Category: SD49

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 16, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well.

Yesterday, Governor Walz has ordered K-12 public schools to close to students by Wednesday, March 18-Friday, March 27 for school administrators and teachers to make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a break for planning purposes on how distance learning opportunities might be delivered in the case of an extended closure, how students special education needs can be met, how to support students who are experiencing homelessness, and several other public-school service provisions. 900,000 students have been sent home in an effort to bend the curve. You can find the Governor’s executive order here.

Edina Public Schools is working to ensure students and families can stop to stop in and pick-up personal items, books, technology. They also have arranged curbside pick up for families who receive free and reduced-price lunches. Find more information here.

Please see the resource document my colleagues and I put together for up-to-date information on state agency and other resources to confront the many challenges posed by COVID-19. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 16, 2020”

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

Dear Neighbors,

As we continue to work through what exactly the spread of COVID-19 will mean for each of us, one thing that many of us will encounter is how to best manage telecommuting. Here are some resources that may be of interest to your employers and their HR departments.

Commuter Services has free telework resources available to help ease any worksite transitions your business may encounter.

Free resources to assist businesses in implementing immediate or long-term telework strategies include: Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 16, 2020”

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

Dear Neighbors,

A lot of us will be entering uncharted territory in the coming weeks, but by following the advice of our health professionals and elected officials we will be able to make this process as painless as possible. Minnesota leadership is taking the actions needed to slow the spread of COVID-19, and now each and every one of us must do our part in this collective effort to save lives. Here is what you should know.

For our part, Legislators are here at the Capitol, poised to take any legislative action that may be necessary to implement the State’s emergency plans. I will be in my office most of the week, though my staff will be working from home, so calls will be rolling over to voice mail. Since all of our committee meetings have been cancelled, this week, I will be able to respond to constituent communications. Please call or e-mail rather than appearing, here, in person.

School Cancelations

Governor Walz announced over the weekend that Minnesota schools will be closed for at least eight days starting Wednesday March 18, though some schools may close earlier. This closure is to ensure the safety of our students and to give the schools time to prepare the best methods to teach remotely. This was certainly a tough call for Gov. Walz, but one I believe is for the benefit of all Minnesotans. You can watch the full statements of Gov. Walz and the Department of Education Commissioner Ricker here. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 16, 2020”

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 13, 2020

Volume 6, Issue 5                    March 13, 2020

Weekly Review Video

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A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

The Capitol remains busy as we received a lot of updates this week on the increasing spread of COVID-19 in our state and across the world. The situation remains fluid, but we are working together as a legislature to pass proper funding and provide up-to-date information to the community as soon as we know it from the Minnesota Department of Health. There is more information about the State of Minnesota’s response below. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 13, 2020”

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 13, 2020

Week of March 9 – 13

Reducing screen time and helping our youngest learners

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This week, a bill I’ve been working on with State Representative Kelly Morrison was featured on Good Morning America. Aimed at helping brain development of 0-5 year olds, the bill would reduce screen time use in schools for pre-k and kindergarten students. It would also start a PSA campaign to help parents learn the risks of screen use with developing young minds.You can view the story online by clicking HERE.

Thank you to our constituents Lisa Venable and Judy Stoffel who brought the idea to our attention and have been leading the way on this.

Students at the capitol

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Lots of young people came to visit the capitol this week, including a massive group from Eden Prairie High School. It was awesome getting to speak with them in the Governor’s Reception Room. Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 13, 2020”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 12, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 grow, I’ve asked a couple physicians from Edina to share helpful and practical tips to protect yourself and those around you.

Here is their public service announcement:

As Edina Residents and Emergency Physicians in the community, we are asking for your help to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 12, 2020”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: March 13, 2020 TOWN HALL CANCELLED

Dear Neighbors,

Our District 49 Town Hall meeting scheduled for Monday, March 16 has been cancelled amid growing concerns regarding COVID-19. Please visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s website for more information.

I encourage you to continue to reach out to me via telephone (651-296-7803) or email at the Capitol anytime with questions or input.

I’m honored to represent our engaged community.

Sincerely,

Steve Elkins
State Representative

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 13, 2020 TOWN HALL CANCELLED

Dear Neighbors,

Our District 49 Town Hall meeting scheduled for Monday, March 16 has been cancelled amid growing concerns regarding COVID-19.

I encourage you to continue to reach out to me via telephone (651-296-4363) or email at the Capitol anytime with questions or input.

I’m honored to represent our engaged Edina community.

Sincerely,

Heather Edelson

State Representative

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

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate  unanimously approved a bill to ensure that public health officials are prepared to respond to COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus. The bill appropriates approximately $21 million dollars to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz today.

I will share updates and news from MDH about this very serious issue as I receive them. If you or anyone in the community is concerned or seeking more information, MDH has set up a public hotline that will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The hotline number is 651-201-3920.

Here are a few other measures under discussion at the House: Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: March 10, 2020”

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 6, 2020

Volume 6, Issue 4               March 6, 2020

Clips from the Week

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A weekly message from your Senator

Dear Constituents and Friends,

A big thank you to everyone who made it to STEM Advocacy Day on Monday. STEM advocates and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics teams joined together at the Capitol this week for a day of advocacy and demonstrations showcasing the benefits STEM education can provide Minnesota students. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: March 6, 2020”