News Release State Senator Ron Latz District 44 121 State Office Bldg. 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155-1206 Telephone (651) 297-8065 sen.ron.latz@senate.mn Date: January 7, 2011

Legislators to Hold Town Meetings

State Sen. Ron Latz will join Reps. Steve Simon and Ryan Winkler in hosting town hall meetings over the course of the next few weeks to discuss the upcoming legislative session.

"Once again, we enter the 2011 Legislative Session facing a state budget deficit of over $6 billion," Sen. Latz noted. "This session we'll be working with new legislative leadership and a DFL Governor to help us balance the budget. We're hoping to get input and suggestions from area residents on how to solve this daunting task."

Three town hall meetings are planned for the end of January. All Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Golden Valley residents are encouraged to attend.

"We look forward to hearing comments and concerns from our constituents," Rep. Winkler said. "It will be a challenging session and we face serious issues. Hearing from the people of our area is extremely important to us."

Rep. Simon added: "We also welcome input on other issues affecting our district: transportation, education, health care and any other topics residents want to talk about. We look forward to discussing potential legislation and to hearing residents' comments."

Town Hall Meeting Schedule:

Wednesday, Jan. 19 - 8-9:30 p.m.

Sen. Ron Latz, Rep. Steve Simon and Rep. Ryan Winkler

St. Louis Park City Hall- Council Chambers

5005 Minnetonka Blvd.

St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Monday., Jan. 31 - 6:30-8 p.m.

Sen. Ron Latz and Rep. Ryan Winkler

Golden Valley Library - Community Room

830 Winnetka Avenue N.

Golden Valley, MN 55427

Monday. Feb. 7 - 7- 8:30 p.m.

Sen. Ron Latz and Rep. Steve Simon

The Depot

9451 Excelsior Blvd.

Hopkins, MN 55343

For further information regarding the town meeting, please call Sen. Latz's office at: 651-297-8065 or via e-mail at: sen.ron.latz@senate.mn

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