Dear Neighbors,
Week three of session has been incredibly productive as the House Majority continues to fulfill our promises. Minnesota is facing several critical issues and we are taking action on all of them to meet the needs of all Minnesotans. We are united in purpose and action and will continue to act quickly to improve our state. I encourage you to pass along my newsletter and Facebook page to your neighbors and community members so they can stay in touch with all we are accomplishing.
Passage of PRO Act
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision, the House passed the PRO Act which protects Minnesotans’ right to contraception, the right to carry a pregnancy to term, and the right to abortion, and guarantees the right to privacy for personal reproductive health decisions. It also prevents interference by anti-choice politicians who seek to enact or defend medically unnecessary barriers to comprehensive reproductive health care. We heard loud and clear that Minnesotans want their reproductive decisions to be between them and their doctor. I’m proud that we were able to enshrine this undeniably right into state law.
The companion to the PRO Act, which repeals unconstitutional, outdated, and burdensome laws that deny reproductive freedom and autonomy, passed its first committee and will continue to work through the process.
Tax Conformity was Signed into Law
Last week, 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.
Public Safety Action
This week, the Public Safety Committee passed HF 25 which will make one of the largest investments in public safety in state history. We will make a comprehensive investment of over $300 million in 2023 in a variety of critical programs to improve safety across the state. We are taking a holistic approach, funding everything from violent crime investigation, community crime prevention, crisis response, criminal investigation, and criminal apprehension. This bill recognizes the very real need to improve our response to violent crime to improve case closure rates immediately, while funding efforts to prevent the factors which lead to these crimes. This bill will make a real impact in the near term and long term.
Other Critical Bills
There are many important bills moving through the House right now, here are a few especially critical ones you should be aware of:
- 100% Renewable Energy: We must take climate action now to guarantee the future of our next generations. This bill passed its first hurdle on Wednesday.
- Conversion Therapy Ban: No one should be forced into ‘therapy’ which calls into question their very identity and existence. Read about this bill here.
- Driver’s Licenses for All: Our bill to allow all MN residents to apply for and earn their driver’s licenses, no matter their immigration status, is continuing to work through committees. This bill will make our roads safer while restoring justice and dignity to our immigrant neighbors.
Thank you to my fantastic colleagues and the courageous community members who came out to support the ban on the harmful conversion therapy practice for youth.
Other bills making their way through the process include legalization of adult-use cannabis and fixes to the THC Hemp law, allocation of over $300 million in federal funds for state infrastructure projects, equal rights amendment, paid family leave, voter protection and restoration of the vote. We are hard at work showing that the government can work well, and it can work quickly.
Constituent Meetings Highlighted
I had a great meeting with Eliot, Barb and Jack today - Edina community members that are also Isaiah advocates that highlighted issues they care about this 2023 Session including:
- ?100 percent renewable energy
- Drivers Licenses for All
- Paid Family Leave
- Automatic Voter Registration
An awesome rally and meeting with constituents on their support of expanding voting rights in Minnesota - legislation we will be hearing at the Capitol this Session!
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