Tag: Laurie Pryor

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

This coming session, I’m excited to co-author a bipartisan piece of legislation addressing sexual exploitation of youth. The bill will enhance current sexual abuse prevention curriculum in public schools to also include sexual exploitation. I signed onto the bill last week, and it was unveiled at a news conference this afternoon.

I was one of several legislators approached by Jessica Melnik, a junior from Hopkins High School and Founder of Girls United MN, after she and her friends observed one of their classmates being trafficked. Through working closely with Beth Holger-Ambrose, Executive Director of The Link, to find a way to address the crisis of sex trafficking in our schools, the idea for this legislation emerged. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: January 29, 2018”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

Thanksgiving is a time we share a meal and celebrate with our friends and family. This is a great time to reflect upon the year that has nearly passed, but also to look ahead and consider the values that are important to our community and what makes Minnesota such a special place to live. For my part, I’m grateful for the engaged constituents I have the honor to represent. Here are more topics that were discussed at our recent Town Hall Meeting.

Pre K-12 Education

This is an issue that remains on the minds of many and with good reason. Good schools form the foundation for shared success in our community. We must strive to set kids on the right path toward achievement. One area we still have to make more progress in is pre-K education, which has a tremendous impact on student success down the road. Another area that needs improvement is special education. Every single child in Minnesota deserves an education; this is a basic civil right. Clearly, the federal government hasn’t provided its share of the responsibility toward this, but we must keep our commitment to these students. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: November 22, 2017”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

I’d like to take an opportunity to thank everyone who attended the Town Hall Meeting Sen. Steve Cwodzinski and I hosted this past weekend. More than 100 engaged neighbors attended with terrific questions for Steve and me. These questions touched on a variety of topics – some positive, and some troubling – and led to lively discussions.

In this update and ones that will follow, I’ll be touching on some of these topics. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor Update: November 17, 2017”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

Today is Election Day. Polls are open until 8 p.m. for our local elections for school board and if you live in Minnetonka, the city council. If you’re in doubt as to where you vote, the Secretary of State has a poll finder which you can access here.

Town Hall Meeting Reminder

I’d like to again invite you to the Town Hall Meeting Sen. Steve Cwodzinski and I are hosting on Saturday. As I’ve been out and about the community this fall, people have told me how glad they are that there is an opportunity for neighbors to get together and talk about the issues important to them. We know that our community values civic engagement and civil conversation, and Steve and I are looking forward to the discussion. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: November 7, 2017”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

While it’s almost November, it’s certainly hard to believe snow is already flying in the state of Minnesota. With Halloween almost upon us, I hope any trick-or-treaters in your family have a safe and fun evening with costumes and candy. Here is an update from the Capitol.

Town Hall Meeting

As we look to gather input from community members prior to the 2018 legislative session, Sen. Steve Cwodzinski and I invite you to attend an upcoming Town Hall Meeting. We will gather on Saturday, November 11 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Minnetonka High School in the Forum Room. This will be a good opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and provide feedback. I hope you will be able to join us for some quality conversations with your neighbors about the important issues on the legislature’s agenda. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: October 27, 2017”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

Starting this Friday, it will be an exciting weekend in St. Paul as the celebration of the State Capitol’s Grand Opening gets underway. Following almost four years of work on an intricate restoration, the State Capitol reopened earlier this year with the same glory it held when it originally opened in 1905. Simply, the results are breathtaking. Artwork which had deteriorated for several decades is now as vibrant as ever. Space available to the public has nearly doubled. Energy efficiency has been improved, technology upgrades have been implemented, and accessibility has been enhanced to standards of the present day. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor Update: August 8, 2017”

The 2017 legislative session, my first as a member of the Minnesota House wrapped up just about one month ago. Positive budget projections gave us the opportunity to support the priorities that make us proud to be Minnesotans.

In Minnesota, we value our strong public schools, affordable and accessible health care, abundant natural resources, and overall, the ability for every family to get a shot at prosperity in our economy.  We were able to move forward in some of these areas, yet in others, work remains.

All of our EE_12 sutdents deserve to have the resources they need to achieve in the classroom. Especially with a budget surplus, it was imperative that we deliver on this value.  I was disheartened by the House majority’s initial proposal to underfund our schools, not even covering the cost of inflations, and to cut voluntary pre-K. Continue reading “Session saw victories for Minnesotans”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

It’s been just about a month since the legislative session ended, and I’ve had more time to meet with community members. Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, members of Governor Dayton’s staff and I recently had the opportunity to visit with some members of the Eden Prairie Fire Department about the issues important to them, including safety and their pensions. I also had a terrific time at this past Saturday’s Minnetonka Ice Cream Social.

Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor Update: June 30, 2017”