|
Neighbors,
Despite the wetter than normal weather, I hope you can enjoy the beauty of our area this summer. Just a reminder to attend the Eden Prairie Independence Day celebration at Round Lake Park. And of course, there is always the big celebration on Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior on July 4th. Have fun this holiday!!
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs recently commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Hundreds of Vietnam-era veterans attended the events at the Mall of America to view exhibits and displays, attend the resource fair, and see the American Veterans Traveling Tribute wall. By all accounts it was a healing time for Vietnam veterans to connect, reflect, and gather information. Governor Walz addressed the group, expressing appreciation for their service. Thank you to all who served!
Last week, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon announced in the first seven weeks of operation, more than fifteen-thousand Minnesotans successfully registered to vote through the new Automatic Voter Registration system. Also, 13,283 16-and 17-year-old Minnesotans had been pre-registered to vote through the new system.
With Automatic Voter Registration, eligible Minnesotans who are applying for or renewing a state-issued ID will be registered to vote without needing to affirmatively “opt-in.” The system includes an intensive review process by state and local government officials to verify registrants' identity and residence and confirm their eligibility to vote.
The Minnesota Management and Budget Office recently released the May Revenue Review, which shows net general fund revenues totaled $2.1 billion in May 2024, $304 million (16.7%) above forecast. Net receipts from all major tax types exceeded forecast. FY24 year-to-date receipts are now $26.8 billion, $561 million (2.1%) over forecast.
If you want your lawn to be more pollinator-friendly, Minnesota residents can now apply for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching, and gardening resources.
Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitats in their yards. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you must reapply to be considered for spring 2025 funding.
Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website.
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. You can track bills of interest with the MyBills feature and for general House of Representatives’ information, click on the website.
As most of you know, I am retiring from the legislature at the end of the year. Until then, 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
|
