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Neighbors,
COVID-19 upended our lives in ways we could not have imagined fourteen months ago. In response to the dire public health emergency, Minnesotans listened to experts, buckled down, and made sacrifices to protect themselves and others.
Yesterday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a three-step timeline to end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement once 70 percent of Minnesotans aged 16 years and older receive their vaccine – or by July 1. The state is on track to vaccinate 70 percent of Minnesotans by the end of June.
At the Capitol, we will continue to help our families and businesses recover and will work toward improving the lives of all Minnesotans going forward. Governor Walz’s announcement today gives us optimism for better days ahead. Let’s encourage everyone to get vaccinated so we can return to the activities we enjoy with friends and family.
Education Conference Committee Update
The Education Conference Committee held our first meeting this week. We are going through the detailed process of comparing House and Senate versions of each measure. We are also hearing from advocates, state agency personnel and others invested in the care and education of our children and students. We are charged with delivering a compromise measure to present for a final vote by both bodies. It is a great honor to serve as vice-chair of the Early Childhood Finance and Policy Committee and as a member of the negotiation panel, I will continue to work with my colleagues in the best interest of our earliest learners and all our students.
You can watch this week’s conference committee meeting here, and follow the daily legislative schedules, including all conference committee meetings here.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
The Minnesota Department of Health reports more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Eligibility is expanding every day and more Minnesotans are getting appointments. Vaccines protect you and others. You can check Minnesota’s COVID-19 mn.gov/vaccineconnector, call 833-431-2053 or ask your health care provider to help you find a vaccine.
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
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