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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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