Issue Position: Property Tax Relief & Jobs

Issue Position

Senator Ron Latz has continued to fight for permanent property tax relief. Property taxes are skyrocketing, and state cuts to schools and local governments in 2003 that shifted costs onto property owners are partially to blame. In the Senate, Ron has worked to find solutions that aid local governments in reducing property taxes with legislation ranging from sales tax exemptions on purchases for cities and extensions of TIF districts for redevelopment and job creation. Ron will continue to fight in the Senate for property tax relief. Ron believes the state budget shouldn't be balanced on the backs of property owners when the tax burden is shifted from the many to the few with a "No New Tax" pledge.

One way the State Legislature can create jobs is through a bonding bill. Sen. Latz has supported regional projects in the bonding bill. He was the chief Senate author the bill to fund the Southwest Light Rail Transitway Coridoor as well as the bill to fund infrastructure at the Perpich Center for the Arts.

As a member of the State Senate Ron has supported legislation to extend unemployment insurance benefits, dislocated-worker benefits for discharged veterans as well as shared work expansion. This session, he is working on legislation that will require hourly wage earners to be paid for overtime after 40 hours a week instead of 48 hours a week that is in current state law.

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