Tag: Laurie Pryor

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)”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 16, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Minnesota’s Legislature, governor, and public health officials are working around the clock to respond to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a rapidly evolving situation and I want to acknowledge that Minnesotans are facing a lot of uncertainty through no fault of their own.

I’m sharing a brief update on where things stand at the state government level as of today (Monday, March 16), including actions already taken by the Legislature and the governor, and current measures we are advancing to support workers, employers, and health care providers. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 16, 2020”

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”