Dear Neighbors,
This week has been especially busy at the Capitol as we work to catch up on delays from last week's snow storm. Aside from catching up on committee work, the budget forecast which we’ll use to craft our budget bills was released. The outlook is very positive, especially as this is the first year where we fully account for inflation in the forecast. I'll keep you updated as the legislature begins to shift our focus to deciding budget matters. You can read more on it here.
Here are updates on some of what I’ve been up to recently.
Upcoming Town Hall
Join me, Rep. Steve Elkins, and Senator Alice Mann for a town hall hosted jointly by the League of Women voters of Edina and Bloomington! It will be held on Tuesday, March 14th from 6-7pm at the Edina Community Lutheran Church, 4113 W. 54th street, Edina, 55424. I hope to see you there!
Standing Up for Sexual Assault Victims
HF1279 passed out of the public safety committee today with unanimous support. This important bill creates a state fund to ensure the Federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and our state partner together to ensure access to medical examinations and treatment as a result of sexual violence matches national best practices and protects victims. Thank you to the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Minnesota Sheriff's Association, the Department of Public Safety, the Minnesota Department of Health, hospitals and so many others for your work on this important issue. Next stop: the Health Finance and Policy Committee!
Bloomington Visitors Bureau visited the Capitol
It was great to meet with the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau Delegation at the Capitol this week - talk about policy and the possibility of Bloomington hosting the World Fair!
Pathways Home
On Thursday we passed the Pathway Home Act. This bill will significantly increase funding to critical state programs that support shelter providers across Minnesota in their direct response and service to Minnesotans who are currently unsheltered. While we need more than shelters to solve our housing crisis, they are still critical to saving lives and getting folks the resources they need to work towards a permanent solution.
Women’s History Month
March is Women's History Month! Let’s use this month to remember and honor all of the amazing women who paved the way for us. There is still a lot of work we need to do to stand up for equal rights in Minnesota and I am committed to pursuing this important work at the Capitol.
Puppies!
I want to give a huge thank you to the Animal Humane Society for bringing adorable puppies to the Capitol today in support of the creation of a Companion Animal Board! My intern, Sam, and I were happy to help them lead a press conference.
Stay in Touch
Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.gov 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 and Bloomington residents and families in the Minnesota House!
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative - District 50A (Edina and Bloomington)