Editor's Note: This week, Patch will be running bios on the candidates for District 46 seats. These races will be decided during the General Election on Nov. 6. Today, we look at Rep. Steve Simon, the Democratic incumbent in House District 46B. Tomorrow, we'll profile his challenger, David Arvidson.
Education: B.A., political science, Tufts University; J.D., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Home: St. Louis Park
Age: 42
Family: Wife, Leia Simon
Proudest accomplishments in office:
The False Claims Act: I wrote the law (with Sen. Latz) that provides financial incentives to people who report contractors that knowingly defraud the state (as by over-billing or non-performance of contracts). Based on the experience of other states with similar laws, Minnesota could recover hundreds of millions of dollars from wrongdoers.
Strengthening consumer protection: I've changed Minnesota law in several places to give consumers and small businesses more tools to pursue scam-artists who perpetrate fraud by telephone, on-line, or in writing.
Protecting crime victims: I've changed the law so that domestic violence victims can more easily escape their abusers, and to allow the family members of all violent crime victims to get time off from work to attend trial proceedings.
Improving transportation: I've gotten vital funding for the Southwest Corridor light rail line, and I successfully pushed the Department of Transportation to open its books so that we can all evaluate the reasons for delays on projects such as Highway 100.
Election integrity: I streamlined our election system, and widened participation for overseas military and educational personnel, by moving the state primary election from September to August. I've also added accountability and campaign finance reform provisions to state law.