Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well. A big thank you to everyone who turned out for our town hall with Speaker Hortman at the end of January! We discussed a variety of issues and had a robust conversation with attendees. It was a good representation of the unique views and diverse opinions in our community about how we can best move Chaska and Chahanssen forward. I’m proud we could come together to listen, learn, and have a respectful, thought-provoking town hall.  The legislative session is just around the corner, slated to start on February 12 at noon. To that end, I’d be very appreciative if you could take a few moments to take my short legislative survey. Hearing directly from constituents helps me best lift up and represent our voices and values in St. Paul. If you’re interested in receiving a paper copy mailed to your home, please contact my legislative assistant Carl, at carl.kaase@house.mn.gov and we’d be happy to send one to you. Local Infrastructure Update in Carver CountyLast month, $3.7 million in state funding was delivered to our community to construct a new roundabout to improve safety and mobility at the Highway 5/County Road 11 intersection in Victoria. This includes adding new traffic signals and improving turn lane capacity from Highway 52 onto County Road 42. Carver County residents deserve to be safe when they drive in our community. This new roundabout in Victoria will improve access to County Road 11 from Highway 5, and most importantly improve safety in the region. I’m excited to see how this project comes together with the Minnesota Departments of Transportation, Health, and Public Safety in collaboration with the work I’ve dedicated to the Toward Zero Deaths program. Met Council Task Force Releases Recommendations for Structure ImprovementThe Metropolitan Governance Task Force was formed by the legislature in 2023 and has just issued its final report and recommendations. The report is advisory to the Minnesota House and Senate and recommends six courses of action to address issues with Metropolitan Council governance. You can read more about these here. Do you have ideas about how to improve the Met Council’s structure and operations? Send me an email at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov. Electric Vehicle Rebates Last year, the legislature passed an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program allowing Minnesotans the chance to earn a rebate of up to $2,500 for a new EV purchase and $600 for a used purchase. Electric cars, plug-ins or hybrids purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023 are eligible.  The application opens on February 7th! ????You can learn more information from the Minnesota Department of Commerce here. Lawns to Legumes Applications OpeningMinnesota residents can now apply for fall 2024 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources.  Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you will need to reapply to be considered for fall 2024 funding. Find more information here. Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact me anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066 with input, questions, or to let me know how I can be of help. It’s an honor to represent you and your family at the State Capitol. Enjoy the weekend! In community, Lucy |