Minnesota Legislature 49 , CD3 DFL

Sen. Melissa Wiklund (SD50) Update: December 22, 2020

Dear Neighbor,

With the election behind us, and the year coming to a close, I wanted to give you one last update on work that’s been ongoing, and what we can look forward to during the 2021 legislative session. I continue to value the opportunity to serve our neighbors in Richfield and Bloomington, and I look forward to doing so moving forward. To begin with, though, my office will now be 2227 in the MN Senate Building. Although we won’t be meeting in-person for quite some time, I look forward to seeing you there when it’s safe. My phone number has not changed, so I hope you’ll keep in touch!

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

I know we are all thrilled at the news that a safe, effective vaccine for COVID-19 has been approved, and is being distributed already. Given the high need, limited supply, and centralized distribution, priorities have been set. I encourage you to check out this website from the Department of Health that describes the phases and planning involved.

Last week, the Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee heard from Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, and Dr. Kris Ehresmann, an infectious disease expert with the Department (and a Bloomington native), to discuss both the processes involved with vaccine distribution, as well as recent actions taken to continue fighting the pandemic. The first phase of vaccination will focus on health care professionals, long-term care residents, essential workers, and adults 65+ and with high-risk medical conditions. Care will also be taken to address areas with higher social vulnerability due to socioeconomic status, household composition, disability status, higher concentrations of people of color, language barriers, housing type, or transportation accessibility.

Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: December 23, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As the Christmas holiday quickly approaches, I’m reminded of this quote from Mary Ellen Chase – an important American literary scholar and graduate from the University of Minnesota: “Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind. ” It is my hope that all of you can spend Christmas filled with good food, laughter and love.

I want to pause and thank you for the honor of a 3rd term representing you in the Minnesota Senate. It is a privilege and I never take it for granted. Your input is invaluable and while we will not always be in full agreement on all issues, we can always agree we have much to be thankful for in being able to call Minnesota home.

As the country slows down for a few days while we celebrate Christmas and ending the Hanukkah celebration, let us each remember our military women and men serving our country. Many on distant shores. We thank our police, nurses, fire fighters and all who are working to keep us safe and well over the holiday. Also, those facing difficulties in day-to-day life. It is a precious time for family, friends and community.

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: December 23, 2020

December, 2020

Passing Additional COVID Relief

The legislature has now adjourned its 7th Special Session for 2020, an unprecedented occasion for our state which normally adjourns for the year in May. Among the bills we passed during this session was a $216 million COVID relief package, to help individuals and businesses most impacted by this pandemic. There is still more to do though, and when the next legislature convenes in 2021 we need to build on this.

Getting Ready for 2021

As mentioned during a previous newsletter, I have moved offices at the Capitol. My new office is room 2231 in the Minnesota Senate Building, and we are still open (virtually) to address your questions, comments, and concerns!

I have also moved desks on the Senate Floor, though in our socially distanced environment it is unclear how much I will be using it. Farewell to the desk whose glass shattered in front of me on my very first day in office

A new session also brings new committee assignments, and they are very similar to the ones I served on last year. I am thrilled to serve you as a member of the following committees:

Education Finance and Policy
Environment Policy and Legacy Finance
Local Government

I hope you continue to stay active in this upcoming legislative session, even though much of it will likely be virtual. So far this month I have met with:

The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce
Constituents advocating on behalf of Hammer Residences and people who live there
Students at Scenic Heights Elementary School in Minnetonka
School superintendents and school boards in Eden Praire and Minnetonka
The Jewish Community Relations Council
The Eden Prairie city council
Friends of the Boundary Waters
And many others!

We are doing our very best to make civic engagement as easy as possible in this virtual environment, and I am always willing to meet with my constituents. Just shoot me an email and my phenomenal legislative assistant, Greg Weiner, will get us set up for a virtual meeting or phone call!

Talking Education with Senate Media

Last week I had the opportunity to appear on the Senate’s news program, Capitol Report, with moderator Shannon Loehrke. We had a great conversation about my experience in the classroom, the philosophy of teaching, and my new book. You can check out the segment by clicking HERE!

Virtually Connecting for Another Town Hall

Rep. Pryor, Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn, and I hosted a virtual town hall meeting last week, and it was a pleasure to see many of your names pop up as viewers and in the comments section. Thank you to those who submitted their questions beforehand to help streamline this process, and thank you to everyone for your patience during this difficult time. You can watch a recording of the town hall by clicking HERE!

Electoral College Members Cast Their Votes

In town halls and city halls across Minnesota, citizens engaged. Election officials and volunteers put in countless, thankless hours. On November 3rd we the people exercised our sacred duty in record numbers. Last Monday our state’s 10 electors finished the process. Democracy really is something to behold.

A New Paper in Town

Many of you know that in April the Eden Prairie News closed its doors. In response, the community has come together to launch the Eden Prairie Local News, and I could not be more grateful. As Thomas Jefferson once said: “If I had to choose between a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” You can check out an article about this in the Star Tribune by clicking HERE. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.

Student Workers Begin Receiving Unemployment Benefits

We have experienced unprecedented layoffs during this pandemic, in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While we have expanded our unemployment insurance program to fit this need, there were still unfortunately people who were unable to access it. A big group of these workers were high school students, who have been working and paying into the system but unable to access benefits. For many families, these students brought home income that was essential to their family’s wellbeing, being used for things like groceries and healthcare. A recent court decision put a fix to this, and the Department of Employment and Economic Development has begun issuing payments. You can view the department’s press release by clicking HERE. Thank you to all of the young people who kept up the pressure on this.

Happy Holidays and Happy Reading

I know I said this in our last newsletter, but happy holidays again! I know how difficult it is to be socially distanced from our families during this time. Still, this does present an opportunity to grab a book off the shelf that you’ve been meaning to read. What are you planning to read for pleasure this holiday season? I hope whatever you choose to read brings you joy, intrigue, knowledge, or whatever else you are looking for in your book. I wish you all the best and a very happy new year.

Rep. Michael Nelson (HD40A) Update: December 23, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you and yours are staying healthy this holiday season. The way we gather with our loved ones might look quite a bit different this year, but as we continue to sacrifice for the wellbeing of our community, there is light at the end of the tunnel for this pandemic.

The first vaccines are being administered in our state and new economic assistance is on its way. You can read about that and more in this latest legislative update.

The First Round of COVID Vaccines

Before the vaccine’s arrival in our state, Governor Walz announced Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan. Keeping speed, equity, and safety in mind – the plan was made in partnership with the federal government to ensure we’re making the most of the limited supply we’ll have for now.

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: December 23, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

As the holidays continue to look different for many of us this year, I want to wish you and yours safe celebrations and a healthy new year.

This has been a busy month for our state, with the first COVID-19 vaccines being administered, economic assistance on the way for small businesses and working families, and a snowplow that needs your help with a new name! You can read about that and more in today’s update:

Minnesota’s Vaccine Plan

Last week, Minnesota received its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine. Since we’ll have a limited supply for the time being, we’ll be following a strict plan that has been put in place in partnership with the federal government to make sure we’re making the most of this vaccine. You can view Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan here, which was formulated with the goal of making the process as quick, equitable, and safe as possible.

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: December 23, 2020

Neighbors,

Earlier this week, Congress approved a $900 billion COVID-19 assistance package. Businesses and families need this boost from the federal government to manage the economic fallout from the virus.

At the time this update is being sent, there is still uncertainty about the final version of the aid bill. This is exactly why the legislature passed – and governor signed – a COVID-19 Economic Assistance Package to help businesses and workers survive this economic crisis.

New laws take effect

Two significant new laws will take effect on January 1. One law will modify how sexual assault kits are tested and stored. It aims to ensure the kits are stored properly and extends the time that untested kits are retained, giving survivors more time to change their mind about having the evidence analyzed. The other will improve continuity of care via shortened timelines for prior authorization and access to information about health care plans. You can read more about these laws here.

Daughter of late state Sen. Jerry Relph who died of COVID-19 calls on Senate GOP leader to apologize for his role in father’s death

The daughter of the late state Sen. Jerry Relph, R-St. Cloud, is calling on the Minnesota Senate majority leader to apologize for holding an in-person election victory party last month, which is how her father likely contracted COVID-19 weeks before he died, she said.

“It was a frivolous and vain action,” said Dana Relph, referring to the Nov. 5 dinner party at a Lake Elmo event center hosted by Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake. “I’m sorry, but celebrating holding onto the Senate in the middle of the pandemic? They were spending money on something like that and then putting people in danger.”

Relph, 42, spoke with the Reformer a day after her father succumbed to complications from the disease, the first Minnesota lawmaker to do so. COVID-19 is particularly deadly to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Jerry Relph was 76. Continue reading.

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: December 21, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

As 2020 draws to a close, news of a recent deal on a $900 billion COVID-19 assistance package at the federal level is encouraging. This is good first step toward more economic recovery for our families and businesses, but we know more robust response and recovery measures will be needed until a vaccine is widely available for all who want one.

I am ready to continue working with my Republican and Democrat colleagues in the State House and Senate to find more local recovery strategies for Champlin and Coon Rapids families and businesses when we convene for session on January 5.

Mississippi River Crossing Study

We’re getting closer to developing a plan for the Northwest Metro Mississippi River Crossing!

House Select Committee on Racial Justice issues new report with recommendations to dismantle systemic racism

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Tuesday, the House Select Committee on Racial Justice adopted a new report chronicling persistent racial disparities and detailing specific policies to dismantle systemic racism in Minnesota. Click here to download a copy.

“I’m proud of the Select Committee’s hard work this year to help Minnesotans understand the historical context behind systemic racism, and to give the unacceptable racial disparities throughout the state the attention they deserve,” said co-chair Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul). “Now, it’s time for the rest of the Legislature to follow through on these important recommendations to help Black, Indigenous, and People of Color live healthy, safe, and prosperous lives full of opportunity to reach their full potential.”

The Select Committee’s policy recommendations address intentional and unintentional systemic disparities and inequities based on race. The recommendations – which cover topics including economic development, housing, education, public safety, health and human services, and environmental justice – have the goal of expanding access to the opportunity to build a prosperous state for all Minnesotans.

Rep. Laurie Pryor Update: December 19, 2020

Neighbors,

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Legislature passed – and Governor Walz signed – a bipartisan assistance package aimed at providing a lifeline to our state’s small businesses and working families until federal relief can arrive. The bill includes a 13-week extension of unemployment insurance and direct financial support for businesses.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue estimates 5,800 small businesses will receive $82-88 million beginning before the end of December. Another $114.5 million will be distributed to counties to provide grants to impacted businesses, and movie theaters and convention centers will receive $14 million. In the bill, Hennepin County would receive just over $25.2 million for small business grants. You can read my statementhere.

More information on what’s in the bill can be found here, and the specifics on eligible businesses, program requirements, and payment amounts here.

Updated Rules for Restaurants, Bars, Gyms, and Other Venues

On Wednesday, Governor Walz provided an update for bars, restaurants, gyms, and other venues which will start on December 19:

Bars, restaurants, and breweries: Will remain closed for indoor dining, but they may open for outdoor service at 50 percent capacity or up to 100 people.
Gyms and fitness studios: May open for individual exercise at 25 percent capacity, or 100 people maximum,.
Youth and adult sports: Practices can resume January 4.
Outdoor entertainment venues: Open at 25 percent capacity, up to 100 people maximum.
Social Gatherings: Minnesotans may gather inside with one other household up to 10 people. If outside, social gatherings may include up to two additional households (three total) with a maximum of 15 people. Masking and social distancing is strongly encouraged.

You can find information on these updates and more at StaySafe.MN.

Virtual Town Hall

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to the SD 48 Virtual Town Hall Thursday night. As usual, it was a fast-paced event as we addressed many of your questions and concerns. If you were not able to participate, you can click on this link to watch the town hall.

Student workers now eligible for unemployment

The Minnesota Court of Appeals recently ruled that the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, under the federal CARES Act, does in fact apply to student workers and therefore unemployment benefits are now available for students whose employment was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments are being made retroactively. Student workers are encouraged to apply at www.uimn.org before December 26. More information is available from Youthprise.

Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic (are not experiencing any symptoms). Wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lessen COVID-19 spread.
Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
Stay six feet away from others.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.

Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

Laurie Pryor
State Representative

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

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December, 2020

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Mississippi River Crossing Study

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