Dear Neighbors,
It was another busy week at the Capitol. Deadlines are fast approaching as we work to ensure all the bills are heard over the next week. This legislative session must end by May 22, 2023 this year according to the Minnesota constitution, and Minnesotans deserve effective, productive results from lawmakers to build a state that works better for everyone. I will do my best to try and keep you updated on the details as the weeks progress.
Here are some other updates from the Capitol.
Sovereignty Day
We started off the week with Sovereignty Day at the Capitol. It was an educational opportunity for legislators that included tribal history and culture, sovereignty, and the interplay between federal, state, and tribal law. It was an honor to have the opportunity to listen and learn more from the leaders of the 11 sovereign tribal nations in Minnesota. Learn more about Sovereignty Day here.
Town Hall Thank You
Thank you to everyone who came out to the District 50 town hall! It’s always so great to see our community come together. I also want to thank the League of Women Voters for doing a fantastic job hosting. I hope to see you at the next one!
Emergency Rental Assistance
On Thursday, in the face of skyrocketing evictions and rent increases, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed House File 1440, which delivers $50 million in emergency rental assistance to the state’s Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program.
Through much of the pandemic, federal rental assistance allowed Minnesotans to maintain housing stability. Many of those funds dried up in January of 2022, but the economic challenges facing low-income families did not. As a result, Minnesota experienced a skyrocketing eviction rate last year with more than 20,000 filed. Many counties across the state have seen 100% increases in eviction filings over pre-pandemic levels. This legislation is just one aspect of our efforts to improve housing outcomes for all Minnesotans.
Final Group of Interns
Our last group of Interns for a Day had a busy day at the Capitol! It was such a great group of students with awesome questions - they attended hearings, met with a lobbyist who is also an Edina dad (thank you, Dan!), participated in a historical society tour and so much more! A HUGE shout out to my Intern Director, Kelly, for making this possible!
Limiting Lead in Minnesota’s Water
In the Environment Committee we heard an important bill that would limit the use of lead sinkers that are contaminating waters and also end up being deadly to Trumpeter Swans if they digest. The legislation moving would give authority to prohibit the use of these harmful products in Minnesota.
Alzheimer's Awareness Day at the Capitol
Thursday was Alzheimer's Awareness Day at the Capitol! I am honored to carry HF1298 that received a hearing this week which supports families impacted by Alzheimer's Disease. The bill funds respite care grants, ensuring loved ones can stay in their home longer while also supporting caregivers.
Supporting Special Educators
This week, my bill HF562, developed working with special education teachers, received a hearing in the Education Finance Committee. This important bill has been a priority of mine for years and I hope we can get it to the finish line. This legislation would ensure special education teachers would receive extra time and funds to do the incredible amount of due process paperwork that is required by federal law. This paperwork is undoubtedly important to protect students, but we also know our special educators are working nights and weekends to get this work done and are burning out. This is a step to move the needle and we will work next year to find ways to streamline due process paperwork.
Edina Robotics Bill
Today, we heard HF 1934 that would appropriate $3 million in fiscal year 2024 to? support competitive robotics teams and prepare youth for careers in science, technology,? engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Thank you to Mark Lawrence from Edina First Robotics and all Edina robotics students for helping to champion this legislation!
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)