Dear Neighbors, It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the end of August! A big thank you to everyone who attended and participated in our Education Town Hall meeting with House Education Finance Chair Youakim and Senate Education Policy Chair Cwodzinski. We had an excellent turnout and received lots of great questions and engagement. Your input helps shape my priorities and I’m really grateful to hear from you anytime.   I’m wishing all our students and teachers in Eastern Carver County and Minnetonka districts a great 2023-2024 school year ahead as they head back to the classroom.  Tours and VisitsAlthough the 2023 legislative session has adjourned, the good work continues! As a member of the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, I recently had the opportunity to spend a full day touring the state with a bus full of legislators who also serve on the committee. We toured a potato seed farm in Staples, a 2-acre farm in Alexandria, and the American Crystal Sugar Company in Moorhead.  I appreciate our hardworking farmers for all they do to feed us and keep our agricultural economy running. We had a great visit and enjoyed the opportunity to learn from and thank these agriculture leaders in our state.  Touring the American Crystal Sugar Company in Moorhead, MN.  It was a pleasure to meet Naima, who farms a 2-acre farm with her husband in Alexandria. I also had a chance to connect with advocates in our area to celebrate the victories for our district led by the majorities in the House and Senate. We also had a productive conversation about how we can continue to build on these policies for the next session. It’s always great to be together in person!   Save the Date! Carver County Public Open House on Highway 5 PredesignNow that the legislature has approved legislation I carried to deliver $20 million in highway improvements to Highway 5, Carver County is working on preliminary predesign and is asking the public to weigh in. Highway improvements are needed to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, enhance walking and bicycling conditions and connections, respect the environment, and connect local destinations. The first public open house is on Wednesday, September 27th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Arboretum, Oswald Visitor Center in Chaska (3685 Arboretum Drive, Chaska). We’ve seen a need for these big fixes to Highway 5 for quite some time prior to my time serving in the Minnesota House, so I'm glad to see this project moving forward. It's disappointing our other state legislators in Carver County decided to not support this critical investment. We all do better when we work together to meet the needs of our communities. I’m looking forward to a continued partnership with local and county elected officials and am anxiously awaiting construction to begin which is slated to start Fall of 2025 through the Fall of 2027. You can find more details on the County’s website here. Reflecting on Labor DayLabor Day weekend is upon us. As we reflect on this holiday, we remember and honor the labor movement, which fought for the 40 hour work week, against child labor, and for safe working conditions. Workers and organized labor are the backbone of our economy. That’s why I was proud to support new policies this year to improve safety and economic security for workers and their families.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5066 with questions, input, or ideas. I’m always happy to provide assistance. Have a great holiday weekend! In community, Lucy |