Neighbors,
We are saddened and angered by the death of another Black man at the hands of police. We should all be safe in our community no matter where we live or what we look like, and House DFLers have proposed solutions to help end this seemingly never-ending cycle of trauma. We are committed to keeping all Minnesotans safe by pursuing reforms to build on measures passed last summer to hold accountable those responsible for wrongdoing and keep bad officers off the streets.
Legislative Work Moves to House Floor
Committees are largely wrapped up and most of our legislative work is shifting to the House floor. This week and next, we are voting on our budget bills. After passage of the bills, the House and Senate will work out compromises and aim to pass the final budget before adjournment on May 17.
The House approved the Omnibus Housing Bill Thursday night. Housing instability is a persistent and difficult challenge. The measure funds a variety of programs aimed at creating and ensuring more affordable and stable housing for all Minnesotans.
This budget will also help close the racial homeownership gap through investments in programs with proven track records of increasing our housing supply and preparing first time buyers for successful homeownership experience.
The Omnibus Legacy Bill was also approved on Thursday. This measure invests in protecting and enhancing Minnesota’s outdoor heritage, clean water, arts and cultural heritage, and parks and trails. Minnesotans are proud of our beautiful outdoors, clean water, and arts and culture and these investments will benefit current and future generations. Since 2010, the Legacy Amendment has generated $3.65 billion for initiatives across the state. This measure also takes important steps to address racial and cultural inequalities.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
The expanded categories continue to provide access to more Minnesotans seeking a vaccine.
If you haven’t received your vaccination, take a look at Minnesota’s COVID-19 mn.gov/vaccineconnector, call 833-431-2053 or check with your health insurance carrier to help you find out when, where, and how to get a vaccine.
You can learn the most recent statistics on who is getting vaccinating and other key data by clicking on this link.
Survey
I am still asking for your feedback on potential issues of discussion this legislative session. Your priorities are important to me. Please take a moment to click on this link and complete my legislative survey. [You may note this survey was created prior to the February forecast announcement and question #4 does not reflect the current one-time $1.6 billion projected positive balance].
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.
Stay connected with the legislature
The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here.
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