Dear Neighbors,
Session continues to fly by as we work to pass bills that will improve the lives of your average Minnesotan. Here is what I’ve been working on.
I had great meetings for mental health day on the hill! As we break down barriers and build awareness that your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
I had several bill hearings the last two weeks, including an update to strengthen the Read Act, legislation to reduce aerosol duster abuse, and a few bills that will work to improve our mental health system. My mental health bills takes the work of mental health task forces and numerous stakeholders to improve civil commitment standards and peer recovery services. I’ve held regular meetings with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we are moving forward with the best reforms possible. Mental health services in Minnesota can and must serve Minnesotans better when they are in their time of greatest need. I will continue to champion these changes as they work through the legislative process.
Intern for a Day’s Final Day!
We hosted our last Intern for a Day group at the Minnesota Capitol this week. It was bittersweet, but a great way to end an amazing program. I am proud that my office has hosted over 600 students in the past 6 years between our Intern for a Day program and three week Summer Policy Internship! My hope is whomever fills this office after me will build upon this good work of involving our youth in government in a nonpartisan way that opens doors and opportunities! Many thanks to Intern Directors Kelly Striet and Nassim Rossi – none of this would have been possible without you!
Minnesota Alliance of Recovery
It was an honor to speak to the Minnesota Alliance of Recovery professionals and community members during their day at the Capitol on the importance of having a supportive recovery journey!
House Approves 101 Environmental Projects
Minnesotans take pride in our legacy of environmental stewardship. That’s why DFLers passed legislation to fund 101 projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil. The funding, which comes from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, uses a portion of our state lottery proceeds to ensure our environment and natural resources are protected for generations to come.
Debt Fairness Act
Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. That’s why DFLers have introduced the Debt Fairness Act. Too many people are saddled with unmanageable debt, and our current laws have been insufficient at addressing this dilemma. Medical debt depletes peoples’ rainy-day funds, causes them to incur credit card debt, and to forgo medical treatment altogether. The Debt Fairness Act aims to unburden Minnesotans from medical debt, and help working and middle class families make ends meet.
Earth Day Electronics Recycling
Make electronics and appliance recycling easy this Earth Day, April 20, by stopping by Edina Community Lutheran Church’s east parking lot. Electronics recycling is very important as it diverts waste from overloading our landfills and contributes to the economy; it’s estimated that if we fully recycled all electronics the state could profit over $3 billion. You can follow the event here, and learn about which electronics are accepted here.
Stay in Touch
Please reach out to 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.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Edina and Bloomington residents and families in the Minnesota House!
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative