Category: SD49

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: Edina Curfew in Place Tonight and Saturday


Dear Neighbors,

For the safety of Edina residents, a temporary curfew is scheduled from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. tonight (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) night.

During the curfew, no one may travel in Edina in public places, except for first responders, members of the media, people going back and forth to work, individuals seeking emergency care or fleeing danger, and people experiencing homelessness.

The same curfews has been issued for Minneapolis and St. Paul and mayors across the state can issue these curfews under Executive Order 20-65 today.

Stay safe,

Heather Edelson

State Representative

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: May 22, 2020

May 22, 2020

Today, I officially filed for re-election to the Minnesota Senate. I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving our community and working with the great people of Senate District 49!

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Dear Constituents and Friends,

The 91st legislative session ended on Sunday, May 17, 2020 with the Minnesota Legislature adjourning sine die. While this is not the last time we will meet this year, it was an end to what can only be described as a unique session. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: May 22, 2020”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: May 22, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The legislature wrapped up its business at midnight on Sunday, passing a flurry of “consensus” legislation related to education and healthcare policy. However, once it became widely understood that there would almost certainly be a special session on June 12 to address the governor’s ongoing emergency declaration, the deadline pressure was relieved and we adjourned on Monday with much left undone, most notably the biennial “bonding bill” which finances capital improvement projects around the state. The House version of the jobs and local projects or “bonding” bill includes my bill which provides funding for an ongoing project to renovate the original 51-year-old section of the Normandale College campus. Here are some additional projects in our area:

  • a portion of $20 million for flood mitigation in Bloomington;
  • a portion of $55 million for the D line bus rapid transit from Brooklyn Center to Bloomington;
  • $2 million for work designing and planning the Riverview Corridor Transitway
  • $2 million for the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility in Edina

Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: May 22, 2020”

Rep. Heath Edelson (HD49A) Update: May 20, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Late Sunday night, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned. It has been truly an honor and gives me great joy to represent our Edina neighborhoods at the State Capitol. I look forward to continuing efforts that keep moving our community forward.

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I’m proud of the swift, bipartisan work we delivered to increase resources to Minnesota’s health care workforce and public health infrastructure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We ensured health care and public safety workers would receive workers’ comp should they get sick with COVID-19. Additionally, the Legislature also approved an emergency response package of legislation providing flexibility and resources in a variety of areas during the crisis, including approval of wills and marriage licenses, expanded telemedicine, remote local government meetings, and alternative health care facilities. Continue reading “Rep. Heath Edelson (HD49A) Update: May 20, 2020”

Governor Walz Signs Tobacco 21 Legislation into Law

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Governor Walz signed into law legislation that raises the age for Minnesotans to purchase tobacco, tobacco products, electronic delivery devices, and other nicotine products, to 21.

“Adopting statewide Tobacco 21 is urgently needed to provide clarity, accountability, and to make it easier for our state and local partners to help in standing up to Big Tobacco for our youth,” said Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL-Edina), the House chief author of the bill.

In December of 2019, Tobacco 21 became federal law, which meant the minimum age required to legally purchase tobacco products increased from 18 to 21 for the entire country. At the time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directed retailers to immediately implement the change. Some retailers, however, have expressed confusion and insisted they will not comply until they see the change made at the state level.

The initiative has a strong bipartisan coalition of support among health care professionals, ClearWay Minnesota, youth organizations, and several Minnesota cities who have already enacted Tobacco 21 locally.

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: May 14, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced the next steps for Minnesota’s response to COVID-19. The Stay at Home order will expire Monday, May 18 but with some limitations such as maintaining social distancing and limiting capacity at small businesses and social gatherings. Over the next several weeks, the Walz administration will work with restaurants, bars, and salons to allow them to re-open in a way that is safe beginning June 1, 2020. This process will begin with businesses creating a plan that ensures employees and patrons can work and shop safely. I have been working closely with small businesses and retailers in our community to help with this development.

To help in the process, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) have developed a template plan and guidance that businesses can use as a starting point. Businesses aren’t required to use this template, but a business’ plan does need to follow CDC and MDH guidelines and OSHA standards. Businesses also aren’t required to submit their plans to the state for approval, but they should be prepared to provide a copy of their plan if requested. Copies of the plan must be distributed to workers. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: May 14, 2020”

House Ways and Means Committee Passes Bill Granting $50 Million to Emergency Community Relief Grant Program

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — This afternoon, the House Ways and Means Committee passed HF 4611. The bill, authored in the House by State Representative Aisha Gomez (DFL- Minneapolis) and in the Senate by Senator Melisa Franzen (DFL-Edina), creates an emergency community relief grant program that is designed to help individuals who have been harmed by the coronavirus pandemic. The bill is designed to aid those who have slipped through the cracks of other aid programs, and has broad support from over 70 community organizations.

“Even though there have been a number of aid programs to help Minnesotans who have been impacted by COVID-19, there are far too many people in our communities who don’t have a safety net,” said Rep. Gomez. “This bill recognizes that workers who are undocumented, earn their income from tips, or are considered other ‘non-traditional’ workers, are a critical part of our communities. These workers have been equally impacted by the pandemic, yet their plight has been largely ignored and government aid has been extremely limited. It is critical that we stick to our values and stand by the most vulnerable during this crisis.” Continue reading “House Ways and Means Committee Passes Bill Granting $50 Million to Emergency Community Relief Grant Program”

Minnesota House Approves Tobacco 21 Legislation

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House approved legislation that raises the age for Minnesotans to purchase tobacco, tobacco products, electronic delivery devices, and other nicotine products, to 21.

“Research shows that raising the tobacco age to 21 will prevent youth addiction and save lives,” said Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL-Edina), chief author of the legislation. “Tobacco companies have been targeting youth to addict the next generation. In the 2019 Student Survey, 26 % of 11th graders reported vaping. 76 % of all youth reported not knowing how addictive vaping was before they started. Passing Tobacco 21 is an important statement in the fight against rising youth tobacco use. I am proud of the strong bipartisan support Tobacco 21 received today.” Continue reading “Minnesota House Approves Tobacco 21 Legislation”

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: May 8, 2020

Happy Nurses Week!

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A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

We are entering the last week of what can only be described as a unique session. The impact of COVID-19 has affected so many facets of our lives. Not only has it threatened Minnesotan’s physical health, job security, and financial stability – it has also taken a toll on the mental health of our communities.

As we witness the progression of this disease in our communities, we can sometimes feel helpless with the overload of information and news coverage. Below are some volunteer opportunities, if you are looking to give back to your community during these times: Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: May 8, 2020”

Rep. Heather Edelson Update: May 6, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and I would like to take a moment to recognize all the incredible work our educators have done to adjust to the demand of this crisis and support the needs of our students. Our teachers play a critical role for setting our students up for lifelong success. To every teacher in our community, thank you for all you do! And to the parents who are taking on the role of working with your child on distant learning – we appreciate you too!

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