Senator James Metzen

Sen. Metzen represented District 52, which includes portions of Dakota County in the southeastern Twin Cities metropolitan area. Sen. Metzen passed away shortly after the end of the 2016 Legislative Session. Read more news from Sen. Metzen.

Transportation Funding Focuses on Safety and Preparedness

The Senate Transportation Budget article passed on Thursday makes a commitment to public safety and opens the door to long-term, sustainable transportation funding for Minnesota. The initiatives in the bill work to make Minnesotans safer from trains carrying hazardous substances, and supports the state’s first responders in emergency preparedness. The new funding also provides a critical investment for the State Patrol so they can continue to train the best law enforcement professionals in the state.

Senator Metzen honored by colleagues in impromptu tribute

Senator Jim Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul) was honored on the floor of the Senate this week, when nearly two dozen senators of both parties stood up to speak about the former President of the Senate. The long-serving Senator has decided not to run for re-election this year, and his colleagues took the opportunity to thank him for his leadership and service when he filled in to temporarily preside over the Senate again.

Sen. Metzen Hopes to Return Unclaimed Property to Owners

Senator Jim Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul) is the author of a Senate bill that would increase the Department of Commerce’s ability to return unclaimed property to its rightful owners. Heard Wednesday in the Commerce Committee in which he chairs, the bill would require the Department to take certain actions reaching out to Minnesotans in an attempt to find the rightful owners, with the goal of returning all $700 million to residents.

Metzen to Retire from Senate after Current Term

District 52 State Senator Jim Metzen (DFL – So. St. Paul) has announced he will not be seeking re-election. A former President of the Minnesota Senate and current Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Metzen was first elected to the House of Representatives as a 31-year old and served six consecutive terms. He was then elected to the Senate in 1986 and handily won re-election eight times culminating in 42 years of legislative service. Metzen, a retired bank executive, has long been seen as a moderate legislator known for encouraging bipartisanship in the legislative process.