Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 2, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

 

It has been very busy at the State Capitol with full committee agendas and many visits with constituents. It’s great to hear the perspectives from so many people in the community. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: March 2, 2018”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: February 26, 2018

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

The legislative session got underway last week. Along with legislators returning to the State Capitol, everyday Minnesotans also made their voices heard on issues they are passionate about.

One of these issues is the crisis of gun violence. As you know, in Florida, 14 students, a teacher, a coach, and an athletic director all lost their lives in yet another senseless tragedy. On the first day of session, hundreds of members of Moms Demand Action rallied at the Capitol imploring legislators to take action on gun violence prevention measures. Two days later, hundreds more with the organization Protect Minnesota came to the Capitol with the same message: too many lives have been lost; we need legislative action now to keep guns out of the wrong hands. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: February 26, 2018”

Legislative Q&A: House District 48A Rep. Laurie Pryor

The following article by Patty Dexter was posted on the Eden Prairie News website February 15, 2018:

The 2018 legislative session convenes on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The newspaper contacted Rep. Laurie Pryor for a Q&A previewing the session.

What are the biggest issues facing your district this session?

In talking to members of the community, their top of mind issues haven’t changed a great deal. Minnesotans are counting on the Legislature to ensure kids can get a great education, make health care affordable and accessible, build upon economic opportunities for the region, and invest in updated transportation infrastructure. I also hear from many folks about the need to protect our land, air, and water, and enact common-sense solutions to prevent gun violence. Continue reading “Legislative Q&A: House District 48A Rep. Laurie Pryor”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: February 13, 2018

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

The legislative session kicks off just one week from today. Last week, a series of bills were “pre-filed” for introduction, a list of which you can see here. There are many issues requiring the Legislature’s attention in this short session, as we work to improve the lives of Minnesotans in both big and small ways. These include addressing potential consequences of the federal tax bill, passing a public infrastructure bill, measures to expand affordable health care, our new vehicle licensing system, and others. Feel free to let me know what issues are important to you and your family, and what steps you’d like to see taken about them.

I also wanted to remind community members about this Thursday’s workshop hosted by Girls United MN titled “Not for Sale: Standing Up to Sex Trafficking.” In my last update, I highlighted a bill drafted by Hopkins High Junior Jessica Melnik and her Girls United colleagues who have done exceptional work to both bring attention to this issue and create solutions. I’m honored to co-author this legislation. Continue reading “Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: February 13, 2018”

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, Rep. Laurie Pryor to introduce sexual exploitation bill

The following article by Patty Dexter was posted on the Eden Prairie News website January 30, 2018:

Minnesota State Capitol

Two local state legislators have been working together on bipartisan legislation to enhance current child sexual about curriculum in public schools to include sexual exploitation prevention.

The bill is authored by District 48A Rep. Laurie Pryor, DFL – Minnetonka, and District 48 Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, DFL – Eden Prairie and will be introduced when the next legislative session convenes on Feb. 20.

Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, Rep. Laurie Pryor to introduce sexual exploitation bill”

Rep. Laurie Pryor (HD48A) Update: January 29, 2018

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 (HD48A) Update: December 21, 2017

Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

I’m writing to wish a safe and happy Holiday Season to you and your family. I hope that this time of year brings each of us moments of great joy as we gather with friends and family to share meals, play games, tell stories, and bask in the fellowship of loved ones.

This is also a good time to reflect on the twelve months that have gone by, as well as to look forward to the twelve ahead. The new year will bring new challenges, as well as new opportunities.

As your State Representative, I look forward to continuing on this journey with everyone in the community to make Minnesota an even better place to live.

It’s been a tremendous honor to be your voice at the State Capitol this past year, and I look forward to serving you in the year to come. Working together, with a firm commitment to our shared values, we will make a positive impact on Minnesota’s future. To this end, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any ideas, questions, input, or if I can be of assistance.

Warmly wishing you Happy Holidays and a special New Year to you and your loved ones,

Laurie Pryor

State Representative

Many people showed up

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 (HD48A) Update: November 22, 2017

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 Update: November 17, 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”