Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Congratulations to the Maple Grove Crimson girls hockey team for winning their sectional playoff game last week sending them to the State Tournament this weekend! They played last night and won their quarterfinal game 4-1! Join me in cheering them on tonight in the semifinal game! There are other playoff sporting events in our area – our boys hockey teams play in sectional matches and the Osseo vs. Maple Grove basketball game double-header! At 5:30 the girls play and at 8:00 the boys meet up on the hard court. This is a classic sports night for our basketball teams. Good luck to all of them!
Here are the highlights from our capitol this week:
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Daycares Being Unionized?
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Jason Riley and Economic Disparities
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Feed My Starving ChildrenEvent
Daycares Being Unionized?
Last week, daycare providers received ballots and information about a possible unionization of childcare workers. There was a law passed in 2013 that offers an argument that providers who care for clients who receive government subsidies are considered government employees. With a vote set to take place, I am deeply concerned with the interpretation of this law and the potential impact this vote could have on this industry and others.
The rollout of a vote has been plagued with issues. The Department of Human Services (DHS) may have misinterpreted state law and did not include the entire list of eligible providers for the vote. This means that some providers may not be getting a chance to vote on their own unionization.
It’s important we take a measured approach to examine if this is the right step for our children in daycare, childcare workers, and small business owners. I will keep you informed as the issue continues to develop.
Jason Riley and Economic Disparities
In the previewing weeks of our legislative session, there has been talk of racial economic disparities. This week, Jason Riley – author, fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and the Wall Street Journal editorial writer – presented his views on education and economic challenges for many in our country. This is an issue I plan to learn more about as it’s discussed in St. Paul.
Feed My Starving Children Event
Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit, Christian organization that is committed to feeding children hungry in body and spirit. Food packed at their regional centers is shipped all over the world. This event runs Feb. 24-28 and the goal is to pack 2,000,000 meals for children in need. Sign up at your local church or call Feed My Starving Children for details. I will be there Saturday morning; hope to see you there!
We are very close to the start of session (March 8) – please contact me with any concerns or bill ideas you have. It is my privilege to represent our great community; thank you! I can be reached at Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, by phone at (651) 296-5502, or US mail at 13570 Grove Drive, #370, Maple Grove, MN, 55311.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis