Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday afternoon, Governor Walz announced the end of Minnesota’s statewide mask requirement, aligning Minnesota with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on face coverings.
Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated are still strongly recommended to wear face coverings indoors.
Private businesses and local municipalities may still put in place face covering requirements. I understand that Minneapolis has already passed a mask ordinance today.
And Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan, along with the existing face covering guidance for schools and child care settings, remain in effect. For the remainder of the 2020-21 school year masks must continue to be worn by everyone inside school buildings or on a school bus.
The CDC announced that masks are no longer required for fully-vaccinated individuals, either indoors or outside. Minnesotans should follow CDC guidance and wear masks in medical settings and on public transportation, whether or not they are fully vaccinated.
A Deal Has Not Been Reached: Session to Adjourn Monday, May 17, 2021
The Minnesota Constitution states that the legislature on budget years must end on May 17th – yet the leaders and conference committees have yet to strike a deal. This is incredibly frustrating as Minneostans are counting on us to pass PPP and UI Conformity, K-12 Education, Health and Public Safety funding as well as an overall budget for the next biennium.
June 14, 2021 is being calendared for a Special Session to allow leaders and conference committees time to finalize negotiations. I will keep pushing to ensure we get a deal done as soon as possible.
Civility Caucus Last Meeting for the Legislative Session
We had a great Civility Caucus meeting Monday with Democrats and Republicans from the Minnesota House and Senate.
It’s been an honor to Co-Chair this Caucus this year with my colleagues Representative Kristin Robbins, Senator Steve Cwodzinski and Senator Mark Koran (and Dave and Mariah from the Office of Conflict Resolution). Our focus is on building and improving bipartisan collaboration at the Capitol.
I’m proud of the work we have done and will continue over the Summer.
Adult-use Cannabis Passed the Minnesota House of Representatives
Yesterday evening the Minnesota House passed adult-use cannabis. I have historically been strongly opposed to the legalization of cannabis, and have focused my efforts on improving the medical cannabis program since entering the legislature 3 years ago. That said, the comprehensive and solidly vetted bill addresses many of my concerns, thanks in part to the robust state wide listening sessions held throughout Minnesota these past few years. Last night, I voted in support of the legislation.
I understand the concerns raised by some Minneostans as I have had similar worries – I grew up in a home with a parent who struggled with drug addiction and much of the policy I work on reflects that experience.
I also understand that Black Minnesotans are arrested and charged at a rate of 30% for possession, while white Minnesotans are charged at a 5% rate. Keeping cannabis illegal is disproportionately harming communities of color, and that leads to the entanglement of a variety of issues around racial justice, public safety, accessibility, etc. Criminal charges will not stop the use of cannabis in our communities – we as leaders need to find a way to regulate its safety in our communities and on our roads, in order to create educational and preventative programs around the structures we ultimately land on. On that note – it is also important for you to know this bill will NOT become law this year as it does not have support in both chambers of the legislature.
I am happy to talk more about this issue further. If anyone in our community would like to connect, feel free to email me at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.
Town Hall Event: May 27, 7:00 PM
Edina Public Schools Levy Results
The results of the May 11th Election to renew and increase the Edina Public Schools Tech Levy?
✅ PASSED by 70 percent
Thank you to the Edina Community for supporting students and our local schools!
Summer Student Working Group / Internship
My office will be hosting a 3 week Summer Bill Writing Working Group / Internship from July 12 to July 30th. This opportunity is open for all high schooler levels from incoming Freshman to graduating Seniors.
If you know a student that may be interested – have them apply today!
This is an unpaid internship where students will learn how legislation is created on the State level. Students will meet twice a week during the internship. Most meetings will be held on zoom with the exception of one or two meetings that will be held outside. A letter of completion will be given to all students who successfully finish this program!
Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2021 (BY TOMORROW).
Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn or 651-296-4363 with your input or questions. You’re welcome also to follow me or ‘like’ my official Facebook page for additional updates.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Edina residents and families in the Minnesota House!
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative