Category: SD48

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: May 1, 2020

Neighbors,

Yesterday, Governor Walz extended the Stay at Home order until Monday, May 18, but also lifted some restrictions. Beginning on Monday, May 4, retail businesses and other non-critical businesses can offer curbside pick-up. This will put up to 30,000 Minnesotans back to work in a safe, coordinated way.

Businesses must:

  • Develop and publicly post a plan for how to open safely.
  • Use online payment whenever possible.
  • Employees and customers should wear masks and protective equipment.
  • In curbside pick-up scenarios, social distancing guidelines apply. If possible, customers should not leave their vehicle.
  • In delivery scenarios, items should be deposited outside a customer’s residence.

In the time Minnesotans have bought by staying home, Minnesota has: Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: May 1, 2020”

Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: April 24, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you and your family are healthy as we continue to work through the COVID-19 pandemic in our state. In the Minnesota House, we remain hard at work, mostly from home, as we strive to deliver the resources our communities need during this trying time.

There has been some good news this week, especially with the state working alongside the University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, and Hennepin Healthcare to deliver 20,000 tests a day for COVID-19. This is exactly the kind of ingenuity and teamwork that is making Minnesota a leader in the fight against this coronavirus, and now, widespread testing will be a huge part in working toward some sense of normalcy in our communities.

testing breakthrough

You can read more about this breakthrough on testing here. Continue reading “Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: April 24, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: April 24, 2020

Neighbors,

This week, Governor Walz announced agreements with the University of Minnesota the Mayo Clinic and Hennepin Healthcare to make available rapid, widespread testing of COVID-19. This will greatly increase the number of Minnesotans who can be tested – possibly up to as many as 20,000 each day.

We are grateful for the competent leadership of Governor Walz and the partnership of some of the best scientific and public health minds in the country and world.  You can read more about this announcement here.

testing breakthrough

Stay at Home Order stays in effect until May 4, Distance Learning continues 

This week, Governor Walz announced the continuation of the Stay at Home order until May 4, with ability for some Minnesotans to return to work.  In addition, students will continue distance learning through the end of the school year. You can learn more about all the Governor’s Executive Orders here.  Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: April 24, 2020”

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: April 17, 2020

Businesses Begin Reopening

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Earlier today, Governor Walz signed an executive order to expand the list of businesses that can reopen. They are:

  • Bait shops for live bait
  • Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
  • Public and private parks and trails
  • Golf courses and driving ranges
  • Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
    • Marina services
    • Dock installation and other lake services
    • Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only

This will help us all get outdoors and enjoy the weather as it gets warmer, and will allow many Minnesotans to return to work. Staying home helps protect the physical health of others, and this expansion of outdoor activities will help improve our mental health as well.

Thank You For Saving Lives

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With the Stay Home order being continued until May 4th, I wanted to thank each and every one of you who who is either an essential worker putting yourself at risk or is staying home and enduring financial hardship. Our success so far in limiting the spread of the disease would not have been possible without you doing your part. Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: April 17, 2020”

Rep. Phillips Releases Hopeful “Many Voices One Message” Video

Minnesota elected officials, celebrities, and citizens unite during the COVID-19 pandemic

MINNETONKA, MN – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) released an uplifting mobile video featuring a bipartisan group of Minnesota elected officials, celebrities, and citizens. In the “Many Voices One Message” video, familiar faces unite around a message of hope and gratitude, and urge Minnesotans to stay home and stick together as uncertainty around next steps in the COVID-19 pandemic looms.

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CLICK HERE TO WATCH AND SHARE ON FACEBOOK
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON TWITTER

Participants in order of appearance:

  • U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips
  • U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar
  • Joy Marsh Stephens
  • Hennepin Co. Sheriff David Hutchinson
  • Shanti Shah
  • Chen Zhou
  • James Denton
  • Andrew Zimmern
  • U.S. Rep. Angie Craig
  • State Sen. Paul Anderson
  • Brooklyn Park Mayor Jeff Lunde
  • Ava
  • Bella
  • Allina Health Vice President of Medical Affairs, Dr. Ryan Else
  • Nelima Sitati Munene
  • State Rep. Zack Stephenson
  • Bloomington City Councilwoman Jenna Carter
  • State Sen. Melisa Franzen
  • Mo
  • State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski
  • State Rep. Kelly Morrison
  • Nausheena Hussain

Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: April 13, 2020

NOTE: This update arrived after our last post of the day.  The tomorrow in the first sentence is actually today, April 14, 2020.

Dear Neighbors,

Tomorrow, the Minnesota Legislature will meet to pass additional legislation to bolster our state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like last week, legislators will be voting remotely in an effort to adhere to the social distancing guidelines recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health. You’ll be able to watch the action on the House floor the same as me, through the livestream that will be available here, starting at noon.
Selfie

Last week, we passed a bipartisan bill to ensure that Minnesota’s health care and public safety officials have access to the workers’ compensation they deserve in the event that they contract COVID-19. These are vulnerable, exposed jobs, and we need to support the professions that in turn support our state; the nurses, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, child care workers, and corrections officers. Continue reading “Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: April 13, 2020”

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

April 9, 2020

Stay Home Order Extended to May 4

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By now you may have heard that Governor Tim Walz has extended our current Stay Home Order to end on May 4th. This comes as modeling shows we will need additional time to get out healthcare capacity ready for peak infection, due to difficulties in obtaining necessary supplies like personal protective equipment.

On the positive side, we are seeing the impact our efforts have had on saving lives. We have also begun the process of opening up what businesses we can. Many of you have written in about golf courses and landscapers, and the new executive order will allow groundskeepers to return to work after verifying some safety precautions. Discussions about opening up courses to the public are still ongoing. Please reach out to me if you have questions about this.

Also good news, Hennepin County Library is beginning to reopen libraries through curbside pickup. Eight locations have been chosen as a pilot project, and the Eden Prairie Library is one of them. This contactless service will begin during the week of April 13. Information about this should be online shortly by clicking HERE. Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: April 10, 2020”

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

Neighbors,

Gov. Walz announced yesterday that the Stay at Home directive will continue until May 4.

He laid out evidence that our current strategy is working, and lives are being saved. For this we can all be grateful.

You can read about this and all Executive Orders signed by Gov. Walz here. Under the extended order, Minnesotans may leave their residences only to perform the following activities, and while doing so, they should practice social distancing: Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: April 9, 2020”

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: April 3, 2020

April 3, 2020

State of the State Being Delivered on Sunday

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Sunday will be a big historic moment, as Governor Walz issues his State of the State address. It will be only the second time it has been delivered from the residence, as it is typically delivered from the Capitol with all of the legislature in attendance. You will be able to watch the speech online by clicking HERE.

Treating Everyone With Respect

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As I mentioned last week, it is important that we all treat each other with respect during this difficult time. Our Asian American neighbors are feeling an increase in stigma and intolerance right now, and type of behavior will not keep us safer. It’s important to take a deep breath and remember that we are all doing our best. Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: April 3, 2020”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: April 2, 2020

Rep. Pryor

Neighbors,

Governor Walz’s Stay at Home Executive Order is nearly a week old and I have heard from many people that the directive is something they were already practicing. Minnesotans have been stepping up….and staying home. We know we can save lives if we use social distancing to lessen the severity and length of the pandemic. Friends and neighbors stay safe, stay home!

stayhomeFinancial Support

Many in our communities have lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can apply for Minnesota’s unemployment insurance (UI) here.

If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, the federal government is making unemployment benefits available.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has created a new guide for small businesses needing help during this unprecedented public health crisis. Click here for the most up-to-date and accurate information about financial assistance for small businesses.

Food Resources

PROP Food Shelf
14700 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Monday-Friday 9:30am-1pm and Wednesday 4-6:30pm
952-937-9120  |  Visit Website  |  Get Directions

ICA Food Shelf
11588 K-Tel Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343
During this time, we are adjusting the way we provide food. We are now offering pre-packaged bags of food. When you come to the food shelf, check in at the front door, and then return to your car. Volunteers will pack your food and then bring it out to your trunk. We are trying to minimize physical contact to keep everyone as safe as possible.
952-938-7029  |  Visit Website  |  Get Directions

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP)
1605 North County Road 101, Plymouth, MN 55447
Serves residents of Hamel, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata. Call to schedule an appointment: 763-489-7500.

COVID-19 Update: Starting 3/23 we will be operating our drive-up food shelf model on Mondays 3-6 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

763-489-7500  |  Visit Website  |  Get Directions

Other COVID-19 Resources

  • Child Care
    • Parents/Guardians needing child care resources can call Child Care Aware of MN at 1-888- 291-9811 or go to parentaware.org to search on-line for child care options
    • Peacetime emergency child care provider grants
    • Six Minnesota Initiative Foundations have launched an Emergency Child Care Grant Program to provide support for Greater Minnesota licensed child care providers serving families of essential workers needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Think Small” has launched an effort to issue grants to family child care programs in the metro area.
  • Driver and Vehicle Services at the Department of Public Safety
  • Health & Public Health Insurance
  • How can I help?
    • Suggestions for how you can help from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC)
    • Guidance on how to donate or procure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from MN Management and Budget
    • If you are a business that has a service, equipment, or other capability that could be of value in fighting the COVID-19 virus, please fill out this form

Here are steps we can continue to all take to stay healthy:

  • COVID-19 primarily spreads by droplets. For your safety, the best thing to do is stay home.  Even if healthy, stay home as much as is possible. If you must go out, stay at least six feet away from others.
  • Wash your hands often and when you wash them, do so for 20 seconds before rinsing (that means singing Happy Birthday twice before rinsing).
  • COVID-19 can also spread from surfaces to you, but only via mucous membranes. In other words, it can only infect you by going from your hands to your eyes, nose or mouth (it cannot infect you through your skin). Therefore, don’t touch your face. This is hard to stop doing (we are creatures of habit), so if you touch your face think about why and look to identify triggers. That will help you break the habit.
  • If sick, stay home. If you are very sick (i.e. fever, cough, and shortness of breath) and you feel like you need to see someone, call first or do an e-visit. Do not just show up to your clinic, Urgent Care, or Emergency Dept. without notifying them first. This helps the clinic, Urgent Care, or Emergency Dept. prepare for you and helps avoid infecting others.
  • When you cough, use your sleeve to cover your mouth and help prevent forming droplets that can infect others.

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