Category: SD46

Sen. Latz & Rep. Stephenson renew efforts to protect net neutrality for Minnesotans

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Wednesday afternoon, Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park), Representative Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) and legislators will hold a press conference to announce their commitment to protecting Minnesota consumers in response to the 2017 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reversal of net neutrality.

The House Commerce Committee will have a public hearing on HF 136, which requires companies doing business in the state or selling services as a vendor of the state of Minnesota to comply with common sense net neutrality principles.

 

WHAT: Press conference to announce renewed efforts to advance Net Neutrality

WHO: Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) and Senator Ron Latz (DFL- St. Louis Park), legislators

WHERE: Room B971, Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, 55155

WHEN: Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 1:00 p.m.

Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: February 4, 2019

CAPITOL UPDATE FEBRUARY 4

It’s been more than four weeks and the 2019 legislative session is in full swing. After last year’s session ended unceremoniously, we’ve hit the ground running by renewing efforts to pass a number of bills leftover from 2018. Additionally, I’ve supplemented those bill re-introductions with new agenda items that have arisen since last May. As always, it’s difficult to forecast the many issues that may surface in the coming months and it must be the Legislature’s goal to address those issues head-on. Last year the Legislature was tasked with redefining the state’s tax structure after the federal government overhauled its system of taxation. Although it is unlikely the federal government will assign our state such an alike responsibility this session, it must remain lawmakers’ top priority to find reasonable solutions to those issues as the country’s only state with a divided legislature.

You can watch my first video update of the session below. If you have any questions, please call my office at 651-297-8065 or, if you’re on the Capitol complex, stop by room 2215 in the Minnesota Senate Building. Continue reading “Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: February 4, 2019”

Sen. Run Latz (SD46) Update: January 11, 2019

2019 PRE-SESSION CAPITOL UPDATE

Dear Neighbors,

I am honored to continue to serve Senate District 46 for the 91st Session of the Minnesota Legislature. As we turn the calendar year and begin 2019, there remains a lot to accomplish this Spring. Since session ended last May, St. Paul has changed. The 2018 election revised the political dynamic in the House of Representatives and brought in Congressman Tim Walz as the state’s newest governor. I am pleased to begin working with the Walz administration and the House as they both appear eager to bring change for the better and a refreshing outlook to Minnesota’s biggest issues.

It was a privilege to work alongside Governor Mark Dayton for eight years. Governor Dayton left behind a legacy that positively impacted many Minnesotans and will continue to do so for years to come. His leadership brought many of Minnesota’s families all-day kindergarten and prekindergarten options. When Governor Dayton began in 2011, Minnesota was facing a state budget deficit of more than $6 billion. Now, 8 years later, Governor Walz will take the oath of office with a state budget projection nearing a $1.54 billion surplus. Although Governor Dayton is leaving the state in solid condition, we must be committed to balancing government spending and tax levels. Minnesota’s finances must be protected from future instability as the state expects a slowdown in economic and state revenue growth.

Continue reading “Sen. Run Latz (SD46) Update: January 11, 2019”

Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: December 4, 2018

TOWN HALL DATE SET

Dear Neighbors,

It is an honor to continue to serve Senate District 46 as we turn the calendar year and begin the 91st Session of the Minnesota Legislature. I have spoken with many of you and many local officials – including city governments, school boards, and legislative action committees – in St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Plymouth and Medicine Lake since session ended last May. We will address any and all questions regarding the 2019 legislative session. I am looking forward to speaking with many of you again and to those who I have yet to meet. See you all there! Continue reading “Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: December 4, 2018”

November 8, 2018 House DFL Media Availability

House Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), Majority Leader-elect Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) and Majority Whip-elect Rep. Liz Olson (DFL-Duluth) held media availabilities following the DFL caucus organizational meeting.

Strong suburban showing puts DFL in control of House

The DFL will control the Minnesota House of Representatives in the 2019-20 biennium.

Winning a number of key races in the Twin Cities suburbs, the DFL picked up 18 seats in Tuesday’s elections and will hold a 75-59 advantage when the House convenes Jan. 8, 2019.

Much of the change occurred in the Twin Cities suburbs, especially near and just off the Interstate 494-694 corridor, where DFL candidates beat incumbent Republicans in places like Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Plymouth, Rosemount, Stillwater and Woodbury.

Three races were within 250 votes: Rep.-elect Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL-Eden Prairie) beat Rep. Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie) by 241 votes with 20,577 votes cast; Rep.-elect Kelly Morrison (DFL-Deephaven) beat Rep. Cindy Pugh (R-Chanhassen) by 216 votes with 23,372 cast; and Rep.-elect Shelly Christensen (DFL-Stillwater) beat Rep. Kathy Lohmer (R-Stillwater) by 137 votes in a race where 22,630 votes were cast.

View the complete November 7 article by Mike Cook on the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services’ website here.

Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Capitol Update: REAL ID Update

SEPTEMBER 14, 2018: REAL ID UPDATE

In less than two months, Minnesotans can choose to apply for a REAL ID-compliant card and will have two years to acquire one. This means Minnesotans will be able to use their standard licenses and ID cards for federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights, until October 1, 2020. Considering there is not an urgent need to acquire a REAL ID at this time, state officials suggest that residents wait to apply unless they need to change their name or address, or renew their current license. This will help ease the transition to the new card and reduce wait times. Listed below is further information on REAL ID and what it may mean for you going forward.

Minnesota has a few identification options from which residents may choose. Determining which type of license or ID card works best depends on what a person needs to use the card for.

Minnesota Standard Driver’s License or ID Card Continue reading “Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Capitol Update: REAL ID Update”

Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: June 8, 2018

Post Town Hall Message

At our Town Hall meeting on June 5, there were comments made inquiring about my position to support the increase of existing criminal penalties for persons protesting on limited-access freeways, the airport, and transit lines. I appreciate those who raised the issue and commented both in support of and opposition of my position on the bill. A request was made for me to share my rationale with a broader audience.

Because I knew that my vote on this issue would be of interest, I made a point of explaining it on the Senate floor during the discussion preceding the vote. The following link to my floor remarks should provide more detail on my decision to support the bill. That may be found here. Additionally, feel free to watch the Town Hall broadcast on our St. Louis Park cable station, which may be found here. If you would like to only specifically watch our Town Hall discussion on the protest bill, please click here . Continue reading “Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: June 8, 2018”