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State Representative Bob Barrett
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5377
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS COLUMN
Reform 2.0 – Lawsuit Reform
Dear Neighbors,
This week my colleagues and I continued our efforts on reform. On Wednesday, the Minnesota House passed four lawsuit reforms that will improve fairness in litigation, lead to speedier judicial resolutions, and decrease costs and increase financial certainty for businesses and their customers.
Many of our local businesses – the backbone of our economy – are having trouble creating jobs and investing in innovation. Businesses are hampered by fear of frivolous lawsuits and windfall verdicts that can lead to layoffs, decreased production, or shutdowns. These bills will serve to alleviate this anxiety, and I am hopeful that, just as has happened in other parts of the country, including the state of Texas, this lawsuit abuse reform will translate into more jobs and less expensive goods and services.
Our bills are endorsed by Minnesotans for Lawsuit Reform, which is comprised of 45 regional Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations that together represent more than 58,000 employers in Minnesota. I hope that Governor Dayton will also support these important bills.
It’s important to remember that reforming, streamlining, and redesigning government is not merely an ideal or a talking point. It takes time, commitment, and a need to look not only at what has been done in the past, but also what improvements are needed for a strong, vibrant 21st century economy. This new Minnesota economy competes not only with South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa for new business, but with other countries as well. The process by which bills such as these become laws requires that legislators carefully and arduously vet each piece of proposed legislation as it stops in different committees. I invite you to visit www.reform2.mn to learn more about our efforts.
Area residents have an opportunity to take part in the political process by attending their precinct caucus on Tuesday, February 7. I encourage everyone to become civically engaged at one of these important meetings – this is your chance to participate at the grassroots level and make your voice heard.
As always, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve you in the state legislature. Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts regarding Reform 2.0 or the 2012 legislative session. I can be reached at 651-296-5377 or by e-mail at rep.bob.barrett@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Bob
News Items
- STATE REP. BARRETT AND STATE SEN. NIENOW ANNOUNCE TOWN MEETINGS - (Posted: Jun 7 2013 3:49PM)
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- REP. BARRETT RESPONDS TO TONIGHT’S UNVEILING OF VIKINGS STADIUM DESIGN - (Posted: May 13 2013 4:26PM)
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