 Dear Neighbors, Happy first snow of the season! A big shout out to our first responders and plow drivers helping keep Minnesotans safe on the roads across the state. To say 2025 has been a challenging year is an understatement. Minnesota was the site of a political terrorist attack on the Hortman and Hoffman families five months ago, an attack that also threatened many Democratic members of the Legislature, myself included. Political violence and words that incite these hateful, partisan attacks have no place in a civilized society. It is time for all of us to recommit to constructive, meaningful, and peaceful dialogue with one another. In America, we resolve our differences through non-violent civil discourse, thoughtful debate and the exercise of our first amendment rights. May we never forget that our collective power is most effective when it is wielded through our words, democratic policies, and our votes.  Hortman Family, 2020. Responding to Fraudulent ActivityI have received several emails from constituents regarding a number of highly publicized cases of fraud in Minnesota. Our public taxpayer dollars should serve public needs like health care, housing, education, transportation and more. Fraud in any form — targeting consumers, veterans, vulnerable communities, small businesses, and government programs — is unacceptable. That’s why we took bipartisan action at the Capitol this year, creating new guardrails and strengthening enforcement to prevent fraud in our public programs. We are giving agencies new oversight and enforcement authority, including the power to delay, deny, or terminate payments when they suspect fraud. At a time when the White House has reduced staffing at the Internal Revenue Service and broken historic norms by firing 17 presidentially appointed inspectors general, leaving 75% of those positions vacant, we need to make doubly certain that our state has independent oversight of our state agencies. I look forward to seeing the results of these new state initiatives and expanding new approaches so that Minnesota is more proactive in preventing fraud, particularly with the egregious white collar fraud schemes targeting seniors. House Capital Investment Committee Visits ChanhassenThe bipartisan group of legislators serving on the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee visited Chanhassen’s Recreation Center this past week. Built in 1995, this community gem is in need of some upgrades to modernize the facility and help address the growth we’ve seen in the past 30 years. Though a medical matter kept me from attending, I was grateful to see the warm welcome for my House colleagues on the bipartisan bonding committee and for Mayor Ryan's hospitality. We will need to work together in bipartisan fashion to fund important infrastructure needs throughout the western metro area.  Photo courtesy: City of Chanhassen Food Shelf InformationDespite SNAP assistance being temporarily reinstated via court order, we know people are still struggling and catching up from the longest federal government shutdown in American history. These repeated shifts in haphazard policies regarding food access for vulnerable populations have resulted in additional stress and uncertainty for Minnesota families who are already struggling to meet their basic needs. For those seeking assistance, food shelf resources can be found here: https://www.hungersolutions.org/find-help/. If you have the means, please consider donating to support our neighbors in need. My office will be finalizing plans for a special community food drive on Saturday, December 13. More information to come soon!  Free Park DayOn Friday November 28, all state parks and trails across the state will have free entry. With everything going on, it’s a great time to get outdoors, de-stress and enjoy nature.  National Family Caregivers MonthNovember is National Family Caregivers Month, and it's a good time to recognize the countless people who care for our loved ones day in and day out. Whether looking after an aging parent, a spouse, or a family member with a disability; caregivers give so much of themselves—often without recognition or economic support. I remain committed to supporting all caregivers, and will continue to advocate for them on the state level.  During this season of giving thanks, I want to extend a special note of appreciation for all of you working throughout the holidays, especially those who are working overtime tending to the needs of our children, elderly, sick and those living with a disability; all those tasked with keeping our roads, bridges and communities safe; and the many who are hard at work preparing food for our upcoming holiday gatherings. I see you and appreciate you. Keep in TouchPlease continue to keep in touch and never hesitate to reach out if you need help. It’s an honor to represent you and our Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors at the State Capitol. Enjoy this first burst of winter weather and please stay safe on our roads, sidewalks and highways. With deep gratitude, Lucy |