Tag: Rep. Edelson

Dear Neighbors,

For thousands of Minnesotans across the state, it’s back-to-school season. I want to wish “good luck” to all of the teachers, parents, students and staff heading off for their first day and a new year of school!

For decades, Minnesota’s financial commitment to schools has fallen short, but this year the Minnesota House of Representatives passed quite a few measures to support our classrooms. All of our school districts will see a two percent funding increase per student this year, and again next year. Though we can always do better for our students, our investment should help schools avoid teacher layoffs, closures, program cuts and larger class sizes. We also protected pre-K for 4000 early learners, and addressed a significant shortfall in special education funding.

I’m also glad that my legislation to help identify and test students struggling with Dyslexia will be implemented in school districts across the state. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: August 29, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

A big thank you to all the families who joined us for Kids Day at the Capitol! The kids learned the process of how a bill becomes a law, played Speaker of the House, and we debated some good policy and bill ideas for next session.

Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: July 31, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

This is a friendly reminder to join us tomorrow in St. Paul for ‘Kids Day at the Capitol’. You can meet us on the front steps of the Capitol at 9:30 a.m. No RSVPs are needed!

This educational opportunity will give Edina families a “behind the scenes” tour of what it’s like working at the Capitol and to see up close how a bill becomes a law. It’s a nonpartisan event and everyone is welcome. After a short tour, a longer tour will be provided by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Please contact me with any questions, comments, or ideas. I value your input!

It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol.

Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative

Dear Neighbors,

I hope your summer is off to a great start! Now that school is out, I’m hosting two family-friendly events in St. Paul called ‘Kids Day at the Capitol’.

Mark your calendars and please join us on Wednesday, July 10th at 9:30 a.m. or Friday, July 26th at 9:30 a.m. for an educational opportunity that will give Edina families a “behind the scenes” tour of what it’s like working at the Capitol and to see up close how a bill becomes a law.

This is a free, nonpartisan event and everyone is welcome. After a short tour, a longer tour will be provided by the Minnesota Historical Society.

You can find more details and sign up here! Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: June 20, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

We wrapped up the session on Saturday morning after reaching agreement with the Senate on a 2-year state budget. Minnesotans rightfully expect the legislature to compromise and get the work done, and I’m glad we were able to deliver on this. Governor Walz signed into law the state budget bills today.

You can find a comprehensive review of which measures passed and those that did not here.

In my last update, I shared some brief highlights of the budget agreement reached between the House, Senate and Governor. I’d like to take this opportunity to provide some detail on key components of the state budget. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: May 31, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

This week, we demonstrated that a divided government can find compromise and common ground to build a state that works better for all Minnesotans.

The compromise preserves health care for over 1 million Minnesotans, makes significant investments in our students and schools, and delivers targeted tax cuts for Minnesota families. You can read more about the budget agreement from our nonpartisan House Public Information office here.

The Governor has indicated he will call us back to a special session soon to allow time for nonpartisan staff and legislators to process the finalized budget agreement.

I’m continuing to advocate for Tobacco 21’s inclusion into the final budget. Thirteen States have raised the legal age to purchase tobacco to 21, the most recent being Texas. This is a bipartisan public health policy both Democrats and Republicans can get behind. We need to protect our youth from the harm of tobacco and nicotine for future generations to come. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: May 21, 2019”

 

Dear Neighbors,

Negotiations between the House, Senate and Governor are ongoing with 72 hours until we must constitutionally adjourn. I’m optimistic we can find common ground to put forward a strong and fiscally responsible state budget for Minnesotans. Here’s an update from the Capitol:

Conference Committees

House/Senate conference committees continue their work to reconcile policy and fiscal differences within the bills. Without budget ‘targets’ this has proven to be difficult, but nonetheless the House is working hard to use every minute wisely.

I’m pleased to share the Education conference committee incorporated my bill into the education budget. The legislation would require a school district to screen students for dyslexia before the end of kindergarten and by the beginning of second grade. When reading challenges occur, oftentimes families can’t afford to have their kids screened. Enabling school districts to have this tool ensures all kids are counted and that they can be successful in the classroom. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: May 17, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

The House has approved our components of the state budget. It was a long two weeks with many late nights of debate and discussion.

After the Minnesota Senate approves their respective budget bills, lawmakers from each chamber will form a conference committee to reach agreement on a final budget. If there is legislation you care deeply about, please be sure to contact my office by email or phone.

Below is a summary of the budget bills passed: Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: May 1, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and you’ve had a great week. Our budget bills are making their final committee stops before we head to longer floor sessions. Next week, the Legislature will observe Easter and Passover, so I will be back in Edina, connecting with community members in the district.

Here’s an update from the Capitol:

Governor Walz Signs Hands-Free Cell Phone Bill into Law

Governor Tim Walz today signed the compromise ‘hands free’ legislation into law. Minnesota will be the 17^th state, plus the District of Columbia, to require a ‘hands free’ device while driving beginning August 1, 2019. It was an honor to support the bill on Tuesday on the House Floor when it passed with overwhelming support of 107-9. Continue reading “Rep. Heather Edelson (HD49A) Update: April 12, 2019”