[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING COMMISSIONER HEATHER EDELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ILHAN OMAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 24, 2025

  Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations and to 
recognize the continued leadership of Heather Edelson, who was elected 
in 2024 as the Hennepin County Commissioner for District 6, after 
serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives for six years.
  Ms. Edelson was raised in North and Northeast Minneapolis and 
attended grade school in Columbia Heights. She was the first person in 
her family to graduate from college and went on to earn a Master's 
degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota. Prior to 
representing the constituents of Minnesota's District 50A, Ms. Edelson 
worked as a clinical outpatient mental health therapist. From a young 
age, she was taught by her grandfather, ``that doing the right thing is 
not a question, it's the only answer.'' This sentiment led to her 
passion for service.
  During her three terms as a State Representative, Ms. Edelson was 
committed to making a positive impact on the lives of her constituents 
by advancing policies that improved their quality of life. She has been 
a champion for disability rights, senior rights, the education system, 
environmental issues, as well as mental health and public safety. She 
served on multiple committees, including Education Finance, Human 
Services Policy, and Environment and Natural Resources Finance and 
Policy.
  Growing up, her family depended on services provided by the county, 
so she deeply understands the important role she now plays as one of 
seven Commissioners on the Hennepin County Board.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to honor Ms. Heather Edelson and her 
commitment to public service. Our community is fortunate to have a 
leader like Commissioner Edelson, and I look forward to working with 
her in her new role to make our communities a better place to work and 
live.

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