Senator Ron Latz

District 46 Minnesota
MSB 3105
95 University Ave W State Senate
St. Paul, Minnesota 55103

Chief Justice Hudson and the Honorable Justices of the Minnesota Supreme Court,

I write to you as the state’s court interpreters begin a strike in demand of better pay.

The state’s court system is built on access to justice, but that access is dependent on those
involved understanding the proceedings. This makes court interpreters as integral to the system
as a judge or lawyer. Concerns about compensation for travel time and short hearings as well as
an increased demand for services have added to the stress and workload of interpreters. We must
support those that provide these interpretation services, as required by state law, and ensure
access to justice. I do so wholeheartedly and recognize their invaluable work.

I appreciate the steps the State Court Administration has taken to address concerns in the revised
interpreter payment policy, including increasing pay and proactively communicating changes to
interpreters. Increased use of remote court interpreting has also increased access to interpreters,
especially in Greater Minnesota.

Based upon my experience, direct observations and communications with interpreters in court, it
also appears to me that more than the Court’s current proposal needs to be done to meet the
needs of the interpreters, both administratively and regarding compensation, and to thus meet the
needs of non-English speaking participants in the justice system.

It is part of my role as Senate Judiciary Committee Chair to continue to strive towards full access
to the courts system, and we will use this session to help determine what else the Senate
Judiciary Committee can do and what else we may recommend that the courts do to support
court interpreters. I am planning on an informational hearing in the next several weeks to
continue these conversations.

Sincerely,

Senator Ron Latz