Since taking our oaths of office last January, we have both been continually inspired by our constituents’ level of civic engagement. We had more than 110 people attend the forum at Minnetonka High School on Saturday, Nov. 11, and would like to thank all of you who showed up and made your voices heard.
We hope you found the morning to be as edifying and delightful as we did. Continue reading “Many people showed up”
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.
For the third consecutive year, the time allotted by the Minnesota Constitution was not quite enough for the Legislature to finish its work. Despite a $1.65 billion surplus and a clear to-do list, another special session was needed.
Negotiations for this special session were between a handful of Republican legislative leaders and the DFL governor, leaving most of us legislators — and most of Minnesota — in the dark. Regrettably, this Washington, D.C., style of politics seems to be taking over in St. Paul more each year. At the 11th hour, sprawling budget bills turned up with harmful provisions inserted and good policies removed. When sleep-deprived legislators start voting on bills in late-night sessions, insiders usually gain, the public often loses, and no one is held accountable. Continue reading “Legislature needs to commit to openness”
Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you all had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. We can be grateful for the opportunity to reflect on and recognize the sacrifices made by brave Americans in our military and enjoy the time with family and friends.
The 2017 Minnesota Legislative Session ended last week. Because a full 70% of the state budget had not been passed before the constitutional deadline of midnight Monday, Governor Dayton called for a special session to finish the remaining work. Now that the dust has largely settled, I’d like to point out some of the highlights as well as lowlights. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor Update: June 1, 2017”
