 Dear Neighbors, I am thrilled to share some exciting news for our community! The cities of Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver County, and our very own U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar recently broke ground to begin work on expanding and fixing Highway 5. While I was disappointed to miss the groundbreaking ceremony, my first obligation is always to my constituents — and that meant being present for my committee work, where I can fight for the issues that matter most to the people I serve.  Photo: Carver County Local News For years, I've heard from Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors about the frustrations of Highway 5; the congestion, the long commutes, and, most urgently, the safety concerns. It’s why I prioritized investing in this critical corridor in 2023 by securing $20 million of the state’s portion. Great things can happen when all levels of government can partner together to meet our communities’ needs. The anticipated two year project will expand Highway 5 to four lanes and help improve access to the Arboretum. As a part of that, the W. 82nd Street (Highway 18) project will help connect people safely to the Arboretum. I was honored to carry the $10 million in funding also in 2023, to make this part of the project possible.  Photo by Jason Boudreau-Landis Medication Disposal & Free State Park DayDrug Take Back Day is on next Saturday, April 25. It provides residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of their unused or expired medications at local collection sites. For residents who want to safely dispose of medications outside of this biannual event, MyOldMeds offers a free, year-round locator that connects people to 605 secure disposal sites across Minnesota. The easy-to-use locator helps quickly find nearby drop-off locations just by entering their zip code. The site also includes a Minnesota resource page with guidance on proper disposal practices and safe medication management.  Also on April 25th: it’s Free Parks and Trails Day in Minnesota! Four times a year Minnesota state parks offer free entrance on four days, waiving the need for a $7 vehicle permit. It’s a great way to revisit our local gems or explore a new part of the state. You can use the parkfinder here to plan your next trip.  Connected to CommunityI loved meeting and working with Minnetonka High School Page Nikitha Vashisht of Minnetonka High School recently at the Capitol! The High School Page Program is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn about the legislative process. The future is looking bright for Nikitha!  I was honored to join Minneapolis Council Member Robin Wonsley, Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley, Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura, and Professor Kathryn Pearson at the University of Minnesota last week for a Women in Politics forum. It was especially rewarding to collaborate with the student government and political science associations! They all agree: We need more women who care about their communities serving in public office.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact me anytime with input, questions, or assistance at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066. Due to technological constraints, direct replies will not reach my inbox. Please use the email address above to send me a message directly. You’re also welcome to follow me on Facebook, for more community and Capitol updates. In community, Lucy |