Dear neighbor,
The legislative session is well underway. I spent the past week getting acquainted with my committee work at the Capitol. So far, I have found the experience fascinating and exciting.
We listened to a presentation about data practices and privacy issues in the Civil Law Committee. As the state begins to implement the health insurance exchanges that are part of the Affordable Care Act, there is bipartisan concern over matters relating to medical privacy. Although I continue to oppose the Affordable Care Act and its implementation in Minnesota, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to heighten awareness of the threat to patients’ confidential medical information. If you want more information about the health care exchanges being proposed in Minnesota, I encourage you to read House File 5 by clicking the link (http://bit.ly/VP03xM).
In the Government Operations Committee, we heard testimony from Larry Martin, the Executive Director of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement. The issue of public pensions is of significant concern for Minnesota given the multi-billion dollar unfunded pension liability. As I stated when I ran for this office, we have an obligation to fulfill the promises we made. However, we are on the wrong trajectory and I looking forward to offering a solution to this problem as we move forward.
In addition to my committee work, I’ve attended many workshops, presentations, and meetings on issues relating to education, business, energy, and veterans. I am eager to continuing learning about the critical issues facing us as a state. These events have been helpful and have allowed me to meet many of my legislative colleagues with whom I look forward to working to solve the challenges facing Minnesota.
I’m happy to report that I have signed on to my first bill. The bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit the legislature from borrowing from our schools to balance the budget. I firmly believe we should not be borrowing from our children’s future.
I want to thank those of you so far who have contacted me with your questions, comments, and concerns. As your representative, I want to hear from you. If you have any ideas for proposed legislation specific to the committees on which I serve, I welcome your input. You can contact me via e-mail at rep.cindy.pugh@house.mn. To contact me by phone, call (651) 296-4315. Mail can be sent to Rep. Cindy Pugh, 313 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.
Please encourage your family and friends to sign up for my weekly email updates by clicking the link (http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/join.asp?id=15411) and filling out your contact information.
Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Cindy