Legislative Update from Rep. Rehm

Dear Neighbors,

I write to you with a heavy heart - as a mom, a sister, an aunt, a former teacher and as your elected official.

Governor Walz is considering calling a special session of the Legislature to address gun violence, and I’ve heard from many of you about the urgent need for gun reform. Rest assured that I will do everything in my power to stop senseless gun violence from ravaging our communities. In Minnesota, while the Governor has the power to call a special session, it is the Legislature that sets the agenda and length of time, and any solution will take bipartisan buy-in. I'm proud of what we passed last biennium. Red Flag Laws (aka Extreme Risk Protection Orders) and criminal background checks have saved lives and prevented suicides, homicides and mass shootings, as outlined by data in this article.

But this alone is not enough. We must do more. 

Minnesotans are tired of Republicans standing with the gun lobby instead of being willing to take common-sense action to keep our children, our loved ones and our communities safe. For me and many others, gun violence isn’t theoretical; it's personal. Melissa and Mark Hortman were assassinated in an act of political violence at their home three months ago and my husband and I were targets on the alleged assassin’s hit list. The Annunciation Catholic School shooting was one month ago and the grief and fear have not gone away. We need to do everything possible to avert another suicide, homicide, or mass shooting. However, in a tied House, where party line votes will result in a 67-67 tie, we need at least one courageous Republican to cross the aisle and vote yes on an assault weapon ban. Please write or call Republican lawmakers and make your voices heard. Together we can move mountains and put an end to these horrific mass shootings. 

MINI SURVEY: Do you support a ban on assault weapons? Send me an email at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov

Minnesota’s Fall Color Finder

If you find respite in nature, you are in luck this fall. The weather has been ideal for being outside and the fall colors across the state are slowly changing. Check out Minnesota's Fall Color Finder and track the changes across the state. It’s a fun way to map out any outdoor getaway before the snow flies. 

Update on Consumer Protections 

If you have plans to travel, here is an important update for families flying over MEA: the Trump Administration has recently taken federal action eliminating financial reimbursements for canceled or delayed flights. This also includes financial compensation for hotel accommodations and meals.   

I’m disappointed this rolls back consumer protections for folks when we’re seeing rising prices on just about everything; including the anticipated 100% tariffs on international prescription drugs, health care premiums, and more. It’s becoming more and more difficult to make ends meet and retire. Mitigating the harm of these federal policies will be part of our focus in the coming session.

Protecting our Public Services

Last week, Governor Walz established a Statewide Inspector General Coordinating Council, building on the broad, bipartisan package we passed last session to combat bad actors attempting to defraud government services. We've enacted laws allowing agencies to better withhold payments from suspected fraudulent providers, strengthened whistleblower protections, and increased funding to the legislative auditor to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and correctly.

Minnesotans expect their tax dollars to support services and programs that help people thrive; any scammer attempting to defraud these programs must be held accountable. These new measures enable more proactive work to catch criminals before money goes out the door. As your representative, I'm continuing discussions with the administration and colleagues about additional steps we can take next session to strengthen oversight.

High School Page and Undergraduate Internship Programs

Are you or do you know a high school junior or college student interested in the Minnesota Legislature? Consider applying to the 2026 House High School Page Program or the Undergraduate Internship Program! It’s a great way to get an up-close look at how a bill becomes a law, advances out of committee, and passes during a House Floor session. There are also ample opportunities to participate in research and policy. 

To learn more information about the High School Page Program, click here. The deadline to apply is December 4. To learn more information about the Undergraduate Internship Program, click here. The deadline to apply is November 7.

Photo: MN House Public Information Services

Keep in Touch

I look forward to seeing many of you over the coming months in and around our district. Please contact my office if you have a special concern or want to meet for a coffee chat. I am humbled and honored to be representing you in St. Paul. Working together, we can accomplish so much. 

Take good care of yourselves, enjoy the gorgeous weather and if you are able, do something nice for someone today. 

Please continue to contact me anytime, on any matter, at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066. 

In community,

Lucy

Great to be with Rep. Rick Hansen and Rep. Momanyi-Hiltsley

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by the nonpartisan House of Representatives booth during the State Fair! You can find the survey results here.