 Dear Neighbors, The 2025 regular session has adjourned, with a short special session needed to wrap up the budget, keeping a keen eye on protecting basic public services our most vulnerable neighbors rely on. Amid federal chaos and dysfunction in D.C., Minnesotans expect their elected leaders to work together, especially in times of divided government. I believe it is still possible even when we have major disagreements.  Photo: House Photography Don’t get me wrong; there are definitely things I’m not happy about in this budget “target” compromise of where we’ve agreed to invest in people and reduce services; I’d have structured the budget differently to do a lot more to lower the cost of living and improve access to health care. For my part, I’m laser-focused on finding solutions to mitigate the damage of harmful cuts at the federal level and how they’ll impact Carver County neighbors. Here is a brief overview of some of the good, the bad, and the ugly at the end of the 2025 session: The good: The House passed a majority of all of its major House budget bills, with the exception of health finance, including important stand-alone initiatives like stricter DWI reform, Unemployment Insurance for Iron Range miners, and hourly school workers. We also passed a strong pensions bill that enacts early retirement benefits for our teachers and increases cost-of-living adjustments for police officers and firefighters. The completed compromise House and Senate veterans budget bill also passed with broad bipartisan support. It fully meets the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs' requests, preserves our progress to end homelessness for veterans, and increased veteran suicide prevention.  Photo: House Photography Achieving a compromise education budget that preserves unemployment benefits for our paraprofessionals, bus drivers, nutrition staff, and clerical employees is a win for Minnesota. These essential hourly school workers—who feed, transport, and care for our kids throughout the academic year—are among our lowest-paid. Until 2023, they were the only hourly workers employed more than four months annually who couldn't access unemployment benefits. Their stability directly impacts our students' success, as evidenced by Minnesota's graduation rates now reaching historic highs!  The bad & ugly: Serving as vice co-chair of the House Transportation Committee gives me a unique window into our state's transportation priorities. As I chat with neighbors, I’m frequently asked about what the legislature is doing to address traffic congestion and improve road safety for everyone—drivers, commuters, pedestrians, and non-drivers alike. While the recent "lights-on" House transportation budget primarily focuses on immediate, targeted projects, it rolls back several forward-looking initiatives we achieved in the 2023-2024 session designed for the 21st century. My position on the committee allows me to work to build a truly comprehensive system. At the same time, I have the unique opportunity to advocate directly for Carver County’s needs while ensuring our transportation planning takes a forward-looking approach that serves all residents, regardless of how they choose to travel. You can watch my remarks from the House Floor here. World Bee Day & Protecting our PollinatorsYesterday, as we celebrated World Bee Day, I was reminded of the critical importance of protecting our pollinators who sustain not only Minnesota's agricultural economy but our entire ecosystem. As the author of the Lawns to Legumes legislation, I'm disappointed this vital initiative wasn't included in this year's budget, but I remain committed to fighting for policies that help transform our yards into havens for bees and other pollinators—because a future with healthy pollinator populations is a better, more sustainable future for all Minnesotans.  Last week my intern wrapped up his work with our District 48B office. As a political science major, Carter was able to experience up close many of the inner workings of being a state representative. I am so grateful for all his hard work and assistance!  Keep in TouchPlease continue contacting me with your priorities, thoughts, and questions at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5506. I’m always happy to help when I can. I will keep you posted on special session updates. Thank you for the honor of lifting up our Chanhassen and Chaska voices in St. Paul.  Last biennium, Democrats allocated transportation budget funds for two new helicopters for the Minnesota State Patrol. These tools serve as a crucial safety asset by allowing officers to maintain aerial surveillance, helping provide critical search and rescue operations in the Boundary Waters, reducing the need for lengthy ground searches. In community, Lucy “So let us begin anew—remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. . . .” JFK, 1961  |