Friends and neighbors,

Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act

Senate Bill 1, known as the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act, serves as the top session priority of this Democrat majority. However, this is not a policy that a majority of Minnesotans support. And in the past week, I have heard from hundreds of constituents that they oppose the PRO Act, and know, that I echo your concerns. 

This legislation looks to put into Minnesota statute a “fundamental right to reproductive health.” And if passed, it would create the most extreme abortion law in the nation.

Under this legislation, abortions would be allowed up until the moment of birth, including late third-trimester abortions and partial-birth abortions. Further, this policy would allow minors to have access to sterilization without parental notification or consent. And shockingly, no protections are in place for victims of sex trafficking, rape or abuse. This is exceptionally alarming, as it could allow underage or adult victims to be more easily exploited. 

With these concerns known and repeatedly voiced by Senate Republicans, the Democrat majority has still forced this legislation through committee at a rapid pace. And throughout the process, little time was given to discuss this proposal or receive public input. Nevertheless, this legislation was brought to the Senate floor for debate. 

Senate Republicans are committed to standing up for life, and we will keep serving as the voice of mothers and the unborn. 

100% Carbon-Free Electricity Mandate

Additionally, Senate Bill 4, the Democrats’ carbon-free electricity mandate is another proposal that has raised many concerns. And likewise, one that was forced through committee with minimum time allocated for stakeholders.

This legislation would require the entirety of our state’s electricity to be from zero-carbon sources by 2040. And it would close off our state to coal and natural gas and require the shift to renewable energy sources of solar, wind, hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biomass.

If passed, the 100% carbon-free would make Minnesota’s energy future at severe risk. Minnesota’s electric grid is already at great risk of failure, and we face a looming energy crisis. That is why I believe that we must not eliminate any of our current reliable energy sources until new sources are in place. Otherwise, our future will include devastating blackouts as we have seen in Texas, California and North Carolina.

Further, we must keep all options on the table to achieve our carbon-free goal. And, therefore, nuclear must be a strong consideration. Nuclear offers zero-carbon energy generation and is extremely reliable. And as we look to ensure a reliable energy future for Minnesota, nuclear must be part of the conversation.

And finally, the zero-carbon mandate would have a major impact on the pocketbooks of Minnesota consumers. In fact, the Center for American Experience predicates that it would cost an average of $3,888 in additional electricity costsevery year. Energy rising costs are rising, and we do not need them to skyrocket even further.

I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. As session moves forward, I will keep your thoughts and concerns in mind as legislation comes before me. You can contact my office at sen.bill.weber@senate.mn or 651-296-5650.

Sincerely,

Bill Weber