This week House Republicans sent legislation restoring religious liberty to the governor's desk with a unanimous vote off the House floor. Last year Democrats removed the religious exemption from a portion of the Minnesota Human Rights Act when they created a new definition of ‘sexual identity.’ This language originally introduced by my Republican colleague, Representative Niska, restores that religious exemption. It took time to resolve the issue, but in the end the legislature rightly prioritized individual religious liberty. Thankfully, we addressed this issue before it did any more damage to our religious communities. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our faith community members, their dedication and commitment to justice have resulted in a just outcome.

Imagine some of these proposed family childcare changes:

1. EPA testing of dirt before children play in it.
2. Documenting every bug in a home, and how it is disposed.
3. Sanitizing a pacifier every time it comes out of a child's mouth.

With a 50% loss in childcare providers in Hermantown, Proctor, and Two Harbors, these regulations will result in more closures and less entering the profession to be providers. Under one party rule, the focus is on increased mandates that don’t lend to quality care outcomes for children, providers, or parents. I will continue to meet with providers to seek meaningful solutions.

Here I am with the proposed changes for Family and Center based childcare. 100 pages each!