Staying in the Legislative Loop with Lucy

Dear Neighbors,

Sometimes it snows in April. Prince’s lyrics certainly ring true with our latest lingering snow event. Spring is just around the corner and as we wait for buds to bloom, the legislature continues to operate efficiently and at full steam ahead, working to strengthen communities across the state.

Since we’ve returned from the Easter and Ramadan recess, committees are buttoning up policy bills to send to the House Floor.  

Here’s a look at what’s advancing in the House:

Policy Bills Move Forward

Last week the House began passing policy bill packages in major issue areas building on the work of our historically productive 2023 session and improving the lives of Minnesotans. The House passed two policy bills supporting our Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs, which passed with unanimous support!

We also approved a higher education policy bill that includes the clean energy sector in our Workforce Development Scholarship Program and expands support in higher education for students who have a disability. Additonally, we got an early education policy bill focused on strengthening our pre-kindergarten and school readiness programs across the finish line. We also passed a transportation policy package that improves road safety, including my bill to adopt safer speed limit recommendations, and shortens Driver Vehicle Services wait times, child passenger safety, and consumer protections. You can read my press release on the passage of the transportation bill here. 

Construction Season is Here- Highway 5 Improvements Begin

Spring means construction season is RAMPing up! ?? 

Construction on Hwy 101, between Hwy 5 in Chanhassen and Co. Rd. 62/Townline Rd. in Eden Prairie begins this summer. Crews will resurface the road; reconstruct the trail on the west side of the road; install overhead pedestrian signals at Twilight Trail and Valley View Rd.; repair Purgatory Creek drainage issues; and build accessible pedestrian crossings and curb ramps. The project is anticipated to be completed by October of 2024.

For more information, including upcoming traffic impacts, visit the Hwy 101 project webpage.

I'm honored to have carried legislation - with and for our community - to deliver $20 million in this critical stretch of roadway. 

E-Bike Tax Rebate Update

The Electric-Assisted Bicycle Rebate (e-Bike Rebate) is a new program I carried as legislation last year designed to reduce the cost for Minnesota residents to buy a new e-bike at eligible retailers starting July 1, 2024. The rebate is worth 50-75% of the cost of an e-bike and qualifying accessories, up to a maximum of $1,500. Applications for the program open for retailers on May 1 at 8:00 a.m. and applications for consumers on June 1 at 11:00 a.m. Learn more about eligiblity and how to apply here. 

My son and I enjoyed browsing for e-bikes!

Celebrating Minnesota State Patrol Colonel Matt Langer

On Tuesday last week, Colonel Matt Langer, who has served our communities across the state with the Minnesota State Patrol for over 25 years, retired. 

The news of his retirement is bittersweet. I've greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with him to strengthen the MN Toward Zero Deaths program and our "hands-free" cell phone law. I was honored to be able to commemorate his years of service and accomplishments for communities across our state with this House Resolution.

I’m so grateful for his service and dedication to keeping all of us safe in Minnesota and more specifically our Chanhassen and Chaska communities. 

Great to team up with Colonel Langer & public safety leaders at the Toward Zero Deaths Conference in October.

Connected to Community

It was great to meet with constituent Eli Mansfield, Chapter Board Chair of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers last week. The organization seeks to protect our Minnesota heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting on wild, public lands and waters through education and advocacy.

Keep in Touch

Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. Facebook is another great way to stay in touch; you can follow me on my page here.     

To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov, or by phone at 651-296-5066. 

Thank you for the honor to serve Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors in St. Paul.

In community,

Lucy