Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the budding trees, singing birds, and the sure signs that summer is just around the corner. I’m looking forward to spending more time in our beautiful outdoors.  Excited to see how my Red Pine is doing after planting it on Arbor Day. We wrapped up our work for the 2023 legislative session. After years of gridlock under divided government, it was refreshing to be a part of the team working hard to deliver and getting things done for Minnesota. All of the legislation we passed is grounded in the values we share as Minnesotans; resulting in wins for our families, friends, neighbors, and communities in the southwest metro. A few of these include my legislation to deliver: - $20 million for Highway 5
- $10 million to fix Carver County Highway - CSAH 18
- $5.425 million for Chaska City Square West amenities
- New Traffic Safety Council created to reduce statewide road fatalities
- The Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway
- E-bike tax credit
- Regional Public Library System funding increase
 We also advanced significant policy to finally take action on gun violence prevention strategies, climate change, mental health access, ensuring no child goes hungry at school, housing, and more. I listed more accomplishments on my legislative Facebook page. Our two-year state budget is a culmination of the work that’s been taken on for decades, tackling issues we hear about every day; the need for stronger schools, improved public infrastructure, better economic security for families, seniors, people with disabilities and of course, cleaner air, soil and water. It's an honor to do this work for and with our Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors.  Discussing Chaska and Chanhassen infrastructure projects with House Transportation Chair Frank Hornstein. Historic Funding for our Students in Eastern Carver County & Minnetonka School DistrictsI’d like to take a moment to highlight the historic education bill we successfully passed into law. The bill increases the general funding formula by 4% next year and 2% the year after and ties the funding to inflation, ensuring Minnesota schools have the resources to provide a world-class education for years to come. The bill establishes 5,200 new Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Seats, decreases the Special Education Cross Subsidy by 50%, and provides unemployment insurance for hourly school workers. The bill also provides funding for schools to hire mental health professionals and counselors. In Eastern Carver County’s ISD #112, each student will see a per pupil increase of $804 in 2024 and $1,010 in 2025. Students in Minnetonka ISD # 276 will see an increased investment of $595 per pupil in 2024 and $770 in 2025. Keep in TouchAlthough the legislative session is done for 2023, the work is far from over. I plan to hold a series of town hall meetings over the interim this summer and fall to keep up to date on the issues most important to you. I’ll share those details via email and Facebook when they are finalized. If you know of anyone who may be interested in receiving these updates and notifications of town halls, they can subscribe here. Thank you for the honor of serving our Chaska and Chanhassen neighbors in St. Paul. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066 with questions or to let me know how I can be of assistance. Have a safe and memorable Memorial Day Weekend. Let us remember those who courageously gave their lives. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them." -John F. Kennedy In community, Lucy  |