Tag: SD48

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

April 9, 2020

Stay Home Order Extended to May 4

Image

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”

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

April 3, 2020

State of the State Being Delivered on Sunday

Image

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

Image

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”

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020

Legislature Passes COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bill

Yesterday the Senate voted on an emergency economic relief bill to help everyone who is economically impacted by our response to COVID-19. Included in the bill is:

  • Emergency childcare grants
  • Food shelf aid and expansion of goods and services provided
  • Emergency housing assistance
  • Grants for emergency services
  • Military veteran economic assistance
  • Temporary expansion of driver and vehicle services

More details on the bill can be found HERE and HERE. There were a few things we could not reach a compromise on in time, such as ensuring pay for hourly school employees, funding community education, and ensuring that COVID is covered by worker’s compensation. We will likely be meeting again in the near future to take up another bill. Please let me know if you have any questions. Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 27, 2020”

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 22, 2020

Week of March 16 – 23

Hearing from constituents

While I have not been taking in-person meetings this week due to our current pandemic, I have spoken with many of you about the issues weighing on your minds.

I have received about 80 emails and phone calls in the past week, and more than 70 of them have been related to COVID-19. About half of these messages have been related to health concerns, while the other half have been about economic concerns. Both are weighing heavily on me, and I’m doing what I can to see that we act on additional measures this week. Last week we stayed until 2:30am to free up over $20 million in funding for health purposes, and next on our agenda is going to be economic stimulus and tax relief.

Learning from literature

Image

I recently picked up “Pandemic 1918” for a little historical perspective on our current situation. Hoping to learn from the experiences of the past. So far, I have learned that the world had some wonderfully altruistic people then, as well as today.

Reducing screen time for our youngest learners

You may remember from a couple weeks ago that I am working on a bill with Rep. Kelly Morrison to reduce the time 0-5 year old students spend in front of screens. I recently spoke to local reporter Eden Teller about the bill, and you can learn more about our efforts as reported in the Eden Prairie News HERE. Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 22, 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)”

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 13, 2020

Week of March 9 – 13

Reducing screen time and helping our youngest learners

Image

This week, a bill I’ve been working on with State Representative Kelly Morrison was featured on Good Morning America. Aimed at helping brain development of 0-5 year olds, the bill would reduce screen time use in schools for pre-k and kindergarten students. It would also start a PSA campaign to help parents learn the risks of screen use with developing young minds.You can view the story online by clicking HERE.

Thank you to our constituents Lisa Venable and Judy Stoffel who brought the idea to our attention and have been leading the way on this.

Students at the capitol

Image

Lots of young people came to visit the capitol this week, including a massive group from Eden Prairie High School. It was awesome getting to speak with them in the Governor’s Reception Room. Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 13, 2020”

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 6, 2020

Week of March 2nd – 6th

Honoring our veterans

Image

I presented my first bill of 2020 on Thursday morning, which would establish a special license plate for veterans who received an Air Medal. The idea was brought to Representative Laurie Pryor and I by our constituent, Jim O’Neill, who served in Vietnam and received two Air Medals. The bill was passed and sent to the Transportation Committee. Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: March 6, 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.

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: February 28, 2020

Week of February 24- 28

Former students finding careers in government

Image

I recently got to meet with five of my former students: Joe Lenczewski, Eric Petersen, Laura (Helgen) Sparkman, Erik Anderson, and Alex Fox. They all now work in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Image

It does my heart good to see them here, making the world a better place

Eden Prairie Library reopens

Image

It was a pleasure to be at the grand re-opening of the Eden Prairie Library. Also in attendance was Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, Commissioner Jan Callison, Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case, Commissioner Debbie Goettel, and Council Member Brad Aho.

Hearing from students

Image

On Monday I spent some time talking to students at Eden Prairie High School. Some of their big concerns were climate change, vaping, and higher education costs. Looking forward to seeing them change the world as they get older.

Updating our state constitution

Image

A friend and former legislative assistant, Kristin Trapp, recently visited the capitol to advocate for a bill she is working on, SF 522. The bill would change all instances of “he” or “him” in the state constitution to gender neutral pronouns.

New Session, New interns

Image

Image

It has been a fun few weeks getting to know my new interns. Adrianna Erickson and Urji Abdalla (a former student) both have an exciting passion for government. They are both juniors in college and hope to pursue careers in politics after graduation.

Eden Prairie Schools Gala

Image
Last weekend, I attended the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools Gala. I watched a former colleague be awarded teacher of the year and celebrated the work of all of our educators and staff. This foundation is doing great work for our students.

Voting against Voter ID

Image

In the State Government and Elections Committee this week, we heard a bill on Voter ID, which would require some form of identification card in order for a Minnesotan to cast a ballot. After a spirited debate, I voted against it for three very important reasons. I recorded my weekly video on this subject. You can check it out by clicking HERE.

Minnesota welcomes its newest citizens

Image
The state capitol hosted a naturalization ceremony in the rotunda on Wednesday. Watching these events always reminds me of how wonderful our country is. ImageWhile at the ceremony, I happened to reunite with two former students who were there to support their mom, who had just become a citizen.

Meetings with constituents

Image

Trisha Alexander, a former student, came in to lobby me this week for Hunger Solutions Day on the Hill. Great to see young adults exercising their civic duty.

Image

A few constituents also came in for Be the Match day at the capitol, to try and make bone marrow transplants more accessible.

Image

I also had the chance to talk with a student at the School of Environmental Studies who was here to learn about law and policy. She expressed wisdom beyond her years and I was happy to help with her research.

Image

Two constituents also came in for private college day on the hill. Both attend Augsburg University, and represented the school wonderfully. One of their big issues was funding for the State Grant Program.

Image

I ran into Annie Deanovic Schmidt, a former student of mine back in 2004, who was here for Kidney Donation day on the hill.

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: February 21, 2020

Week of February 17 – 21

New year. New bills being introduced.

ImageWe’re through the second week of session, and lots of interesting bills have been introduced as the intensity picks up. Some that I have introduced are:

  • A bill to allow 17 year-olds to vote in a primary if they turn 18 before the general election.
  • A bill to educate parents on screen use with young children, and help them understand how that can affect brain development.
  • A bill to protect Minnesota birds from lead poisoning.

Continue reading “Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (SD48) Update: February 21, 2020”