. They are doing incredible work with limited space and funding. Small Business Tariff Impact SurveyAmid additional federal tariffs taking effect from last week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is gathering information from affected small businesses in Minnesota. In this period of uncertainty, there may be a lag in data, so this survey is a way for our Chanhassen and Chaska business owners to communicate directly with the department now. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete. By collaborating with Minnesota's locally owned small businesses, which face significant challenges, we can proactively plan for the state's future needs. Keep in TouchThe Easter/Passover break will begin this Friday at noon with the Legislature in recess until April 21 at noon. If you’re celebrating Easter or Passover, I’m wishing you a happy holiday filled with peace. Due to technological constraints, direct replies to this newsletter won’t reach my inbox. Please continue reaching out with input, questions, or ideas at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066. I appreciate hearing from you. You’re welcome to follow me on Facebook for more community and Capitol updates. In community, Lucy |