Rep. Keith Ellison and a U.S. senator last week introduced a bill to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies.
On Thursday, he and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) said the legislation would "do away with tax breaks, financial assistance, royalty relief, direct federal research and development and many loopholes that benefit the fossil fuel industry," according to Ellison's U.S. House website.
“Big oil companies alone make more than $300 million every day but the oil, gas, and coal industries still have their hands in the taxpayer’s pocket,” Ellison said. “We need to get off the fossil fuel bandwagon that keeps us dependent on oil and contributes to climate change. The $113 billion in taxpayer handouts that oil, gas, and coal companies receive should be used to invest in green jobs. It’s time for this corporate welfare to end."
On Saturday, Chris Fields reported he spent Friday canvassing some organizations.
"I spent yesterday walking in to the offices of a lot of left leaning non-profits. Most knew who I was right off the bat, that's a good sign. They were surprised that I didn't have horns. There were a lot of positive reactions and I was able to reconfirm that Ellison isn't as well liked as people may think he is."
Fields, one of Ellison's Fifth District challengers, walked in a May Day parade on Mother's Day in Minneapolis. After the event, he posted on Facebook.
"Thanks to everyone that came out to the May Day Parade today! We had a strong showing and everyone had a great time. Keith Ellison and his supporters can no longer say that we don’t exist - we mean business and we are here to stay."
A group from Ellison's campaign also was at the parade, but Ellison was not. Fields tweeted an explanation as to why Ellison was missing:
"Jus saw @keithellison @May Day parade. says he was at Cram Session. Info we had may have been wrong. Happy to take his word!!"
