Dear Neighbors,
At the Capitol, this week we have had late nights working morning until 12AM to pass bills to set the State Budget for the next biennium. The House and Senate pass their respective bills and then head to what’s called a joint “conference” committee to work through House / Senate perspectives and determine the final budgets we’ll send to the Governor for his signature.
We are down to a little over a month left before session must adjourn at the Capitol on May 22, 2023, so we still have a lot of work before us but we are getting close!
Today we had a special guest sing our national anthem before the House Session, John deCausemeaker from the Minnesota Wild! Watch his wonderful rendition here.
State of the State
It was an honor to attend the Governor’s State of the State on Thursday. He gave a great speech and highlighted all the amazing things we’ve accomplished this year. Minnesota is headed in the right direction!
Pension Plan
The Minnesota House of Representatives is passing the largest single investment – totaling $496 million – in our statewide pension plans in state history with HF2950 and HF3100. We have placed emphasis on ensuring we have healthy statewide pension plans because Minnesotans know when we invest in our retirees, we create a more dynamic state economy.
Budget Bills Passed this week out of the House and headed to Conference Committees include:
House Passes K-12 Education Bill
Last night we passed our education budget plan to deliver transformational investments to support our students and school staff as well as stabilize our public school funding. This is a fantastic bill which makes long overdue investments across our education system. I’m also proud to say that the Read Act, which I authored, is in the bill. The Read Act will make comprehensive changes to how we teach reading, to base it off of proven science to improve literacy rates. It was also Literacy Day at the Capitol this Wednesday and we had fantastic turnout! I can’t wait to pass the Read Act!
House Housing Budget Bill
This week we passed our Housing budget bill. Every Minnesotan deserves a safe and affordable place they can call home. With evictions skyrocketing, homelessness increasing, home ownership gaps widening, and a severe shortage of affordable homes to rent or own, it is time for bold action. Our budget is the largest housing investment in state history, which is needed to make sure everyone has a safe place to call home. This budget is a great investment and I’m proud to have voted for it.
Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Budget
As Minnesotans, we care about protecting our environment and our climate. We value our land, air, water, and wildlife, and know we must address threats and prevent pollution. We know that as one of the fastest-warming states in the nation, we must take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address and combat climate change.
That’s why we passed the 2023 Environment, Natural Resources, Climate and Energy Budget Bill, which addresses current environmental threats and invests in a clean future. We are devoting over $670 million to preserving our natural resources, protecting Minnesotans from dangerous chemicals, and supporting our state’s wildlife. By investing $348 million to lower energy costs, create clean-energy jobs, and keep Minnesota a renewable energy leader, we are putting our state on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050 and creating a brighter future for all Minnesotans.
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. I am always happy to have community members and residents visit the Capitol!
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)