Dear neighbor,
Wow. What a busy few weeks we’ve had at the legislature since my last update. With the May 20th adjournment date less than a week away, we have yet to debate any omnibus bills from conference committee. I’m writing to you from the House floor where I’ve been since 5:30 a.m. I can’t think of a more beautiful place to return constituent e-mails.
Last week, the House passed its omnibus energy bill. This legislation requires a 40% renewable energy standard by 2030 for investor-owned utility companies (like Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, and Alliant) including a 4% solar mandate with a goal of a 10% solar mandate. Imposing increased renewable energy standards will make energy more costly and less reliable. Experts have stated that under this proposal, Minnesota families will see skyrocketing electric bills. This legislation actually had a special carve-out for the Iron Range to protect that region from the devastating impact of this bill. I wish the entire state got that sort of special exemption! With likely tax increases coming and rising healthcare costs coming as a result of the state government-run health insurance exchange, Minnesotans simply can’t afford the policies coming out of St. Paul.
Yesterday, I participated in a press conference with fellow Republican legislators to express our opposition to House File 950 – the childcare and personal care attendant unionization bill. This legislation takes the unprecedented step of unionizing small business owners who work in the home as childcare providers. Specifically, this legislation targets those providers who accept children of low-income working parents who qualify for the childcare assistance program (C-CAP) from the state. I am adamantly opposed to this attempt by union leaders to force small business owners to become union members. This would do nothing but create fewer choices for these hard-working parents. Many childcare providers who do not want or cannot afford to be unionized will be forced to reject C-CAP children. As a result, this will create fewer quality childcare providers who will be able to accept children of hard-working low-income parents. It’s likely this bill will come to the House floor before the end of session. If or when it does, you can count on me to be a firm “no” vote. Needless to say, we don’t need unions meddling with hard-working small business owners.
As you are probably aware, the House voted last week to redefine marriage in Minnesota. I know this is a difficult and divisive topic for many…and that good people have come to different conclusions on this issue. I heard from many constituents on both sides of the marriage debate via e-mail, phone, mail and in-person. I also received hundreds of responses to my legislative update…the majority of which were not supportive of redefining marriage. When I ran for this office, I was open and honest with voters about my position on marriage. I’ve long believed that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. I have consistently told voters I would remain true to my word and would vote against redefining marriage. I did so last Thursday. Thank you to everyone who contacted me on this issue. I appreciated hearing from you and respect the opinion of those who disagree with me.
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 so I am certain I am truly representing the district. 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 neighbors 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