Happy New Year, Neighbors! I hope you were able to spend some quality time with family and friends over the holidays. The way we celebrate has certainly changed but with precautions we were able to have some semblance of normalcy this holiday season. Now we move on to the new year and the 2022 legislative session which convenes on January 31st. There are so many challenges ahead as we navigate changes in our daily lives resulting from COVID-19, but I’m optimistic if we work together, we can continue to improve life for every Minnesotan and help those most impacted by the pandemic. I look forward to our work together this session and beyond. Town Hall On Tuesday, January 25 from 7:30-8:30 p.m., Sen. Cwodzinski, Rep. Kottyza-Witthuhn and I are hosting a pre-legislative session town hall in the Heritage Rooms of Eden Prairie City Hall. The town hall will be conducted in a hybrid format, with the opportunity to watch online and to attend in person. Those attending in person will be required to wear a mask. You can submit questions for the town hall here: https://forms.gle/6SLRS2h9m2EyUL3QA. COVID-19 Update COVID-19 and its variants persist throughout Minnesota. To keep yourself and each other safe, here are some steps we can all take to significantly reduce the number of cases and ease the burden on our exhausted health care workers: - Get Vaccinated.Minnesotans aged 5 and up can be vaccinated. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones – especially those who can’t be vaccinated and children under 5. Find vaccines for the whole family .
- Get Tested. Take advantage of one of the many free testing options the state has to offer, or head to your local clinic or pharmacy. Make an appointment at a community testing site.
- Get Boosted.All adults 18 and older should get a booster when they are due (6 months after receiving Pfizer and Moderna, and 2 months after receiving Johnson & Johnson).
- Stay Safe.Wear your mask in indoor public settings, wash your hands, and do your best to avoid crowded indoor spaces before getting together with family and friends—especially high-risk loved ones and children under 5 who can’t be vaccinated.
 New Laws Several laws which passed during the 2021 regular and special legislative sessions took effect on January 1, 2022. You can read about the new laws here. You can also access summaries of all laws passed by the 2021 Legislature online from nonpartisan House Public Information Services. Cold Weather Rule and Energy Assistance The frigid weather is a reminder Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR), is in effect until April 30, 2022. The CWR is administered by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off. For more information, see the PUC’s Shutoff Protection page or call the PUC’s Consumer Affairs Office at 651-296-0406. Keep in mind you or someone you know may also qualify for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) to cover payments for both water and energy bills and for the Minnesota Weatherization Program. See the 2022 income guidelines and apply.  Minimum Wage Increase Minnesota’s minimum wage was adjusted for inflation, effective January 1, 2022. You can read more about the change at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website here.  Stay connected with the legislature 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 |