Dear Neighbors,
This has been an incredibly busy start to the year! Here are just a few of the bills making their way through the committee process in the second week of the legislative session:
- PRO Act, enshrining the right to abortion access in law.
- Driver’s licenses for all, allowing every resident of Minnesota to obtain a license regardless of immigration status.
- Allocation of over $300 million in federal funds for state infrastructure projects.
- Equal rights amendment.
- Earned sick and safe time for all Minnesotans.
- Voter protection and restoration of the vote
- Legalization of adult-use cannabis / regulation of THC derived hemp
There are many more bills we are working on as this is one of the busiest starts to session we’ve ever had. Several of the bills I have authored are making their way through the process as well, including one which funds the Edina South Metro public safety training facility. You can follow my bills here. We are ready for an efficient and productive year!
Tax Conformity was Signed into Law
On Thursday, Governor Walz signed the federal tax conformity bill into law. This bill will make several changes to bring Minnesota into conformity with federal tax law resulting in over $100 million in tax cuts for families and businesses while simplifying future tax filings. The fact we were able to get this critical bill out the door in the second week of session is a testament to our commitment to efficient and smart governance. I look forward to continuing this momentum for the remainder of the year as we look to make this a historically productive session.
Lawns to Legumes
Minnesota is home to more than 450 native bee species including our state's own Rusty Patched bumble bee. All play a vital role in pollinating many food crops and native plants. Lawns to Legumes seeks to combat population decline by creating new pollinator habitat and habitat corridors to provide food sources and nesting spaces for pollinators. This has been an incredibly popular program and I was happy to pass it out of the environment committee this week! You can learn more and sign up for the program here.
Town Hall - Thank you!
We had a great first town hall with all the new legislators who represent Edina at the Capitol. Thank you to all the community members who joined us this evening and for all the questions!
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.
Do you want to visit the Capitol or have an issue you want community members to know about to be included in my newsletter? Please email rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.gov.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Edina residents and families in the Minnesota House!
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative