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State Representative Ryan Winkler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7026
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
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REFORM SHOULD BEGIN WITH THE STATE LEGISLATURE
(SAINT PAUL) — State Representative Ryan Winkler (DFL – Golden Valley) and DFL legislators introduced a package of reforms today designed to improve transparency and effectiveness at the Minnesota State Legislature.
“If we are serious about reforming government then we should first take a hard look in the mirror," said Winkler. “In the last year, the Minnesota Legislature has been more dysfunctional than a Kardashian marriage. Before legislators start targeting other people for reform, we should put our own houses in order.”
According to Winkler, the series of reforms would address loopholes and shortcomings that are preventing the State Legislature from conducting the people’s businesses in the manner the public expects and deserves.
“In Minnesota we have always prided ourselves on a government that is open, honest, and fair, but it’s clear we have problems that must be addressed,” added Rep. Winkler. “We should work across party lines on meaningful reform so we can do a better job serving the people of Minnesota in the State Legislature.”
The following are among the provisions in the bill:
Full Disclosure on “Party Pay” for State Legislators
Minnesotans deserve to know if their elected officials are being paid by a political party, but a loophole in campaign finance laws permits elected legislators to shield that information from the public. This legislation would close the loophole and require elected officials to disclose all sources of income, including pay as a “consultant or independent contractor.”
Prohibit Party Officials from Public Jobs
There is an inherent conflict of interest when high ranking officials in political parties hold public jobs at the State Legislature. This legislation would prohibit the House, Senate, and Joint Legislative Commissions from employing officers of a major political party.
Ends “Midnight Madness” and closed door meetings
Midnight sessions and closed door meetings make it difficult or impossible for the public to follow the legislative process. This legislation would prohibit public meetings between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. or during any time the Capitol or State Office Building is closed to the public. It would also prohibit closed door meetings between the executive and legislative branch while the State Capitol is closed to the public.
Require State Legislature to institute a plan for record retention: Unlike the executive branch, the State Legislature has no Data Practices rules or procedures. In the interest of public accountability, this legislation would require the State Legislature to implement a plan for record retention.
“The events of the last year have made these reforms essential,” concluded Rep. Winkler. “The status quo is unacceptable. We should pass these provisions quickly and with strong bipartisan support.”
Rep. Winkler’s bill will be formally introduced tomorrow.
News Items
- House passes minimum wage increase to raise wages of over 350,000 Minnesotans - (Posted: May 3 2013 4:30PM)
- Select Committee on Living Wage Jobs reviews 30 years of Pay Equity Act and current gender, income and work issues in Minnesota - (Posted: Apr 16 2013 1:56PM)
- Select Committee on Living Wage Jobs to review 30 years of Pay Equity Act and address current gender, income and work issues - (Posted: Apr 15 2013 11:40AM)
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