Dear Neighbors,
The 2022 Session is two weeks away and I have been working hard with community members, advocates, our city and local law enforcement organizations to ensure we are ready. I will have links to bills I will be proposing this session on January 31, 2022. Do you have an issue you want to make me aware of this session? Please email me at: rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.
Rising Crime Collaboration of Cities
I have heard from many of you about how difficult the recent rise in crime has been - and know I am working with our city and Police Chief to ensure we address the issue immediately. Everyone should be safe in our community and state.
My colleagues and I are committed to supporting our local communities to ensure that everyone feels safe. You can read a letter we sent to our local mayors, chiefs, and other critical staff promising action this session below. I also have a bill that will be introduced this session that will expand the Department of Commerce’s Fraud Bureau’s authority to help with investigations of carjackings and auto thefts. I will also have several other bills I’m finalizing with colleagues now. You can also read the letter here.
Town Hall - Save the Date
Join Representative. Elkins, Senator Franzen and me for our Early Session Town Hall on Thursday, February3 at 6:00 PM. This will be a virtual town hall held on Zoom, so be sure to join us here. I look forward to seeing and speaking with you all as we discuss what to expect this session!
Tour of Apprenticeship Program with Sheet Metal Workers Union
This week, the Minnesota House Labor and Veterans Affairs Committee toured the training and apprenticeship facilities for Sheet Metal Workers in White Bear Lake. It was great to learn more about the important work that Minnesotans with this training do in our local communities - especially important work since we all heavily rely on our heating and cooling systems!
Stay Warm
The Minnesota Department of Commerce recently came out with some great tips to keep your house warm and heating costs down. Check the recommendations out here!
Update on Redistricting
A five-judge panel appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court has concluded a months-long series of public hearings. After hearing from Minnesotans across the state, this special redistricting panel listened to arguments from representatives of several groups and communities last week. The panel is preparing to be called on if they’re needed to create new congressional and legislative maps. MinnPost published an article about this panel and its hearing.
COVID-19 Update
Governor Tim Walz announced the launch of the next phase of the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ vaccine incentive program to encourage families in Minnesota to get their kids 5- to 11-years-old fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It is paramount that we vaccinate our children so they can learn in person as much as possible. You can learn more about the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ program here. Here are some important details on the incentives:
- Families in Minnesota who get their 5 to 11 year olds fully vaccinated in January and February can get a $200 Visa gift card. To be eligible, kids in Minnesota ages 5-11 must receive their first and second dose between January 1 and February 28. Registration will open at 10:00am on January 24, 2022 and close at 11:59pm on February 28, 2022. Learn more here.
- Later this spring, there will be drawings for five $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship drawings for all 5-11 year olds who are fully vaccinated. Details will be released soon.
Families in Minnesota can visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to find local vaccine clinics. Families can also check with their pediatrician, family medicine clinic, or local pharmacy about appointments. In addition, please be sure to watch for vaccination clinics being offered at schools or other community locations around Minnesota.
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