Final Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
Session came to a close on Monday. Things came down to the wire as we worked to pass our final bills. These last few days were pretty tough as we stayed up late into the night listening to almost endless filibusters from folks across the aisle, but in the end, it was worth it as we came out on the other end with laws that make our state a better place to live. Here’s an update from the Capitol:
It was a wonderful honor to call the House to order! This honor is given to every retiring member before their term is up. It was a truly special moment to be able to preside over this Chamber, which has been such a big part of my life over the last several years!
Retirement / Resignation from the Minnesota House of Representatives
The legislative session ended on Monday, May 20th– and that concluded my final legislative session representing district 50A (Edina and Bloomington). It has been my true honor to represent our district in the Minnesota House of Representatives over the past 6 years. All retiring members gave departing remarks on the Floor- you can watch my retirement speech here.
Some of you may know I was elected to the Hennepin County board several weeks ago as a District 6 Commissioner. Starting Tuesday, May 28th, I will represent Edina in a different capacity.
As of Tuesday, May 28th at 6AM, I will be resigning my seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives – this resignation will not require a special election to fill the seat – the new State Representative will be elected in November and assume office in January.
Constituent Service can still run through my Office at Hennepin County until the new State Representative is elected, or you can email morgan.durfee@house.mn.gov, or Senator Alice Mann. My county office will be able to handle questions about legislation, issues that you need assistance with, or to connect you with the right person. Starting Tuesday, May 28th please email me at heather.edelson@hennepin.us
It was great to gather with my fellow ‘Class of 2019’ Legislators for one last photo!
Upcoming Town Hall
Join us for our Senate District 50 Legislative Town Hall on Tuesday, June 11th from 6-7pm at The Edina City Council chamber! I look forward to seeing you there for my last legislative town hall and answering any questions you may have about the 2024 session and what lies ahead.
Thank you to the Edina and Bloomington League of Women Voters for moderating!
Session Accomplishments
Even though things got a bit chaotic towards the end of session, this year was still incredibly productive. We followed up the historic progress from last year with numerous accomplishments that will improve the lives of all Minnesotans. Here is just some of what we accomplished:
- New investments in The Read Act, educator development, and early learning opportunities
- A ban on nuisance “junk” fees
- Ticket price transparency for concerts, games, and events
- Measures to strengthen our democracy including the Minnesota Voting Rights Act
- New solutions to prevent gun violence including addressing straw purchases
- Protections against the exploitation of children online by big tech companies
- Medical debt reforms
- Updates to permitting processes, investments in technologies like solar and geothermal, and supporting our electric grid to help meet our clean energy goals
- Measures improving Emergency Medical Services delivery
- Expanding our nation-leading Child Tax Credit
- A ban on book bans for public libraries
- Reforms to our child protection system
- Investments in civil legal aid, forensic examiners, court cybersecurity, and other investments in the judiciary
- Lower out-of-pocket costs for health care and support for critical access hospitals
- Additional major investments to fix our housing crisis
- Improving pay and working conditions for rideshare drivers
- Support for public employee pensions
- New investments in substance use disorder treatment, services for people with disabilities, and other vulnerable Minnesotans
- Funding for services for crime victims
- New safety measures for railroad tracks and roadways
- Improved labor standards for workers on broadband installation and certain housing construction projects
- Protections for clean drinking water and healthy soil, with investments in sustainable farming
- Investments in entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Digital fishing licenses and state park passes
I’m looking forward to having conversations in the months ahead with folks in our communities about how we can continue to ensure they can earn a good living, enjoy their freedoms, and build a better life.
I recently attended a panel on the Read Act hosted by the Minneapolis Foundation. It’s good to know that this important legislation is getting the attention it deserves.
This will be my last legislative newsletter – again, it has been my true honor to represent you in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I look forward to seeing you around the district this summer and serving you in my new capacity starting next week! Enjoy the summer!
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