Senate File 70 to be heard in Committee
This Thursday, March 25th, the Judiciary Budget Division of the Finance Committee will hold a hearing on Senate File 70, the proposed constitutional amendment that would preserve the independence of Minnesota judges by creating a system of retention elections.
You can show your support at this critical time by:
1. Attending the committee hearing.
When: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 25
Where: Minnesota State Capitol, Room 112
2. Contact committee members or your legislator to ask them to
SUPPORT SF 70.
Finance- Judiciary Budget Committee Members
Senator Leo Foley sen.leo.foley@senate.mn 651-296-4154
Senator Warren Limmer sen.warren.limmer@senate.mn 651-296-2159
Senator Don Betzold sen.don.betzold@senate.mn 651-296-2556
Senator Dick Cohen http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_emailform.php?district=64
651-296-5931
Senator Linda Higgins sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn 651-296-9246
Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen sen.bill.ingebritgsen@senate.mn 651-297-8063
Background:
The proposed constitutional amendment gives Minnesotans the chance to preserve the independence and impartiality of judges across the state. The amendment would create a system in which citizens have the final say on whether a judge stays in office—while also providing voters with nonpartisan performance evaluations on each judge before Election Day.
The change is needed now more than ever. As a result of U.S. Supreme Court decisions, Minnesotans could soon see judicial elections distorted by expensive and ugly campaigns where special-interest money flows without end. Minnesota courts could be up for sale.
The Legislature decides whether Minnesota voters have the chance to change the state Constitution. With the doors open for special-interest money in judicial elections, that means now is the time for lawmakers to act and put the amendment in the November 2010 ballot. Let the voters decide.
