Legislative Update- Presidential Primary, Census, & Town Hall Details

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the snow. Last week, I had the opportunity to discuss solutions the Legislature can take to tackle hunger in Minnesota with Cory Hepola of WCCO. You can listen to the segment here. You may recall my “Breakfast after the Bell” legislation from last year, which allows schools to establish voluntary meal programs that include grab and go breakfasts, second chance breakfasts, and/or breakfasts in the classroom. Although it didn’t make it in the overall education budget agreement, I’ll continue to advocate for its passage this session.

I also recently visited with Edina residents touring the Capitol.

2020 is going to be an important year for several new initiatives here in Minnesota. Read about a few of them below:

Infrastructure Improvement--Investing in our Minnesota Communities

Last week, Governor Walz announced his 2020 capital investment proposal. On the House side, I’m committed to enacting a regionally-balanced, robust package of investments in our higher education institutions, roads and bridges, parks and trails, wastewater treatment facilities, and other important assets, including many in our region.

I’ve been working with City of Edina officials, my legislative colleagues, and the Capital Investment Committee on legislation to deliver bond funds to Edina’s Public Safety Facility to improve training space for law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency response personnel. Last fall, I showed House Capital Investment Chair Mary Murphy and committee members the facility to learn more about how the improvements can assist our public safety officers not only in Edina, but across the state.

Presidential Primary

This year, Minnesotans will select candidates for President participate in a primary election. No matter what your party affiliation is, it's important to cast your vote and help ensure our government is representative of our shared values. Primary Day in Minnesota is March 3.

Absentee balloting for the 2020 Minnesota presidential nominating primary began last Friday.

You can order an absentee ballot or update your voter registration here. Additionally, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office has answers to a number of frequently asked questions about the new process available here.

2020 Census- Be Counted!

The 2020 Census, which is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency, counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. It’s used to provide critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others for delivering daily services, products, and support for you and your family. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. Click here to download a fact sheet with more information, or here to watch a short video.

District 49 Town Hall Meeting

With the legislative session less than a month away, Representative Elkins, Senator Franzen, and I will be holding a town hall meeting on January 30^th at Edina City Hall from 6:00-8:00 p.m. I’d love to see you there to hear your ideas and input.

Keep in Touch

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your input and feedback on what is important to you and how I can help. You can reach me at 651-296-4363 or email me at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn to share ideas and ask questions. You can follow me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/RepHeatherEdelson/. If you have friends, neighbors, or coworkers who may be interested in receiving these updates, they can sign up here.

Sincerely,

Heather Edelson

State Representative