Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had a great fall and are enjoying the beginning of the holiday season. With the return of the holiday season we also have a return to cold weather. Open now until May 31, 2024, the Energy Assistance Program helps pay energy bills for eligible Minnesotans. This program is free and provides benefits up to $1,400, with additional support to respond to emergencies. Both renters and homeowners can qualify, and eligibility is based on income and household size. This program is federally funded and administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. You can access the application here.
Here is an update on a few things you may have missed and some things coming up as we head towards the end of 2023.
New Laws
As a quick recap to a historic session, new laws went into effect on July 1st and August 1st. These laws will have a lot of positive benefits for our state and I can't wait to see them work! The nonpartisan office of House Public Information has a summary of the new laws here:
Flag Redesign Commission
Minnesota is getting a new flag and seal! The redesign commission received 2,123 flag submissions and 398 seal designs in total, but has recently narrowed the flag options to 6. Next, the redesign commission will finalize their pick, with their next meeting on December 5th. You can find expert opinions on the remaining options here, and Fair Vote conducted a ranked choice vote for fun to see where folks stand on these designs. The new emblems will become official on Minnesota Statehood Day on May 11.
My Office’s Intern for a Day Application is open!
Do you know a high school student interested in public policy or politics? Have them apply for our non-partisan 'Intern for a Day' program with my office! The deadline to apply is January 8, 2024.
Disability Champion Award!
It was an honor to receive an award from the Minnesota Council on Disability for being a disability champion for the 2023 Session! A great editorial was recently also done about the TEFRA Fee elimination that I authored this session.
Edina Pedestrian Bridge Redesign
Please be sure to give feedback and share your opinions on the pedestrian bridge over Minnesota Highway 62 at Rosland Park. You can review the 11 concepts that have been developed and provide your input at https://www.bettertogetheredina.org/rosland-park-bridge through Monday, Dec. 11.
This project received $3 million of funding in our transportation bill last session, originating from a bill I authored!
Edina Public Schools Top in the Nation
All Edina Public Schools' elementary and middle schools have clinched top spots in the prestigious US News and World Report rankings. Among 412 middle schools in Minnesota, Valley View and South View have proudly secured positions in the top 3 percent, with Valley View ranking as #4 overall. Not stopping there, our six elementary schools have also shone brightly, claiming spots in the top 10 percent out of 810 elementary schools across the state. Congratulations to all of the staff, students, and parents who made this happen!
Session Priorities Constituent Survey
As we prepare for the upcoming 2024 legislative session, House DFLers want to hear about the issues most important to you.
That’s why I wanted to share with you our Minnesota Values Project Survey, an easy way to share your values, hopes, challenges, and ideas with us on solutions at the legislature. It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and can be found here or using the QR code below.
Free COVID Tests
With COVID cases on the rise, here’s a quick reminder that you can now order up to four free rapid-antigen COVID tests through the federal government’s at-home testing program to be delivered directly to your home. These tests are intended to be used by the end of this year. For more information or to place your order, you can visit COVIDTests.gov.
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.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Edina and Bloomington residents and families in the Minnesota House!
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative