From the Senate Republican Caucus:

Sen. David Hann (R-Eden Prairie), Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and Sen. Mike Parry (R-Waseca), Chairman of the Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans Committee, issued the following statements in response to Ramsey County District Judge Dale Lindman’s decision to block Gov. Dayton’s scheduled vote to potentially unionize child day care providers.

“We are very encouraged by Judge Lindman’s decision to issue a temporary restraining order to stop the child care provider unionization election. As we repeatedly stated, it is our belief that the governor, his administration, and the Bureau of Mediation Services do not have the authority to hold this vote. Although this is not a final ruling on the matter, this initial decision is a positive step forward for our hard working, independently owned, private day care providers. Additionally, we thank the providers for challenging the governor on his overreach, and we will continue to support them,” commented Sen. Parry.

During the hearing and in his decision, Judge Dale Lindman reflected concerns brought forward by the Senate in its amicus brief. Specifically, Judge Lindman questioned Gov. Dayton’s circumvention of the legislature and expressed concerns about excluding nearly 7,000 providers from participating in the vote.

Sen. Hann added, “We agree with and support today’s ruling by Judge Lindman to halt the day care union election from proceeding. We thank the providers for taking the time and effort to stand up for their rights as independent, privately-owned and managed day care providers. Judge Lindman expressed concern for the governor’s desire to create law through executive order, a process we believe is unlawful. It’s our hope that the day care providers will also prevail in the final ruling.”

The next hearing is scheduled for January 16, 2012.