Dear Neighbors, I hope this email newsletter finds you well and enjoying the waning days of summer. The crispness in the air is a telltale sign the season is winding down and back-to-school is just around the corner. As a reminder, I’ll be hosting an education-themed town hall meeting in Chanhassen next Tuesday, August 22nd at 6:00 p.m. I’m looking forward to having House Education Finance Chair Youakim and Senate Education Policy Chair Cwodzinski join me to share highlights of the historic investments we made for our Eastern Carver County and Minnetonka schools.  As we get back into the fall routine, I’m also excited to share I’m kicking off Community Roundtable conversations at the Chanhassen Public Library.  September 13, 10:00-11:00 a.m. October 4, 10:00-11:00 a.m. November 1, 10:00-11:00 a.m. RSVPs are welcome to ensure we can comfortably accommodate attendees. I’ll also be providing details in the coming weeks for more upcoming town hall meetings in the evening this fall. Rebate Check Delivery Begins this WeekThis year, the House and Senate included rebate checks for Minnesotans as a part of our approved, balanced two-year state budget. The legislation we passed provides payments to eligible Minnesotans of: - $520 for married couples filing a joint 2021 income or property tax return with an adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less.
- $260 for all other individuals with a 2021 adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less.
- Another $260 for each dependent, up to three dependents.
Direct deposit payments will go out first, followed by paper checks in the mail. The Minnesota Department of Revenue expects the nearly 2.1 million rebate payments to be initiated by the end of September. Please feel free to reach out to my office if you have questions or if you haven’t received your check by the end of next month. Chaska’s Auburn Manor Benefiting from New State Funding On August 1st, new funding was delivered to nursing homes across the state as a result of the investments we passed at the legislature during session. As Minnesota continues to recover from the pandemic, long term care facilities have continued to struggle to stay afloat. Locally, I was able to secure $465,990 for the residents of Auburn Manor in Chaska as a part of the statewide bipartisan plan to stabilize this critical sector of our economy. Our cherished elders deserve quality care as they age in place in assisted living and nursing home facilities, and I’m glad we were able to get this funding out the door quickly to keep that quality of care intact. You can read my press statement here. Gun Violence Prevention Measures Take EffectI mentioned in my last update a variety of new laws taking effect on August 1st, which notably includes the new gun violence prevention measures we passed. Criminal background checks in place will now require a private party wanting to receive a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon from another private party to present a valid transferee permit or permit to carry and government-issued identification. An exception to the record of transfer process is created for unlicensed parties to transfer weapons through a firearms dealer. The new Red Flag laws in place will also allow chief law enforcement officers to deny an application if, for example, there exists a substantial likelihood the proposed transferee is a danger to themself or the public when in possession of a firearm. All of us deserve to be safe in our communities; at school, work, running errands, and in any public space. After years of gridlock behind us, I am grateful to be a part of a solution to help reduce tragedy and make a positive difference in combating the gun violence epidemic. Storm Damage ResourcesThe Minnesota Department of Commerce, which provides consumers with protections and enforces insurance laws for the State of Minnesota, offers Minnesotans guidance on steps to take when filing an insurance claim after storms damaged their home, business or other property in last Friday’s hail storm. The Department has a guide you can review at the Minnesota Department of Commerce Disaster Information Center. Key tips for filing insurance claims to your property: - Contact your insurance company immediately.
- Wait for the company’s adjuster before you or anyone starts working to remove or repair or replace property.
- Inventory your damage.
- Take notes of who you talk with and what they say from your insurance company, adjusters or repair services. Note dates, names and contact information.
- Avoid scammers or high-pressure sales tactics if you are contacted by someone you don’t know, such as salespeople going door-to-door in areas hit by storms.
Question or complaint about your insurance company? If you have questions, complaints or problems with your insurance company, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center: - By phone: 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602
- By email: consumer.protection@state.mn.us.
Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066 with questions, ideas, or to let me know how I can provide assistance. Thank you for the honor of representing you in the Minnesota House of Representatives! In community, Lucy |