Here’s an update from the Capitol: Last week, the House passed with my support the 100% by 2040 bill, a landmark piece of legislation that will help our state address climate change head-on and prepare for a carbon-free future. This legislation would require that the state’s utilities use entirely carbon-free sources for electricity production by 2040. This would put us on track with over 20 other states that have also adopted similar goals. I spoke in support of the bill and how Minnesota can benefit to improve our health, strengthen our economy, and create good paying, family sustaining jobs.  "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." -Chinese Proverb Minnetonka Schools Recognized with Two Candidates for Teacher of the YearI’d like to congratulate a couple of our educators who have been nominated for Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year! Ms. Kendria Chowdhury is a third-grade teacher at Clear Springs Elementary and Ms. Monica Mann teaches at Lionsgate Academy charter school in Minnetonka. In March, an independent panel will convene and review additional materials from the semifinalists to choose a group of finalists. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year banquet is set for May 7th at the Saint Paul River Centre. All our students deserve a world class education, and quality teachers are paramount when it comes to our kids’ success in and out of the classroom. To truly thank our educators in our area and across the state, I’m committed to fully funding our schools, ensuring students have access to mental health services, smaller class sizes, and the tools they need to thrive. This is a top priority of mine as a mom, community advocate, and as a legislator serving on the House Education Finance committee. Legislating LocallyI recently introduced legislation that would re-name a 7-mile portion of Highway 5 in honor of our late and cherished Prince Rogers Nelson. Prince brought people together not only through his music, but through his advocacy of public library access, education, civil rights, and more. It’s an honor to work with Mark Webster, longtime friend of Prince, and all the advocates who have been working hard to get this across the finish line.  I’m also working on legislation to fix our local infrastructure, including aid to improve Highway 18, known as 82nd Street West, from Bavaria Road to Highway 41, and to create a transportation hub for the Eastern Carver County School District. You can follow my bills as they are introduced here. Keep in TouchI appreciate all the email, calls, and postcards sharing priorities, concerns, and input from our area’s residents. Your feedback is important to me! Please feel free to reach out anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov. You’re also welcome to follow me on my official Facebook page for more community and Capitol updates. Thank you for the honor of serving our Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors at the State Capitol. Have a great week, Lucy Rehm
State Representative |