Dear neighbor,
It was another busy week at the Capitol! Governor Dayton gave his State of the State address before a joint session of the legislature. Dozens of business owners and job creators from throughout the state were special guests of House Republican members. I had the honor of inviting constituent Jon Foss, co-owner of Foss Swim Schools, as my guest. One of Jon’s swim schools is located in Chanhassen. Given the governor’s proposal to impose a tax on swimming lessons, I thought it would be important to bring Jon to the Capitol to listen to Governor Dayton’s speech and to get his perspective as a business owner. It was no surprise to hear Jon’s deep concern about the governor’s proposed tax on swimming lessons especially given the fact that family budgets are tight for everyone right now. An increase in the cost of swimming lessons would certainly hamper his business and might even have a hindering effect on teaching kids to swim. Given the degree to which families enjoy swimming and boating in our district on beautiful Lake Minnetonka, it’s simply wrong to be taxing swimming lessons!
As you likely heard, the House Public Safety Committee held three days of hearings last week on proposed gun control legislation. I heard from countless constituents who told me they do not want to see any further restrictions on gun ownership. I want to thank everyone who called, emailed, and visited with me in person about this issue. To be clear, I am a firm supporter of the Second Amendment and will not be voting to restrict your rights to gun ownership.
I’m also closely monitoring the Health Insurance Exchange bill (House File 5). As you’ve heard me state previously, I am very worried that this legislation infringes on patient privacy, will significantly drive up the cost of healthcare, and negative impact the quality of care for consumers. I’ve had physician assistants, physical therapists, and doctors in our district contact me with many questions about how this will affect their industry. Clearly, we have far more questions than answers at this point. I plan to keep a close eye on this legislation as the House DFL leadership attempts to rush it through the committee process. As a member of the Government Operations and Civil Law committees, I will be asking questions and following up with agency officials about how this bill will impact members of our community and our state.
Since my last newsletter, I attended the TwinWest Chamber and Minnetonka Public Schools legislative breakfasts. As a new legislator, it’s been important to not only receive input from business leaders and school officials within our district, but to listen to their concerns as well. Thank you to both groups for inviting me!
In addition, I had the pleasure of meeting with members of the Carver County Board of Commissioners and other local elected officials last week to discuss the Highway 212 road expansion. Making sure our community has safe roads that are able to meet the needs of our citizens and businesses is a top priority for me.
I really enjoyed attending the Tenth Annual Dream Makers Dinner for Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation last Saturday night. Held at the Depot in downtown Minneapolis, this annual fundraising event generates funding for innovative programs and technology throughout the district. It was truly an honor to be seated with Superintendent Dennis Peterson and other involved parents. As a mom with two kids who graduated from Minnetonka High School and as someone who previously served on the Dream Maker’s committee, I was reminded of the importance parental involvement in maintaining the excellence within our community’s schools. Congratulations to all who were part of an absolutely amazing evening.
Once again, I want to thank those of you who have contacted me with your questions, comments, and concerns. If you missed my previous legislative updates, you can find them on my website. 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 within the district to sign up for my weekly email updates by clicking here and filling out your contact information. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Cindy