Dear Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through July! I hope you and your family have been staying safe and healthy. All of our individual choices have a great impact on our collective community and I’m grateful for our city’s mask requirement in indoor public spaces.
Special Session Update
The second special session of the year is underway. Legislators gaveled in on Monday to begin another round of negotiations and compromise on additional COVID-19 relief measures, criminal and racial justice reform and police accountability, and a jobs and local projects or “bonding” bill. I am pleased to share the Edina Public Safety training facility upgrade has been included in an agreed upon bonding bill with the Senate Majority.
Both bodies are currently adjourned as we work together to find common ground on these important issues. I continue to collaborate with our business community, my legislative colleagues, and the Governor’s office on recovery solutions that keep our main street shops competitive and thriving, while protecting public health. If you are a business owner that has feedback or input on operations amid COVID, please contact me anytime at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.
Hire a Veteran Month
Governor Tim Walz has declared July “Hire A Veteran Month” to acknowledge the extensive skills and abilities that veterans bring to the workplace – and to encourage Minnesota employers to hire veterans not only in July but throughout the year. About 308,000 veterans live in Minnesota and 153,000 of them are of working age.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the large annual Veterans Career Fair traditionally held in July has been postponed. Instead, CareerForce, led by DEED’s Veterans Employment Program, is hosting two virtual veterans events this month along with other partners and with the support of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). You can learn more here.
Census Update
Minnesota leads the nation in self-response rates to the 2020 U.S. Census at 71%! I’m proud to share Edina’s response rate is 79%. This is great news, but we can do better! Our fair share of federal resources and representation in government are directly linked to an accurate count of our residents. If you haven’t responded to the Census, you can do so online here, by phone, or by mail.
Back to School Update
With still so much uncertainty around COVID-19 remaining, the House Education Committees recently discussed what school could look like in the fall – whether K-12 schools will fully reopen, if distance learning will continue, or if some sort of a hybrid will be introduced. School districts are trying to plan for all three scenarios.
The Minnesota Department of Education last week released the results of a survey asking Minnesota families about their experience with distance learning and their thoughts on the upcoming school year. They received over 130,000 responses, which showed that 64% of respondents selected that they would feel comfortable sending their students back to school. The results also showed significant concerns for public health remain.
Edina Public Schools has launched its own survey. You are invited to share your input online by this Friday, July 17 at noon. A decision on the upcoming school year is expected to be announced later this month.
Edina Internship Update
I’m pleased to share our Student Bill Writing summer internship will have 20 Edina youths participating this year! Stay tuned on the progress of our work.
Last Update
This is my last update until after the election. Pursuant to House Rules, Legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications during an election period because it might create an unfair advantage. While I won’t be able to send out these updates for a while, you can still follow me on my legislative Facebook page. I’m still available to meet via telephone, help with state level problems, and discuss issues important to our community. Feel free to give my office a call at 651-296-4363 or email me anytime at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.
It’s an honor to represent our Edina families, residents, and community at the state legislature.
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative