CAPITOL UPDATE MARCH 2, 2018
Dear Neighbors,
It is an honor to continue to serve Senate District 46 as the second half of the 90th Session of the Minnesota Legislature begins. 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. As Ranking Minority Member of the Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee and as a member of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee, we have many issues to resolve this year.
Legislative Business
Welcoming Senator Karla Bigham: Last week the Minnesota Senate welcomed Karla Bigham of District 54 as its newest member. Sen. Bigham defeated Republican Denny McNamara in a special election on February 12 after former-Sen. Dan Schoen stepped down in the aftermath of sexual impropriety complaints.
Legislative Funding: After months of using funds from the Legislative Coordinating Commission to pay staff and operations, the Minnesota Legislature now has a budget of its own. A conference committee passed a clean funding bill without amendments on Wednesday, February 21. Both the House and Senate approved the bill the following day.
New and Renewed Efforts
Gun Control
In the wake of the Parkland shootings, efforts around the country and in Minnesota aimed to curb gun violence were rapidly revamped. In 2017, I authored SF 1261 that called for criminal background checks for all gun buyers online, at gun shows, and between private parties – including internet sales between states – which currently require no background check, and SF 1262 that would allow the police and family members to ask the court to prohibit a person from possessing firearms if they pose “a significant danger of bodily injury to self or to other persons by possessing a firearm,” and if less restrictive alternatives are insufficient. Unfortunately, because of the balance of power in the Senate and House, neither bills were heard. Nonetheless, I plan on renewing efforts to pass both bills again in 2018 and I will urge the passage of a new bill I authored that would allow a person suffering from a personal crisis, who would otherwise pass a background check to purchase a gun, to voluntarily add themselves to a list that would prohibit them from purchasing a gun.
Those of us that recognize that the current system of gun regulation is unacceptable are working hard to change it. Additionally, I anticipate there will be an attempt this year to pass two harmful gun-related bills: the “stand your ground” and permitless carry bills. As I continue to fight for reforms this legislative session, we also must do everything we can to block these two damaging bills.
Senator Latz during the Protect Minnesota press conference.
Net Neutrality
Last December the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal its net neutrality regulations for Internet Providers. The FCC’s actions would enable companies to lawfully decelerate websites, block apps, and charge content companies extra costs for preferential access to consumers. I oppose these efforts to repeal net neutrality as I support an open internet where online content is not blocked or slowed down by telecom, cable, or internet companies. Because of the connected world we live in today, the internet is an essential service for all Minnesotans. The recent decision by the FCC to hinder open internet protections would surely put many Minnesotans at an unfair economical and educational disadvantage, among other things.
I am currently introducing SF 2880 that would ensure protections for Minnesotans. As other leaders from outside states begin to act on the FCC’s net neutrality repeal, I am hopeful we can swiftly react in a similar effort and adopt a robust and bipartisan solution for all Minnesotans.
Senator Latz with Rep. Paul Thissen during their Net Neutrality press conference.
Town Hall: On January 31, I held the first Senate District 46 town hall of the year along with Rep. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Cheryl Youakim. Together, we were able to answer a host of questions from your fellow constituents on many issues. We discussed the future of our state’s healthcare and tax systems, and considered plans for special education funding, prison reform, and wildlife preservation. Additionally, I emphasized the importance of preserving net neutrality regulations for all Minnesotans. Thank you to those who came out to have a great discussion. As always, I encourage you to reach out regarding any feedback or proposals.
Capitol Visitors
Senator Latz with a group of student visitors from St. Louis Park High School.
Senator Latz with a group on Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol
Senator Latz in the News
Star Tribune: Minnesota Gun-Control and Gun-Rights Advocates Seek Legislative Changes
Bismarck Tribune: 1,000 Crowd Minnesota Capitol to Urge Gun Violence Actions
MinnPost: A Loud Start to a Quiet Year
Senate DFL: Sen. Ron Latz Floor Speech Regarding Michelle Fischbach
Senate DFL: Net Neutrality Press Release
Star Tribune: Minnesota Gun Laws Editorial
Thank you for your continued interest in the state legislature and our work serving Senate District 46. If you have any time-sensitive questions, comments, or concerns please call my office at 651-297-8065.
Regards,
Ron Latz