Politics & Government

Sen. Latz Week in Review: Third Deadlines And Omnibus Bills

A message from District 44's state senator about happenings in the Legislature.

 

[The following news release comes from the office of Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-District 44)]

 

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Friday brought us third deadline, which requires all budget bills to be out of Finance and on their way to either the Senate floor or conference committees. This year deadlines seem to be more “flexible” than in the past which has lead to some confusion among members of the public who are trying to follow bills through the process. It has also lead to frustration among legislators as well. Senate floor session was held every day this week. Some of the sessions were lengthy as we worked through individual bills that were on general orders as well as several Omnibus bills (Public Safety, K-12, Higher Education & Taxes). You can read more about the details in these bills in the following pages.

This week, the Senate also passed an omnibus liquor bill that I am proud to say includes two provisions that Rep. Steve Simon and I worked on. One of the provisions allows a liquor store to sell t-shirts and other merchandise with their store logo on them and the other allows them to collect a fee for a beer education class. Both of these ideas were brought to Rep. Simon and me by Jason Alvey, owner of St. Louis Park’s Four Firkins. The House and Senate liquor omnibus bills do not match and will need to go to conference committee to be reconciled and then back both the House and Senate floor before proceeding to the Governor’s desk for a signature. I am hoping that there will be enough time remaining the session to have this bill make it to the Governor’s desk.

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

Various organizations’ “Day at the Capitol” are starting to dwindle. This week I met with a constituent here for a very well attended Outfront Rally Day as well as constituents here from AFSCME and Physicians for a National Health Program. Next week I will publish the 2012 Legislative Survey results. Please continue to e-mail, write or phone me regarding your issues and concerns.


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