| Senator Ron Latz was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2002, after having served nine years as a St. Louis Park Council member. During the four years he represented District 44B, Latz worked hard to advance the well-being of communities in the district and those across the state. He fought bigotry on the floor of the House and passed bipartisan legislation to help end unfunded mandates on our public schools; to protect firefighters' pensions and fund local projects. He was elected to represent District 44 in 2006 and serves the residents of St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and Golden Valley. He served as majority whip from 2007 to 2011 and won his reelection campaign in 2012. He currently serves as a member of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee and is the Ranking Minority Member on the Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy committee.
Legislative Accomplishments-
Helped find an alternative funding source to construct Highway 7 pedestrian bridge.
Passed legislation to provide over $2 million in 2005 and 2006 for capital needs at the Perpich Center for Arts Education.
Supported the first minimum wage increase in eight years.
Authored the "Freedom to Breathe Act" to extend the indoor smoking ban to all workplaces, including bars and restaurants.
Authored legislation to protect consumers from unfair gift-card practices.
Supported the 2005 comprehensive transportation bill with a mix of transit and highway funding from a variety of sources.
Community Service and Awards-
Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing
Anti-Defamation League National Commission, Civil Right and Education committees
St. Louis Park Community Education Advisory Council
Twin West Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program
Mayor Pro Tem, St. Louis Park
St. Louis Park City Council, 1994-2002
American Cancer Society - State Advocacy Chair
2006 "Advocate for Local Educational Solutions"
Citizens' League Civic Leadership Award
SEIU "Hero Award" for "putting working families first"
Latz and his wife, Julia, are longtime residents of Senate District 44. They have two children. Latz was raised in Golden Valley and attended Meadowbrook Elementary, Golden Valley High School, and graduated from Hopkins High School before receiving his degree from Harvard Law School. He currently is a private small business owner and attorney. He has also served as an Assistant Minnesota Attorney General and a criminal prosecutor. |