 Legislative Update from Rep. Lucy RehmDear Neighbors, I recently met with Jennifer M., a constituent from Chanhassen. She's a mom, a 5th-grade teacher, a cancer survivor, and a strong advocate for other cancer patients. She and I discussed working on a bill to help cancer patients access scalp cooling treatment. I’m working for Jennifer and everyone else in our Chaska and Chanhassen communities to make it easier to afford health care and medical treatments.  I’m working for her, and to make life a little easier because we have people choosing between the health care they need to live, food to put on the table, and paying for the roof over their heads. The system is clearly broken, and we need to take action to fix it. With two weeks left to go, I'm focused on getting the job done. Our progress is slow, but steady. With the House being tied, just by being officially scheduled for a floor vote, most of the bills that reach this point have already proven to have the bipartisan support necessary to pass.  Awaiting the arrival of Governor Walz for his last State of the State Address with Rep. Sandra Feist and Rep. Liz Lee Last week, we passed broadly bipartisan legislation that toughens penalties for impersonating a police officer, bans nudification technology, and strengthens the ability of agencies to stop payments to program participants when fraud is suspected. The House also passed my bill to improve school bus safety. KTTC News covered it and you can watch the news story by clicking on the image below.  Although with that progress comes deep frustration as we’re getting blocked on solutions that desperately need action, like gun violence prevention, more mental health support for our students, and delivering economic aid for families and businesses impacted by ICE. Passing a robust infrastructure bill will also create more local jobs and help jump start our economy after the federal occupation cost Minnesotans more than $600 million. With a couple of weeks left in the legislative session, I remain cautiously optimistic that Republicans join us to do the right thing. HCMC UpdateThe Health Finance Committee recently held an informational session to dig in and discuss potential solutions to save HCMC. More proposals were brought forward this week from Democrats and Republicans. One would utilize rainy day funds, while another would generate funding through a Hennepin County sales tax. Yet another would raid funds from the state’s General Fund, which we rely on to fund our schools, health care, and other priorities. You can read more about the hearing and the discussion from nonpartisan House Public Information Services here.  Mental Health Awareness MonthMay is Mental Health Awareness Month. As an advocate for access to mental health, it’s a good time to remind folks about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Relatively new, this 24/7 hotline can help anyone who is struggling. There's never a wrong time to ask for help. Feel free to share this information with friends or loved ones.  I appreciated these moms from our area advocating on Mental Health Advocacy Week for better mental health care for our kids. Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact me anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066 with input or questions. I appreciate hearing from you! In community, Lucy  Photo: Credit: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum |