Category: SD49

Senator Franzen joins Latino State Legislators in Las Vegas for NALEO Legislative Summit

Two-day convening brought Senator Franzen and other Latino lawmakers together around effective policymaking and governance strategies on key issues

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Senator Melisa Franzen, DFL-Edina, joined the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, and more than 65 other Latino state legislators for the NALEO Legislative Summit in Las Vegas from October 25-26, 2019.

The convention provided Senator Franzen and Latino lawmakers from across the nation with the opportunity to enhance the governance skills and capacity needed to become more effective advocates for their constituents ahead of upcoming legislative sessions. Over the two-days, Summit members addressed ways to formulate innovative approaches and policy solutions from a position of leadership.

“What a privilege and honor it was for me to be able to convene with fellow Latino lawmakers to bring back great ideas to be a more effective legislator for my constituents and for the state of Minnesota,” said Sen. Franzen. “The NALEO Legislative Summit provided a space for the exchange of policy ideas, the building of collaborative partnerships, and thoughtful discussion about how best to tackle challenges and create opportunities in our respective states.” Continue reading “Senator Franzen joins Latino State Legislators in Las Vegas for NALEO Legislative Summit”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: October 29, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the season of changing colors and cooler weather.

A lot has been happening around the state and at the Capitol.

Here’s an update from St. Paul:

A Plan for Robo Calls

Earlier this month, my House colleagues announced plans for cracking down on predatory ‘robo-calls’. These spoofed calls are on the rise in Minnesota, with reporting showing approximately 58 calls per person in 2019 so far. Scammers are using the latest technology to swindle people, especially the elderly and vulnerable populations, and it’s time to fight back. Minnesotans are sick and tired of these invasive calls. I look forward to supporting this common-sense legislation when it’s introduced at the start of the 2020 session in February. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: October 29, 2019”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: October 16, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

This email serves as a friendly reminder to save the date for our upcoming ‘Community Conversation on Polymet’ on October 21 at 6:30 p.m. featuring former Governor Arne Carlson. I’m pleased to share panelist Chris Knopf, Executive Director of the Friends of the BWCA, will be joining the discussion. Mr. Knopf has been dedicated to preserving and protecting natural resources and lands for over 25 years. You can read more about Mr. Knopf’s background here.

Polymet

I look forward to our conversation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

Sincerely,

Heather Edelson

State Representative

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: October 8, 2019

Dear Community Members, Friends and Neighbors,

The permits for the first potential Copper-Sulfide Polymet Mine in Minnesota will come before the courts on October 23, 2019. With the importance of the impending decision, my office has decided to host one more Community Conversation this year around what this means for our State.

Please Save the Date and plan to join us on October 21st from 6:30PM to 8:00PM at Edina City Hall.

We have invited all stakeholders, from Polymet Government Affairs, to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, to those who oppose this proposal due to the impact on our environment. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: October 8, 2019”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: September 20, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

Climate change is one of the top issues that I hear about from fellow community members. People from across the state are organizing in their communities and urging legislators to take action. Young people are particularly dedicated to fighting climate change. On Friday, hundreds of Minnesota students kicked off Climate Action Week by participating in the worldwide Youth Climate Strike.

My colleagues and I are standing in solidarity with the students as they strike. To show our support, we’ve formed a new Climate Action Caucus. This dedicated group of legislators, which I’m proud to be a part of, will work with Minnesotans on a bold, comprehensive plan to fight climate change and create a future in which we all thrive. Please stay tuned for updates.

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b3e94069b5cec86069f3af6a2/images/c57450e0-878d-44c2-9d21-7245fbd1c55b.jpg Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: September 20, 2019”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: September 18, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

I hope the transition from summer to fall has been treating you well. I’m writing today to remind you of our upcoming Edina climate change event featuring climatologist Paul Douglas on September 23!

Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: September 18, 2019”

Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: September 11, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

The cooler weather is a reminder that fall is right around the corner- and with that, comes back-to-school season. I’d like to wish all students, parents, families, teachers, administrators, and support staff an excellent 2019-2020 school year.

After hearing from residents in our community and across the state, state lawmakers passed a budget that makes new investments in every student in every public school. Despite challenges under one of the nation’s only divided state legislatures, our schools will see a per-student funding increase over the next two years, continued access to voluntary pre-k, and additional investments to help address soaring special education shortfalls.

There is much more work to do to provide a world-class education for every child, and I’ll keep advocating for students of all ages and abilities. Continue reading “Rep. Steve Elkins (HD49B) Update: September 11, 2019”

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: September 5, 2019

September, 2019

An interim update from your Senator

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Dear Constituents and Friends,

As the summer comes to an end, I want to update you on my work during this busy interim. While session ended in May, representing our district is ongoing. It has been great to continue meeting with constituents and hearing about the issues that you care about most.

I am pleased to inform that I was appointed to the Task Force on Medical Cannabis Therapeutic Research. I look forward to working to ensure that medical cannabis is both accessible and affordable.

I have included a sampling of the activities that I have attended during this busy interim and some of the events I plan to participate in the future. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: September 5, 2019”

Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: August 29, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

For thousands of Minnesotans across the state, it’s back-to-school season. I want to wish “good luck” to all of the teachers, parents, students and staff heading off for their first day and a new year of school!

For decades, Minnesota’s financial commitment to schools has fallen short, but this year the Minnesota House of Representatives passed quite a few measures to support our classrooms. All of our school districts will see a two percent funding increase per student this year, and again next year. Though we can always do better for our students, our investment should help schools avoid teacher layoffs, closures, program cuts and larger class sizes. We also protected pre-K for 4000 early learners, and addressed a significant shortfall in special education funding.

I’m also glad that my legislation to help identify and test students struggling with Dyslexia will be implemented in school districts across the state. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: August 29, 2019”