Tag: House District 48A

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: April 17, 2020

Neighbors,

This week Gov. Walz extended the Peacetime Emergency in Minnesota for 30 days, which will  continue to help Minnesotans get through these early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read all of Gov. Walz’s Executive Orders here. The Stay at Home order is in effect until May 3.

As this global, natural disaster takes its heavy toll, I am grateful for the efforts of Minnesotans who are coming together to do what they can to meet the challenge. Here’s one story about how folks are coming together to invent and distribute a low cost ventilatory that will save lives.

Gov. Walz expands outdoor recreation opportunities

Today, Gov. Walz signed Executive Order 20-38 allowing Minnesotans to engage in a range of outdoor activities if they follow new guidelines, which include maintaining 6-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home. The new provisions go into effect on Saturday, April 18 at 5:00 a.m. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: April 17, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: April 9, 2020

Neighbors,

Gov. Walz announced yesterday that the Stay at Home directive will continue until May 4.

He laid out evidence that our current strategy is working, and lives are being saved. For this we can all be grateful.

You can read about this and all Executive Orders signed by Gov. Walz here. Under the extended order, Minnesotans may leave their residences only to perform the following activities, and while doing so, they should practice social distancing: Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: April 9, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: April 2, 2020

Rep. Pryor

Neighbors,

Governor Walz’s Stay at Home Executive Order is nearly a week old and I have heard from many people that the directive is something they were already practicing. Minnesotans have been stepping up….and staying home. We know we can save lives if we use social distancing to lessen the severity and length of the pandemic. Friends and neighbors stay safe, stay home!

stayhomeFinancial Support

Many in our communities have lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can apply for Minnesota’s unemployment insurance (UI) here.

If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, the federal government is making unemployment benefits available.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has created a new guide for small businesses needing help during this unprecedented public health crisis. Click here for the most up-to-date and accurate information about financial assistance for small businesses.

Food Resources

PROP Food Shelf
14700 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Monday-Friday 9:30am-1pm and Wednesday 4-6:30pm
952-937-9120  |  Visit Website  |  Get Directions

ICA Food Shelf
11588 K-Tel Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343
During this time, we are adjusting the way we provide food. We are now offering pre-packaged bags of food. When you come to the food shelf, check in at the front door, and then return to your car. Volunteers will pack your food and then bring it out to your trunk. We are trying to minimize physical contact to keep everyone as safe as possible.
952-938-7029  |  Visit Website  |  Get Directions

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP)
1605 North County Road 101, Plymouth, MN 55447
Serves residents of Hamel, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata. Call to schedule an appointment: 763-489-7500.

COVID-19 Update: Starting 3/23 we will be operating our drive-up food shelf model on Mondays 3-6 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

763-489-7500  |  Visit Website  |  Get Directions

Other COVID-19 Resources

  • Child Care
    • Parents/Guardians needing child care resources can call Child Care Aware of MN at 1-888- 291-9811 or go to parentaware.org to search on-line for child care options
    • Peacetime emergency child care provider grants
    • Six Minnesota Initiative Foundations have launched an Emergency Child Care Grant Program to provide support for Greater Minnesota licensed child care providers serving families of essential workers needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Think Small” has launched an effort to issue grants to family child care programs in the metro area.
  • Driver and Vehicle Services at the Department of Public Safety
  • Health & Public Health Insurance
  • How can I help?
    • Suggestions for how you can help from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC)
    • Guidance on how to donate or procure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from MN Management and Budget
    • If you are a business that has a service, equipment, or other capability that could be of value in fighting the COVID-19 virus, please fill out this form

Here are steps we can continue to all take to stay healthy:

  • COVID-19 primarily spreads by droplets. For your safety, the best thing to do is stay home.  Even if healthy, stay home as much as is possible. If you must go out, stay at least six feet away from others.
  • Wash your hands often and when you wash them, do so for 20 seconds before rinsing (that means singing Happy Birthday twice before rinsing).
  • COVID-19 can also spread from surfaces to you, but only via mucous membranes. In other words, it can only infect you by going from your hands to your eyes, nose or mouth (it cannot infect you through your skin). Therefore, don’t touch your face. This is hard to stop doing (we are creatures of habit), so if you touch your face think about why and look to identify triggers. That will help you break the habit.
  • If sick, stay home. If you are very sick (i.e. fever, cough, and shortness of breath) and you feel like you need to see someone, call first or do an e-visit. Do not just show up to your clinic, Urgent Care, or Emergency Dept. without notifying them first. This helps the clinic, Urgent Care, or Emergency Dept. prepare for you and helps avoid infecting others.
  • When you cough, use your sleeve to cover your mouth and help prevent forming droplets that can infect others.

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 (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”

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”

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. 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)”