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| Date: | April 16, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR LILLIE & SENATOR PARRY STATEMENT ON CHILD CARE UNION DUES BILL PASSAGE |
St. Paul- The Minnesota Senate passed House File 1766 (SF 1630) Monday ensuring child care assistance dollars are not diverted to unions. Senator Ted Lillie (R-Lake Elmo), chief author of the bill, gave the following statement on its passage.
“In existing state law, there is nothing to prevent unions from capturing tax payer dollars intended for the care of our children. This bill protects money meant for our kids and keeps it out of union hands. When we protect these funds, we act as faithful stewards of taxpayer dollars. I’m thrilled that my colleagues in the Senate today stood on the side of our children and child care providers,” said Senator Lillie.
The bill’s passage comes on the heels of Ramsey County court ruling that Governor Mark Dayton exceed his authority in ordering a union election for certain in-home child care providers. Ramsey County Judge Dale Lindman’s April 6th decision not only halted the union election from proceeding but attorneys fees and reasonable costs were awarded to the plaintiffs. Senator Mike Parry, Chairman of the State Government Innovation and Veterans Committee, gave the following statement following Monday’s bill passage.
“Judge Lindman’s ruling on the side of Minnesota child care providers was great news. Part of the decision awarded attorneys fees and reasonable costs to the plaintiffs, underscoring the frivolous nature of the Governor’s action. Today’s passage is another step in protecting our child care providers from government overreach in their businesses. We remain committed to standing up for Minnesota small businesses, the economic engines of communities across the state,” concluded Senator Parry.
Representative Kathy Lohmer (R-Lake Elmo) authored the companion bill in the House which passed earlier this session. House File 1766 will now be sent to the Governor for his consideration.
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