Category: SD48

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 27, 2020

Neighbors,

This is a very difficult time as the world seems to be turning upside down. I find comfort knowing that, in Minnesota, we have the best medical and public safety professionals guided by the steady leadership of Governor Walz and his cabinet. The legislature, working in partnership with these experts, gives me hope of brighter days ahead.

On Thursday, the Minnesota House met to pass an aid package for Minnesotans coping with major disruptions from the COVID-19 virus. We implemented the Minnesota Dept. of Health guidelines for our floor session. Here’s a picture that shows the six feet social distancing we used for seating. Additional members were seated outside the chamber, six feet apart, and entered one at a time for voting.

floor

[photo credit-Session Daily] Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 27, 2020”

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020

Legislature Passes COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bill

Yesterday the Senate voted on an emergency economic relief bill to help everyone who is economically impacted by our response to COVID-19. Included in the bill is:

  • Emergency childcare grants
  • Food shelf aid and expansion of goods and services provided
  • Emergency housing assistance
  • Grants for emergency services
  • Military veteran economic assistance
  • Temporary expansion of driver and vehicle services

More details on the bill can be found HERE and HERE. There were a few things we could not reach a compromise on in time, such as ensuring pay for hourly school employees, funding community education, and ensuring that COVID is covered by worker’s compensation. We will likely be meeting again in the near future to take up another bill. Please let me know if you have any questions. Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 27, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 25, 2020

Neighbors,

Gov. Walz has signed a “Stay at Home” order effective this Friday, March 27 until Friday, April 10. For two weeks, Minnesotans are asked to stay home except for essential travel such as health and safety activities and getting necessary supplies like food or gas. A goal of this order is to buy as much time possible to increase capacity within our health care system, especially the number of ICU beds and ventilators. The Governor also extended the period in which bars, restaurants and gathering places will be closed until May 1, and schools will implement distance learning until May 4.

The Minnesota House and Senate are scheduled to meet at the State Capitol tomorrow to pass bipartisan COVID-19 response legislation. We have been working from home to reach agreement on provisions that cover a variety of essential needs. We will vote quickly on the House floor while adhering to the Minnesota Department of Health social distancing recommendations. The Minnesota House is scheduled to begin at noon, and the Minnesota Senate at 2pm. Members of the public can watch the House floor session on the House website, YouTube, and on TPT Minnesota. Video from all floor sessions is archived here. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 25, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 24, 2020

Neighbors,

We are living in a difficult time as the number of COVID-19 cases escalate. Many of us know someone who has been infected and we all are adapting to change, stress, and uncertainly.

I want to reassure you that, in Minnesota, we have the best medical and public health professionals working to help keep you safe and informed. As lawmakers, we are working with Gov. Walz to craft legislation to help all Minnesotans during the major COVID-19 disruptions. Contact me any time if you need information or assistance.

LATEST NEWS:

On Monday, Governor Walz issued several Executive Orders (EO) to suspend evictions, support small businesses and address the hospital equipment shortage. Read the details here. Click here for details on all Executive Orders. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 24, 2020”

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 22, 2020

Week of March 16 – 23

Hearing from constituents

While I have not been taking in-person meetings this week due to our current pandemic, I have spoken with many of you about the issues weighing on your minds.

I have received about 80 emails and phone calls in the past week, and more than 70 of them have been related to COVID-19. About half of these messages have been related to health concerns, while the other half have been about economic concerns. Both are weighing heavily on me, and I’m doing what I can to see that we act on additional measures this week. Last week we stayed until 2:30am to free up over $20 million in funding for health purposes, and next on our agenda is going to be economic stimulus and tax relief.

Learning from literature

Image

I recently picked up “Pandemic 1918” for a little historical perspective on our current situation. Hoping to learn from the experiences of the past. So far, I have learned that the world had some wonderfully altruistic people then, as well as today.

Reducing screen time for our youngest learners

You may remember from a couple weeks ago that I am working on a bill with Rep. Kelly Morrison to reduce the time 0-5 year old students spend in front of screens. I recently spoke to local reporter Eden Teller about the bill, and you can learn more about our efforts as reported in the Eden Prairie News HERE. Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 22, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 20, 2020

Neighbors,

News continues to pour in on the COVID-19 crisis. Today, Governor Walz signed several Executive Orders.

Taking effect tomorrow at 5:00 p.m., Executive Order (EO) 20-10 prohibits price gouging during the peacetime emergency. Minnesota does not have a statute on price gouging, and this EO will line it up with most other states. Violators are subject to investigation and enforcement by the Attorney General’s office.

Under Executive Order 20-11, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is authorized to seek federal authority to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements for federal programs, ensuring these programs continue providing critical support to Minnesota families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 20, 2020”

Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: March 20, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

These continue to be challenging and uncertain times, but I’ve been deeply moved by the ways our community and state have banded together during this pandemic. We’re working hard in the Minnesota Legislature to ensure our state stays strong during and after COVID-19, even if the way we work has been altered.

MN House Proposals

At home, we’ve been trying to get outside daily for some fresh air and exercise on one of Eden Prairie’s many recreational trails, and I’ve had the chance to say hello to a number of neighbors at a six-foot distance. I hope you have the opportunity to do so as well.

Trail

The latest from Governor Walz includes new executive orders granting Emergency Authority to the Department of Human Services (DHS), regulations preventing price gouging, and opening MNsure for enrollment. Continue reading “Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: March 20, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 19, 2020

Neighbors,

We are continuing to work our way through the impact COVID-19 is having on our daily lives. In this update, I’ve included some useful information for small business owners from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Employers can learn about applying for a small business loan, the sales tax grace period, and other relevant information.

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. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 19, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 18, 2020

Neighbors,

News on the COVID-19 virus changes hour to hour, and these are difficult times. I will continue to provide information that you can use to navigate these uncertain times.

Helpful Area Resources

Latest from the City of Eden Prairie: https://www.edenprairie.org/community/news
City of Minnetonka news: https://www.minnetonkamn.gov/our-city/coronavirus-response
Hennepin County updates: https://www.hennepin.us/~/link.aspx?_id=8F78F590254A448CAB70BB2CD8DDE006&_z=z
Eden Prairie Schools: https://www.edenpr.org/community/covid19
Minnetonka Public Schools: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/

Our Pets and COVID-19

Pets are such a major part of our families. The Humane Society has put together some information you might find useful as we care for our animal friends.

Also, the Animal Humane Society (AHS) has announced it is closing all metro-area shelters through May 2. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 18, 2020”

SD48 Joint Update from Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) and Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B)

March 17, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

We wanted to write to you today, together, to emphasize the unity that is needed in our community and across the state as we continue to navigate these uncertain and challenging times. Updates are occurring quickly, but here is where things currently stand.

Health Care Response

Early this morning, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation to provide $200 million in investments for a health care response fund and Minnesota’s public health response contingency account, the latest in our efforts to ensure Minnesota has the resources it needs to remain strong both during and after the COVID-19 epidemic.

$150 million of these funds will go to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to make sure Minnesota’s health care providers can respond to this virus with more treatment beds, testing sites, and the increase and protection of staff. The remaining $50 million goes towards a contingency account that can be used for costs needed on an emergency basis to prepare and respond to this or similar pandemics. Continue reading “SD48 Joint Update from Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) and Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B)”