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Metzen, James P.

House 1975-82 (District 52A); House 1983-86 (District 39B); Senate 1987-2012 (District 39); Senate 2013-2016 (District 52)

Party when first elected:  Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Counties Served:  Dakota

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Date of Birth: 10/??/1943
Birth Place: South Saint Paul, Minnesota
Birth County: Dakota
Birth Country: United States
Date of Death: 7/11/2016
Gender: Male
Religion: Protestant
Reported Minority: None Reported
Other Names:
City of Residence (when first elected): South Saint Paul
Occupation (when first elected): Business

EDUCATION

South Saint Paul High School; Secondary;
University of Minnesota; Attended College;

OTHER GOVERNMENT SERVICE

Municipal Council/Aldermen: South Saint Paul, Minnesota (City Council); 1967 to 1973 [Elected]

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Spouse: Sandie
Children: Two children: Jeffrey and John (sons)
Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature:

GENERAL NOTES

Special Legislative Concerns: finance, employment, education, taxes, economic development.

He played hockey at the University of Minnesota.

His father served as a County Commissioner and a City Council member.

Total Days Served: 15162

SESSIONS SERVED

89th Legislative Session (2015-2016) (second half of Senate term)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 52
Elected: 11/6/2012
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/8/2013 to 7/11/2016 (unfinished term)
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Business
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Committees:
  • Capital Investment
  • Commerce (Chair)
  • Finance: State Departments and Veterans Budget Division
  • Finance: Veterans and Military Affairs Subdivision
  • Rules and Administration
  • Rules and Administration: Committees Subcommittee
  • Rules and Administration: Permanent and Joint Rules Subcommittee
Reason for unfinished term: Death
Session Notes: He died while in office on July 11, 2016.

88th Legislative Session (2013-2014)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 52
Elected: 11/6/2012
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/8/2013 to 7/11/2016 (unfinished term)
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Business
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Special Session Bills Authored:     2013 1st Sp.S. - Author
Committees:
  • Capital Investment
  • Commerce (Chair)
  • Finance: State Departments and Veterans Division
  • Rules and Administration
  • Rules and Administration: Permanent and Joint Rules Subcommittee
Reason for unfinished term:

87th Legislative Session (2011-2012)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/2/2010
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/4/2011 to 1/7/2013
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banker
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Special Session Bills Authored:     2011 1st Sp.S. - Author
Committees:
  • Capital Investment
  • Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
  • Jobs and Economic Growth

86th Legislative Session (2009-2010) (second half of Senate term)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/7/2006
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/3/2007 to 1/3/2011
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banker; Vice-President of Community Affairs, Key Community Bank
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Committees:
  • Business, Industry and Jobs (Chair)
  • Capital Investment
  • Commerce and Consumer Protection
  • Finance
  • Finance: Economic Development and Housing Budget Division
  • Rules and Administration
  • Rules and Administration: Committees
  • Rules and Administration: Ethical Conduct (Chair)
  • Rules and Administration: Permanent and Joint Rules
Leadership Position: President of the Senate

85th Legislative Session (2007-2008)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/7/2006
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/3/2007 to 1/3/2011
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banker; Vice President of Community Affairs, Key Community Bank, Inver Grove Heights
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Committees:
  • Business, Industry and Jobs (Chair)
  • Capital Investment
  • Commerce and Consumer Protection
  • Finance
  • Finance: Economic Development Budget Division
  • Rules and Administration
  • Rules and Administration: Committees
  • Rules and Administration: Ethical Conduct (Chair)
  • Rules and Administration: Permanent and Joint Rules
Leadership Position: President of the Senate

84th Legislative Session (2005-2006) (second half of Senate term)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/5/2002
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/7/2003 to 1/2/2007
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banker
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Special Session Bills Authored:  2005 1st Sp.S. - Chief Author    2005 1st Sp.S. - Author
Committees:
  • Capital Investment
  • Commerce
  • Commerce: Consumer Protection, Banking and Insurance
  • Commerce: Liquor
  • Finance
  • Finance: Environment, Agriculture and Economic Development Budget Division
  • Finance: State Government Budget Division
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development: Energy
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development: Housing
  • Rules and Administration
  • Rules and Administration: Bill Referral
  • Rules and Administration: Committees
  • Rules and Administration: Ethical Conduct (Chair)
  • Rules and Administration: Permanent and Joint Rules
  • Rules and Administration: Personnel
  • Rules and Administration: Senate Budget (Chair)
Leadership Position: President of the Senate

83rd Legislative Session (2003-2004)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/5/2002
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/7/2003 to 1/2/2007
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banker
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Special Session Bills Authored:  2003 1st Sp.S. - Chief Author    2003 1st Sp.S. - Author
Committees:
  • Capital Investment
  • Commerce and Utilities-2003/Commerce-2004
  • Commerce and Utilities-2003/Commerce-2004: Consumer Protection and Banking
  • Commerce and Utilities-2003/Commerce-2004: Liquor
  • Finance: State Government Budget Division
  • Rules and Administration
  • Rules and Administration: Bill Referral
  • Rules and Administration: Committees
  • Rules and Administration: Ethical Conduct (Chair)
  • Rules and Administration: Permanent and Joint Rules
  • Rules and Administration: Personnel
  • Rules and Administration: Senate Budget (Chair)
Leadership Position: President of the Senate

82nd Legislative Session (2001-2002)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/7/2000
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/3/2001 to 1/6/2003
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banker
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Special Session Bills Authored:  2001 1st Sp.S. - Chief Author    2001 1st Sp.S. - Author
Committees:
  • Commerce
  • Commerce: Banking (Chair)
  • Commerce: Consumer Protection and Regulated Industries
  • Finance
  • Finance: State Government, Economic Development and Judiciary Budget Division
  • Rules and Administration
  • Telecommunications, Energy and Utilities (Chair)
  • Transportation

81st Legislative Session (1999-2000) (second half of Senate term)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/5/1996
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/7/1997 to 1/2/2001
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Businessperson
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Committees:
  • Commerce
  • Commerce: Banking (Chair)
  • Commerce: Consumer Protection and Regulated Industries
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans (Chair)
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans: Rulemaking - Ex Officio Member
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans: Veterans - Ex Officio Member
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans/Election Laws/State Gov't. Finance Comm.: Governmental Operations Budget Division
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development: Housing and Economic Development
  • Rules and Administration
  • State Government Finance

80th Legislative Session (1997-1998)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/5/1996
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/7/1997 to 1/2/2001
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Businessperson
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Committees:
  • Commerce
  • Commerce: Banking (Chair)
  • Commerce: Consumer Protection and Regulated Industries
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans (Chair)
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans: Rulemaking - Ex Officio Member
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans: Veterans - Ex Officio Member
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans/Election Laws/State Gov't. Finance Comm.: Governmental Operations Budget Division
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development: Housing and Economic Development
  • Rules and Administration
  • State Government Finance

79th Legislative Session (1995-1996) (second half of Senate term)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/3/1992
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/5/1993 to 1/6/1997
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banker
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Bills Authored: Chief Author     Author
Committees:
  • Commerce and Consumer Protection
  • Commerce and Consumer Protection: Banking (Chair)
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans (Chair)
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans: Reform and Innovation
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans: Rulemaking
  • Governmental Operations and Veterans: Veterans
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development: Economic Development and Housing
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development: Employment
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development: Jobs, Energy and Community Development Finance Division
  • Rules and Administration

78th Legislative Session (1993-1994)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/3/1992
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/5/1993 to 1/6/1997
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banker
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Committees:
  • Commerce and Consumer Protection
  • Commerce and Consumer Protection: Banking (Chair)
  • Governmental Operations and Reform (Chair)
  • Governmental Operations and Reform: Reform and Innovation
  • Governmental Operations and Reform: Rulemaking
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development: Economic Development and Housing
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development: Employment
  • Jobs, Energy and Community Development: Jobs, Energy and Community Development Finance Division
  • Rules and Administration
  • Veterans and General Legislation

77th Legislative Session (1991-1992)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/6/1990
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/8/1991 to 1/4/1993
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banker
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Committees:
  • Commerce
  • Commerce: Banking (Chair)
  • Commerce: Consumer Protection/Regulated Industries (Liquor)
  • Economic Development and Housing (Chair)
  • Finance
  • Finance: Agriculture/Transportation/Regulation Division
  • Gaming Regulation
  • Rules and Administration

76th Legislative Session (1989-1990) (second half of Senate term)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/4/1986
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/6/1987 to 1/7/1991
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banker
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Committees:
  • Commerce
  • Commerce: Banking (Chair)
  • Commerce: Regulated Industries
  • Elections and Ethics
  • Finance
  • Finance: Agriculture/Transportation and Semi-States Division
  • Local and Urban Government
  • Local and Urban Government: Metropolitan Government (Chair)
  • Transportation
  • Transportation: Transit

75th Legislative Session (1987-1988)

  Session Details
Body: Senate
District: 39
Elected: 11/4/1986
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/6/1987 to 1/7/1991
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banking
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Committees:
  • Commerce
  • Commerce: Banking (Chair)
  • Commerce: Regulated Industries
  • Finance
  • Finance: Agriculture/Transportation and Semi-States Division
  • Local and Urban Government
  • Local and Urban Government: Metropolitan Government
  • Transportation
  • Transportation: Transit

74th Legislative Session (1985-1986)

  Session Details
Body: House
District: 39B
Elected: 11/6/1984
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/8/1985 to 1/5/1987
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Banking/Real Estate
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Committees:
  • Appropriations
  • Appropriations: Agriculture, Transportation and Semi-States Division
  • Financial Institutions and Insurance
  • General Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • General Legislation and Veterans Affairs: Gambling and Related Issues
  • General Legislation and Veterans Affairs: Veterans Affairs

73rd Legislative Session (1983-1984)

  Session Details
Body: House
District: 39B
Elected: 11/2/1982
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/4/1983 to 1/7/1985
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Real Estate
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Committees:
  • Appropriations
  • Appropriations: Agriculture, Transportation, Semi-State Division
  • Commerce and Economic Development
  • Commerce and Economic Development: Economic Development
  • Financial Institutions and Insurance
  • Financial Institutions and Insurance: Banking (Chair)
  • General Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • General Legislation and Veterans Affairs: Elections
  • General Legislation and Veterans Affairs: Gaming Division (Chair)

72nd Legislative Session (1981-1982)

  Session Details
Body: House
District: 52A
Elected: 11/4/1980
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/6/1981 to 1/3/1983
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Real Estate
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Committees:
  • Appropriations
  • Appropriations: Joint Claims (Chair)
  • Appropriations: Semi-State Division
  • Commerce and Economic Development
  • Commerce and Economic Development: Consumer Affairs and Tourism
  • Commerce and Economic Development: Economic Development
  • Commerce and Economic Development: Liquor
  • Commerce and Economic Development: Oil Decontrol Task Force
  • Financial Institutions and Insurance
  • Financial Institutions and Insurance: Banking (Chair)

71st Legislative Session (1979-1980)

  Session Details
Body: House
District: 52A
Elected: 11/7/1978
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/3/1979 to 1/5/1981
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Real Estate
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Committees:
  • Appropriations
  • Appropriations: Education Division
  • Appropriations: Semi-State Division
  • Commerce, Economic Development and Housing
  • Commerce, Economic Development and Housing: Tourism and Consumer Protection
  • Labor-Management Relations
  • Labor-Management Relations: Negotiation, General Labor and Legislation
  • Rules and Legislative Administration

70th Legislative Session (1977-1978)

  Session Details
Body: House
District: 52A
Elected: 11/2/1976
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/4/1977 to 1/2/1979
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Real Estate
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Committees:
  • Commerce and Economic Development
  • Education
  • Labor-Management Relations

69th Legislative Session (1975-1976)

  Session Details
Body: House
District: 52A
Elected: 11/5/1974
Residence: South Saint Paul
Term of Office: 1/7/1975 to 1/3/1977
Counties Represented: Dakota
Occupation: Business
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Committees:
  • Commerce and Economic Development
  • Governmental Operations
  • Labor-Management Relations

Senate Photos

The photos in this collection were scanned from the files of the Minnesota Senate Photographer with the generous help of the Minnesota Digital Library.

Articles & Books About
Coolican, J. Patrick. "Longtime Legislator Prided Himself on Friendships." Star Tribune, July 13, 2016.

Bierschbach, Brianna. "State Sen. Jim Metzen Dies at 72; Is Remembered as a Defuser of Partisanship." MinnPost, July 12, 2016.

Stassen-Berger, Rachel E. and Ferraro, Nick. "Longtime South St. Paul Sen. Jim Metzen Dies at 72." Pioneer Press, July 12, 2016.


District Files

District File - 2002 District 39
District File - 2003 District 39
District File - 2004 District 39
District File - 2005 District 39
District File - 2006 District 39
District File - 2007 District 39
District File - 2008 District 39
District File - 2009 District 39

The Minnesota Legislative Reference Library has collected newspaper articles on legislators since 1973. They are available in the Library.