Legislative Update- April 24, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

This week, Governor Walz, Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, and Hennepin Healthcare announced a breakthrough for rapid, widespread testing of COVID-19 in Minnesota. The statewide testing strategy was launched to test all symptomatic people, isolate confirmed cases, and expand public health surveillance tools. 

By building capacity to test as many as 20,000 Minnesotans per day, this increased testing and tracing will help improve control of this pandemic and support the safe re-opening of society. For more information on this coordinated effort, click here.

This is a positive development, but we’re not out of the woods yet. Minnesotans are staying home, staying safe, and buying health officials more time to keep people safe and healthy. We need to stick with what we know is working while continue improving our ability to test, trace, and isolate cases in order to keep people safe while starting to reopen parts of our economy.

Distance Learning Remains in Place for Remainder of School Year

The Governor also this week extended distance learning through the end of the school year.

I understand this is hard news for many families as distance learning is challenging for parents and kids (as well as teachers) but we are in unprecedented times, which takes unprecedented measures. A big thank you to all the Edina educators and families for your continued flexibility, patience, and commitment to our students' success.

Governor’s Plan to Safely Reopen Businesses

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced his decision to allow certain businesses to safely return to work. Developed in partnerships with hundreds of businesses, labor and worker organizations, and public health experts, this action will allow 80,000-100,000 Minnesotans to return to work in industrial, manufacturing, and office settings on Monday, April 27.

Prior to loosening restrictions for a given setting, businesses must create, share, and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that sets out the actions they are taking to ensure social distancing, worker hygiene, and facility cleaning and disinfection necessary to keep workers safe. Learn more here. The Governor also shared a dial framework to demonstrate how we can safely and gradually continue to open our businesses and other public places.

Celebrating 50 years of Earth Day

Wednesday marked the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day. As a member of the House Climate Action Caucus, I continue to work to protect our planet for future generations of Minnesotans. It’s imperative we honor the progress made by those who came before us and act on behalf of those who will come after us.

A few of my colleagues had an opportunity to interview Vice President Walter Mondale to reflect on his experience voting as a U.S. Senator to establish it. Listen to the conversation here.

Mask Drive

Governor Walz recently launched a statewide homemade mask drive to encourage Minnesotans to create homemade masks for donation and highlight the importance of workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Edina residents can deliver homemade masks to the Edina Fire Department. The department will then deliver the masks to local congregate living facilities for their employees and residents to wear.

Thank U Lawn Signs

Many people have asked how to get one of these amazing signs we have in our front yard created by an Edina mom and friend who knew people wanted an outlet to support frontline workers! You can get one here: thethankustore.com. Even better, they are donating proceeds to help local efforts to feed and support community members in need!

Keep in Touch

Please keep the calls and emails coming. I am always grateful for the opportunity to help our community -- especially during these challenging times. My cell phone number is 651-785-8696, or you can send me an email at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.

Thank you for the honor of serving our Edina neighborhoods at the Capitol (currently, from my home in Edina).

Sincerely,

Heather Edelson

State Representative