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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!


Distance Learning Art Class


Thank You for Grocery Shopping for Seniors!

Many thanks to all the amazing Edina volunteers that spent this week suited up in plastic gloves and practiced social distancing all while being essential workers and shopping for seniors and people with disabilities in our community!

Interested in helping? Please email me at: hmedelson@gmail.com. You can grocery shop or be trained to take orders over the phone without stepping a foot in a store. We shop very early in the morning so the store is nearly empty – this organization needs our help to get people food!



On Thursday last week, my colleagues and I reconvened at the Capitol — practicing distancing guidelines per the recommendations by MDH — to pass a bipartisan, comprehensive package of legislation to help protect Minnesotans’ health and economic security during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill created a new $200 million COVID-19 Fund in the state treasury to enable state agencies to respond to COVID-19 related challenges. It also included $9 million to the Department of Human Services for emergency food shelf funding, $26.5 million for the Emergency Service Grants program to provide shelter for Minnesota’s homeless population, $30 million in one-time grants to child care providers, $10 million for small business loans, financial relief for displaced workers, and the necessary flexibility for state agencies to respond to the pandemic. You can read a full recap from the nonpartisan office of House Public Information here. The Governor signed the bill into law on Saturday.

That said, I’m disappointed a few things did not make the final bill:

  • Ensuring emergency responders if they get COVID-19 can receive worker’s compensation.
  • Securing pay for hourly school workers like our paraprofessionals and bus drivers, to name only a few.
  • Expanding Rental Assistance

The work continues. We are seeing new gaps and issues arise every day and are working to find solutions as they come. Although we are in recess until April 14, or until another bipartisan agreement is reached, I continue to seek input from Edina residents to help shape the best outcomes for us all in the days and months ahead.


Stay Connected

As always, this is a challenging time for all of us and I want you to know I’m here for you and your families. Please contact me anytime with questions, input, or ideas on my cell at 651-785-8696 or by sending an email at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.

I frequently post video updates on my official Facebook page, and I invite you to ‘like’ or follow it here. If you know of neighbors, coworkers, or friends who may be interested in getting these email update from the Capitol (currently, Edina), they can sign up here.

Thank you for the honor of serving you at the state legislature.

Take good care,

Heather Edelson

State Representative

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