Neighbors,
Every legislative session is a new opportunity to help our neighbors succeed and our state to improve. When session convenes on January 31, we’ll continue to help Minnesotans impacted by COVID-19, efforts that began many months ago.
This week, House DFLers rolled out our Climate Action and Economic Security plans. Minnesotans have been affected in so many ways by the pandemic and now, with a historic budget surplus, we are putting those funds to work to help everyone thrive.
The work we do at the Capitol is important, but we couldn’t do it without your input. I’ll be asking for your thoughts on several issues expected to come before us during the session. Stay “tuned” for my legislative survey. I value your opinion and look forward to reading your survey replies.
Another way for us to hear from you is an upcoming town hall. On January 25 from 7:30-8:30 p.m., Sen. Cwodzinski, Rep. Kotyza-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.
In advance, you can submit questions for the town hall here: https://forms.gle/6SLRS2h9m2EyUL3QA.
Mayor’s letter
Rising crime was the topic of a recent meeting with city officials, police chiefs and prosecutors. While we may have differences on how to solve these problems, we know progress can be made if we collaborate on solutions. I joined many of my legislative colleagues to send a letter to our local government officials, committing to work together to make all our communities safer.
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.
Minnetonka approved a mask mandate that went into effect this week. You can read more here.
Also, families can start ordering up to 4 free COVID tests from the government.
All you need is your name and residential mailing address, and tests will be delivered through the U.S. Postal Service and shipped within 7-12 days. Go to https://www.covidtests.gov/ to get your test kits and many more resources!
** Reminder ** You can order for anyone who may not be internet savvy.
Seeking CNA Applicants
The Legislative COVID-19 Response Commission (LCRC) approved funding to recruit, train, and deploy at least 1,000 new certified nursing assistants (CNAs) by the end of January. Nursing assistants are the sixth most in demand job in Minnesota, providing frontline care to patients across the health care spectrum. This staffing initiative, led by Minnesota’s Office of Higher Education in conjunction with Minnesota State, will offer resources and support to those pursuing a CNA credential from the first day of class to the first day on the job.
The program covers costs for tuition, fees, and materials, as well as transportation and technology needs for students.
CNA programs throughout the state are ready to enroll and train students as soon as possible. Once trained, the CNAs will be eligible for employment at Minnesota long-term care facilities that are facing severe staffing shortages.
Learn more by going to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website. You’ll find a link to enroll or sign up to receive more information when new training opportunities are added.
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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