2012 ‘Bad to the Bones’ bills
To the Editor:
I recently had a chance to spend the day at the Minnesota State Capitol lobbying for unions. I don’t know if union workers, especially public union workers in Minnesota, realize that there are numerous (17 to be exact) bills being presented that if passed will basically break our union rights.
H.F. 2140 S.F. 1705 S.F. 1714 “Right to Work” is one of those proposals. Believe me it is not what it sounds like. If this bill passes this amendment overturns the work place democracy that workers get when they vote to be in a union.
H.F. 1597 S.F. 1577 S.F. 1659 Voter ID- this amendment will require all voters to provide photo ID at polling places every time they vote. This will make it difficult or impossible for our elderly, military and college students to vote. (There are more cases of UFO sightings in Minnesota then voter fraud cases.)
H.F. 1974 would require union contracts to end at expiration instead of continuing until settlement and effect retro pay.
H.F. 519 Repeals law requiring public employers negotiate changes in value of health benefits with unions. All benefits would not be required to be negotiated into contracts.
Please talk to your unions about what you can do to fight these unnecessary changes to our constitution. Write letters to your senator and representatives letting them know how you feel and ask them how they will be voting.
I can tell you that we can thank Senator Miller and Representative Greg Davids for voting No on the “Right to Work” bill, we can thank Representative Davids for the bills he authored in regards to the Chatfield Arts Center or the restoration of the Preston historic grain elevator or the National Trout Center in Preston. I can tell you how sad I am that our representative voted yes to the Voter ID bill. Now we need them to vote NO to the other Bad to the Bones Bills.
Kari Blum
La Crescent, Minn.
