Sen. Latz Week in Review: Committees Starting to Work

[The following weekly update was sent out by Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-District 44).]

Hello Everyone,

We are into the third week of session and committees are starting to hear individual bills and bonding proposals.

In the Judiciary & Public Safety Committee, we have been hearing individual bills, State Department overviews as well as hearing from Commissioners waiting to be confirmed. The Higher Education Committee has heard department overviews and has passed along former Sen. Larry Pogemiller for confirmation to the Office of Higher Education. Currently, I am carrying the bonding bill for the Southwest Light Rail Transit line (SW LRT) as well as a bonding proposal for the Perpich Center. I have hopes that there will be a bonding bill this session.

Wednesday on the Senate floor we heard four tort “reform” bills as messages from the House. I spoke against all four because I believed that if passed, would be detrimental to every day consumers of goods and create barriers to court access for the average person. On Friday morning the Governor vetoed all four of these bills. You are able to see the Governor’s veto letters here http://mn.gov/governor/.

The beginning of session also brings chances to meet with constituents both at the Capitol and in the district. On Feb. 8, Rep. Simon, Rep. Winkler and I met with a group of over 40 of your neighbors in the St. Louis Park City Hall Chambers. Among the issues discussed were Voter ID, the Vikings Stadium, higher education funding and early childhood access. You can view the re-run of the show on St. Louis Park TV 17 or view it on this link http://vimeo.com/36494915.

This week I met with a group of students from the HAlternative Program as well as a group of constituents here for MN AIDS day. I also received information from groups here for Engineer Day, MN CPA Day and ABATE. It is important for me to hear your issues and concerns, as bills move quickly during the session. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail, phone or letter.