Dear Neighbors,
I would like to wish you and your families Happy Holidays and a happy New Year. I hope that you all will get time to relax over the holiday break. Kids are officially out-of-school, some of you will travel to warm places and others to see family. Be safe over your break and I hope you take solace in a few days away from work, school and the many responsibilities and stressors we all feel each day. These past two years have been challenging - but I am hopeful for our future.
A reminder that the 2022 Session starts January 31, 2022. I have been hard at work preparing legislation and will have a list of proposals as we get closer to session. Is there an issue you want me to be aware of or a policy change you want to discuss? Please feel free to email me at: rep.heather.edelson@house.mn
Sincerely
Heather
Out in the Community
Every year over the holiday season, for Chanukah, we will do 8 Intentional Acts of Kindness - it’s a fun tradition that gets our boys thinking about all the amazing people that make a community work. Below is a picture of their 3rd Intention Act of Kindness where they dropped off holiday cookies and organized dinner for the Edina Police Department.
2022 Edina Community Health and Safety Center Bonding Request.
The City of Edina will have a bonding request of $10 million before the Capitol Investment Committee this Session for the construction of a Community Health and Safety Center. This center would house another fire station for our growing city and replace the existing Fire Station 2 which operates as a satellite site. The new center would have 8-9 full time firefighters and operate as a fully operational station. The facility would house the Edina Community Health Department, city inspection services, housing licenses and inspections and recycling and organic collection services. I look forward to advocating for this worthy project.
Redistricting - Deadline February 15, 2022.
The DFL House Majority released their map in November - a copy of which can be found here highlighting what the proposal for Edina would be.
The Republican Senate Majority released their map that can be found here.
I have concerns about both of the proposed maps as they remove large parts of the retail economic district in Edina and put them in another district. With that said, both of the above proposed maps are drafts and likely there will not be a joint agreement between the Senate and House. Redistricting will then move to a special judicial panel appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court. They will have the final word to decide on an unbiased Redistricting map that takes into account population numbers and expected growth by February 15, 2022.
My Office’s Non-partisan ‘Intern for a Day’ Program is Back!
My office is again offering the Intern for a Day program to high school students who live or go to school in Edina! This is a great way to spend a day at the Capitol and learn more about the behind the scenes activities of how public policy is made and details of how the legislature operates.
Do you know a current high school student that may be interested? Have them fill out this form and submit by the deadline of January 14th:
- Intern for a Day will take place for 6 Thursdays in February and March from 9:15 AM to 2:15PM (Feb 3, 10, 17 and 24 -- and March 3 and 10)
- Students must contact their school advisor for approval to participate
- This is non-partisan and will focus on public policy and how our state government operates
- Students must secure their own transportation to and from the capitol
- This is a great experience to list on college applications!
- For more information, please contact my office Intern Director Kelly Streit with questions at kellymstreit@gmail.com
Remote Undergraduate Internship Opportunity
The House Sergeant-at-Arms Office will administer a remote Undergraduate Internship Program for the 2022 legislative session.
The undergraduate internship program is structured around a focus on serving and learning. A sincere interest in public service is expected of all applicants for a House internship. A genuine desire to learn is also expected and in a dynamic and influential institution like the House, opportunities for learning abound. For a detailed description of the program click here.
Stay in Touch
Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn or 651-296-4363 with your input or questions. You’re also welcome 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