Dear Neighbors,
This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and I would like to take a moment to recognize all the incredible work our educators have done to adjust to the demand of this crisis and support the needs of our students. Our teachers play a critical role for setting our students up for lifelong success. To every teacher in our community, thank you for all you do! And to the parents who are taking on the role of working with your child on distant learning – we appreciate you too!
Revised Budget Projection
Yesterday, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) announced a $2.426 billion projected deficit. Our state has $2.359 billion in reserves, which is more than we have had in Minnesota’s history. This means Minnesota will need additional federal funds to balance our state budget. Now more than ever, it will be very important to exercise caution and be fiscally cognizant of the values we ought to protect- like helping our small businesses get back on their feet, investing in our world class public schools, ensuring our Edina neighbors have access to affordable health care, and much more.
Elective Surgeries to Resume
Starting next week, doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who create a plan to keep patients and healthcare professionals safe may begin offering these procedures, which can treat chronic conditions, prevent and cure disease. I want to thank the many doctors and nurses who helped weigh in on resuming operations in Minnesota – it was my honor to work with the Governor’s office on ensuring patients get the care they need, even during a pandemic.
Governor Walz’s executive order 20-52 will allow hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and clinics – whether veterinary, medical, or dental – to resume many currently-delayed procedures once facilities have developed criteria for determining which procedures should proceed during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided a plan to maintain a safe environment for facility staff, patients, and visitors. You can read my full statement here.
Securing Safe Elections
This week, the House passed legislation allowing for the release of federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds to ensure the health and safety of election officials and in-person voters. This includes preparation for increased absentee voting, new polling place locations, the purchase of sanitation and disinfectant supplies, and public outreach for implementing social distancing guidelines related to voting. I was glad to support this initiative that passed with broad bipartisan support.
A Message of Hope and Love
The world around us still looks different. I want to share some of the beautiful things that are happening despite the challenging times we’re living under.
Edina student, Indra Khariwala, and many other community members recently participated in a Peace Project that she shared with me and you can find here. People of all ages deserve our compassion and love. Thank you to all the partners that made this moving project happen including Stages Theatre Company.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out to me on any issue that’s important to you. I value your input and welcome your feedback and questions anytime.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Edina families at the Capitol!
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative