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 .
I must note that several attendees approached me after the conclusion of the event. I welcomed the conversation as I am always more than happy to listen and discuss the most pressing issues within our community. One person made a point of highlighting her work at the Hennepin County Medical Center, to which patients go from all over the state, via I-94. She told me that I-94 is the main way that people get to her hospital and Abbott/Allina. I-94 is also a crucial route for patients who are not at all familiar with Minneapolis. She stated that shutting down I-94 with protests without warning would seriously threaten the health of those patients.
Thank you to all those who attended our summer Town Hall meeting.
On a separate note, this was Representative Peggy Flanagan’s last town hall with us, as she is a candidate for higher office and is not running for re-election to the House of Representatives. I have had the honor of serving with her, and know her to be a person of integrity, intelligence and passion. Thank you to Rep. Flanagan for her service and well wishes in her future endeavors.
Thank you for your continued interest in the state legislature and our work serving Senate District 46. It has been a pleasure to serve another session. If you have any time-sensitive questions, comments, or concerns please call my office at 651-297-8065.
Regards,
Ron Lat