Neighbors, As session moves toward our adjournment date of May 20, we continue to develop a legislative agenda putting Minnesota families first. My priority is to work with you, focusing on building stronger communities for all Minnesotans, and creating an economy where everyone can succeed. Listening to YouListening to my constituents is the most important part of my job as your state representative. Please take a few minutes to fill out my 2024 legislative survey. Your responses will help me better understand your viewpoints, concerns, and values. Thank you for making your voice heard! Committee ActionThis week in the Human Services Finance Committee, I presented my legislation that establishes a partnership to expedite service authorization of technology for home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver recipients. This measure will improve the patient experience for those who need assistance. In the CommunityI greeted local SEIU workers on their day at the Capitol this week. Seeing community members is always the best part of my week!  Post 911 Service BonusAny Minnesota Veteran who served between September 11, 2001, and August 30, 2021, may be eligible for a Post-9/11 Service Bonus. More than 20,000 Minnesota Veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism have already received bonuses in recognition of their service. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is distributing nearly $39.8 million in bonuses. Eligible Veterans are paid on a first-come, first-served basis, so Veterans should apply today before the funds are gone. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024, or until funding is exhausted. Learn more here.  Debt Fairness ActMedical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. DFLers have introduced the Debt Fairness Act. Too many people are saddled with unmanageable debt, and our current laws have been insufficient at addressing this dilemma. Medical debt depletes peoples’ rainy-day funds and causes them to incur credit card debt, and to forgo medical treatment altogether. The Debt Fairness Act aims to unburden Minnesotans from medical debt and help working and middle-class families make ends meet.  ___________________________________________________________________ We wish all neighbors of the Muslim faith a happy Ramadan  ___________________________________________________________________ Stay connected with the legislatureThe 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. You can track bills of interest with the MyBills feature and for general House of Representatives’ information, click on the website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Laurie Pryor State Representative |