Since FDR, we Democrats have always stood for workers’ rights, civil rights, farmers’ rights, voting rights, women’s rights and gay rights. Today, we continue those causes along with educational opportunity, affordable health care and safer communities for all.
I believe that the purpose of life is to solve as much of the puzzle as possible before we pass.
Democrats we all share the same goal: To leave this world a better place than when we came upon it. Continue reading.
Neighbors,
Please take a couple of minutes to fill out my summer survey about relevant issues in our community and state. Your input is important – thank you! Click on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DK873Z3
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Special Session next Monday
Governor Walz has called our second special session for this Monday, July 13. Among unfinished business up for consideration is the bonding bill, police accountability measures and COVID-19 related items to protect the health and safety of Minnesotans. I look forward to making progress on issues that impact so many throughout the state. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: July 10, 2020”
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had an enjoyable 4th of July holiday weekend and are staying cool in the heat. Summertime typically doesn’t include much work at the Minnesota Legislature, but this year is anything but typical and we find ourselves preparing to return for another special session next week.
While the ongoing pandemic is the main reason for this July special session, I’ll also be pushing for compromise on legislation to address meaningful police accountability measures, a robust jobs and local projects bill (also known as a bonding bill), and a tax bill that puts Minnesotans first. These are all proposals that will help our state face not only the economic struggles brought on by the pandemic, but address systemic inequities that have existed for far too long. Continue reading “Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: July 10, 2020”
Neighbors,
This has been a challenging time for our communities, state and country. Minnesotans are resilient and will get past these obstacles because we care about each other and want to see one another heal and thrive. I wish you and your family a safe and relaxing holiday weekend.
New laws take effect July 1, 2020
Several new laws took effect July 1, 2020. You can read more about the news laws here: http://www.house.mn/hinfo/leginfo/0720nlrelease.pdf?v=062520. Summaries by non-partisan House Public Information Services can be viewed here: http://www.house.mn/newlaws/#/search/2020.
One of the more notable laws is the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which is landmark legislation lawmakers approved this year to help ensure people with diabetes can access the insulin they needed in an emergency and to create a long-term path to access affordable insulin. The bill is named after 26-year old Alec Smith, who died when he was forced to ration his insulin because he couldn’t afford to refill his prescription. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor Update: July 1, 2020”
Neighbors,
It is starting to finally feel like summer as some of our usual seasonal activities are returning. Along with the resumption of youth sports, the Minnesota Twins have also announced a partial season. During this unusual summer, it is reassuring that there will be a safe return to some of our favorite activities.
Thank you for your patience and sacrifice during this trying time for our community. As you slowly resume other activities, please follow recommended CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines listed at the end of this update to keep yourself and others safe.
SUMMER SURVEY
Please take a couple of minutes to fill out my summer survey about relevant issues in our community and state. Your input is important – thank you! Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: June 26, 2020”
Dear Neighbors,
The end of our first special session this last weekend had a mixed bag of results for Minnesota. Having initially been called to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, the recent killing of George Floyd and subsequent unrest made public safety and criminal justice reform an additional priority of our work this special session. It was a long week of working on urgent and important measures, but our efforts were unfortunately cut short when the Republican-led Minnesota Senate adjourned without a compromise on key pieces of legislation, effectively halting our work in the House as well.
Solutions to both the impacts of COVID-19 and the social justice inequities in our public safety system won’t be easy to craft, but we can’t enact change or provide resources unless all parties are willing to come to the table to work. I remain committed to fighting for these much-needed changes, and I’ll be pushing for compromise to be reached. Should Governor Walz decide to extend the peacetime state of emergency, the Minnesota Legislature will be called to meet again in July, and possibly earlier if consensus can be reached on other critical issues. I’ll be sure to keep you updated as we learn more. Continue reading “Rep. Carlie Kotyza-WItthuhn (HD48B) Update: June 25, 2020”
Neighbors,
The special session of the legislature convened a week ago, focusing on unfinished business to deliver additional economic security to Minnesotans impacted by the pandemic. We approved HF 5, which includes $62.5 million in grants for small business impacted by COVID-19. Gov. Walz signed the bill into law.
The aid comes at an important time to help our businesses get back on their feet. The first $60 million in the bill comes from the federal CARES Act, and $2.5 million from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Emergency Loan Program.
Regrettably, the House, Senate and Governor did not reach agreement on other important measures and the legislature adjourned early this morning. One of the casualties of the session was a bill the House approved on Friday, sending additional CARES act funding to help communities throughout the state facing financial struggles due to the pandemic. The measure also included mortgage and rental assistance, expansion of broadband internet and a temporary pay raise for our personal care assistants. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: June 20, 2020”
Dear Neighbors,
This week, my legislative colleagues and I are preparing for a special session, likely beginning on Friday, to primarily address the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the pandemic will be our principal reason for convening, I will also be championing issues of economic relief, jobs and local projects, and public safety and criminal justice reform.
Additionally, I hope you’ll be able to join Sen. Cwodzinski, Rep. Pryor, and myself for another virtual town hall. We’ll be live at 7:30 PM tomorrow, June 10. You’ll be able to participate on my Facebook page, and you can submit questions ahead of time here.
Continue reading “Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: June 9, 2020”
Neighbors,
Sen. Cwodzinski, Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn and I will host a District 48 Virtual Town Hall this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. I hope you can join us to discuss the latest in COVID-19 developments, the recent upheaval in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, the likely upcoming special session and anything else on your mind. Follow this link to register and submit questions https://forms.gle/JMweHs5dDVL1EaUp6.
Please click on Sen. Cwodzinski’s Facebook page to listen and participate: https://www.facebook.com/senatorcwodzinski/
Phase III of Stay Safe MN
On Wednesday, June 10, limited re-opening of dine-in restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues will begin. Occupancy rates will be limited based on risk, with an overall occupancy maximum of 250 people. Under Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan:
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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
Rep. Laurie Pryor, DFL-Minnetonka, announces her re-election campaign for House District 48A, which includes portions of Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. She is endorsed by the party.
“It has been an honor to serve our community in St. Paul these past four years,” Pryor said. “I have a proven record of working across the aisle to pass legislation that advances the greater good. Minnesota faces unprecedented challenges, and I am seeking another term so that I can continue to provide thoughtful, common-sense leadership to protect our communities and our economy.”
Pryor was first elected to the State House in 2016, she has adopted safe communities, economic development and dynamic schools as the pillars of her service. She currently serves on a number of committees including the Higher Education Finance and Policy Division (vice chair), Early Childhood Finance and Policy Division, and Education Finance Division. She lives in Minnetonka with her husband, Jon. Her three children, their spouses and seven grandchildren all live in Minnesota. Continue reading.
