Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Cindy Pugh (R)

Back to profile

HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS STATEMENT ON UNION BALLOT COUNTING PROCESS

Monday, August 25, 2014
ST. PAUL – Rep. Kathy Lohmer (R-Stillwater) and Rep. Cindy Pugh (R-Chanhassen) issued the following statement in reaction to Commissioner Jesson’s decision to deny independent observers for the tabulation of ballots for the personal care attendant union election. Only appointees of the Dayton Administration and the SEIU - both on record in support of unionization - are currently authorized to observe ballot counting.
 
“It’s disappointing that the Dayton Administration has denied our request for balance in the counting of ballots in tomorrow's PCA union election,” said Rep. Lohmer. “It's a basic tenet of fair elections in Minnesota that both sides be afforded the opportunity to review and participate in the process."
 
Added Rep. Pugh, “The Dayton Administration has shut out those who are worried about the impact of this election on the care of their loved ones and Minnesota's most vulnerable citizens. The deck is stacked against independent, private providers who fear being made government employees will make it more difficult to provide care.”
 
On August 22, Rep. Lohmer and Rep. Pugh sent a letter to Commissioner Jesson requesting that the Department of Human Services (DHS) select two individuals who are publicly opposed to the union election as well as two who have been publicly neutral to be allowed to observe the tabulation process. On Monday afternoon, Commissioner Jesson informed Rep. Lohmer and Rep. Pugh that DHS selected employees of the Dayton Administration, which is on record in strong support of this law, as its election observers.
 

###