Neighbors,
The legislative session is set to adjourn on Monday, but we still have much work ahead. Earlier this week, we received news indicating Minnesota will receive additional federal money as part of the American Recovery Plan Act. Those funds will be factored into our budget talks as we go forward. Right now, legislative leaders are determining legislative ‘budget targets’ which will set the funding for each budget area.
Conference committees are still working to craft final budgets. This week in the Education Conference Committee, we discussed religious freedoms in schools and the significance of traditional tobacco for Native American students. We also reviewed similar provisions in the House and Senate bills for possible adoption.
Work on conference committees and in floor session will continue over the weekend as we get closer to our adjournment date.
You can follow the daily legislative schedules including all conference committee meetings here. Live floor sessions can be viewed here.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Following CDC guidance, Governor Walz announced Thursday the end of the statewide face covering requirement for vaccinated Minnesotans. It is recommended those unvaccinated continue to wear face coverings indoors, and many businesses are still requiring them for the time being.
It is easier than ever to get a vaccine. The Minnesota Department of Health reports more than 2.6 million of our friends and neighbors have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and others. Check out Minnesota’s COVID-19 mn.gov/vaccineconnector, call 833-431-2053 or ask your health care provider to help you find a vaccine.
Minnesota House advances bill to legalize adult-use cannabis
Thursday night, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed House File 600, which would legalize and regulate cannabis for adult use, and expunge the records of those convicted of nonviolent cannabis-related crimes. The legislation passed on a bipartisan vote of 72-61. You can read my news release here. The Minnesota Senate has not taken any action on this proposal.
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