April 16: Legislative Update

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Neighbors, 

On Sunday, Daunte Wright  - a son, father, nephew and 20 year old Minnesotan was killed by an officer in Brooklyn Center. My heart goes out to his family for their tremendous loss. There is no question that Daunte Wright should be alive today. As a mother, I am both sad and angry over what parents of Black children face every day when they send their children out into the world.  

As a public safety committee member, I am committed to policy work that will ensure every Minnesotan is safe - we must address the injustices in our communities that Black, Brown, and Indigenous community members face on a daily basis. This week legislation was proposed that would limit the ability of law enforcement to make stops based solely on minor equipment violations such as expired tabs or having something hanging from the rear view mirror. Many Policing reforms were also passed last Summer after the killing of George Flloyd. The time to address bias that lives in communities is now. We as a State must demand better -- each and every one of us has a role to play in keeping all Minnesotans safe.

Minnesota Vaccine Update 

Today, 1.5 million Minnesotans are now fully vaccinated. Last week my husband and I received our vaccines at the Minneapolis Urban League - we are most grateful to Nurse Kelly and Black Nurses Rock for all of their tireless efforts in vaccinating Minnesotans. 

Need a Vaccine? Sign up on the Vaccine Connector, or use the Vaccine Finder  to find locations that have available vaccines.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met on Wednesday regarding the Johnson and Johnson vaccine and has noted that the pause will continue for one more week for this vaccine. That said, vaccines continue with Maderna and Pfizer in Minnesota and across the U.S. 

MN House of Representatives Passes the Housing Omnibus Bill Thursday Evening   

Having a safe and secure place to call home is critical for Minnesotans’ health, economic security, and opportunities for achievement. Stable housing is the foundation for success. Our Housing budget will produce more affordable housing in Minnesota as well as ensure Minnesotans have access to safe and stable housing. A copy of the legislation can be reviewed here.

The next stop for this legislation is to be negotiated with the Senate in a conference committee. The above bill is the House position to start the negotiation. I will post the final results of the conference committee in the next few weeks.

MN House of Representatives Passes the Legacy Omnibus Bill Thursday Evening 

The Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Legacy Omnibus on the House floor on a bi-partisan vote. 

Minnesotans are proud of our great outdoors, clean water, and arts and culture. Investing in these priorities will benefit current and future generations. Since 2010, the Legacy Amendment has generated more than $2 billion for initiatives that benefit people and communities across Minnesota. This legislation builds on that success. 

A copy of the Legacy Omnibus can be found here.

The next stop for this legislation is to be negotiated with the Senate in a conference committee. The above bill is the House position to start the negotiation. I will post the final results of the conference committee in the next few weeks. 

Sexual Assault Intoxication Loophole Legislation Moves with Bi-Partsian Support 

In a bipartisan effort, Rep. Kelly Moller (D) and Rep. O'neill (R) progressed legislation at the Minnesota Capitol this week to close the voluntary intoxication loophole and ensure justice for survivors. I am honored to co-author this critical legislation and I’m pleased to report that the provision is moving in the House and Senate. You can read more about this legislation here.

Edina Moms Demand Action Advocacy Meeting

It was great to meet with several Edina community members this week with Senator Franzen and Representative Elkins this week about the importance of passing common sense gun provisions including background check loopholes in MN and extreme risk orders. Below you’ll find details on Community Action Forums! 

Summer Internship and Kids Day at the Capitol is Coming Back! 

High School Internship: I want to update you that I’m working to plan my Summer High School Intern Program - more details will be coming in the weeks to come. 

Kids Day at the Capitol. We are anticipating the Capitol will be open to the public again this Summer! I will resume hosting small group tours for Edina community members for Kids’ Day at the Capitol! Stay tuned for more details.  

Edina Public Schools: Referendum Election on May 11th

On May 11th, Edina Public Schools will ask district voters to support a 10-year, $7M technology levy (a renewal of the current $6.5mm levy with an increase of $500,000) and approve a 20-year, $7M bond issue for expansion of bus garage facilities and traffic control improvements at two schools. 

The support of this referendum is incredibly important for Edina Public Schools by funding the following: 

• Curricular: Hardware, software and licensing for students and teachers
• Information Systems: Infinite Campus, Schoology, SeeSaw and employee data and recruitment 
• Infrastructure: Network, firewalls, phone systems and bandwidth 
• Safety and Security: Security cameras, door lock and alarm systems 
• Staffing: Media Specialists, Help Desk, Digital Learning Specialists, Tech Specialists
• Increase in instructional software     

Your vote matters and our community deserves to hear your voice. This decision could greatly impact our public schools - I urge you to plan ahead to cast your vote by May 11th. You can read more here. 

Here are important voting details for the May 11th Election: 

• Early Voting at Edina City Hall has Started: Note that you can early vote at Edina City Hall Monday through Friday from March 26th to May 7th from 8AM to 4:30PM, on Saturday, May 8th from 10AM to 3PM, and Monday, May 10th from 8AM to 5PM.

• Edina City Hall is not a polling place on Election Day (May 11) and if voting on Election Day you should vote at your regular polling place that can be found here: Election Day Voting 

• Absentee Voting Information is located here: Minnesota Regular Absentee Ballot Application 

Wishing all our Edina Community members that celebrate a blessed and prosperous Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak.

Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn or 651-296-4363 with your input or questions. You’re welcome also to follow me or ‘like’ my official Facebook page for additional updates.

Thank you for the honor of representing our Edina residents and families in the Minnesota House!

Sincerely,

Heather Edelson

State Representative