Dear Neighbors,
Spring is right around the corner and with that, the pace of business is picking up at the State Capitol. We had another busy week, and here’s my Legislative Update.
Veterans Day on the Hill
Many Minnesotans came to the Capitol on Monday for Veterans Day on the Hill. This year’s focus was on helping surviving spouses keep their homes, stopping predatory lending against veterans’ benefits, and increasing access to the outdoors for disabled vets. It was great to see so many veterans and advocates working to make sure their voices are heard.
Advocating for stronger disability services
On Tuesday, I met with a couple of groups of constituents at the Capitol pushing for adequate investments in home and community-based support services for people with disabilities. Constituents were concerned about rate cuts of 7% beginning July 1. Knowing that direct support professionals already make up approximately 9% of all job vacancies in the entire state, it's clear that these cuts will only make a continuing problem worse. We need to do right by the most vulnerable among us. I was so glad to have met the great folks and hear their stories.
State of the State
Wednesday evening, Governor Dayton presented his final State of the State address in the House Chamber. He highlighted a legacy to be proud of, eliminating the $6.2 billion deficit he inherited to instead create ongoing stable budgets, historic investments in education, including all-day kindergarten throughout the state and expanded preK, and tremendous economic growth, with unemployment the lowest it’s been in 17 years. By many accounts, Minnesota is at or near the top of all states in the country, and I thank him for his leadership.
I had the honor to be joined by Girls United MN founder and Hopkins High School junior Jessica Melnik as my guest for the speech. She and her colleagues have done an amazing job of raising awareness of sexual exploitation of children and have worked with me and other lawmakers to introduce legislation to end it. Also pictured below are Rep. Laurie Halverson of Eagan and Emma, an Eagan High School junior. Over the last year, I’ve seen nearly unprecedented engagement in our democracy, and it’s great so many young people are included in this as well.
Addressing School Safety
Yesterday I met with students, administrators, and school board members from the Hopkins School District representing the Hopkins Legislative Action Coalition (LAC) as well as parents from the Minnetonka School District’s Community Action for Student Education (CASE) organization.
One theme brought up in both meetings is the need for safe schools. Students should be able to go to school with peace of mind and not the fear that their school will be the site of the next tragedy. While we should address security vulnerabilities, ensuring schools are safe goes well beyond physical improvements; our students deserve greater investments in school counselors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists.
Governor Dayton recently introduced the “Safe and Secure Schools Act” to provide $15.9 million to enhance safety for students, teachers, parents, and staff in schools. The proposal also includes an additional $5 million for school-based grants that would provide mental health services to students who need added support.
Town Hall Reminder
I’d like to remind you about the Town Hall Meeting Sen. Cwodzinski and I are hosting next Saturday, March 24 at Minnetonka High School. I hope to see you there.
WHAT: Town Hall Meeting
WHO: Rep. Laurie Pryor, Sen. Steve Cwodzinski
WHERE: Minnetonka High School (Forum Room), 18301 Highway 7, Minnetonka
WHEN: Saturday, March 24 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Please continue to reach out with your feedback and ideas. It’s an honor to represent you in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Laurie Pryor
State Representative