Dear Neighbors,
Spring has arrived and as the snow melts we know that Summer is right around the corner. For Edina students, I hope your families had a nice Spring Break last week and that Bloomington students will have a nice break this week!
I’m Wishing everyone a blessed and joyful Ramadan! May this month be filled with peace, happiness, and spiritual growth for all. Ramadan Kareem!
Trans Refuge Bill
Last Friday at 5 a.m. we passed the Trans Refuge bill. The legislation prevents out-of-state laws from interfering in the practice of gender-affirming health care which has been and is already legal in Minnesota. This law simply allows families from other States to be able to come to Minnesota for the care they or their families seek. With attacks against the trans community on the rise across the country it’s critical that we guarantee the health and wellbeing of our trans neighbors and loved ones. I’m proud to have voted for this legislation and will continue to stand up for our queer community.
Standing up for Sexual Assault Victims
My bill to protect sexual harassment victims from paying taxes on their settlement passed with bipartisan support in taxes! This is a critical stop for this bill and I will continue to push for this legislation until it’s law!
Improving Community Safety
My bill that provides grants to nonprofits, places of worship, and summer camps to help increase their physical security against acts of violence received strong support in public safety today. It was great to hear bipartisan members speaking out against violence of any kind.
Thank you to the JCRC, Reclaim and others that worked on this important legislation!
Private Prison Ban
We also passed a bill off the floor that would effectively ban private prisons in the state. A 2016 report by the Justice Department found that, in general, private prisons provide fewer correctional services at greater security and safety risk to inmates and staff, without producing substantial savings.
Minnesota joins at least five other states that have passed legislation aiming to reduce, limit, or ban private prisons. President Biden issued an executive order in January 2021 that will phase out the Justice Department’s use of private prisons, and Minnesota has not had any private prisons since the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton closed in 2010.
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)