Tag: House District 48A

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 15, 2020

Neighbors,

Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the temporary closure of Minnesota K-12 public schools to students from Wednesday, March 18 – Friday, March 27 for school administrators and teachers to make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will give school staff, teachers and administrators, with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) time to accommodate planning.

The Minnesota House of Representatives is continuing to work with Governor Walz, the Minnesota Senate, and the Minnesota Department of Health to ensure our state is prepared to respond to COVID-19.

The Governor’s executive order takes these three important actions: Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 15, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 12, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

News is evolving quickly on the COVID-19 virus front. This week, we took quick action to help Minnesota prepare. Here is the latest news:

COVID-19

On Monday, we unanimously approved the bipartisan COVID-19 virus response bill and Gov. Walz signed the measure into law the next day. The legislation provides immediate funding to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) if the virus results in a major health crisis in Minnesota. Read the news release from Gov. Walz on the state response to the outbreak. In addition, information and resources can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website.

The COVID-19 Hotline can be reached at (651) 201-3920 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, House DFL leaders announced additional COVID-19 measures to help prepare for the virus. A package of bills includes: Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 12, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 5, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you to everyone who attended our town hall meeting on Saturday. As usual, the conversation and questions were thoughtful and varied. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy weekend to spend some time with us.

The Eden Prairie News attended our town hall and published this story.

townhall Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 5, 2020”

Citizens drive home top legislative priorities at Eden Prairie town hall

Sometimes, politics can seem like an abstract concept, far from the realities of everyday life. But at a Feb. 29 town hall with Eden Prairie’s trio of state representatives, voters’ questions to their legislators touched on urgent topics, from insulin affordability and COVID-19 to how Minnesota will be represented in Congress after the 2020 Census.

Around 50 people gathered to discuss their concerns with state Reps. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, D-Eden Prairie, and Laurie Pryor, D-Minnetonka, and state Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, D-Eden Prairie, in the East Commons of Eden Prairie High School.

The event drew people like Clarence Richard, of Minnetonka, a town hall regular who arrived dressed head-to-toe in U.S. flags; as well as newcomers, like Adam Butcher, of Eden Prairie, a first-timer who brought his four children to the event in the hopes of learning more about local legislation. He and his small crew posed for a picture with Cwodzinski after chatting as the event wound to a close. Continue reading.

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48) Update: February 27, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

It has been a very busy week with an active committee schedule and two lengthy evening floor sessions debating insulin affordability and gun safety measures.

Legislative Town Hall

Please join Sen. Cwodzinski, Rep. Kotyza-Withuhn and me on Saturday for our legislative town hall. I’m interested in hearing your comments, concerns and questions.

townhall

Insulin Affordability

Last night, I was proud to cast a “yes” vote to ensure all Minnesotans needing insulin can receive this life-saving medicine. There is no reason that anyone should die because they can’t afford their insulin. When passage of this critical legislation was blocked last year, there was no time to waste this session. On day 1 of the 2020 session, the House Commerce Committee approved and advanced the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act (HF 3100). Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48) Update: February 27, 2020”

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: February 21, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The legislative session ramped up quickly. Committees are meeting from early morning until late at night to make sure bills are heard before our committee deadlines.

Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act passes key committee

This week, the Early Childhood Finance and Policy Division approved House File 1. The Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act is a new, comprehensive plan to close the opportunity gap and invest in early care and learning. The measure provides $190 million for early learning scholarships targeted to kids between birth and age three and would positively impact approximately 25,000 children for the remainder of their lives. I was pleased to cast a ‘yes’ vote for the plan to give our youngest learners a head start in life!

Legislative Town Hall

Join Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, Sen. Steve Cwodzinski and me for our Town Hall meeting next Saturday, February 29. I look forward to seeing you and hearing your questions and concerns.

town hall

Firefighters visit the Capitol

I enjoyed meeting Minnetonka Fire Chief John Vance this week. We talked about legislative issues that impact our Minnesota Fire Service including the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. Thank you, Minnesota Fire Service and Chief Vance for being an effective force for keeping Minnesotans safe.

fire

fire

Legislators, youth, and labor announce one-time appropriations for climate action

Thanks to Minnesota’s youth and labor for championing a new proposal of one-time appropriations to address the climate crisis. These new investments which will reduce greenhouse gases and benefit public schools, homeowners, local governments, and nursing homes.

A fact sheet with more information is available here. A video recording of the press conference announcing the bold plan is available here

climate

_____________________

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: February 21, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The legislative session ramped up quickly. Committees are meeting from early morning until late at night to make sure bills are heard before our committee deadlines.

Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act passes key committee

This week, the Early Childhood Finance and Policy Division approved House File 1. The Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act is a new, comprehensive plan to close the opportunity gap and invest in early care and learning. The measure provides $190 million for early learning scholarships targeted to kids between birth and age three and would positively impact approximately 25,000 children for the remainder of their lives. I was pleased to cast a ‘yes’ vote for the plan to give our youngest learners a head start in life! Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: February 21, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: February 14, 2020

capitol

Dear Neighbors,

The 2020 legislative session convened on Tuesday and I am excited to get back to the Capitol and continue working for the people of Minnetonka and Eden Prairie.

Following adjournment of the floor session on Tuesday, the full House of Representatives remembered Rep. Diane Loeffler, who passed away in November. You can watch the tributes to our colleague and friend here. She will be greatly missed. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: February 14, 2020”

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

Dear Neighbors,

It’s been one year since my family joined me at the Capitol on January 8, 2019 as I took the oath of office for my second term in the Minnesota House. I remain deeply grateful for the engagement from community members about the issues that matter to all of us. I’m proud that even in a divided government, we worked together to deliver on values like a world-class education, a strong economy, and safe and healthy communities.

pryor house floor

The start of the new term also meant taking on a new responsibility as Vice Chair of the House Higher Education Division. All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to get a college degree or technical training without experiencing insurmountable debt. Our budget took strong steps to stabilize tuition, and affordable college is critical to our competitiveness as a state. I successfully chief-authored legislation to increase investments in Workforce Development Scholarships, which provide incentives to students entering high-demand fields like information technology, health care services, manufacturing, and early childhood education. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: January 9, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: December 18, 2019

Happy Holidays

Dear Neighbors,

The holiday season is here, and I hope this time of year will be full of joy and fellowship for you and your family. If you plan on traveling to celebrate the holidays, I hope your travels will be safe and hassle-free. As many of our families prepare to share gifts with one another, there are many in our communities for whom this time of year is a struggle. There are organizations doing terrific work to assist those experiencing difficult times that are worthy of our financial help. I hope that you’ll consider making a charitable contribution to a cause or two important to you. Not only are you helping others, but it helps create a feeling of holiday cheer. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: December 18, 2019”