Rep. Peppin: Legislative Survey Results Are In!

Dear Neighbors,

In this edition:

1) 2014 Legislative Survey Results

2) Rush Creek Elementary 4th Graders Visit the Capitol

1) 2014 Legislative Survey Results

A special thanks to all 337 of you who filled out my 2014 legislative survey! As we enter the final stretch of session, your feedback is especially important and helps me to best represent our district. 

Let’s take a look at what our friends and neighbors in Rogers, Dayton, and Maple Grove have to say about important issues facing the state…

Tax relief is widely supported by respondents. When it comes to the state’s $1 billion surplus, half of survey takers say “give it back” to hardworking taxpayers. About a third thinks the Legislature should give some back, spend some, and save the rest. 

The legalization of medicinal marijuana and liquor sales on Sunday are hot button issues this year. Half of constituents support both issues, while a quarter remains committed to current state laws.

Survey takers’ opinions were most strongly aligned when it comes to readiness standards for teachers entering the workforce. 70% believe teachers should always pass a basic skills test prior to receiving licensure. 

Opinions about MNsure, Minnesota’s extension of Obamacare, were also of like mind. Over half of respondents believe it’s socialized health care and should be repealed, while a quarter say it’s a good start at providing health insurance to those who don’t have it.

While it doesn’t directly affect our district, over half of constituents believe Minnesota should approve the application from PolyMet for a new copper and nickel mine on the Iron Range. They believe it would create jobs and bring financial gains to the local community and state. 

For detailed statistics on the survey results, I have listed the questions and responses below this post.

2) Rush Creek Elementary 4th Graders Visit the Capitol

Fourth grade students from Rush Creek Elementary in Maple Grove recently visited the Capitol. It was great to witness their enthusiasm on such a memorable trip!

If you’re ever at the State Capitol, please do not hesitate to contact my office to set up a meeting. I can be reached at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn or 651-296-7806. I’m here to serve you!

Have a wonderful weekend, 

Joyce

**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A

2014 LEGISLATIVE SURVEY RESULTS

Q1: A bipartisan group of legislators have a bill that would legalize medicinal marijuana. Which statement best describes your position on this issue?

·       47.77%: I support legalization. People who are suffering deserve access to all treatment options.

·       15.73%: I support legalization only if and when law enforcement supports it.

·       25.52%: I do not support the legalization of medicinal marijuana.

·       10.98%: Undecided/need more information.

Q2: It is illegal in Minnesota to sell alcohol at liquor stores on Sundays. A bipartisan group of legislators have a bill to allow Sunday sales. Which statement best describes your position on this issue?

·       49.70%: I support a total repeal of the current law. Minnesota is one of only 12 states to still have this law dating back to Prohibition.

·       20.24%: I support a repeal that allows municipalities to decide if Sunday sales are best for their area.

·       27.08%: I do not support Sunday liquor sales.

·       2.98%: Undecided/need more information.

Q3: The state’s economic forecast released in February shows a $1.2 billion surplus. What should lawmakers do with this money?

·       50.45%: Give it all back to taxpayers, it’s their money.

·       2.67%: Use the surplus to increase spending where it is needed most.

·       11.28%: Sock it away in the state’s budget reserve and rainy day account for future deficits and expenses.

·       35.01%: Do all three. Give some back, spend some, save some.

·       0.59%: Undecided/need more information.

Q4: Do you think Minnesota should approve the application from PolyMet for a new copper and nickel mine on the Iron Range?

·       56.12%: Yes, mining would create jobs and bring financial gains to the local community and state.

·       19.40%: No, our environment is a precious resource and we need to protect it.

·       24.48%: Undecided/need more information.

Q5: MNsure (Minnesota’s extension of Obamacare) opened in October as an online resource to sell health insurance plans. Start-up and technology costs have reached $160 million, and private market enrollment is below projections. What are your thoughts about MNsure?

·       25.60%: It’s a good start at providing health insurance to those who don’t have it.

·       19.35%: I am concerned we replaced a nation-leading health system with one that is more expensive.

·       52.08%: It’s socialized health care and should be repealed.

·       2.98%: Undecided/need more information.

Q6: Should teachers pass a basic skills test prior to receiving a license?

·       70.75%: Yes, always.

·       12.84%: Yes, but more leeway needs to be given to those who miss certain components (like mathematics) by a point or two.

·       8.96%: No, passing their college exams is enough.

·       7.46%: Undecided/need more information.