Staying in the Legislative Loop with Lucy

Dear Neighbors,

I hope your week is going well and you’re enjoying each day with a little more sunlight. We’re working diligently to hear and vet bills ahead of our first deadline to pass bills out of committee, which is next Friday, March 22. We’re laser-focused on getting the job done for Minnesotans; that means finding more strategies to strengthen our communities, so everyone has the chance to thrive. 

Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished this week, in addition to a few helpful resources:

Combatting Price Gouging 

On Monday this week, the House took bipartisan action to expand efforts to address price gouging and consumer protections for Minnesotans, specifically for services utilized by a community after damaging storms. Minnesota’s most costly disaster year to date, 2022, had over $6 billion in damage. There was also over $3 billion of damage in 2017 and 2023 as more extreme weather events happen more often. The increased frequency of damaging weather events provides more opportunities for bad actors to take advantage of Minnesotans financially when cleaning up after a weather event, and I was glad to support making sure this predatory practice has no place in our state.

Federal Assistance for Small Businesses Affected by Warm Winter

Our “winter” this year has been unseasonably warm. While many of us have enjoyed foregoing winter jackets this year, the low precipitation we’ve experienced this winter has had a real economic impact on small businesses that rely on snow and winter tourism. Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available due to the ongoing federal drought declarations affecting 81 Minnesota counties. Small business owners should apply here for assistance as soon as possible.

Better Public Safety for Pedestrians

Later in the week, legislation I’m carrying to provide clarifications around e-bikes and enhance public safety for pedestrians advanced out of the House Transportation Committee. We want everyone to be safe on our roadways, and that has to include pedestrians and people who use bicycles.

My bill would include future street planning and road design to accommodate pedestrian infrastructure, enhance driver education to require instruction covering safety risks for vulnerable road users, and establish electric-assisted bicycle regulations, such as speed restrictions, registration similar to motor vehicles, and selling practices.

This new comprehensive approach to road design and education will help to reduce pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, which have risen statewide even as overall traffic fatalities have fallen. 

Mini Survey: Should Minnesota Schools have a Cell Phone Policy in Place for Students?

In the Education Policy Committee this week, legislators discussed  HF4581, a bill that would request the Minnesota School Boards Association to develop a model policy on students’ possession and use of cell phones in schools. What do you think of this idea? Do you have experience with this issue in the classroom or as a parent? Send me an email at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov with your thoughts.

Connected to Community

I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with several engaged constituents at the State Capitol on various topics they are most passionate about. From mental health advocacy, to safer infrastructure and more, I appreciate these one-on-one meetings to learn more about the priorities of our Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors.

It's Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Grateful to have met my constituent, Larry, and to learn more about his advocacy work with MS awareness. Thanks for all you do, Larry! ??

Great day meeting with Carver County staff, members of the Southwest Transportation Corridor Coalition, and ABATE members to talk about how we can make Highway 5 and our transportation infrastructure safer for all Minnesotans.

Appreciate constituents coming to visit this week with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, ACLU of Minnesota, and LIUNA! Thanks for your work on affordable housing, human rights, and safe and reliable public infrastructure!

Congrats to Amy Spinello on being one of the 27 semifinalists for Minnesota's Teacher of the Year! ??This nomination is a testament to the passion and positive impact Ms. Spinello, and Integrated Arts Academy, has had on our Carver County families. Grateful to have had the opportunity to tour this incredible school and see firsthand the innovation they're delivering for students.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me anytime, on any matter, at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5506. Due to technical constraints, replies to this newsletter will not reach my inbox, so please reach out with an individual email, or give my office a call to let me know what’s on your mind. You're also welcome to follow me on my Facebook page for more updates.

Thank you for the honor of serving our Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors in St. Paul.

Have a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day,

Lucy