Category: SD49

Rep. Phillips Releases Hopeful “Many Voices One Message” Video

Minnesota elected officials, celebrities, and citizens unite during the COVID-19 pandemic

MINNETONKA, MN – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) released an uplifting mobile video featuring a bipartisan group of Minnesota elected officials, celebrities, and citizens. In the “Many Voices One Message” video, familiar faces unite around a message of hope and gratitude, and urge Minnesotans to stay home and stick together as uncertainty around next steps in the COVID-19 pandemic looms.

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CLICK HERE TO WATCH AND SHARE ON FACEBOOK
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON TWITTER

Participants in order of appearance:

  • U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips
  • U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar
  • Joy Marsh Stephens
  • Hennepin Co. Sheriff David Hutchinson
  • Shanti Shah
  • Chen Zhou
  • James Denton
  • Andrew Zimmern
  • U.S. Rep. Angie Craig
  • State Sen. Paul Anderson
  • Brooklyn Park Mayor Jeff Lunde
  • Ava
  • Bella
  • Allina Health Vice President of Medical Affairs, Dr. Ryan Else
  • Nelima Sitati Munene
  • State Rep. Zack Stephenson
  • Bloomington City Councilwoman Jenna Carter
  • State Sen. Melisa Franzen
  • Mo
  • State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski
  • State Rep. Kelly Morrison
  • Nausheena Hussain

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 16, 2020

Dear Neighbors

I took some time over our short Easter/Passover break to reflect upon my legislative experience this year and would like to share my thoughts in advance of our online Legislative Town Hall Thursday evening, which I’m hoping you will be able to attend. (The details are at the bottom of this note.)

COVID-19 Overview

The arrival of the COVID-19 virus in Minnesota in early March completely disrupted the legislative process, and we’re only now getting back to some semblance of normalcy with about a month left in a session that will end, as required by the state constitution, on May 18th. The last time that we were all on the floor of the House together as a body was Monday, March 16. Since then, much of our time has been spent fielding constituent questions and requests for assistance in navigating the various state government sources of information and resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expressions of support for various forms of legislative assistance to help workers, businesses and local governments, and expressions of concern over the impact that social distancing mandates are having on the economy are also streaming in. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 16, 2020”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: April 15, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I have spoken with many Edina residents over the last few days and we all share the common goal to reopen our community, but to do so safely. I’m pleased to share that Mayo says it has capacity do deliver testing needed to reopen Minnesota’s economy. This is great news, but it also means for now, we must continue to operate in different ways than we are used to. More details to come.

UI Update

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced today a 13-week extension of Unemployment Insurance. In addition, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which will provide unemployment benefits to self-employed individuals, independent contractors, gig workers and others will be operational by end of April. If your UI benefits have been exhausted, you are encouraged to re-apply at DEED’s website.

Yesterday, the House and Senate reconvened session to approve a couple core pieces of legislation; a fourth COVID-19 emergency package and the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. I’d like to start this newsletter with the latter of the two. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: April 15, 2020”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 15, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The Minnesota House is hard at work to make good on the promises we made to Minnesotans who desperately need our help. At long last affordable insulin will be a reality for those who need it most.

House Passes Alec Smith Affordability Act

Yesterday, the house voted to pass the Alec Smith Affordability Act. After many months of negotiations with Republicans, we finally reached a bipartisan consensus on this important legislation. I’m deeply grateful for the tireless advocacy of those who suffered the most at the hands of the pharmaceutical companies, and who kept up the pressure on lawmakers to get this across the finish line. The final version of the bill ensures those who urgently need a supply of insulin can get one and will require pharmaceutical manufacturers – who have made enormous profits off of the drug as its price has skyrocketed – to reimburse pharmacies for these emergency supplies. The legislation also provides relief for those who need assistance on a longer-term basis by requiring drug makers to create a patient assistance program. If they don’t comply, the companies could be fined up to $3.6 million for the first year, doubling in the second year. You can read the legislation here. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 15, 2020”

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: April 10, 2020

COVID-19 Update                                    April 10, 2020

Weekly Review Video

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A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

The Minnesota Legislature will next meet in session on April 14 to take up legislation to provide insulin for uninsured Minnesotans with diabetes or those who can’t afford it, in addition to other potential priorities specific to the COVID-19 crisis.

It is important for the Legislature to continue meet and pass legislation to make sure Minnesotans are protected and we come out of the pandemic in the strongest economic position possible. This week, the Legislature proved it can do so in a safe and effective manner by establishing procedures for remote voting that limit personal contact within the Capitol. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: April 10, 2020”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: April 10, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you are all doing well and finding time to practice self-care as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced an extension of the Stay at Home executive order until May 4. This extension will allow Minnesota to build new hospital capacity and buy ventilators and masks, plan for how to protect those most at risk, expand testing, and free up time for health care giants like the Mayo Clinic to develop critical treatments for the virus.

Update Stay Home

I’m grateful for our Governor’s leadership in standing strong to slow the spread of this pandemic but also hearing the small business community’s concerns when they say they can work safely and resume economic activity in some sectors. Many new business exceptions (such as lawn care and golf course maintenance) were made so they can operate safely, which is a good thing for jobs and our economy. Click herefor more information about the executive order.

Edina Shines in Time of COVID-19

Edina is known for its strong sense of community. I am so proud to mention a few ways our community is rising to meet complex needs during this time.

  • Edina COVID-19 Fund
    Want to help serve and strengthen our community? The Edina COVID-19 Relief Fund will help needs emerging right here in Edina. Learn more and donate here: https://www.edinacommunityfoundation.org/
  • Free Meals for Kids App
    Free Meals for Kids-app is a great way to help kids locate free healthy meals when they are not in school. Let’s work together to ensure hungry kids don’t miss a meal during school closures! Kudos to Edina resident Ellie Lucas for putting your creative talents to good use with the creation of this amazing app. Check it out here.
  • Edina Chinese Association Donates 10,000 Masks to Frontline Health Care Workers
    Read about this incredible donation the Edina Chinese Association made here.

Securing Workers’ Compensation for our First Responders

On Tuesday, the Legislature passed legislation delivering workers’ compensation benefits to health care and public safety workers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty. In particular, the legislation provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ comp. Front-line workers covered in the bill include doctors and nurses, firefighters, paramedics, police, long-term care workers, home health workers, correctional officers, and child care providers. You can read my full statement here.

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Voting remotely, practicing social distancing, from the roof of the State Office Building parking ramp.

COVID-19 Financial Assistance for Veterans

This week, Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota veterans and surviving spouses impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for one-time financial relief grants in the amount of $1,000 from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). MDVA is now accepting applications from Minnesota veterans who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find out how to apply here.

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Guidance for Additional $600 UI Payments

I’ve received many questions about the additional $600 payments in unemployment insurance from the federal government. Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has received final guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor to be one of the first states to make these payments. Click hereto learn more about what this means for Minnesotans.

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District 49 Virtual Town Hall

On April 16 at 7 p.m., I’ll be hosting a virtual town hall meeting with Rep. Elkins and Senator Franzen. You can join the live event here. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and connect with your neighbors online to learn more about how we can prevent the COVID-19 spread, and what we’re doing at the legislature to help Minnesotans affected by the virus. Please send your questions to me in advance of the town hall by replying to this email.

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Keep in Touch

I wish you and your family a wonderful Passover or Easter this weekend. Please continue to contact me on my cell phone at 651-785-8696 or by email at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn if I can be of any assistance.

It’s an honor to represent our Edina neighborhoods at the state legislature.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Heather Edelson
State Representative

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 8, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

We at the Legislature are working diligently, and safely, to pass critical COVID-19 legislation. This has been a strange experience for all of us, but we are managing to be effective at responding to this crisis. I hope you stay well and can find some joy while staying home as much as possible.

Legislature Passes Workers’ Compensation Bill

We gathered remotely on Tuesday to pass critical legislation to ensure that healthcare workers, first responders, and home health aides are eligible for workers’ compensation in the unfortunate event that they contract COVID-19 while serving Minnesotans during this public health crisis. In particular, the legislation provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID-19, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ compensation. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 8, 2020”

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: April 3, 2020

Weekly Review Video

ImageA weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

While the legislature is currently still meeting on an on-call basis, know that talks continue through emails, phone calls, and Zoom meetings to ensure that we are addressing those who need relief most due to COVID-19. In the upcoming weeks, the legislature is planning to meet again to include those missed in the first COVID relief bills including school hourly workers, grants for disability and mental health services, and additional protection for first responders and healthcare providers.

The legislature has been working to be more responsive and open to public input, so this week we tested committee meetings through Zoom. Below you can find more information about how to follow along with the legislature as we test out ways to virtually open up meetings and include public input, which is a necessary component of crafting legislation. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: April 3, 2020”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 1, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Today, April 1st,  is Census Day in the US. As of yesterday, only 42% of Minnesotans had responded to the Census letters we all received in the mail over the past few weeks – less than Wisconsin! Folks, this is critical. An incomplete count of Minnesotans could cost us a seat in Congress, and would reduce our funding under numerous Federal programs where both the state and local share of funds is apportioned on the basis of population. If you have not already completed your Census survey form – the entire survey takes about 5 minutes per household – please make a point of completing it now, or this evening, at Census.gov.

dafg Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: April 1, 2020”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 31, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and finding ways get outdoors and walk around the block to enjoy Springtime in Minnesota (following social distancing guidelines).

Distance Learning Began Yesterday

Distance learning began yesterday for students across the state. My kids were excited to get back into a routine and have some structure in place with classes back in session. I am so impressed with our teachers in Edina for all the work and countless hours they have put in to ensure our kids are ready to learn and grow academically, even when they’re not physically in the classroom. Thank you, educators, parents, and students for being creative and making this new learning work!

f Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 31, 2020”