Neighbors,
I hope your holiday week was spent with family and friends. Hopefully we will have some warm, sunny weather soon and be able to enjoy time outdoors!
The legislature has returned from our break, and we will begin to pass our supplemental budget bills off the House floor, including Early Childhood, Education, Environment, Public Safety, and others. Our budget supports families and builds a better Minnesota for everyone.
Earth Day
Like many of you, I’m working hard to protect the planet. As a legislator, I support bills to address the climate crisis and preserve Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.
Happy Earth Day!
Governor’s State of the State Address
Governor Walz will deliver his annual State of the State address in the House of Representatives chamber on Sunday, April 24th at 6 p.m. You can watch the governor’s address live here.
Survey Results
There are still several weeks remaining in the 2022 Legislative Session. Thank you to everyone who took my survey. You can read the results here.
Avian Influenza Update
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI/H5N1) continues to show up in various Minnesota locations. The legislature approved – and Gov. Walz signed into law – a $1 million appropriation to be used for testing supplies, emergency response activities and disease surveillance.
There are actions the public can do to help limit the spread of the virus. The Raptor Center in St. Paul recommends removing bird feeders for now. Keep a lookout for any deceased birds or those in need of help – don’t touch the bird, but rather call the DNR, Raptor Center, or a new HPAI hotline at 1-833-454-0156.first for next steps.
For those who raise backyard chickens, keep the birds enclosed and separated from wildlife. Place mesh or tarps on the outside of the coop.
The virus has not caused human illness. According to the CDC, recent bird flu infections in U.S. wild birds and poultry pose a low risk to the public. You can read more from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or the Board of Animal Health.
COVID-19 Update
The FDA has authorized a second booster shot for Americans over 50 and for those 12 years and older who are immunocompromised. You can read more from the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) recommendations here.
If you have symptoms, have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, after traveling, or if you’ve attended a high-risk event, get tested to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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Stay connected with the legislature
The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here.
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