SESSION WEEKLY A NONPARTISAN PUBLICATION MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES • PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES VOLUME 26, NUMBER 4 • JANUARY 30, 2009

‘To u g h decisions’ t o r e s o l v e b u d g e t Bu d g e t i s s u e is d é j à v u f o r o n e m e m b e r Un e m p l o y m e n t b e n e f i t e x t e n s i o n

Ne w m e m b e r p r o f i l e s HF264 - HF410 SESSION WEEKLY

Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services. During the 2009-2010 Legislative Session, each issue reports House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions and provides other information. No fee. To subscribe, contact: Minnesota House of Representatives c o n t e n t s Public Information Services 175 State Office Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. HIGHLIGHTS St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Business • 5 Game & Fish • 7 Human Services • 9 651-296-2146 or 800-657-3550 or the Education • 5 Health • 7 Local Government • 9 Minnesota Relay service at 711 or 800-627-3529 (TTY) Employment • 6 Higher Education • 8 Taxes • 10 www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Environment • 6 Housing • 9 Notes • 10

Director Barry LaGrave Editor/Assistant Director Lee Ann Schutz BILL INTRODUCTIONS (HF264-HF410) • 17-20 Assistant Editor Mike Cook Art & Production Coordinator Paul Battaglia FEATURES Writers Kris Berggren, Nick Busse, Susan Hegarty, Fi r s t Re a d i n g : Governor’s budget solution gets mixed reviews • 3-4 Sonja Hegman, Patty Ostberg At Is s u e : Plugging the unemployment benefit gap • 11 Chief Photographer Tom Olmscheid At Is s u e : Reflections of a previous budget problem • 12-13 Photographers Pe o p l e : New member profiles • 14-16 Nicki Gordon, Andrew VonBank Staff Assistants Re s o u r c e s : State and federal offices • 21-22 Christy Novak, Joan Bosard Mi n n e s o t a In d e x : Employment or lack thereof • 24

Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is published weekly during the legislative session by Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services, 175 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage paid at Minneapolis, Minn. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, House Public Information Services, 175 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298.

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On the cover: Chairman Al Juhnke and members of the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Finance Division meet in the fifth floor conference room of the Veterans Service Building during a Jan. 28 tour and overview of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

­— Photo by: Andrew VonBank FIRST READING

‘Tough decisions’ Governor proposes spending cuts, accounting shifts to solve $4.8 billion deficit

By Ni c k Bu s s e Legislative leaders reacted cautiously to ov. Tim Pawlenty presented his preliminary the governor’s plan. House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-Mpls) said she and answer to the state’s $4.8 billion question on other DFL lawmakers will travel around the Jan. 27. state in the coming weeks and seek public G input on how the proposals would affect their His proposal? Fix the state’s projected budget communities. She also expressed skepticism deficit with $2.5 billion in spending cuts, $1.3 billion about some of the governor’s ideas, such as the K-12 accounting shifts. in accounting shifts, nearly $1 billion in “tobacco “This budget appears to be full of some appropriation bonds” and an unknown amount of federal gimmicks, and we are going to take a close look at that,” she said, adding, “It is a concern stimulus dollars. that if you build a budget completely out of those things, the long-term financial stability of the state could be at risk.” The math is complicated, but the result see a slight funding increase, with an emphasis Among concerns addressed by House would be to shrink state government by on pay-for-performance programs; however, Majority Leader Tony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) 2.2 percent, or $750 million, from current accounting shifts in the form of delayed aid was that the governor’s budget would lead to biennial spending levels. Pawlenty said his payments to schools are also called for to plan balances fiscal responsibility with the provide temporary savings. First Reading continued on page 4 needs of the state. “This budget involves some tough decisions; we realize that. But we also believe they are the decisions that reflect the priorities needed to position Minnesota for the future,” he said. Among the areas hardest-hit by the governor’s plan would be health and human services. Although health spending would technically increase 9.6 percent under the governor’s plan, spending would be significantly lower than the 22 percent increase that was projected. As a result, approximately 84,000 fewer adults would be eligible for state health care programs over the next two years — although no children would be affected. Local government aid and higher education would see reductions of 5.4 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively, while most state agencies would see an across-the-board 5 percent reduction in their operating budgets. The resulting savings, however, would be at least partially offset by $287 million in tax cuts aimed primarily at businesses. Pawlenty said making the state’s tax climate more business- p h o t o b y t o m o l m s c h e i d friendly would help the economy recover. House Majority Leader Tony Sertich tells reporters during a Jan. 27 news conference that specific issues in Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s budget proposal would be examined closely, and that he and Senate Not everything in the governor’s plan Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, left, look forward to seeing the governor’s proposed bills to rectify consists of cuts. K-12 education would actually the state’s projected budget shortfall.

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 3 First Reading continued from page 3 increased property taxes, higher tuition for college students and the loss of health care benefits for some Minnesotans. He also expressed doubt about the governor’s plan to raise nearly $1 billion in one-time money by bonding future revenues from the state’s decade-old tobacco settlement — the so- called “tobacco appropriation bonds.” He said nothing like it had ever been tried in Minnesota. “This is something that we’re going to look at and see if it would work, and if it does not, that would put in serious jeopardy the governor’s proposal,” he said.

‘The blueprint’ The governor’s proposals lay out “the blueprint,” in Sertich’s words, for the issue p h o t o b y t o m o l m s c h e i d that will dominate the remainder of the Following the Jan. 27 release of Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s budget proposal, House Minority Leader Marty legislative session; however, that blueprint is Seifert tells reporters that he hopes the legislative majority will come up with their budget ideas likely to change before lawmakers even get early so the session can end on time. started on their own version. To start with, the governor’s plan assumes process to a card game in which the governor schools for quite a while, I think, because it a $920 million “placeholder” for funds from had laid his first card on the table. Now, he means that whenever we get money we have a forthcoming federal stimulus package. said, the DFL leadership should lay down one to keep taking huge chunks of it to pay this That legislation is expected to be passed by of their own. back. And it looks like we got money, but we Congress and signed by President Barack “We now want to see what the other did not.” Obama in the coming months; however, the proposals are,” Senjem said. “We would ask Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls), chairman of final dollar amount of Minnesota’s share is yet the other party to come along now, play along the House Health Care and Human Services to be determined, and is likely to be different with the governor in terms of this process, and Policy and Oversight Committee, said the — possibly much larger — than $920 million. let’s move forward and make sure that we’re governor’s proposed health care cuts would Pawlenty said his budget proposals would be done on time, because we don’t need to be here cancel out some improvements that were adjusted when state officials have a better idea in July or August trying to figure this out.” made last session. He specifically mentioned of how much stimulus money will actually be the Statewide Health Improvement Program, available to shore up the General Fund. Other reactions which helps communities develop strategies The other event that will likely force a Reaction to the governor’s proposals from to support healthy behaviors. It would see its review of the governor’s budget proposals is House committee and division chairs was funding reduced from the anticipated $47 the release of the February budget forecast, mixed. million for the 2010-2011 biennium to $24 which state officials have hinted may predict Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL-Dilworth), million, spread out over four years. an even worse financial situation for the state. chairman of the House Property and Local “This seems totally contrary and going More budget cuts might be necessary if state Sales Tax Division, said he respects the absolutely against the governor’s own officials forecast a $6 billion or $7 billion governor’s budget proposals, and sees them perspective on wanting to control the growth deficit; however, Pawlenty said more federal as an attempt to set priorities amid “a very in health care spending,” Thissen said. stimulus dollars might help cancel out a larger dire situation.” His main concern is making House Taxes Committee Chairwoman Rep. deficit. sure that any cuts to local government aid are Ann Lenczewski (DFL-Bloomington) said her Republican leaders criticized the DFL done in a way that is geographically balanced committee would try to find as much common majority for not offering their own ideas to and that protects middle class interests. ground as possible with the governor, but that fix the budget. House Minority Leader Marty “Too many times, as we’ve balanced the she personally would prefer more “permanent Seifert (R-Marshall) said the Democrats were budget, we’ve done it on the backs of those solutions” to the state’s budget woes. taking too long to come up with their own who can afford it the least,” he said. “We’ll look at what we might want to take plan to counter the governor’s proposals, and House K-12 Education Finance Division from the governor and use, and other places urged them not to wait longer. Chairwoman Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL- where we’ll need to negotiate. We’re trying “They’ve had two months of time to listen Roseville) criticized the K-12 accounting to keep an open mind, but it’s difficult to to the public. We’ve had the (budget) forecast shifts. She said that rather than solving budget imagine how we’re going to structurally deal on our desks now since November. We know problems, they would actually create more with the deficit,” she said. what the problem is, so now we need solutions, problems for the Legislature to deal with in and we need leaders,” Seifert said. the future. — Kr i s Be r g g r e n , Su s a n He g a r t y , So n j a He g m a n a n d Le e An n Sc h u t z a l l contributed t o t h i s a r t i c l e . Similarly, Senate Minority Leader David “I hate shifts,” Greiling said. “It will flat-line Senjem (R-Rochester) compared the budget

4 Session Weekly January 30, 2009 HIGHLIGHTS J a n . 22 - 29, 2009

Jeremy Kalin (DFL-North Branch) remain and programs. But they said such shifts are really Editor’s note: The following Highlights are concerned about agreement clauses that could a short-term solution to a perennial problem of coverage of select bills heard in House commit- result in job outsourcing after three years. an untenable education funding formula. tees and other House activities held Jan. 22-29. Designations used in Highlight summaries: “I’d feel a lot more comfortable with this School districts now receive 90 percent of HF-House File; SF-Senate File; Ch-Chapter; and agreement if we could have an ironclad school aid revenue in the fiscal year in which *- the bill version considered by the House or commitment that there will not be outsourcing it is appropriated and 10 percent the next fiscal the bill language signed by the governor. of Minnesota flight attendants, Minnesota year. The governor has proposed an 80-20 pilots, reservation agents and others,” split for the 2010-2011 biennium that would Hornstein said. reduce the General Fund operating deficit by Ben Hirst, general counsel for Delta “borrowing” $1.3 billion from school districts Business Air Lines, said he has heard of no plans to by withholding an extra 10 percent of 2010 aid outsource any functions that will be housed until 2011. Covenant change sought in Minnesota. Increasing the split means school districts Thousands of jobs could remain in the state — M. Co o k must draw from budget reserves or borrow thanks to a new airline agreement. to meet financial obligations. Districts in A 1991 agreement called for the Metropolitan Education statutory operating debt may apply for an Airports Commission to issue $270 million in exemption. bond debt for Northwest Airlines provided Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL-Roseville), the the carrier keep its headquarters in the Twin A disaster waiting to happen? division chairwoman, said the governor’s Cities metropolitan area, maintain a hub at the School officials told the House K-12 proposal is a tactic that undercuts education Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Education Finance Division Jan. 28 they’d funding increases and imposes debt on and retain a specified level of employees. rather shift than cut. districts. Violation of any clause could force automatic That is, they’d rather live with the governor’s “I hate shifts,” she said. “It will delay repayment of the remaining debt. proposed accounting shifts to the education funding things like the New Minnesota With Delta Air Lines’ recent acquisition of finance formula than make outright cuts to staff Miracle. It will flat-line schools for quite a Northwest, if the MAC were to enforce the while, I think.” covenants, there would be no guarantee of Peggy Ingison, Minneapolis Public Schools service to the airport or of jobs remaining in Ca r e e r r e a d i n e s s chief financial officer and a former state the state once the bonds were paid. finance commissioner, said shifts should be The commission’s board approved 9-1 used as a “last resort.” terms of a new deal Jan. 26. “If I had a choice of side A, raising revenue Agreement details were shared at a Jan. 22 or cutting spending, and over here is choice joint meeting of the House Commerce and B, where you are doing shifts, wouldn’t you Labor Committee, House Transportation recommend side A rather than side B?” asked Finance and Policy Division, House Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington). Transportation and Transit Policy and Ingison said the size of the projected state Oversight Division and the House Local deficit means looking at “tax increases, Government Division. No action was taken. spending cuts and shifts” to find a “balanced “I think this a glass half-full or half-empty approach.” kind of thing,” said Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Superintendent Joe Brown of the (R-Lakeville). “The MAC has done a good job 376-student Grand Meadow district said he of renegotiating this.” has already made difficult staff and program Terms of the deal include: cuts, increased revenues and enrollment, has • the hub commitment would be set at an aver- low transportation costs and high energy age of 400 flights per day (approximately efficiency – and still had to cut $300,000 to today’s level), at least 250 of which must be balance this year’s budget. on aircraft with more than 70 seats; Although he likes the governor’s budget and • a minimum 10,000 jobs remain in the state ideas about education, Brown said shifts aren’t until the bonds are paid off; the answer. “I think this is a disaster waiting • Delta’s headquarters for its regional airline to happen.” management would be in Minnesota, in- — K. Be r g g r e n cluding the moving of Compass Airlines

headquarters from Virginia; p h o t o b y t o m o l m s c h e i d Retirees risk districts’ fiscal health • reservation centers would remain in Mike Cohen, president of Achieve, Inc., An issue that could cost school districts Chisholm and the Twin Cities metropoli- listens as Rep. Kim Norton asks a question billions of dollars received mixed reviews. tan area; and about Cohen’s presentation on college and At a joint meeting Jan. 26, the House K-12 • the bonds would be paid off in 2016, six years career readiness during the Jan. 27 meet- Education Finance Division and House Taxes earlier than required. ing of the House K-12 Education Policy and Committee considered benefits and risks Oversight Committee. Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Mpls) and Rep. of a law allowing school districts and other

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 5 government jurisdictions to fund liabilities for No action was taken. Minnesotans get 90 percent of their Other Post-Employment Benefits by creating Executive Director Brenda Norman drinking water from the state’s groundwater trusts and issuing bonds that aren’t subject to presented the recommendation that every supply, which is significantly greater than voter approval. Minnesota student, from ninth grade on, the rest of the country, said Gene Merriam, Benefit costs overall are estimated at $3.3 should have an annually reviewed plan president of the Freshwater Society. billion, mostly in health care expenses. to guide them down an educational and He said groundwater is running short in A few districts have huge benefit liabilities occupational path of their own choosing. some areas of the state. Also, the water has compared to their total revenue. But Jody “We know that high school students make become polluted from things like nitrogen Hauer, a project manager with the Office of choices that are sometimes informed and compounds used in farm fertilizers. the Legislative Auditor, said even districts sometimes uninformed, but we prefer that “Whatever we use as chemicals in our that don’t pay retiree benefits are liable for they make informed choices,” Norman said. society is finding its way into our water,” “implicit rate subsidies,” because retiring Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud) criticized Osterholm said. employees are eligible to retain employer- the recommendation, comparing it to a Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) said sponsored health care insurance. Premium European-style system where students are today’s issues are the same ones he learned costs are pooled, however, so active employees forced from a very young age to pursue a about as a graduate student 20 years ago. subsidize retirees. These “implicit rate predetermined career path. “Was it a question of funding about why subsidies” are absorbed into districts’ general “I get awfully concerned when we’re talking we still have the same problems, or was it a operating revenue. about mandating things on ninth graders question of the consensus being wrong in the Hauer said an evaluation of nine districts and graduates in high school,” Gottwalt procedures that we chose of going with best found implicit rate subsidies cost an average said. “The fact that we might require them to management practices and education and not of $1,300 per student and could cost all school start building a career path too early or too achieving the results or the outcomes that districts $1.1 billion over the next 30 years. arbitrarily is a bit of a concern.” were desired? If we do provide money in these Thomas Wieczorek, Alexandria Public Rep. Joyce Peppin (R-Rogers) agreed, committees will we look for another 20 years Schools business director, said his district saying that many ninth graders are unlikely and have the slides be the same?” drew from its trust to cover outright liabilities. to possess the maturity or confidence needed “I don’t think there was enough money to Trust earnings also offset implicit subsidy to start making long-term career choices. adequately address the questions,” Merriam expenses in its general fund, thereby freeing Mo Amundson, a member of the council, said. “It’s important that the money used money to implement district goals such countered that the goal of the recommendation today gets spent in a way that will make a as offering free all-day kindergarten and is simply to have children “not wait until difference 25 years from now, and having a improving classroom technology. This they’ve already wasted two years in college way to track that.” arrangement is legal, but it highlighted and spent a lot of money” before they consider Solutions to current issues include concerns about risk and inequity. their career options. intensifying the monitoring and protection “In effect, you have unequalized general “What our vision was is that students, starting of aquifers and educating the public about education levy,” said Rep. Paul Marquart in ninth grade, at least think about something environmental impacts. (DFL-Dilworth), who chairs the House that they might want to do and start exploring “We’ve got to change what we’re doing,” Property and Local Sales Tax Division. “I — not pigeonholing them, not putting them in Merriam said. “It’s so easy to focus on cleaning don’t think the intent of this law was to use a track, anything like that,” she said. up the problems, but it’s so much easier and these benefits and this levy authority to put Rep. Jeanne Poppe (DFL-Austin) agreed cheaper to keep them from happening in the money back into the classroom.” with Amundson, arguing that students need first place.” Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) to start preparing themselves for careers as A study by the Freshwater Society questioned the risk of borrowing critical funds early as possible. Guardianship Council also found that: only to invest in an unpredictable market. “Ninth grade, to me, is almost too late to be • groundwater buried thousands of years ago The meeting was intended to surface thinking about where they want to be going,” by glaciers is high quality, but newer water these concerns and as a “a precursor of how she said. being recharged in shallow aquifers con- the education finance committee and the — N. Bu s s e tains chemicals from modern land use; tax committee can work more closely on • perfluorochemicals are being found in lakes overlapping issues,” said Rep. Mindy Greiling and wells in the Twin Cities metropolitan (DFL-Roseville), who chairs the education Environment area and in treated wastewater throughout finance division. the state; — K. Be r g g r e n Water as valuable as oil? • 40 percent of septic systems do not comply Once water is as valuable as Mideast oil, with state standards and threaten ground Employment people will start to see it as a commodity. and surface water; This is according to Michael Osterholm, • sand plains of central Minnesota and some director of the Center for Infectious Disease areas near Hastings are particularly vul- Career paths for students Research and Policy at the University of nerable to contamination; and Should high school freshmen be required Minnesota. “We don’t have a futuristic view • atrazine is being found in wells throughout to develop a plan for their future careers? about our water,” he told a joint meeting of the the state. Concentrations are decreasing but The idea, part of a set of policy House Cultural and Outdoor Resources and detection frequency is increasing. This is due, recommendations developed by the Governor’s Environment and Natural Resources finance in part, to increased ethanol production. Workforce Development Council, was debated divisions Jan. 28. “The value has to change or — S. He g m a n Jan. 28 by the House Bioscience and Workforce we’ll be here 20 years from now in more dire Development Policy and Oversight Division. circumstances than we are now.”

6 Session Weekly January 30, 2009 Game & Fish One fish, two fish Debate about whether two fishing lines are better than one on Minnesota lakes and Anglers criticize spear-fishing bill streams drew both support and opposition “How do you catch and release a speared during Jan. 26 testimony. fish?” asked Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane If enacted, HF22 would allow anglers to use Lake), chairman of the House Game, Fish and two lines to fish year-round. Forestry Division. Minnesota law currently only allows two “You don’t,” replied Shawn Kellett, president lines per person when ice fishing. Rep. Al of the Muskies Inc. Twin Cities Chapter. Juhnke (DFL-Willmar), who sponsors the bill, The exchange took place during a Jan. 26 presented supportive arguments to the House hearing on HF26 that would amend state Game, Fish and Forestry Division, which took fishing laws to allow non-residents to take fish no action. There is no Senate companion. by spearing them from a dark house, which From a competitive viewpoint, bordering is typically a portable canvas tent placed over states allow anglers to use more than one the ice. line, which may cause tourism dollars from The division took no action on the bill boaters, campers and serious fishermen to be sponsored by Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar). diverted to those locales, Juhnke said. Plus, A companion bill, SF220, sponsored by Sen. potential revenue from the purchase of a two- Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids), awaits line stamp could number in the millions, he action by the Senate Environment and Natural added. Resources Committee. But some anglers are not as excited to drop Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) said another line in the water. Rather, they argue the change would allow former residents who that two lines will deplete some lakes of return to the state on vacation to participate fish and put an undue burden on the state’s p h o t o b y a n d r e w v o n b a n k in this form of recreation. fisheries. “We need to maintain the quality of Tim Church, an environmental health sciences Vern Wagner, chairman of Anglers for our fishery. Is $1 million enough to restock professor at the University of Minnesota School Habitat, opposes the bill because of the our lakes?” asked John Underhill, co-chair of Public Health, testifies before the House shortage of trophy-sized Northern Pike. “We of the Minnesota Muskie Alliance. When Health Care and Human Services Policy and need to fix Northern Pike and we don’t fix walleye numbers dropped in Leech Lake, Oversight Committee Jan. 27 in support of a bill Northern Pike by sticking forks in them,” that would provide colorectal cancer screening “people stopped coming,” Underhill said. for the uninsured. Rep. Maria Ruud, the bill’s Wagner said. Studies from bordering states indicate that sponsor, listens to the discussion. Juhnke cautioned division members not to up to 50 percent more fish are caught when think of the bill as a conservation issue. two lines are used rather than one, according Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of “If conservation of species is the case, please to Ed Boggess, deputy director of the Fish cancer death in the state, claiming the lives pull the cameras out of the water today. And and Wildlife Division of the Department of of more than 850 Minnesotans annually, take the fish finders off the boat today,” he Natural Resources. according to the American Cancer Society. said. There are emergency measures the DNR “This is a very small demonstration project, Rather, it’s a reciprocity issue. Border states can take to solve this problem, Boggess said. but the potential impact, if we can bring this don’t allow Minnesotans to hunt waterfowl in Action can be taken to close the lake, reduce kind of access to more Minnesotans who need their states. So Minnesota doesn’t allow their the number of lines temporarily, lower it, can be quite large,” said Tim Church, a residents to spear fish in its waters. limits of fish taken and other conservation professor of environmental health sciences at “South Dakota and North Dakota are kind solutions. the University of Minnesota School of Public of famous for their waterfowl. I know their — S. He g a r t y Health. He would oversee the project. population is less than a million in each state Approved by the House Health Care and we’ve got 5.7 (million). I get that they don’t Health and Human Services Policy and Oversight want us over there en masse,” Dill said. Committee Jan. 27 and sent to the House Department of Natural Resources Assistant Finance Committee, the bill would also Commissioner Bob Meier agreed that it’s Colorectal cancer screening funds provide an unspecified amount in fiscal a “social issue about how we are treated in Minnesota could be in position to receive year 2010 to the University of Minnesota to other states.” If enacted, the law would not federal funds to screen 200 to 400 uninsured or evaluate the demonstration project. significantly impact the fisheries, Meier underinsured people for colorectal cancer. The bill has no Senate companion. said. Called the Minnesota Colorectal Cancer Rep. Tom Hackbarth (R-Cedar) compared Prevention Act, HF293 is sponsored by Rep. — L. Sc h u t z the issue to other recreational opportunities, Maria Ruud (DFL-Minnetonka). It would saying there are a few anglers who could give provide matching funds for a possible federal Health insurance for every child the sport a “bad name” and that they could grant to support a demonstration project Having every child in Minnesota covered by “ruin spearing for our residents.” For that for colorectal cancer screening at Hennepin health insurance would be the ideal outcome reason, he did not support the bill. County Medical Center and through the of a bill sponsored by Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL- Mpls). — S. He g a r t y MeritCare system serving the northwest part of the state. The amount of state dollars has But the idea had some members of the yet to be determined. House Health Care and Human Services

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 7 Re l a y f o r Li f e

p h o t o b y a n d r e w v o n b a n k Family and friends of those who have battled cancer joined cancer survivors to walk around the Star of the North in the State Capitol Jan. 27 during the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in the Rotunda. The event is designed to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease.

Policy and Oversight Committee Jan. 28 While there seemed to be agreement on and Professional Student Assembly and questioning who would ultimately pay the the ideal, it was the practicalities that several a first-generation college student, urged costs. members questioned, such as the cost to legislators to consider the potential impact of Nonetheless, HF174 was approved and sent the state. This led Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R- budget reductions on students’ ability to pay to the House Finance Committee. St. Cloud) to say that a responsible policy tuition. The bill would establish the Minnesota discussion has to include the consequences. “I feel very privileged to be where I am, Health Security Act and would provide dental, Rep. Julie Bunn (DFL-Lake Elmo) said the and I want to make sure future generations vision and medical insurance for people under ethical discussion of health care coverage — that my own children — have these same age 21, regardless of income or immigration needs to continue; but she is concerned that opportunities. But they won’t, with the status, including the unborn child of a the state budget may already not be able to increasing amount of debt we’re having to pregnant woman. sustain programs enacted last session that take out to pay for our student loans,” Kremers Thissen said that for the past several years have specific goals and dates attached. said. lawmakers have considered bills that would Its companion, SF9, sponsored by Sen. Tony Kremers and other student legislative ensure that every Minnesota child could see Lourey (DFL-Kerrick), awaits action by the advocates testified Jan. 27 before the a doctor. With 80,000 state children without Senate Health, Housing and Family Security House Higher Education and Workforce health insurance, he said, “We still have a lot Committee. Development Finance and Policy Division. of work to do on insuring kids and ultimately — L. Sc h u t z No action was taken. making sure that all Minnesotans have access Alex Tenenbaum, a student in the College of to affordable health care.” Despite the budget Higher Education Liberal Arts, said many of his classmates are problems, he contends the state has “a larger having to work long hours at menial jobs to moral and political obligation to consider all pay for their education, which not only takes the options.” Students plead for financial help away from study time but also prevents them The program would mirror services offered A group of University of Minnesota from participating in leadership programs, through Medical Assistance, and would have students pleaded with lawmakers to consider community service and unpaid internships. no enrollee premiums or cost-sharing. The bill their classmates’ financial and educational Tenenbaum has mixed feelings about Gov. would also ensure that all Minnesota adults needs as they consider budget cuts to higher Tim Pawlenty’s proposal to cap tuition rates would have access to comprehensive, affordable education. at the university. health care coverage by Jan. 1, 2012. Kristi Kremers, president of the Graduate Although he likes the idea of not having

8 Session Weekly January 30, 2009 his tuition raised, Tenenbaum said he also making a sizable dent in some of the goals that as a team. Its machines could be in hospitals knows that “if we’re going to be putting a were laid out before we had the impact of the or in separate facilities. Huntley argued the cap and cutting funding, then we’re going to foreclosure crisis,” Halbach said. latter provides greater access for patients. have to cut a lot of programs that mean a lot Reasons for the unmet goals include failed Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud) to people.” foreclosure prevention programs, he said. For questioned whether a trigger mechanism Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake) asked example, the Hope for Homeowners Program had ever been proposed that would address what level of funding cuts the students relied on banks to voluntarily reduce the need and what best serves the cancer patient thought would be fair, given the size of the principal on mortgage loans, which didn’t without political input. “That our committee state’s projected budget deficit. Kremers happen enough. Also, a $7,500 tax credit for should constantly have to be deciding on an declined to answer the question directly, and first-time homebuyers isn’t popular because extension of moratoriums seems to be a little instead pointed out that many states facing it has to be paid back. counterproductive.” similar budget problems are opting to protect Going forward, agency officials are mindful The bill was approved and now awaits action higher education funding. that some federal funding resources, such as by the full House. Its Senate companion, Martin Chorzempa said budget cuts would the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, SF162, sponsored by Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL- detract from students’ quality of life. He said have shifted from guaranteed funding Mpls), awaits action by the Senate Health, that even cuts that only affected athletic formulas to a competitive grant process Housing and Family Security Committee. programs, for example, would harm the that does not necessarily mean continued — L. Sc h u t z school’s atmosphere and discourage alumni funding. involvement. “So the dollars available from the state are Local Government Rep. Roger Reinert (DFL-Duluth) very critical to fill in around what the federal responded, “I’m thrilled to have a top-20 government is making available,” Halbach basketball team, but I’d be more thrilled to said. Jackson County office change have first-generation college students leaving — S. He g a r t y If a bill sponsored by Rep. Rod Hamilton with less than $20,000 in debt.” (R-Mountain Lake) becomes law, Jackson The students also criticized a plan by the Human services County may soon have an appointed, rather governor to greatly expand the role of online than elected, auditor-treasurer. classes in the Minnesota State Colleges and HF14 would allow the Jackson County Universities system. Kremers argued that Two views on radiation treatment Board of Commissioners to make the position online education “just does not compare to Chairs of two House health committees are an appointed office, provided that 80 percent the quality of what you experience inside the on opposite sides of an issue that one described of the board votes in favor of a resolution. classroom.” as “a fight between two groups.” Jackson County Coordinator Janice Fransen

— N. Bu s s e Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) sponsors said the change is needed because the job “has HF177 that would extend the current evolved into a highly specialized and technical moratorium on construction of new radiation position.” Housing oncology facilities from 2011 to 2014. “It is crucial that a highly qualified It’s an issue that has been the subject of individual take this position,” Fransen said, Funding to stabilize neighborhoods extensive hearings over the years, Thissen, adding that such a skilled individual might The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency who chairs the House Health Care and Human not want to campaign for office. is expected to appropriate $38.8 million in Service Policy and Oversight Committee, told The House Local Government Division February to cities, counties and community members Jan. 27. approved the bill Jan. 26 and referred it to housing organizations in an effort to stabilize “The Legislature has made the decision, the House State and Local Government neighborhoods hit hard by foreclosures. on repeated occasions, that limiting the Operations Reform, Technology and Elections Speaking before the House Housing expansion of these machines is the right public Committee. A companion, SF41, sponsored Finance and Policy and Public Health Finance policy for us to be pursuing.” He pointed to by Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy), was Division Jan. 27, Chip Halbach, executive information from the Minnesota Hospital approved the same day by the Senate State and director of Minnesota Housing Partnership, Association and individual providers showing Local Government Operations and Oversight said the funds are part of a cash outlay called there are more radiation services available Committee. the Neighborhood Stabilization Program than needed, based on 2007 capacity. “This Rep. Rob Eastlund (R-Isanti) had from the U.S. Department of Housing and is in a large part about controlling costs,” he reservations about what he sees as making Urban Development. Organizations hoping said. elected officials appointed, arguing that it to receive their share were required to submit But the chairman of the House Health Care takes away a level of accountability to the applications to the state agency by Jan. 28. and Human Services Finance Division has a voters. Another $20 million was previously different take on the matter and encouraged “It’s the residents of Jackson County that we awarded to Anoka, Hennepin and Dakota committee members to vote against the bill. should be concerned about,” Eastlund said. counties and the cities of Minneapolis and “It’s a fight between two good groups of The bill does provide for a process by which St. Paul, according to Jeanette Blankenship, radiation oncologists, both of them do a voters in Jackson County could petition the an agency housing policy specialist. good job, but one of them wants to keep the board to put the proposal to a referendum, in Despite available resources, it’s still not other out of the business,” said Rep. Thomas which case the public could vote to keep the enough to meet the needs of today, Halbach Huntley (DFL-Duluth). position an elected office. said. He said that one group owns their machines — N. Bu s s e “Even though the amount of federal and leases space in hospitals. The other uses resources coming to the state is large, it’s not a model where the oncology professionals act

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 9 Taylors Falls seeks tax breaks In 2008, the Green Acres law was modified property tax hotline so residents could either The city of Taylors Falls is having trouble by changing the definition of land allowed in phone or e-mail suggestions on how to improve competing for businesses with neighboring the program. These changes also included a the state’s property tax system. At the division’s Wisconsin because of its property tax rates, seven-year tax payback if land is transferred Jan. 28 meeting, he announced the division will and would like help from the Legislature. or sold out of current ownership. The law was have three main priority areas this year, and HF101, sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Kalin changed because it was found that land had there will be working groups for each. (DFL-North Branch), would allow Taylors Falls been allowed into the program that should The priorities are: to designate itself a border city development not have qualified. The taxes not paid by those • state property tax system benchmarks and zone — a status that would let the city provide in the Green Acres program are paid by local critical indicators, which will be chaired commercial and industrial property tax property taxpayers. by Rep. Denise Dittrich (DFL-Champlin). breaks. In 2007, Green Acres shifted $35 million The goal is to provide state policymakers The House Local Government Division to local property taxpayers who live near with the tools to create a more accountable approved the bill Jan. 26 and referred it to land enrolled in the program. Next year, it is and efficient property tax system; the House State and Local Government expected to shift $55 million. • local government performance measure- Operations Reform, Technology and Elections Sponsored by Rep. Tim Faust (DFL- ment and improvement program, which Committee. A companion, SF103, sponsored Hinckley), HF217 would modify current law. Marquart will chair. The goal is to provide by Sen. Rick Olseen (DFL-Harris), awaits It moves now to the House Environment Policy taxpayers with greater value and enhance action by the Senate Taxes Committee. and Oversight Committee. A companion, efficiency and performance of local gov- Taylors Falls Mayor Michael Buchite said his SF286, sponsored by Sen. Rick Olseen ernments; and city, which is located across the border from (DFL-Harris), awaits action by the Senate • local government decision-making flex- St. Croix Falls, Wis., has difficulty persuading Agriculture and Verterans Committee. ibility and mandate reduction, which businesses to move into town because of “This bill does two things,” said Rep. will be chaired by Rep. Morrie Lanning Wisconsin’s comparatively generous property Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar), the division (R-Moorhead). The goal is to empower tax rates. He said Kalin’s bill would “give us chairman. “It grandfathers in everyone that’s local decision-making and flexibility in at least the opportunity to compete.” in Green Acres up to today, which is the same local budgets. Buchite said businesses in St. Croix Falls rules as always, which is the same as (HF10). The working groups will construct three pay property tax rates that are sometimes … (HF217) makes the farm one productive separate bills that must be introduced by half of what comparable businesses pay in his unit instead of splitting it up.” Feb. 26. city — something that he said has repeatedly So any land currently enrolled in Green “My vision is that we will research each thwarted the city’s various efforts at economic Acres that is part of an agricultural homestead area and then develop a bill,” Marquart said. development. may stay enrolled, but only half of the acreage In March, the division will reserve entire According to Minnesota Statutes, five other can be classified as rural vacant land. hearings for each of the bills. Working group cities are permitted to use the border city According to the nonpartisan House chairs will put out a notice for their meetings. development zone designation: Breckenridge, Research Department, the bill would also: Division members are not assigned to groups, Dilworth, East Grand Forks, Moorhead and • reduce the seven-year payback for land with- but are encouraged to attend any or all of the Ortonville. drawn from the program to three, as it was working group meetings.

Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan) said that before the 2008 changes; — S. He g m a n while he appreciated what Kalin was trying • broaden the definition of agricultural prod- to do for Taylors Falls, he hoped similar tax ucts by including the commercial boarding incentives could be applied on a statewide of horses and trees sold for timber, lumber, level. He argued it would make the state more wood or wood products, allowing that NOTES competitive overall. property to be eligible for agricultural Budgeting basics? — N. Bu s s e classification; Looking at state budget documents can be • require that a farm must be capable of pro- confusing and almost make one’s head spin. Taxes ducing agricultural products worth at least During a Jan. 29 overview to the House $1,000 per year; and Public Safety Finance Division, House Fiscal • provide that land enrolled in Reinvest in To modify or repeal Green Acres Analyst Gary Karger tried to lighten things up Minnesota, the Conservation Reserve Pro- by sharing something he read from an Illinois Changes to the Green Acres tax benefit gram or a similar government-sponsored budget document. program could be repealed or fixed, under conservation program may be enrolled “There was no education anywhere that can two bills approved Jan. 27 by the House in Green Acres only if the conservation teach you the legislative budget process. You Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans acres constitute less than half of the total just have to go through it.” Affairs Finance Division. farm acreage. He later quoted another Illinois document HF10, sponsored by Rep. Al Doty (DFL- — S. He g m a n that offered agencies some guiding budget Royalton), that would repeal the 2008 changes, principles. heads to the House Taxes Committee. A Priorities for property taxes “Number one is spend all your money and companion, SF238, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Creativity might be the key to finding ways more if possible, otherwise the Legislature Fobbe (DFL-Zimmerman), awaits action by to balance the state’s budget this year, and the will feel it did not screen the request properly the Senate Taxes Committee. The bill will House Property and Local Sales Tax Division and will cut your next biennial budget,” he keep the class of land created by the 2008 is up to the challenge. said. “Avoid sudden increases or decreases. changes — the rural vacant land class — but Last biennium, Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL- The changes should be small.” allows it to be enrolled in Green Acres. Dilworth), the division chairman, opened a — M. Co o k

10 Session Weekly January 30, 2009 AT ISSUE: Unemployment Benefits

A lifeline for the jobless A law extending unemployment benefits highlights a growing problem

By Ni c k Bu s s e about $1 billion in unemployment benefits or Minnesotans who’ve recently been laid off in 2008. Department officials estimate that the state extension in the law will apply to from their jobs, the state’s unemployment approximately 3,000 people. In addition, the insurance program can be a lifeline. It helps law will allow roughly half of Minnesotans F who exhaust their regular benefits to qualify them pay their bills, put food on the table and keep a for the federal extension. roof over their head until they can find new work. With as many as 260,000 Minnesotans expected to be out of work by Christmas, the state’s unemployment insurance system is under heavy strain. Monthly unemployment “It’s the social safety net that keeps people extension,” Mahoney explained. claims in Minnesota are at their highest from real devastation,” said Rep. Tim Mahoney Minnesota’s unemployment insurance seasonally-adjusted levels in almost 27 (DFL-St. Paul). program was founded in 1936 at the direction years. Unemployment benefits don’t last forever, of the federal government. To be eligible to The state’s unemployment insurance trust though — and as Minnesota plunges with receive benefits, a person must be physically fund, which currently holds some $500 the rest of the country into potentially the and mentally able to work, ready and willing million, is expected to go into deficit by the worst economic crisis since World War to accept a job in their industry, and actively last week in December. It wouldn’t be the first II, many will be unable to find new jobs seeking employment. Minnesotans who meet time it happened, but it would mean that the before their benefits run out. The federal those criteria are entitled to unemployment state would need to borrow money from the government recently extended those benefits, benefits equal to half of their average weekly federal government to pay unemployment but many Minnesotans won’t be eligible for wage, up to a maximum of $566. Typically, benefits. Department officials estimate that the extension right away. unemployment benefits run out after 26 the law will cause the fund to go into deficit Mahoney didn’t think they could afford weeks. approximately three days earlier. to wait. Along with Senate President James According to the Department of That idea has some Republican members Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul), he sponsored Employment and Economic Development, concerned. Noting that the unemployment HF4/SF4*/CH1, which will plug the gap approximately 214,000 Minnesotans received insurance program is funded by a payroll tax between the state’s on employers, they point regular unemployment out that any interest owed benefits and the federal to the federal treasury extension. Passed by the will ultimately be paid House 117-11 on Jan. 29 by Minnesota’s business and 65-0 by the Senate community. two weeks earlier, it was “This will be $16 million signed into law Jan. 29 by of additional expense Gov. Tim Pawlenty. that will be borne by the The law will create a Minnesota businesses at state-funded extension some point in time,” said to supplement the Rep. Denny McNamara federal one, and also (R-Hastings), speaking make a larger number of at a Jan. 22 meeting of the Minnesotans eligible for House Ways and Means the federal money. Committee. He added, “By and large, this “There is no free lunch.” (law) is really designed Mahoney and DEED to get Minnesota’s system p h o t o b y t o m o l m s c h e i d Benefits continued on ready to allow people A workforce employee assists a client with filling out a claim, while other clients search job page 23 to get on to the federal postings on computers at a Workforce Center in St. Paul.

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 11 AT ISSUE: Budget déjà vu

Been there, done that House finance chair, former governor reflect on previous budget problem

By Le e An n Sc h u t z • unemployment numbers began to climb in all it déjà Vu for Rep. Lyndon Carlson Sr. 1981 before reaching an historic high of nearly 200,000 in 1983; and The Crystal DFLer was serving his fifth term in • Democrats controlled the House and the House during the 1981-1982 biennium when Senate, and Republican Gov. Al Quie was C adamantly against tax increases to solve the shoe dropped on the economy, sending Minnesota’s the budget woes. unemployment numbers and interest rates skyrocketing, and the farm economy and state’s budget into the tank. Looking back for solutions Carlson said he is thinking a lot about his 1981-82 experience — especially the three- pronged approach it took to solve the budget With the state now facing a projected rank at least right up there with the early 80s problem, and the six special sessions and two $4.85 billion biennial deficit and increasing in significance,” Carlson said. regular sessions it took to do it. unemployment, for Carlson it’s like history Some similarities can be drawn between the “If we were to look at the early 80s, and I’m repeating itself. past and present: not saying that will be the model this time, As a member of the House Appropriations • the state’s prior years of financial growth and it was a three-legged stool; there were shifts, Committee and chair of its education division stability evaporated quickly; mainly in K-12 funding, there were increases in 1981, he was in the thick of the discussion to balance the $8.2 billion biennial General Fund budget that was sliding into a $778 million hole. Today, Carlson chairs the 2009 counterpart to the appropriations committee — the House Fi na nce C om m it tee, where any bill with fiscal implications (except for taxes) flows through, thus putting him, once again, smack in the middle of budget discussions. He is open to every piece of advice, but says the past can be a great teacher. “When thinking about the deficit, I have a tendency to look back to what it took to solve various budgetary problems. You know the old saying that history has p h o t o b y t o m o l m s c h e i d a tendency to repeat itself. The fiscal difficulties that “The gun was to your head. You finally have to decide what you’re going to do,” Gov. Al Quie said in 1982 as he allowed a budget-balancing bill to become law without his signature. The law erased a more than $700 million budget deficit we are currently facing through tax increases and spending cuts.

12 Session Weekly January 30, 2009 Special circumstance, ‘One of the big problems we special sessions encountered in the 80s is that we During the 1981-1982 biennium, six special lost time, thereby limiting options.’ sessions were held to deal with the state’s budget shortfall. — Rep. Lyndon Carlson Sr. House Finance June 6, 1981 Committee chairman Four bills were enacted, including $875 mil- lion in taxes, payment shifts and collection speedups, and expenditures of $71.2 million in revenue and there were budget reductions,” for elementary and secondary education and Medical Assistance. Carlson said. Revenue-raising was the key to balancing July 1-2, 1981 the budget back then, but it also ended any This session was called because of cash flow hopes Quie had for re-election. problems resulting from revenue shortfalls. Quie had repeatedly stated that tax increases Under law at the time, the state could not borrow more than $100 million to avoid cash would not be part of any budget-balancing flow problems — a problem that exceeded solution, but after the 1981 November that amount. A new law raised the limit to Forecast, it was apparent that cuts and shifts $360 million. weren’t going to be enough. Quie realized that tax increases — a move he knew would be Dec. 1, 1981-Jan. 18, 1982 This session was necessitated by an estimated political suicide — were needed to stave off revenue shortfall of $869 million, causing a further unacceptable cuts. projected deficit of $768 million. The budget “It was the biggest battle I had inside of me,” p h o t o b y t o m o l m s c h e i d was balanced with a package of tax increases, appropriation cuts, a payment shift and a tax Quie said in a recent interview. Rep. Lyndon Carlson, chairman of the House collection speedup. At that time, a 7 percent “It was my calling to be in politics; it was the Finance Committee, listens as Tom Hanson, temporary surtax on individual income tax toughest thing for me to do, to not run. But the commissioner of Minnesota Management and was enacted. state was more important to me. I knew taxes Budget, presents Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s 2010-2011 biennial budget proposal Jan. 28 to a joint hear- had to be increased to solve the problem.” March 30, 1982 ing of the House Finance and Ways and Means This session was called to respond to changes By taking himself out of the discussion of committees. raising taxes and the political fallout it would in the federal unemployment compensation cause, legislators could focus on solving the law. The Legislature appropriated money to went on and on,” Quie said. “I pushed my pay interest on federal government loans problem through deferring payments, cutting finance people to look further into the future.” used to pay unemployment compensation expenditures and temporarily raising the It seemed as though the problem was solved benefits. sales tax and income tax, by one special session, but he said. things just kept getting July 9, 1982 ‘It was my calling to be in The Legislature voted to release money from worse, he said. the Northeastern Minnesota Economic Protec- Advice for today politics; it was the toughest This experience is not lost tion Trust to help deal with the unusually high Quie advises legislators thing for me to do, to not run. on Carlson. unemployment in northeastern Minnesota. to stay true to their If the February Forecast But the state was more Dec. 7-10, 1982 principles as they work — expected to be released important to me. I knew taxes in the month’s final week Facing another revenue shortfall, this special to resolve today’s budget session included a package of $342 million in problems — for him those had to be increased to — for the state budget is as appropriation cuts and spending. The earlier are funding education and solve the problem.’ dire as expected, Carlson enacted 7 percent tax surtax was increased to infrastructure. — Former Gov. Al Quie recommends acting quickly 10 percent and an earlier temporary sales tax increase was raised from 4 to 5 percent. “Educating kids is a to solve the problem. “One of the big problems we long process — preschool Information from the Minnesota Legislative through their early 20s. Funding education is encountered in the 80s is that we lost time, Reference Library and Minnesota Senate a long-term investment in the state’s future.” thereby limiting options. You can’t raise Fiscal Review 1981-1984 As for infrastructure, he said the state has enough revenue in a short amount of time the primary responsibility for maintaining to offset the problem; you get down to the our roads and bridges — another long-term last few months, and you can’t necessarily “Some members will be opposed to investment that he said pays dividends. downsize your workforce, because you don’t accounting shifts and some will be opposed Quie said that before the 1981 recession, have enough savings to balance the budget,” to any revenue increases. Those of us close to Minnesota, because of its diversified economy, he said.” the budget are saying we have to keep all tools seemed insulated from any national economic on the table, and hopefully reach consensus downturn. But diversity proved no match for Looking forward — and hopefully bipartisan consensus.” He would caution members to “remain that recession, especially when the state was Carlson is optimistic this session can end flexible — we have some very difficult hit hard in farming and mining, and a policy on time, but he has no illusions of it being an decisions to make.” change had left the state with little reserves. easy process. “No one was prepared for a recession that

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 13 PEOPLE: New Members

A young, rural voice DISTRICT 20A Falk to keep push for renewable energy policies Population: (2007 est.) 34,045 Largest City: Benson Counties: Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, By So n j a He g m a n him in his role as vice chairman of the House Age was and is not a factor for Rep. Andrew Swift and Yellow Medicine Energy Finance and Policy Division. Top Concerns: Energy, LGA, education Falk (DFL-Murdock). “We need a voice to represent young “I’ve got two of the three oldest population people and what we can do to revitalize rural districts in the state America,” he said. “I think renewable energy “These towns provide the fabric to hold and being the youngest is one of the best ways of doing that.” together a rural economy, and LGA helps member of our majority Professionally, Falk has completed support an ag-based economy which benefits caucus and the second- commercial scale wind projects since 2005 the entire state,” he said. “We need to make youngest member of the and worked with Aaron Peterson, his House sure we support the rural parts of the state.” body, it shows we can predecessor, on a lot of his renewable energy Above all, Falk said he and his colleagues still be progressive out policies and renewable energy standards. need to be honest about what cuts will do to there,” he said. When Peterson said he wasn’t going to seek the quality of life for state residents. A lifelong resident of Rep. Andrew Falk re-election, Falk decided to run for his seat, “It’s a challenging time, but we have a Murdock, population “And here I am.” Falk was Peterson’s campaign tremendous opportunity to do some real good 303, Falk is the fifth generation on his family’s manager at one point. for the citizens of the state,” he said. “Our 100-year-old farm. He raises soybeans Like many small-town legislators, Falk said constituents are the best source of new ideas and does processing for seed companies he is concerned about what the loss of Local that help us do our job.” and domestic exports. He also works as a Government Aid could do to the towns and renewable energy developer, which helps cities in his district.

A political education DISTRICT 26A

After years of teaching about politics, Kath leads by example Population: (2007 est.) 39,558 Largest City: Owatonna By Ni c k Bu s s e Although he’s never held an elected office Counties: Steele, Waseca As a political science and economics before, it would seem that Kath’s entire career Top Concerns: Education, health care, teacher, Rep. Kory Kath (DFL-Owatonna) has has been pointing him toward the Capitol. He fixing the budget deficit spent the last nine years helping develop his studied political science at Gustavus Adolphus students at Owatonna College, where he developed a passion for High School into the debating policy. Hoping to instill the same what are the issues we’re facing and how next generation of interest in young people, he opted for a career can we come to some common solutions for leaders. When the in education and moved back to his home problems,” Kath said. opportunity arose to district, where he became active in promoting The husband and father of two said his represent his district as student government and youth leadership hopes for the legislative session include a member of the House, programs. reforms that will bolster the state’s economic Kath decided it was time Kath, who said he was “never really that growth and help bring about solutions to to lead by example. active” in party politics prior to running the current budget deficit. He would like to Rep. Kory Kath “I was very concerned for office, is the first DFLer to represent his see the state, federal and local governments about education policy. I was very concerned district since 1982; however, he played down form partnerships to address the problem, about the state of our state itself. And I said, the partisan significance of his electoral and hopes lawmakers can work together on a ‘You know what? This is the time. This is the upset. bipartisan basis to that end. time to get in there and provide that next “I’m not very partisan. I’m a good listener. “Right now we are at a crossroads, and it’s so generation of leadership that needs to step I love to listen to people, on both sides of important for us to reach across party lines,” up,’” he said. the aisle and everywhere in between, about he said.

14 Session Weekly January 30, 2009 PEOPLE: New Members

The deficit is top priority DISTRICT 28A Kelly promotes fiscal responsibility Population: (2007 est.) 37,899 Largest City: Red Wing Counties: Goodhue, Wabasha By Kr i s Be r g g r e n monster budget deficit that will likely take Rep. Tim Kelly’s new office walls are Top Concern: State deficit months or years to tackle. “The situation bare, but there are some family photos of we’re in is so front-page,” Kelly said. “People his wife and four children displayed on his believe government has to live within its revisiting as a renewable, local source of desk and bookshelves. means. That is what I heard going door to energy, he said. “We should definitely look There is also a framed door.” That’s why his number one concern is at advancing that technology and use what’s colored pencil drawing fiscal responsibility. there.” of a football player A financial advisor, Kelly decided to run Kelly was reassured to hear that House who appears to be after serving on the Red Wing School Board members on both sides of the aisle take the intercepting a pass. for five years. There he wrestled with equitable “family is first” attitude seriously. Although It’s a picture of Kelly, funding for the district and made tough cuts he lives outside the 50-mile radius of the a former strong safety “without diminishing the product.” State Capitol, making him eligible for the for Minnesota State Rep. Tim Kelly Lifting a ban on nuclear energy is also housing per diem, Kelly commutes daily to University, Mankato, a big priority. Kelly’s father worked at the and from his Red Wing home and, at least for drawn by his son. The team won the Prairie Island nuclear plant for 30 years and now, shares carpooling duty to his children’s conference championship two seasons after shared his impressions of the plant’s “fantastic athletic events with his wife, Sue. He’s grateful he graduated. results” and “impeccable” safety record. Last to her for managing their household as an at- “We were in the building years,” he said. year’s spike in gas prices and current green home parent. Perhaps Kelly (R-Red Wing) feels similarly energy concerns make nuclear energy worth “I have the easy job,” he said. now, as he and his House colleagues face a

A global view in St. Paul DISTRICT 37A

Mack was page, intern, now member Population: (2007 est.) 39,190 Largest City: Apple Valley By Su s a n He g a r t y National Young Political Leaders Conference County: Dakota Rep. Tara Mack (R-Apple Valley) may be in Washington D.C. She later graduated from Top Concerns: Growing jobs, reforming a new legislator, but she’s a veteran when it the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s healthcare and educating students for a comes to navigating the Capitol. degree in political science and global studies. global economy Prev iou sly Mack While in college, she studied for a year worked as a page on the at a university in Italy and interned with House Ways and Means the Master in Peace Keeping Management Policy and Oversight Committee. She counts Committee and served program. reducing costs and increasing health care as an intern for former “It was a tremendous opportunity. I lived choices among her top priorities. Creating House Speaker Steve with an Italian woman who spoke no English,” jobs and ensuring that Minnesota schools Sviggum. said Mack, who thankfully had taken one year are equipping students to thrive in a global “ M y i n t e r n s h i p of language classes. economy are important too, according to taught me a lot about She also has worked as a volunteer Mack. Rep. Tara Mack just how much people’s coordinator on an Iowa ranch where abused “Kids are being educated for jobs that daily lives are affected in St. Paul. Everything and foster children “get out of the environment haven’t even been invented yet,” she said. from the schools kids are going to, the roads they’ve been in and get to be a kid for Mack and her husband, Justin, are active in we’re driving on, property taxes, business awhile.” mission work through their church. “We do climate — so much is determined in St. Paul. The House Early Childhood Finance and live in a privileged nation, and we have a lot That was eye-opening for me,” Mack said. Policy Division is one place she’ll be able to of things that a lot of the world doesn’t have. I Her path toward public service began as apply those experiences. Mack also serves on think it gives us great global perspective,” she a high school senior, when she attended the the House Health Care and Human Services said.

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 15 PEOPLE: New Members

Honored to serve DISTRICT 51A Sanders focuses on kitchen-table issues Population: (2007 est.) 46,270 Largest City: Blaine County: Anoka By Kr i s Be r g g r e n a gift from his brother upon Sanders’s election Rep. Tim Sanders (R-Blaine) recently Top Concern: Fixing the economy to the Blaine seat, intended as “an emblem of described growing up on the Wright Patterson my service to the state.” He’s proud to bring Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, one of several his personal background to his assignment on Operations Reform, Technology and Elections Midwestern bases where the House Veterans Affairs Division. Committee. his Air Force father was But the economy — especially kitchen-table “Obviously, we look at the situation with stationed. The “strong” issues such as job security, health insurance Coleman and Franken,” he said. “Whatever military community and good schools — is of primary concern to side you’re on, people feel it’s a compromise. offered a positive sense the young families and retirees in his district. You shouldn’t see that inside a democracy.” of identity, plus tangible Sanders, who has taken a leave from his job Sanders, who majored in political science thrills. “You’re out there in the insurance industry for the session, is at the University of Minnesota, learned the playing Little League among those young families; he and his wife, “non-glamorous” side of public life, including and there are fighter Rep. Tim Sanders a nurse, have a 10-month-old son. the long days, as an intern in former U.S. jets going over. It’s a “That’s the top concern I’m hearing every Rep. Jim Ramstad’s Minnetonka office. He childhood I’m so glad I had,” he said. day: what are we going to do about the budget? admired Ramstad’s ability to work across He clearly admires his father, who retired My entire campaign was focused on the the aisle and “stay close to his party while with the rank of major, then went to medical economy,” he said. representing his constituents. Working with school, and also his brother, an Air Force pilot Sanders also hopes to reform voting and Jim got me to the point of ‘I love this.’” “qualified for any mission the Air Force can election laws in Minnesota, and is pleased to fly.” One of Sanders’ “prized possessions” is sit on the House State and Local Government the framed Minnesota flag on his office wall,

Waiting years for his seat DISTRICT 37B

Sterner looks to prove his bipartisan background Population: (2007 est.) 45,077 Largest City: Apple Valley By Mi k e Co o k him a try. “Now the pressure’s on,” he said, County: Dakota Rep. Phil Sterner (DFL-Rosemount) is smiling. Top Concern: “Education is real important finally scratching a political itch. Part of that is because Ozment did not to the people in my district.” He’s always been active in politics, including always vote the Republican party line, rather an internship w ith thinking what was best for his constituents. former Rep. Howard “We told people you have to vote for a D athletics and in the schools where his duties Knutson, but by age 26 instead of an R, but if you like how Dennis included being a site council president and he had four children and did overall, that’s what you’re getting. You’re coordinating a band booklet. knew that being a father getting a moderate that’s open-minded,” The economy and education rank high came first. However, he Sterner said. “A lot of people took my among constituent concerns as does green job remained active in the bipartisan theme and said, ‘OK, Sterner, you growth. However, Sterner, whose campaign party. got two years. Let’s see how bipartisan you slogan was “Engaging in a new community “I knew I wanted to really are and see what you can do for our conversation about what’s best for all,” knows Rep. Phil Sterner do this at some point,” district.’” neither he nor his colleagues have all the he said. Sterner, an insurance agency owner, said answers. When former Rep. Dennis Ozment, a his community involvement was an asset “I think everybody has a stake in their Republican, decided to retire after 24 years, in his win. In addition to serving on the representative. We want to make sure we’re Sterner took the chance. Rosemount City Council and being active not focusing on a targeted group,” he said. “It’s Throughout his campaign, Sterner said in the chamber of commerce, Sterner has a not about Phil. It’s about what the voters want. he met constituents who told him they had lifetime of volunteerism experience, including … I need to be open-minded on things.” never voted for a DFLer, but they would give Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church, youth

16 Session Weekly January 30, 2009 J a n . 26 - 29, 2009 BILL INTRODUCTIONS House files 264 - 410

Monday, January 26 HF275-Laine (DFL) HF287-Emmer (R) Commerce & Labor Public Safety Policy & Oversight HF264-Clark (DFL) Homeowner’s insurance non-renewal prohibited Implied Consent Law repealed. Health Care & Human Services Policy & when based on certain nonpaid claims, and pre- Oversight mium increases prohibited when based on certain HF288-Emmer (R) Health insurance coverage of durable medical factors. Commerce & Labor equipment required to include coverage of items Labor organization payroll deduction and certain necessary to reduce asthma symptoms, and state HF276-Slawik (DFL) expenditure authorization required. health care program coverage required for certain Taxes items necessary to reduce asthma symptoms. Dependent care credit modified. HF289-Sanders (R) Environment Policy & Oversight HF265-Hortman (DFL) HF277-Fritz (DFL) Game and fish lottery and drawing preferences Health Care & Human Services Policy & Finance expanded for service members. Oversight State cemetery improvement funding provided. Property collection by affidavit provided, Darlene HF290-Peppin (R) Luther Revised Uniform Anatomical Gifts Act and HF278-Reinert (DFL) Health Care & Human Services Policy & other statutes amended to clarify and conform Finance Oversight inconsistent provisions, and other corrections Duluth; sanitary sewer overflow storage facility Medical record retention and composition regu- and clarifications made relating to disposition of construction funding provided. lated relating to abortion. items on death. HF279-Huntley (DFL) HF291-Westrom (R) HF266-Fritz (DFL) Finance Transportation & Transit Policy & Finance Duluth; nursing facility payment rate increased. Oversight Division Parental fees modified for services for persons with Mini-truck titling, registration and operation developmental disabilities. HF280-Otremba (DFL) regulated. Agriculture, Rural Economies & Veterans Affairs HF267-Hortman (DFL) MinnesotaCare; resubmission for federal approval HF292-Rukavina (DFL) Transportation & Transit Policy & requested of the elimination of depreciation add- Health Care & Human Services Policy & Oversight Division back for self-employed farmers. Oversight Motor vehicle restraint required for child passengers Medical marijuana use provided, civil and criminal under age 8 and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches tall. HF281-Kahn (DFL) penalties provided. Commerce & Labor HF268-Welti (DFL) Augsburg College on-sale liquor license HF293-Ruud (DFL) Taxes authorized. Health Care & Human Services Policy & Published delinquent tax list correction Oversight permitted. HF282-Reinert (DFL) Colorectal cancer screening provided for the Public Safety Policy & Oversight uninsured. HF269-Welti (DFL) Peace officer reciprocity licensing exam eligibility State & Local Government Operations Reform, criteria broadened to include certain persons in HF294-Ruud (DFL) Technology & Elections active military service. Taxes Out-of-state travel policy requirements changed. Minnetonka; tax increment financing district HF283-Brynaert (DFL) duration extended. HF270-Morrow (DFL) Finance Finance Southern Minnesota Women’s Hockey Exposi- HF295-Loeffler (DFL) Environmental impact statement completion tion Center and performing arts center funding Finance required, funding provided for right-of-way acqui- provided. Consumer-directed community supports sition, design, construction and reconstruction of modified. Trunk Highway 14. HF284-Clark (DFL) Commerce & Labor HF296-Kahn (DFL) HF271-Lesch (DFL) Credit or debit cards; unreasonable blocks prohib- State & Local Government Operations Reform, Finance ited on customer’s access to credit capacity. Technology & Elections Mississippi River license plate created. Office of lieutenant governor abolished, and con- HF285-Clark (DFL) stitutional amendment proposed. HF272-Shimanski (R) Health Care & Human Services Policy & Health Care & Human Services Policy & Oversight HF297-Hansen (DFL) Oversight WIC coupons allowed to be used to purchase Environment Policy & Oversight Public assistance program finger imaging system organic food. Twin Cities metropolitan area regional dog park established to identify applicants and recipients. and matching grant program created. HF286-Clark (DFL) HF273-Sailer (DFL) Health Care & Human Services Policy & HF298-Gardner (DFL) Finance Oversight Health Care & Human Services Policy & Independent School District 38, Red Lake, maxi- Acupuncture equal access provided and services Oversight mum effort capital loan provided. required by certain group policies and subscriber Day training and habilitation insurance provisions contracts, Edith R. Davis memorial provided, changed, liability limits set, age limit changed for HF274-Howes (R) claim determinations required regarding acupunc- operators of vehicles for hire, commissioner directed Finance ture services made or reviewed by acupuncture to seek a federal waiver and a sales tax exemption Shingobee Connection Trail funding provided. practitioners and acupuncture referral reporting allowed for certain vehicles. required to acupuncture practitioners and reim- bursement rates.

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 17 HF299-Kalin (DFL) HF313-Seifert (R) HF327-Murphy, E. (DFL) Finance State & Local Government Operations Reform, Health Care & Human Services Policy & Lindstrom; Allmensrat Wilderness Park funding Technology & Elections Oversight provided. Out-of-state travel expenses prohibited with certain Birth record disclosure affidavit required, and non- exceptions. identifying medical history update required. HF300-Davnie (DFL) State & Local Government Operations Reform, HF314-Mariani (DFL) HF328-Murphy, E. (DFL) Technology & Elections K-12 Education Policy & Oversight Health Care & Human Services Policy & Major political party precinct caucuses; certain Compulsory attendance age increased to 18. Oversight privileges applied to caucuses held in first-class Adoption record and original birth certificate cities during odd-numbered years. HF315-Johnson (DFL) governing provisions modified. Finance HF301-Hosch (DFL) Ramsey County; workforce development funding HF329-Reinert (DFL) Environment Policy & Oversight provided for adjudicated youth reentering the com- Commerce & Labor Fishing contest permit requirements modified. munity and at-risk youth. Boiler operation regulation exception provided.

HF302-Hosch (DFL) HF316-Johnson (DFL) HF330-Scalze (DFL) Public Safety Policy & Oversight Finance Commerce & Labor Secured treatment facility definition expanded for St. Paul; Union Depot funding provided. Homeowners provided with a longer period purposes of fourth-degree assault to include locked within which to notify contractors of construc- psychiatric hospitals. HF317-Nornes (R) tion defects. Public Safety Policy & Oversight HF303-Lillie (DFL) Adult certification for juveniles age lowered, and HF331-Nornes (R) Agriculture, Rural Economies & Veterans Affairs violent juvenile offense defined. K-12 Education Policy & Oversight Congress of the United States memorialized to Seat belt requirements amended for motor coaches appoint an independent counsel to investigate the HF318-Nornes (R) used in school-related transportation. Prisoner of War - Missing in Action issue. State & Local Government Operations Reform, Technology & Elections HF332-Jackson (DFL) HF304-Hackbarth (R) Service credit purchase authorized for a period of Commerce & Labor Environment Policy & Oversight past due omitted contributions. Death deed transfer clarifying, technical and Either-sex deer permit provided for recently dis- conforming changes made; common element charged service members. HF319-Nornes (R) certificates of title expanded to include planned Finance communities; designated transfer requirements HF305-Kalin (DFL) Fergus Falls; Tower Road Bridge project funding exempted; cartways in cities procedures established; State & Local Government Operations Reform, provided. and power of attorney provision modified relating Technology & Elections to real property transactions. Development credits bank transfer authorized for HF320-Dettmer (R) local government. K-12 Education Policy & Oversight HF333-Mullery (DFL) School districts allowed to pay the costs of con- Commerce & Labor HF306-Swails (DFL) ducting a criminal history background check on Minnesota Foreclosure Remediation Fee Act State & Local Government Operations Reform, an employee, contractor or volunteer. provided. Technology & Elections Non-campaign disbursements specified. HF321-Dettmer (R) HF334-Hilstrom (DFL) Finance Civil Justice HF307-Bly (DFL) Independent School District 831, Forest Lake, fund Prejudgment garnishment prohibited in certain Transportation & Transit Policy & transfer authorized. circumstances. Oversight Division Dan Patch commuter rail line planning and devel- HF322-Nornes (R) HF335-Mullery (DFL) opment restrictions removed. K-12 Education Policy & Oversight Civil Justice Signature requirement increased for an election to Trespass and scrap metal sale provisions HF308-Haws (DFL) revoke an operating referendum. provided. Taxes Public safety radio equipment exemption HF323-Davids (R) HF336-Gardner (DFL) expanded. Health Care & Human Services Policy & State & Local Government Operations Reform, Oversight Technology & Elections HF309-Olin (DFL) Medical response unit reimbursement pilot pro- Pesticide application warning requirements modi- Finance gram established and emergency medical service fied that apply in cities with pesticide application Livestock and crop depredation payment funding programs funding provided. ordinances. provided. HF324-Buesgens (R) HF337-Fritz (DFL) HF310-Peppin (R) State & Local Government Operations Reform, Health Care & Human Services Policy & Taxes Technology & Elections Oversight Biotechnology research credit increased. Corporation definition broadened. Home care tax credit established, long-term con- sultation team amended and caregiver burden HF311-Peppin (R) HF325-Nornes (R) scale established. Agriculture, Rural Economies & Veterans Affairs Finance Et ha nol produc er pay ment prog r a m a nd m i n i mu m Glendalough State Park new trail funding HF338-Kalin (DFL) ethanol content requirement repealed. provided. Finance Minnesota agricultural property tax law modified, HF312-Seifert (R) HF326-Clark (DFL) and new property tax law classification established State & Local Government Operations Reform, Health Care & Human Services Policy & for preservation and legacy land. Technology & Elections Oversight State conferences required to be conducted elec- Bisphenol-A prohibited in products for young tronically to the extent possible. children.

18 Session Weekly January 30, 2009 HF339-Emmer (R) HF352-Anzelc (DFL) HF365-Morgan (DFL) Taxes Finance State & Local Government Operations Reform, City local government aid program repealed and Memorializing the president and Congress to take Technology & Elections Minnesota fair plan created. early action on the weakened economy to promote Minnesota Constitution amendment meth- a healthy Minnesota economy. od changed, and constitutional amendment HF340-Hosch (DFL) proposed. Finance HF353-Olin (DFL) Minnesota agricultural property tax law Environment Policy & Oversight HF366-Paymar (DFL) modified. Lake of the Woods; Lake of the Woods Water Public Safety Policy & Oversight Sustainability Foundation referred by the POST board powers and duties clarified. HF341-Dettmer (R) Minnesota Legislature to the International Joint Finance Commission for examination and report. HF367-Urdahl (R) Minnesota agricultural property tax law Finance modified. HF354-Hilstrom (DFL) Howard Lake; grant provided for ditch work. Commerce & Labor HF342-Kahn (DFL) Mor t ga ge fore c losu re proc e e d i ng s not ic e a nd m a n- HF368-Urdahl (R) Commerce & Labor datory mediation required prior to commencement Energy Finance & Policy Division State lottery authorized to lease space for, and on homestead property, and homestead-lender New nuclear power plant certificate of need existing operate, a casino in the main terminal of the mediation account created. prohibition abolished. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. HF355-Solberg (DFL) HF369-Urdahl (R) HF343-Hausman (DFL) Environment Policy & Oversight Finance Finance Itasca County; apportionment proceeds from the Annandale Tactical Training Center grant Living-at-home/block nurse program additional sale of certain tax-forfeited land provided. provided. base funding provided. HF356-Gardner (DFL) HF370-Urdahl (R) Finance Finance Minnesota manufactured home relocation trust Dassel-Cokato; ISDN 466 bicycle trail funding Thursday, January 29 fund changed. provided. HF344-Haws (DFL) HF357-Falk (DFL) HF371-Howes (R) Health Care & Human Services Policy & Energy Finance & Policy Division Environment Policy & Oversight Oversight C-BED contracts provided. Private property owners rights stated regarding Recovery of money requirements modified by groundwater, lakes and watercourses. adding group residential housing. HF358-Ruud (DFL) Health Care & Human Services Policy & HF372-Bigham (DFL) HF345-Hansen (DFL) Oversight Taxes Finance Excessive co-payments on multiple sclerosis drugs South St. Paul; tax increment financing district Minnesota Conservation Corps funding provided limited. duration extension authorized, and expenditure for parks, natural resource protection and restora- of increments provided. tion, and flood protection contracts. HF359-Norton (DFL) Health Care & Human Services Policy & HF373-Murphy, M. (DFL) HF346-Urdahl (R) Oversight Finance State & Local Government Operations Reform, Autism spectrum disorders coverage required. Northern Lights Express Passenger Rail funding Technology & Elections provided. Pension benefit costs required to be recognized HF360-Simon (DFL) for purposes of calculating nursing facility pay- Taxes HF374-Thissen (DFL) ment rates. St. Louis Park; tax increment financing district Health Care & Human Services Policy & duration extended. Oversight HF347-Lenczewski (DFL) Special transportation services renamed, medi- State & Local Government Operations Reform, HF361-Simon (DFL) cal transportation requirements modified and Technology & Elections Taxes reimbursement modified. Mandatory retirement age eliminated for adminis- St. Louis Park; tax increment financing district trative law judges and compensation judges. duration and time extended for certain activities. HF375-Zellers (R) Finance HF348-Lesch (DFL) HF362-Knuth (DFL) Highway 610 completion funding provided. Civil Justice Commerce & Labor Law prohibiting sheriffs, deputy sheriffs and Homeowner’s written notice requirement to HF376-Dill (DFL) coroners from practicing law repealed. building contractor of construction defect Environment Policy & Oversight eliminated. Trails added to the grant-in-aid snowmobile trail HF349-Kath (DFL) system. Taxes HF363-Zellers (R) Owatonna; transfer of sales and use tax proceeds Taxes HF377-Thissen (DFL) authorized to a qualified project. Corporate income tax rate gradual phase out K-12 Education Policy & Oversight provided beginning in 2010. State grant program created to pay for a portion of HF350-Demmer (R) the facility costs of certain community partnership Finance HF364-Pelowski (DFL) programs. Minnesota agricultural property tax law Finance modified. Port development assistance funding provided. HF378-Slawik (DFL) Finance HF351-Fritz (DFL) Early childhood education funding provided. Finance Long-term care provider rate increases provided.

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 19 HF379-Slawik (DFL) HF392-Lenczewski (DFL) HF405-Brod (R) Health Care & Human Services Policy & Taxes Taxes Oversight Internal Revenue Code federal update made. Individual income tax rates reduced. Smoking prohibited in a vehicle transporting a child under age 18. HF393-Johnson (DFL) HF406-Brod (R) Taxes Taxes HF380-Simon (DFL) Land constituting an intermediate airport Individual income tax rates reduced. Commerce & Labor reattached to the city and school district where the Residential building contractor investigation property is located. HF407-Brod (R) discontinuance prohibited when homeowner makes Taxes a warranty claim. HF394-Urdahl (R) Federal exemption amount conformed. Taxes HF381-Eken (DFL) Farm machinery definition expanded, and con- HF408-Brod (R) Finance struction and other materials used in livestock State & Local Government Operations Reform, Red River watershed flood protection farmstead farming operations exempted. Technology & Elections ring levee construction funding provided. Staggered terms of office for senators provided, and HF395-Lenczewski (DFL) constitutional amendment proposed. HF382-Marquart (DFL) Commerce & Labor Finance Location of state-operated or state-licensed HF409-Brod (R) Red River flood hazard mitigation project funding gambling facility prohibited in a city unless the Taxes provided. voters of the city have approved the facility in a Alternative minimum tax repealed. referendum. HF383-Simon (DFL) HF410-Norton (DFL) Finance HF396-Kohls (R) Health Care & Human Services Policy & Southwest Transit Way Corridor environmental Public Safety Policy & Oversight Oversight impact statement and preliminary engineering Aggravated forgery law clarified to cover documents Plasma protein therapies and home nursing services funding provided. associated with federal I-9 employment eligibility c over a ge requ i re d, a nd Me d ic a l A s si s t a nc e c over a ge verification forms. of plasma protein therapies required. HF384-Thissen (DFL) Health Care & Human Services Policy & HF397-Urdahl (R) Oversight Finance Technology standards and tools developed to ex- Dassel-Cokato bicycle funding provided for change information electronically between groups, pavement overlay. Legislative Information Web Sites and benefit assignment for health and medical savings accounts required. HF398-Hilty (DFL) HOUSE INFORMATION Commerce & Labor General House information HF385-Anderson, B. (R) Incorporation of socially responsible for-profit www.house.mn Health Care & Human Services Policy & business corporations provided. House Public Information Services Oversight www.house.mn/hinfo/hinfo.htm Human services appeals oversight board HF399-Anderson, S. (R) Session Daily established. Transportation & Transit Policy & www.house.mn/hinfo/sdaily.htm Oversight Division Session Weekly HF386-Anderson, B. (R) Fuel-efficient vehicles allowed to be operated on www.house.mn/sessionweekly/ Public Safety Policy & Oversight high-occupancy vehicle lanes. Drug paraphernalia crime amended to change the House meeting schedules www.house.mn/hinfo/hinfosched.asp mental state requirement, specifically address sales HF400-Anderson, S. (R) Chief Clerk’s Office of drug paraphernalia, and certain drug parapher- Taxes nalia crimes consolidated into a single statutory Income tax credit provided for telecommuting www.house.mn/cco/cco.htm section, and possession of certain items associated conversion expenses and ongoing telecommuting House Fiscal Analysis with controlled substance use prohibited. expenses. www.house.mn/fiscal/fahome.htm House Research HF387-Anderson, B. (R) HF401-Solberg (DFL) www.house.mn/hrd/hrd.htm Finance Taxes House Sergeant-at-Arms Green Acres Law 2008 changes repealed. Solicitor defined for nexus purposes. www.house.mn/sergeant/sergeant.htm House television HF388-Bigham (DFL) HF402-Thao (DFL) www.house.mn/hinfo/television.htm Health Care & Human Services Policy & Health Care & Human Services Policy & House photography Oversight Oversight www.house.mn/hinfo/photo.htm Clinical drug trial participation prohibited. Regulation system established for technicians House member information performing body art procedures and for body art www.house.mn/members/hmem.asp HF389-Greiling (DFL) establishments. House committees Public Safety Policy & Oversight www.house.mn/comm/commemlist.asp Model penal code provisions adopted relating to HF403-Gardner (DFL) House staff criminal responsibility of persons with a mental Environment Policy & Oversight www.house.mn/hinfo/staff.asp disease or defect. Yard waste containers required to be compostable, House caucuses and biodegradable standard for certain plastics www.house.mn/caucuses.htm HF390-Kalin (DFL) established. House employment Finance www.house.mn/has/employment.asp Rush Line Corridor bus service funding HF404-Buesgens (R) House rules provided. Environment Policy & Oversight www.house.mn/cco/rules/permrule/permrule.htm Personal watercraft operational requirements House educational programs HF391-Kalin (DFL) modified. www.house.mn/sergeant/sergeant Finance htm#Education Rush Line Corridor funding provided.

20 Session Weekly January 30, 2009 Minnesota State and Federal Offices U.S. Senators

Senator 1134 Seventh St. N.W. Olcott Plaza, Suite 105 Senator Amy Klobuchar (DFL) Rochester, MN 55901 820 Ninth St. N. To Be Determined 302 Hart Senate Office Building 507-288-5321 Virginia, MN 55792 Washington, D.C. 20510 Fax: 507-288-2922 218-741-9690 202-224-3244 Fax: 218-741-3692 Fax: 202-228-2186 121 Fourth St. S. Toll-free: 888-224-9043 Moorhead, MN 56560 Web site: klobuchar.senate.gov 218-287-2219 Access to e-mail through Web site 1200 Washington Ave. S., Suite 250 Fax: 218-287-2930 Minneapolis, MN 55415 612-727-5220 Fax: 612-727-5223

U.S. Representatives

First District 250 Prairie Center Drive, Suite 230 Sixth District 320 Fourth St. S.W. Tim Walz (DFL) Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Michele Bachmann (R) Centre Point Mall 1529 Longworth 952-405-8510 107 Cannon House Office Building Willmar, MN 56201 House Office Building Fax: 952-405-8514 Washington, D.C. 20515 320-235-1061 Fax: 320-235-2651 Washington, D.C. 20515 Web site: paulsen.house.gov 202-225-2331 202-225-2472 Access to e-mail through Web site Fax: 202-225-6475 SW/WC 1420 E. College Dr. Fax: 202-225-3433 Marshall, MN 56258 Fourth District 6043 Hudson Rd., Suite 330 507-537-2299 227 E. Main St., Suite 220 Woodbury, MN 55125 Fax: 507-537-2298 Mankato, MN 56001 Betty McCollum (DFL) 651-731-5400 1714 Longworth 507-388-2149 Fax: 651-731-6650 Web site: collinpeterson.house.gov House Office Building Fax: 507-388-6181 Access to e-mail through Web site Washington, D.C. 20515 Toll-free: 877-846-9259 110 Second St. S., Suite 232 202-225-6631 Waite Park, MN 56387 Eighth District Fax: 202-225-1968 1134 Seventh St. N.W. 320-253-5931 James L. Oberstar (DFL) Rochester, MN 55901 165 Western Ave. N., Suite 17 Fax: 320-240-6905 2365 Rayburn House Office Building 507-206-0643 St. Paul, MN 55102 Washington, D.C. 20515 Fax: 507-206-0650 651-224-9191 Web site: bachmann.house.gov 202-225-6211 Fax: 651-224-3056 Access to e-mail through Web site Fax: 202-225-0699 Web site: walz.house.gov Web site: www.mccollum.house.gov 231 Federal Building Access to e-mail through Web site Access to e-mail through Web site Seventh District Duluth, MN 55802 Collin Peterson (DFL) 218-727-7474 Second District Fifth District 2211 Rayburn House Office Building Fax: 218-727-8270 John Kline (R) Washington, D.C. 20515 Keith Ellison (DFL) (TTY) 218-727-7474 1210 Longworth 202-225-2165 1130 Longworth House Office Building Fax: 202-225-1593 Chisholm City Hall House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 316 Lake St. Washington, D.C. 20515 Minn. Wheat Growers Bldg. 202-225-2271 Chisholm, MN 55719 202-225-4755 2603 Wheat Dr. Fax: 202-225-2595 218-254-5761 Fax: 202-225-4886 Red Lake Falls, MN 56750 Fax: 218-254-5132 101 W. Burnsville Pkwy. Suite 201 218-253-4356 Brainerd City Hall Burnsville, MN 55337 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Fax: 218-253-4373 501 Laurel St. 952-808-1213 Minneapolis, MN 55411 100 N. First St. Brainerd, MN 56401 Fax: 952-808-1261 612-522-1212 Montevideo, MN 56265 218-828-4400 Fax: 612-522-9915 Web site: kline.house.gov 320-235-1061 Fax: 218-828-1412 Access to e-mail through Web site Web site: ellison.house.gov 230 E. Third St. 38625 14th Ave., Suite 300B Access to e-mail through Web site P.O. Box 50 North Branch, MN 55056 Third District Redwood Falls, MN 56283 651-277-1234 Erik Paulsen (R) 507-637-2270 Fax: 651-277-1235 126 Cannon House Office Building 714 Lake Ave., Suite 107 Washington, D.C. 20515 Web site: www.oberstar.house.gov Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 202-225-2871 Access to e-mail through Web site. 218-847-5056 Fax: 202-225-6351 Fax: 218-847-5109

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 21 Constitutional Officers Minnesota State Agencies

Administration...... 651-201-2555 Governor Attorney General Agriculture ...... 651-201-6550 Tim Pawlenty (R) Lori Swanson (DFL) 800-967-2474 Room 130 State Capitol Executive Offices Commerce...... 651-296-4026 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Room 102 Corrections...... 651-361-7200 St. Paul, MN 55155 State Capitol Education...... 651-582-8200 651-296-3391 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Employment and 800-657-3717 St. Paul, MN 55155 Economic Development...... 651-259-7114 Fax: 651-296-2089 651-296-6196 800-657-3858 Web site: www.governor.state.mn.us 800-657-3787 Enterprise Technology...... 651-296-8888 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.ag.state.mn.us Explore Minnesota Tourism...... 651-215-9041 E-mail: [email protected] 800-657-3535 Lieutenant Governor Consumer Division Travel Info...... 888-868-7476 Carol Molnau (R) 1400 Bremer Tower Health...... 651-201-5000 445 Minnesota St. Room 130 State Capitol 888-345-0823 St. Paul, MN 55101 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Higher Education Services...... 651-642-0567 651-296-3353 St. Paul, MN 55115 800-657-3866 800-657-3787 651-296-3391 Housing Finance Agency...... 651-296-7608 (TTY) 651-297-7206 Fax: 651-296-2089 800-657-3769 (TTY) 800-366-4812 E-mail: [email protected] Human Rights...... 651-296-5663 800-657-3704 Secretary of State State Auditor Human Services...... 651-431-2000 Iron Range Resources...... 218-744-7400 Mark Ritchie (DFL) Rebecca Otto (DFL) 525 Park St. 800-765-5043 Election Center Suite 500 Labor and Industry...... 651-284-5005 Room 180 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55103 800-342-5354 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 651-296-2551 Management and Budget...... 651-201-8000 651-215-1440 (TTY) 800-627-3529 Mediation Services...... 651-649-5421 877-600-8683 (VOTE) Web site: www.osa.state.mn.us Metropolitan Council...... 651-602-1000 Business Services E-mail: [email protected] Military Affairs...... 651-268-8919 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100 Natural Resources...... 651-296-6157 St. Paul, MN 55103 888-646-6367 651-296-2803 Pollution Control Agency...... 651-296-6300 877-551-6767 800-657-3864 Web site: www.sos.state.mn.us Public Safety General Information...... 651-201-7000 E-mail: [email protected] Driver and Vehicle Services...... 651-297-3608 Driver’s License...... 651-297-3298 Driver & Public Vehicle Info...... 651-296-6911 Motor Vehicles...... 651-297-2126 Joint Legislative Services Alcohol and (Area code 651 unless otherwise noted) Gambling Enforcement Division...... 651-201-7500 Legislative Reference Library Library Subcommittee...... 296-8310 Division of Homeland Security and 645 State Office Building Emergency Management...... 651-201-7400 Revisor Subcommittee...... 296-2778 Circulation ...... 296-3398 State Duty Officer (24-Hour Emergency)...... 651-649-5451 Reference...... 296-8338 Geographic Information Services 800-422-0798 55 State Office Building...... 296-0098 State Patrol...... 651-201-7100 Office of the Revisor of Statutes Revenue 700 State Office Building...... 296-2868 Fiscal Services Office General Information...... 651-296-3403 45 State Office Building...... 296-8890 Office of the Legislative Auditor Collections...... 651-556-3003 140 Centennial Office Building...... 296-4708 Income Tax Helpline...... 651-296-4444/296-3781 Office on the Economic Status of Women Sales and Use Tax Line...... 651-296-6181 95 State Office Building...... 296-8590 Legislative Coordinating Commission Transportation...... 651-296-3000 72 State Office Building...... 296-9002 Legislative Advisory Commission 800-657-3774 Regent Candidate Advisory Council Fourth Floor, Centennial Office Building. .... 201-8029 Veterans Affairs...... 651-296-2562 Trustee Candidate Advisory Council Legislative Audit Commission Minnesota State Legislature Compensation Council 140 Centennial Office Building...... 296-4708 Salary and Budget Review Subcommittee House Public Information Services ...... 651-296-2146 Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources 800-657-3550 Subcommittee on Employee Relations 65 State Office Building...... 296-2406 House Meeting Hotline...... 651-296-9283 Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota (TTY) Minnesota Relay service...... 711 Foreign Delegations Liaison Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement 800-627-3529 55 State Office Building...... 296-2750 Legislative Commission on Health Care Access Web site: ...... www.house.mn Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government Great Lakes Commission Senate Information...... 651-296-0504 Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy 585 State Office Building...... 296-2228 Senate Meeting Hotline...... 651-296-8088 Toll-free...... 888-234-1112 Joint House-Senate Subcommittee on Claims..... 296-0099 Mississippi River Parkway Commission (TTY)...... 651-296-0250/888-234-1216 222 State St., Suite 400 Administrative Rules Subcommittee...... 296-1121 Web site:...... www.senate.mn Madison, WI 53703...... 866-763-8310 Legislative Information...... www.leg.mn State Information...... www.state.mn.us

22 Session Weekly January 30, 2009 Benefits continued from page 11 officials point out that while this is true, Ea r l y c h i l d h o o d s u m m i t the situation will not cause an increase in the payroll tax. Moreover, Mahoney said that the expected federal stimulus package may include a provision that allows states to borrow unemployment funds interest-free. Whatever the case may be, Mahoney said that workers who lose their jobs aren’t interested in the complexities of unemployment funding; they just need the help. “The guy walking down the street who just got unemployed, he doesn’t understand the extensions and, you know, Minnesota’s trust fund vs. the federal trust fund. … He understands that he’s unemployed and he needs to pay the bills,” Mahoney said.

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If you will be visiting the Capitol in the near future, call the Capitol Historic Site Program at 651-296-2881 to schedule a tour.

p h o t o b y a n d r e w v o n b a n k To find out who represents David Lawrence, Jr., president of The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation and you at the Capitol . . . “University Scholar for Early Childhood Development and Readiness” at the Call House Public Information Services University of Florida, gives the keynote address at the Early Childhood Summit in the at 651-296-2146 House Chamber Jan. 28. He and other speakers talked about their involvement in early or 800-657-3550 childhood development and school readiness issues.

Frequently called numbers Area code 651 House Public Information Services House Index Senate Index 175 State Office Building...... 296-2146 211 Capitol...... 296-6646 110 Capitol...... 296-2887 Committee Schedule Hotline Senate Information Committee Hotline, Senate...... 296-8088 175 State Office Building...... 296-9283 231 Capitol...... 296-0504 Chief Clerk of the House Secretary of the Senate 211 Capitol...... 296-2314 231 Capitol...... 296-2344 Voice mail/order bills...... 296-2343

January 30, 2009 Session Weekly 23 Mi n n e s o t a Ho u s e o f Re p r e s e n t a t i v e s

Pu b l i c In f o r m a t i o n Se r v i c e s

175 St a t e Of f i c e Building

100 Re v . Dr. Ma r t i n Lu t h e r Ki n g Jr. Bl v d .

St. Pa u l , MN 55155-1298

Sp e a k e r o f t h e Ho u s e : Ma r g a r e t An d e r s o n Ke l l i h e r

Ma j o r i t y Le a d e r : An t h o n y “To n y ” Se r t i c h

Minority Le a d e r : Ma r t y Se i f e r t

Fo r Mo r e In f o r m a t i o n

Mi n n e s o t a In d e x For general information, call House Public Information Services at Employment or lack thereof 651-296-2146 or 800-657-3550. To have a copy of Session Weekly State unemployment percentage rate in December...... 6.9 mailed to you, subscribe online at: www. National rate, as percent...... 7.2 house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp or call: Last year Minnesota had a greater than 6 percent unemployment rate...... 1985 651-296-2146 or 800-657-3550. State, national unemployment percentage rates in December 2007...... 4.7, 4.8 State unemployment percentage rate in December 2005...... 4.3 If you enjoy Session Weekly, please consider State unemployment percentage rate in December 2000...... 3.3 helping to defray production and mailing costs with a biennial voluntary donation of Jobs cut by Minnesota employers in past year, as approximate...... 55,400 $20 or more. Minnesota’s labor force in December 2008...... 2,951,753 In December 2007...... 2,933,786 Make your check payable to Minnesota Unemployed Minnesotans in December 2008...... 202,814 House of Representatives, and mail it to: In December 2007...... 137,360 House Public Information Services In December 2006...... 127,187 175 State Office Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Median hourly wage in Minnesota in the third quarter of 2008...... $17.20 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 National average...... $15.67 Median wage in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area...... $18.94 Session Weekly online is available at: In southeast, southwest Minnesota...... $16.02, $14.13 www.house.mn/sessionweekly In central, northeast, northwest Minnesota...... $14.94, $15.32, $13.95 Subscribe to Session Daily e-mail Projected wage increase, as percent, statewide between 2006 and 2016...... 9.8 alerts at: www.house.mn/list/join. New Minnesota jobs in the health care and social assistance sector in 2007...... 15,100 asp?listname=sessiondaily. In 2008...... 9,000 Projected in 2009...... 5,000 Check your local listings to watch televi- Anticipated state job loss between the third quarters of 2008 and 2009...... 29,600 sion coverage of House committees, floor sessions and select press conferences. Percent of job cutbacks concentrated in five industries: nondurable-goods manufacturing, administrative and support services, construction, durable-goods To obtain a copy of a bill, call the manufacturing and retail...... 66 Chief Clerk’s Office at 651-296-2314. Between third quarters of 2008 and 2009, industries expected to increase job numbers...... 4 To learn about bill introductions or Industries expected to lose jobs...... 19 the status of a specific bill, call the Estimated 2009 Minnesota job openings generated by replacement needs and House Index Office at 651-296-6646. employment growth...... 67,000 Percent increase, from July 2008 to July 2012, in the number of Minnesota workers The House of Representatives can be found on turning age 62...... 30 the Web at: www.house.mn. Customers served in 2008 by the state’s 47 WorkForce centers, as estimate...... 100,000 People who are deaf and hard of hearing Approximate number of Minnesotans who received Unemployment Insurance may ask questions or leave messages by benefits in 2008...... 214,000 calling the Minnesota Relay service at 711 Billions of dollars received, as estimate...... 1 or 800-627-3529 (TTY). — M. Co o k Senate Information 651-296-0504 or 888-234-1112 Sources: Department of Employment and Economic Development; Minnesota Budget Trends Study Commission, Commission Report to the Legislature, Jan. 12, 2009. Senate Index 651-296-5560