Dear Neighbors,
The first month of session has passed in a bit of blur as we are striving to be historically productive. For too long gridlock has dominated politics at the Capitol, so we are working hard to make up for lost time.
Driver’s Licenses for All
On Monday the House passed our ‘Driver’s Licenses for All’ bill, which would allow all Minnesota residents to obtain a license regardless of immigration status. This is an important bill which will make our roads safer while restoring dignity and a critical privilege to our immigrant communities.
This was a beautiful day at the Capitol.This law is supported by law enforcement, the Minnesota Chamber, Dairy Farmers, and so many more because they realize how incredibly important the roles undocumented immigrants, our fellow community members, play in the State of Minnesota. We will still seek to improve our immigration system with the Federal government, but passing this legislation was a good step for our State. Thank you to the community members who have been working tirelessly to change this law for the last 20 years when it was first implemented. You can watch the exciting moments after it passed here.
Black History Month
This month is Black History Month, let's take this time to lift up Black communities and celebrate everything they contribute to our great state. Let's also use this time to focus on making our state more equitable and just for all Minnesotans.
At the legislature we are taking action to honor the history of Black Minnesotans and working to make the future more just. Just last night we passed a law to restore the vote the vote a bill to make Juneteenth a state holiday.
Restore the Vote Act
Last night, the Minnesota House voted to pass the Restore the Vote Act. The bill would restore voting rights to individuals convicted of a felony upon completion of incarceration. Twenty-one other states, including our neighbor North Dakota, already restore voting rights upon release, and I was proud to cast my ballot to join them. This is a great bill which makes our state more just and democratic.
Protecting the Protectors from PFAS
Thank you to Edina Firefighter Scott Vadnais for testifying in this week's hearing about the real harms of PFAS (also known as forever chemicals) in class B foam and in turnout gear. It was clear as we wrapped up the committee that we have work to do. I was encouraged that we have bipartisan support to see innovation to protect the men and women that protect Minnesota communities this session.
Intern for a Day
Three Edina High School students, Hudson, Julia and Alessandra joined us at the Capitol this week for my Office’s Intern for a Day Program! They spent the day learning about how State public policy is made, attended a committee hearing, met with a lobbyist who also is an Edina resident and even toured the Capitol with the historical society! Every year I look forward to this program - this year it’s nice to be back in person with the Capitol buzzing with energy that it’s known for during the legislative session.
Governor Bill Signings
Just as the House has been hard at work passing bills, the Governor has signed them just as promptly. This week he signed the CROWN Act, which will prevent discrimination based on natural hair or texture, and the PRO Act, which guarantees abortion rights. So many have worked so hard since Roe v. Wade was overturned to protect individual freedom to choose in Minnesota. Thank you to everyone who made this historic week happen.
Stay in Touch
Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4363 with your input or questions. You’re also welcome to follow me or ‘like’ my official Facebook page for additional updates.
Do you want to visit the Capitol or have an issue you want community members to know about to be included in my newsletter? Please email rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.gov.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Edina residents and families in the Minnesota House!
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative