Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: January 22, 2021


Neighbors,

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took their oath of office this week against a backdrop of political division, a worldwide pandemic, and the economic fallout of COVID-19. I am optimistic their leadership will provide a path to heal our nation and, during this difficult time, it is a hopeful sign that our democracy endures.

Vaccine distribution update

The federal government instructed states to open vaccinations to everyone over 65 and the state has set up nine pilot sites across Minnesota to administer the vaccines. While appointments are currently full, check back on the site. Available spots will refresh every Tuesday at noon. The vaccine supply is limited, but this program will help our state prepare to distribute vaccines quickly and equitably when they become available. We are receiving about 65,000 doses a week and from what I am reading, it will be April before that number significantly increases.

The vaccination program continues to be impactful and we are reaching seniors, who have been hit so tragically hard by this disease. All 369 of our skilled nursing homes received their first dose and are on track to finish vaccinations in both residents and staff by early February. Last week seniors living in assisted living centers began receiving their first doses and vaccinations to this group should be completed by the end of February.

Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: January 22, 2021”

Rpe. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: January 19, 2021

Dear Neighbors, 

We’re just two weeks into the 2021 Legislative Session, but I imagine for many of you that has been overshadowed by the violent insurrection in D.C. and the news of other similar events throughout our nation. Now more than ever we need to work against disinformation and violence.

While it’s been a dark start to the year for our country, there are bright spots ahead. The days are getting longer, many students will soon be heading back to classrooms, and I’m confident in our ability to rise up and meet the challenges that face us. I look forward to the good work we will do together this session.


The 2021 Legislative Session

When I first took office two years ago, the first day of session saw the House floor packed with families and friends as my legislative colleagues and I took our oath of office together. I will remember that day fondly, because my dad was able to be with me in the chamber before he passed away later in the year. And this year, my five-month-old son joined me in my office! Although the swearing-in procedures were mostly virtual this year, it was still a day of celebration. I am proud to be one of the record-breaking 72 women serving in the Minnesota legislature this biennium.

Continue reading “Rpe. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: January 19, 2021”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: January 15, 2021


Neighbors,

This legislative session we will work on action to support Minnesotans and protect their economic security during the pandemic. Committees are meeting and we’ve heard from agencies about their work and how they partner with the Legislature.

For each committee, the focus has been on updating the pandemic response including the hopeful news on the roll-out of vaccinations.

In the Early Childhood committee, which I service as vice-chair, we learned about the importance of continuing grants to childcare providers to assist in keeping them open in difficult times.

Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: January 15, 2021”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: January 8, 2021

Neighbors,

I am grateful to the residents of 48A for the privilege of serving you in the House of Representatives. Following public health guidelines, we will continue to operate remotely in the Minnesota House, but we will ensure openness and transparency for the public.

The legislative session convened on Tuesday and like many other unique pandemic-related experiences, we were sworn in remotely via Zoom.

House Reps sworn in via Zoom

Taking our oath of office in shifts via Zoom!

New Committees

I am excited to announce that I have been appointed as Vice Chair of the Early Childhood Finance and Policy committee where I will continue to advocate for our littlest learners from a leadership role. I will also serve on Health Finance and Policy, Preventative Health Policy and Rules and Legislative Administration.

The House has expanded the number of simultaneous committees it can webcast live from a maximum of two to five, so you can stay currrent on issues moving through committees this budget session. 

Visit the committee home pages of my committees to follow our work this session:

Early Childhood Finance and Policy
Health Finance and Policy
Preventative Health Policy Division
Rules and Legislative Administration

New Public Health Guidance 

As a result of our collective efforts, the COVID-19 spread has slowed across the state. Recognizing our progress – but understanding we need to remain cautious – Governor Walz announced yesterday the opening more activities and sectors of the economy.

Beginning January 11:

  • Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
  • Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
  • Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
  • Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
  • Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
  • Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.

Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

  • Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic (are not experiencing any symptoms). Wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lessen COVID-19 spread. 
  • Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
  • Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
  • Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.

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

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: December 23, 2020

December, 2020

Passing Additional COVID Relief

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The legislature has now adjourned its 7th Special Session for 2020, an unprecedented occasion for our state which normally adjourns for the year in May. Among the bills we passed during this session was a $216 million COVID relief package, to help individuals and businesses most impacted by this pandemic. There is still more to do though, and when the next legislature convenes in 2021 we need to build on this.


Getting Ready for 2021

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As mentioned during a previous newsletter, I have moved offices at the Capitol. My new office is room 2231 in the Minnesota Senate Building, and we are still open (virtually) to address your questions, comments, and concerns!

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I have also moved desks on the Senate Floor, though in our socially distanced environment it is unclear how much I will be using it. Farewell to the desk whose glass shattered in front of me on my very first day in office

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A new session also brings new committee assignments, and they are very similar to the ones I served on last year. I am thrilled to serve you as a member of the following committees:

  • Education Finance and Policy
  • Environment Policy and Legacy Finance
  • Local Government

I hope you continue to stay active in this upcoming legislative session, even though much of it will likely be virtual. So far this month I have met with:

  • The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce
  • Constituents advocating on behalf of Hammer Residences and people who live there
  • Students at Scenic Heights Elementary School in Minnetonka
  • School superintendents and school boards in Eden Praire and Minnetonka
  • The Jewish Community Relations Council
  • The Eden Prairie city council
  • Friends of the Boundary Waters
  • And many others!
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We are doing our very best to make civic engagement as easy as possible in this virtual environment, and I am always willing to meet with my constituents. Just shoot me an email and my phenomenal legislative assistant, Greg Weiner, will get us set up for a virtual meeting or phone call!


Talking Education with Senate Media

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Last week I had the opportunity to appear on the Senate’s news program, Capitol Report, with moderator Shannon Loehrke. We had a great conversation about my experience in the classroom, the philosophy of teaching, and my new book. You can check out the segment by clicking HERE!


Virtually Connecting for Another Town Hall

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Rep. Pryor, Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn, and I hosted a virtual town hall meeting last week, and it was a pleasure to see many of your names pop up as viewers and in the comments section. Thank you to those who submitted their questions beforehand to help streamline this process, and thank you to everyone for your patience during this difficult time. You can watch a recording of the town hall by clicking HERE!


Electoral College Members Cast Their Votes

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In town halls and city halls across Minnesota, citizens engaged. Election officials and volunteers put in countless, thankless hours. On November 3rd we the people exercised our sacred duty in record numbers. Last Monday our state’s 10 electors finished the process. Democracy really is something to behold. 


A New Paper in Town

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Many of you know that in April the Eden Prairie News closed its doors. In response, the community has come together to launch the Eden Prairie Local News, and I could not be more grateful. As Thomas Jefferson once said: “If I had to choose between a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” You can check out an article about this in the Star Tribune by clicking HERE. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.


Student Workers Begin Receiving Unemployment Benefits

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We have experienced unprecedented layoffs during this pandemic, in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While we have expanded our unemployment insurance program to fit this need, there were still unfortunately people who were unable to access it. A big group of these workers were high school students, who have been working and paying into the system but unable to access benefits. For many families, these students brought home income that was essential to their family’s wellbeing, being used for things like groceries and healthcare. A recent court decision put a fix to this, and the Department of Employment and Economic Development has begun issuing payments. You can view the department’s press release by clicking HERE. Thank you to all of the young people who kept up the pressure on this.


Happy Holidays and Happy Reading

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I know I said this in our last newsletter, but happy holidays again! I know how difficult it is to be socially distanced from our families during this time. Still, this does present an opportunity to grab a book off the shelf that you’ve been meaning to read. What are you planning to read for pleasure this holiday season? I hope whatever you choose to read brings you joy, intrigue, knowledge, or whatever else you are looking for in your book. I wish you all the best and a very happy new year.

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: December 23, 2020

Neighbors,

Earlier this week, Congress approved a $900 billion COVID-19 assistance package. Businesses and families need this boost from the federal government to manage the economic fallout from the virus.

At the time this update is being sent, there is still uncertainty about the final version of the aid billThis is exactly why the legislature passed – and governor signed – a COVID-19 Economic Assistance Package to help businesses and workers survive this economic crisis.

New laws take effect

Two significant new laws will take effect on January 1. One law will modify how sexual assault kits are tested and stored. It aims to ensure the kits are stored properly and extends the time that untested kits are retained, giving survivors more time to change their mind about having the evidence analyzed. The other will improve continuity of care via shortened timelines for prior authorization and access to information about health care plans. You can read more about these laws here.  

Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: December 23, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor Update: December 19, 2020

Neighbors,

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Legislature passed – and Governor Walz signed – a bipartisan assistance package aimed at providing a lifeline to our state’s small businesses and working families until federal relief can arrive. The bill includes a 13-week extension of unemployment insurance and direct financial support for businesses.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue estimates 5,800 small businesses will receive $82-88 million beginning before the end of December. Another $114.5 million will be distributed to counties to provide grants to impacted businesses, and movie theaters and convention centers will receive $14 million. In the bill, Hennepin County would receive just over $25.2 million for small business grants. You can read my statementhere.

More information on what’s in the bill can be found here, and the specifics on eligible businesses, program requirements, and payment amounts here.

Updated Rules for Restaurants, Bars, Gyms, and Other Venues

On Wednesday, Governor Walz provided an update for bars, restaurants, gyms, and other venues which will start on December 19:

  • Bars, restaurants, and breweries: Will remain closed for indoor dining, but they may open for outdoor service at 50 percent capacity or up to 100 people.
  • Gyms and fitness studios: May open for individual exercise at 25 percent capacity, or 100 people maximum,.
  • Youth and adult sports: Practices can resume January 4.
  • Outdoor entertainment venues: Open at 25 percent capacity, up to 100 people maximum.
  • Social Gatherings: Minnesotans may gather inside with one other household up to 10 people. If outside, social gatherings may include up to two additional households (three total) with a maximum of 15 people. Masking and social distancing is strongly encouraged.

You can find information on these updates and more at StaySafe.MN

Virtual Town Hall

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to the SD 48 Virtual Town Hall Thursday night. As usual, it was a fast-paced event as we addressed many of your questions and concerns. If you were not able to participate, you can click on this link to watch the town hall.

Student workers now eligible for unemployment

The Minnesota Court of Appeals recently ruled that the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, under the federal CARES Act, does in fact apply to student workers and therefore unemployment benefits are now available for students whose employment was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments are being made retroactively. Student workers are encouraged to apply at www.uimn.org before December 26. More information is available from Youthprise.


Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

  • Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic (are not experiencing any symptoms). Wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lessen COVID-19 spread. 
  • Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
  • Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
  • Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.

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. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: SD48 Virtual Town Hall Tonight

Dear Neighbors, 

There’s a lot to catch up on since last week’s update. The Minnesota Legislature passed an extension of unemployment benefits and financial assistance for businesses, the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in our state, and yesterday the Governor announced the latest measures to combat the spread of the virus. We’ll be talking about all this and more during tonight’s District 48 Virtual Town Hall!

We’ll be live at 7:00 pm on my official Facebook pageYou may tune in on Facebook even if you don’t have a Facebook account! If you have any specific questions you’d like us to answer, there’s still time to submit them ahead of time here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Continue reading “Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: SD48 Virtual Town Hall Tonight”

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

Please join Sen. Cwodzinski, Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn and me for a District 48 Virtual Town Hall tomorrow, December 17 at 7 p.m. To participate, go to my Facebook page: Rep. Laurie Pryor | Facebook. You can submit your questions ahead of time here.

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: December 10, 2020

December, 2020

Priorities for 2021 legislative session

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The next legislative session is right around the corner, and my colleagues and I are already preparing for how we can best serve the people of Minnesota. At the top of my list is relief for those impacted by coronavirus. We need to slow the spread, support our medical professionals, and give aid to those who have had to make tremendous financial sacrifices. Additionally, I will be introducing bills on the following subjects:

Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: December 10, 2020”