Neighbors, On Monday, the legislature adjourned the session sine die, as the constitution requires. Although we passed several substantive pieces of legislation, there is still much to do to finish our work in education, public safety, transportation, health, human services, environment, long term care, child care and bonding. Our transformational Taxes bill agreed to by House and Senate negotiators would help thousands of Minnesotans. We are close to reaching agreements on these important issues and we could complete our work with a special session. For years, DFLers have focused on reducing costs for families, helping workers get ahead, and improving public safety and we will continue working with Republicans in good faith to find as many agreements as possible. Among the session accomplishments: - Giving bonuses to frontline workers who could not work from home.
- Distributing unprecedented amounts of money to address the opioid crisis.
- Making the largest investment in high-speed broadband internet in state history.
- Funding public health infrastructure to keep people healthy and safe as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.
- Protecting and supporting veterans and Gold Star families.
- Replenishing funding for Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Program, keeping businesses’ unemployment insurance tax rates flat.
- Extending the COVID-19 worker’s comp presumption for first responders, including fire fighters, police officers, paramedics, and more.
- Reducing the cost of health insurance for those who use the individual market.
- Modernizing state liquor laws to support Minnesota’s breweries and distilleries.
- Funding nation-leading ALS research.
- Providing relief to farmers impacted by the 2021 drought and delivering resources to control and contain the avian influenza outbreak.
- Preventing Republicans from infringing on a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions.
Remembering our Fallen Heroes On Memorial Day, we remember those who died in active military service. We thank them for their ultimate sacrifice.  COVID-19 Update Every home in the U.S. can now order a third round of free at-home COVID-19 tests. Click here to place your order. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Also, a reminder Americans over 50 and those 12 years and older who are immunocompromised can receive a second COVID-19 booster shot. More updates about COVID-19 are available through the Minnesota Department of Health website or the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). _____________ 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. 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 |