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State Representative Ryan Winkler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7026
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Press/News Releases
REP. WINKLER SWORN-IN AS 2009 LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONVENES
ST. PAUL, MN - State Representative Ryan Winkler (DFL - Golden Valley) took the oath of office today at the State Capitol in St. Paul. First elected in 2006, Rep. Winkler is beginning his second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This session Rep. Winkler and his legislative colleagues will be focused on developing innovative methods for restructuring state government to balance a record $4.8 billion budget deficit.
“We need to rethink the way state government works in Minnesota," said Rep. Winkler. “When balancing the budget lawmakers must find responsible ways to reduce spending while setting clear priorities to protect the state’s most vulnerable citizens - children, senior citizens, and the disabled."
Economic forecasts revealed early last month that lawmakers must settle an historic budget shortfall this year - a record deficit brought on by a steadily worsening economy. According to State Economist Tom Stinson the nationwide economic recession has cast Minnesota lawmakers into “uncharted waters.” Stinson reported the current economic downturn is the longest and deepest recession since 1942. Minnesota lost nearly 30,000 jobs over the last 12 months alone, with another 77,000 slated to disappear in 2009. Johnson says his focus will be on finding ways to resolve the shortfall and put people back to work.
“Minnesota’s economy is falling behind,” said Winkler. “Our state is ranked 36th in the nation in job growth. To make Minnesota a more competitive place to do business, we need to invest wisely in human capital and enact policies to attract new, high-tech industries for tomorrow. Those efforts must begin immediately.”
State legislators will begin their work in committee hearings throughout the coming weeks. In his second term Rep. Winkler will be serving as Vice-Chair of the State Government Finance Division and as a member of the Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Committee, Finance Committee, Local Government Division, State and Local Government Operation Reform and Technology Committee, and the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee.
Rep. Winkler encourages all constituents of House District 44B to contact him throughout the legislative session with questions, concerns, and suggestions on any legislative issue. Winkler can be reached by phone at (651) 296-7026 or by email at rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn. Constituents will also have the opportunity to speak with Rep. Winkler in person at one of two town hall meetings scheduled in the community over the next two weeks:
WHAT: Town Hall Meetings
WHO: State Rep. Ryan Winkler
State Rep. Steve Simon
State Sen. Ron Latz
Constituents of District 44
AGENDA: Thursday, January 8, 2009
St. Louis Park City Hall
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Monday, January 12, 2009
Golden Valley Library
6:30 - 8:00 pm
These events are free and open to the public. All constituents are encouraged to attend.
News Items
- Statement on Budget Forecast - (Posted: 2012-12-05 00:00:00)
- Statement on Final I-35 W Bridge Settlement - (Posted: 2012-11-13 00:00:00)
- Rep. Winkler: Tea Party Activists Can’t Be Trusted to Reform Our Elections - (Posted: 2012-11-01 00:00:00)
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