This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Latz and Simon to Remain in Backgound as Next Round of State Budget Talks Take Place

Both happy to communicate with constituents, but say those who have been negotiating should continue to do so.

The two men who represent Hopkins in the state legislature, while not in on the direct negotiations to end the stalemate over the budget, are probably happy nevertheless that a cooling off period, thanks to the fourth of July weekend, seems to be in place.

“We are being told by the Democratic leadership in the House to stay put and don’t go too far away,” said Rep. Steve Simon (D. - District 44A)

Sen. Ron Latz (D. District 44) says it is probably good the holiday weekend is here.

Find out what's happening in Hopkinswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Often times in arbitration, arbitrators will call for a cooling off period. That might be good in this situation, although I know the governor has said he would be willing to meet anytime.”

“Finger-pointing can only go so far,” Simon added. “What everyone needs to do is commit to a solution.”

Find out what's happening in Hopkinswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Simon himself GOP legislative leaders this morning for failing to reach an agreement with Governor Mark Dayton.

“Clearly, the Republicans were willing to have the people of Minnesota go through not just inconveniences," he said, "but actually hardship for some, so as to not ruffle one hair on a very wealthy person’s head.”

Still, Simon said he feels there is a growing consensus, even among a number of Republicans, that some revenues are going to have to be generated in order to balance the budget.

“That would not necessarily have to be in the form of increased income taxes, but other possibilities like the tobacco bonding approach made by former Gov. Pawlenty or through gaming expansion.

The tobacco bonding approach would have the state borrow the annual amount the tobacco settlement of 1998 provides and then pay that back as the annual settlement funds are put into the state coffers.

Asked if they would become more directly involved, both men said the same team that has been meeting all along would be continuing to try and reach a solution.

“I have no plans to try and agitate or launch some kind of PR campaign with my constituents,” Simon said. “I am happy to answer people’s questions or provide information.”

“I’ve been out in the community all during this and am always available to meet with constituents or answer any questions,” Latz added.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?