A NONPARTISAN PUBLICATION JANUARY 12, 2001 ESSION VOLUME 18, NUMBER 2 Weekly SMINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES • PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

In this issue:

THE .08 DEBATE, FELONY DWI

NEW MAJORITY WHIP, COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT HISTORY

HF44-HF124 ESSION S Weekly Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the House of Representatives Public Information Office. During the 2000-2001 Legislative Session, each issue reports daily House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions and upcoming committee meeting schedules, and provides other information. The publication is a service of the Minnesota House. No fee. CONTENTS To subscribe, contact: Minnesota House of Representatives HIGHLIGHTS Public Information Office 175 State Office Building Agriculture • 5 Elections • 7 Higher Education • 8 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Business • 5 Family • 7 Human Services • 9 (651) 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 Children • 5 Game & Fish • 7 Industry • 9 TTY (651) 296-9896 Crime • 6 Health • 7 Taxes • 10 Education • 6 Transportation • 23 Director LeClair G. Lambert FEATURES Editor/Assistant Director Michelle Kibiger At Issue: Education — Student accountability assessments for federal Title I program draw criticism from House members. • 11 Assistant Editor Mike Cook Process — House Speaker ’s 2001-2002 committee assign- Art & Production Coordinator ments prompt criticism from DFL members, but it’s not the first time Paul Battaglia such a controversy has occurred in the House • 12 Writers David Maeda, Theresa Stahl, People — The House has a new Majority Whip, the first time the posi- Jonas M. Walker, Mary Kay Watson tion has ever been assigned in the body’s history. • 13

Chief Photographer People — Rep. Carl Jacobson turns his once-shy demeanor and account- Tom Olmscheid ing background to his advantage as a new member of the House. • 14 Photographers Andrew Von Bank, Sara Kirk People — Rep. Tony Sertich, currently the youngest member of the House, hopes to bring new economic opportunity to his district on the Office Manager Nicole Wood . • 15

Staff Assistants People — Rep. Nora Slawik returns to the House after a two-year ab- Christy Novak, Michelle Sorvari sence, ready to tackle education and health care issue, but not without a three-day election recount. • 16 Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is published weekly during the legislative session by the Min- nesota House of Representatives Public Information Office, 100 Constitution Ave., St. DEPARTMENTS/RESOURCES Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. It’s A Fact: Sign of the Times 4 Bill Introductions (HF44 -HF124) 25 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Resources: 2001 Reflections: 50 years ago 27 Session Weekly, Public Information Office, Minnesota House of Representatives, 175 State Committee Membership 17 Minnesota Index: Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., Committee Schedule (Jan. 8-12) 21 Gauging Water Quality 28 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298.

Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, 30% post-consumer content. On the cover: A combination of sun cast glittering shadows and wispy cirrus clouds made for a nice view from the Capitol Jan. 4. Temperatures the whole week rose into the mid-30s.

—Photo by Sara Kirk

2 January 12, 2001 IRST READING F

felony level penalty is appropriate. Scoggin recalled that the House passed a bill The .08 debate last year making the commission of four DWIs Legislators mull the prospect of lowering the legal limit for in 10 years a felony. That provision went to conference committee, but before the bill be- blood alcohol concentration came law, it was changed to require the work- ing group to study the issue. The move to study BY JONAS M. WALKER tion and rehabilitation,” Webb said. “We need to the issue further was due in large part to con- he may increase be consistent across America to see a decrease.” cerns that the state court and corrections sys- penalties this session for what many con- Additionally, the state risks losing federal tems would be overwhelmed by the increased Tsider the most common crime in the state: transportation money by 2004 if it does not number of felons. drunken driving. adopt the .08 limit. According to Scoggin, the cost to Minne- Among the top two issues for likely debate Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul) asked the sota taxpayers would depend upon the ratio are lowering the legal blood-alcohol level from MADD representatives their opinions regarding of two numbers that define a felony: the num- .10 percent to .08 percent and instituting a placing convicted drunken drivers in minimum ber of prior convictions and time frame in felony-level penalty for multiple drunken security facilities equipped with enhanced treat- which those convictions could have occurred, driving offenses. ment options. Minnesota MADD Legislative known as the “look-back” period. The House Crime Prevention Committee Chair Lynne Goughler responded favorably to For example, if the number of prior convic- heard testimony Jan. 9 from government offi- the idea, saying that the first priority for MADD tions were set at four and the look-back period cials and advocates on the issue of Minnesota’s is to “take away the bottle and the car.” were 10 years, Scoggin’s report indicates that legal response to people who drive under the influence of alcohol. Millie Webb, national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), testified in favor of Minnesota changing the legally drunk blood-alcohol concentration from .10 percent to .08 percent. “If all states were at .08 percent, we could prevent 500 deaths and thousands of injuries each year,” she said. “Time lost in doing so equals lives lost.” Though Webb’s primary focus was the .08 issue, she also addressed felony-level drunken driving penalties. The two issues are inextri- cably intertwined, since lowering the blood- alcohol level may increase the number of offenders in Minnesota jails — even before a felony penalty would. Lowering the blood-alcohol limit would also change the current debate regarding felony DWI because it creates a new variable to factor into jail and prison impact projections. MADD supports the actions of the 38 other states that have felony penalties for DWI. Un- PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID der existing law in Minnesota, a drunken Millie Webb, national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, shows members of the House Crime Prevention Committee a picture of her daughter, Lori, who was killed, along with her 19-month-old driver faces no more than a gross misde- nephew Mitch Pewitt, by a drunken driver in1971. Webb urged members to lower the blood-alcohol meanor, no matter how many prior convic- level to .08 percent during her testimony Jan. 9. tions that person has. A further proposal supported by MADD Paul Scoggin, representing the Minnesota 1,317 Minnesota drivers would have been would mandate that liquor stores register beer County Attorney’s Association, discussed a felons by 1998. Increasing the number of con- kegs to aid in tracking and prosecution of report prepared by the House DWI working victions to five within the same time period alcohol-related crimes. Some states have al- group that addressed specific legal issues such would have affected only 511 drunken drivers. ready instituted these conditions. as the number of prior offenses within a 10- Scoggin commented that laws creating new “You have got to have incarceration, restitu- year time period that should occur before a felonies can be misleading because judges retain

Session Weekly 3 discretionary sentencing power regardless of the Legislature’s apparent intent. In Minnesota, con- victions lead to two-part sentences: a length of time, and a ruling as to whether the sentence will be executed or stayed. For instance, a DWI felon could be sentenced to a number of months in prison, but may be Sign of the times required to receive treatment and perform com- Pro sports pumped millions into metro economy, says 1964 report munity service in lieu of actually serving time. Scoggin told the committee that all forms of In 1964, Minnesotans were experiencing expected to attend 10.5 Twins games. Out- felony DWI now under consideration by the a relatively new phenomenon in the state’s of-town Twins fans made the trip for an Legislature would favor a stayed sentence. economic structure — the professional average 3.7 games. The Twins were among The DWI working group reports that it was sports team. the league leaders for overall attendance told that long-term supervision, both before and The early 1960s brought two professional that year at 1.2 million fans. after treatment, increases the likelihood for suc- sports teams to the state that are still here Out-of-town fans spent an average of cessful management of chronic offenders. today — the Minnesota Twins and the $15.90 each for hotel accommodations, $6.98 Scoggin made a point of emphasizing two Minnesota Vikings. for food and beverages, and $7.37 for gas and messages from law-enforcement officials: that While the history of professional sports oil while in the Twin Cities. there are some chronic offenders who must in the state was In 1964, the be kept off the roads and that sheriffs urge the still new in 1964, Tw ins’ payroll Legislature to fund the local costs associated officials with the was around $1.2 with felony DWI. Metropolitan million, which Rep. John Tuma (R-Northfield), committee Sports Area was comparable chair, agreed, saying, “We d on’t want (local offi- Commission, to the other nine cials) to be burdened by the state.” which oversaw teams in the Dennis Benson, deputy commissioner with the day-to-day league. The 2000 the state Department of Corrections, testified operations of PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID Twins had the that although jails and workhouses are now Metropolitan Sta- The Twins and Vikings called Met Stadium home from lowest payroll in filled above capacity, his department was pre- dium, prepared a 1961-1981. all of Major pared to meet the additional burden of incar- report to evaluate how much money fans League Baseball with $17 million. cerating DWI felons. were spending in the Twin Cities area. The report concluded that the total iden- Although Tuma said that most legislators The report, entitled “The Economic Im- tifiable expenditures surrounding the don’t think drunken drivers require extensive pact of Major League Sports on the Twin Twins and Vikings in 1964 was around state oversight, Benson’s testimony indicated that Cities Metropolitan Area,” used perso nal in- $14.5 million. Further, the report said that DWI felons would likely be housed in the state’s terviews with Twins fans, a random survey the figure was the beginning of a process medium security prisons at Faribault or Moose of season ticket holders, and an economic that “creates a long spending chain which Lake. Benson further noted that those who analysis of expenditures in the Twin Cities may make the total local effect at least $29 would need to be incarcerated likely would have related to the two professional sports teams. million in terms of incomes and $72.5 mil- some sort of prior criminal background. It showed the teams made a significant lion in sales volume.” Responding to some members who said impact on the area. But it also indicated that In addition, the report determined that they felt lower-security prisons and treatment the world of professional sports has changed there might be truth to the claim that options were more appropriate than full-scale tremendously over the past 35 years. people would spend their money elsewhere secure incarceration, Benson said the depart- Take a look at the Twins and Vikings of in the Twin Cities without the two teams, ment has a wide spectrum of treatment op- 1964. That year, Twins outfielder Tony Oliva but there was no solid proof. tions at its facilities. was named American League Rookie of the The report also claimed that the teams Such options would likely meet the approval Year, leading the league in several batting cat- brought psychological benefits, as well. The of MADD members and other advocates of the egories. That same year, teammate Harmon metropolitan area and the state gain in con- plan to create a felony DWI penalty. “These Killebrew led the league with 49 home runs. fidence and standing, and the Twin Cities people don’t know they have a problem with al- One year later, the team would capture are identified as “big league.” The teams cohol,” commented Webb during her testimony. the pennant and make its first World Series marked the city as a major metropolitan Kenn Rockler, executive director of the appearance. center, attractive to business and industry. Wine, Beer, & Spirits Federation of Minnesota, The Vikings would tie for second in the Since then, both the Twins and the Vi- opposes the move to .08 BAC limit. National Football League’s Western Confer- kings moved from the old Met and play “If I believed that .08 would save lives, I ence in 1964, the team’s first winning sea- their games in the Hubert H. Humphrey couldn’t in good faith oppose it,” he said. son. Later, under the leadership of head Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis. In Rockler discussed briefly the difference be- coach Bud Grant, the team would head to recent years, both the Twins and the Vi- tween presumptive and per se blood-alcohol four Super Bowl appearances. kings have requested public financing for concentration limits; the first assumes that According to the report, those teams drew a new stadium, saying they cannot com- someone with a certain BAC level is too in- fans that added millions of the dollars to pete over the long term with the toxicated to drive. He said that Minnesota law the Twin Cities economy. Metrodome’s limitations. already allows an impaired driver to be pros- The survey indicated that the average fan (D. MAEDA) ecuted under the presumptive standard at a residing in the Twin Cities area in 1964 .04 percent concentration. 4 January 12, 2001 IGHLIGHTS J ANUARY 5 - 11, 2001 H

Latino community, says Ytmar Santiago, di- black leaders in the Twin Cities, Collins said AGRICULTURE rector of the Chicano Latino Affairs Council, that despite poverty and difficult circum- lie in finding full-time jobs so they will be eli- stances, “an individual can make a significant Field trip possibilities gible for medical insurance. contribution to their community.” With no legislation before it on Jan. 10, mem- “Chicano Latinos come into the state and Her, of the Asian-Pacific council, echoed bers of the House Agriculture Policy Commit- take lower-end jobs, which are usually part- Collins’ words. tee set forth its plan for the 2001-2002 session, time, so they work two or three of them and “Our goals are to strengthen our commu- including a list of places members may visit. have no health care,” Santiago said. nities, strengthen the state of Minnesota,” Her Among those places members mentioned According to the organization’s most recent said. “But before you can get people involved, the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, the Pillsbury biennial report, the number of Hispanic chil- you have to empower them.” Company, stockyards in South St. Paul, and dren without health insurance in 1995 was one of Minnesota’s still-operating breweries. 26.8 percent, close to twice the amount of In other action, Department of Agriculture white children (13.4) and black children (15.3) CHILDREN Commissioner Gene Hugoson took a few min- not covered. utes to introduce key members of his staff and Santiago also said his group is making an Environmental health study to invite members to visit his department. effort to better businesses in greater Minne- The House and Senate Environment & Committee Chair Tim Finseth (R-Angus) sota, but progress lags because there is only Natural Resources Policy committees met welcomed committee members by one greater Minnesota complimenting them on their previous work liaison on the council. together. “We did a pretty good job of keep- With one-half the In- Danger sign ing partisan politics out of this room. I hope dian population in Min- very much to continue that,” he said. nesota living in poverty, Then Finseth held his gavel upright for dra- the Minnesota Indian Af- matic effect and reminded members of their fairs Council has estab- august responsibility. “You may not respect lished a large business loan me, but we all have to respect this,” he said. program, which the coun- “We need to preserve and respect this.” cil is working to market. Finally, a number of members suggested the “We need Indian citizens committee meet with its Senate counterpart to become business people,” to head off the need for any conference com- said Joseph Day, executive mittees that may likely arise before the session director of the Minnesota concludes. Indian Affairs Council. The program has awarded 95 loans totaling more than $2 BUSINESS million since 1981, accord- ing to the group’s 2000 an- Progress for minority groups nual report. Sending a message of hope for better times, Day added that he has while expressing confidence of progress in been pleased to see the their communities, Minnesota minority group state Department of leaders presented overviews and updates Health “aggressively” about their organizations to House Jobs & working with tribes in the Economic Development Finance Committee state during the past 12 Jan. 10. months. The leaders specifically addressed sustain- Minority leaders talked ing businesses, providing insurance options about the value of validat- and development of business loan programs. ing people in their com- Ilean Her, executive director of the Council munities. on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans, said the group Lester Collins, director attempts to create an environment of success of the Council on Black for their community. PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID Minnesotans, said part of Catharine Reid, St. Paul, holds her 4-year-old son Charlie Rich “Many Asian-Pacific’s are willing to take the his organization’s mission during a rally in the Rotunda for the reduction of dangerous risk of starting a business,” she said, and the is “making citizens of this air pollution in Minnesota. The rally was sponsored by the Si- council looks for solutions on how to sustain state know how important erra Club and a coalition of 12 other local environmental businesses and get them to grow. it is to be counted.” groups that released a 16-page package, “Danger in the Air,” making several recommendations to clean up Minnesota’s air. Employment concerns in the Chicano- Referring to several

Session Weekly 5 together Jan. 9 to learn more about children’s environmental health issues. Faces of the homeless At the meeting, Rep. Dennis Ozment (R- Rosemount), chair of the House committee, announced the formation of a joint task force on children’s environmental health. The area of environmental health, which primarily examines the links between chronic illnesses and environmental factors, is one of the most important emerging issues in public health today, said Jan Malcolm, commissioner of the state Department of Health. Amid growing concern that children may be at higher risk for certain illnesses than adults, the department is seeking to intensify its research and policy efforts in issues of children’s environmental health. “We recognize that children may have dif- ferent susceptibilities to environmental haz- ards,” said Pat Bloomgren, director of the PHOTO BY JENNY J. DEAN department’s Environmental Health Division. Amy Gavel of St. Paul and Nicole Fernley from Australia view an exhibit in the State Capitol of Children’s rapidly growing bodies are physi- children’s faces, representative of the 3,000 children that sleep in homeless shelters every night ologically different from adults, and their be- in Minnesota. The exhibit was organized by the Affordable Housing Initiative of St. Mark’s haviors expose them to more environmental Episcopal Cathedral, Minneapolis and was displayed from Jan. 3-10. hazards than adults, she said. For example, it has been known for some time that neurotox- society and reduce the risk of re-offending. While both say they like the program, they ins such as lead and mercury damage Beatrice Hawkins was one of two former are concerned about a number of things, in- children’s developing nervous systems. inmates who completed the program, and cluding notification measures of an inmate’s There is a need for better tracking of chronic shared their experience with the House Crime possible enrollment, having no veto power illnesses to determine which ones have envi- Prevention Committee Jan. 11. over the Department of Corrections decision ronmental triggers, said Bloomgren, citing the “I’d been to prison three times and didn’t to allow an inmate into the program, and that Pew Environmental Health Commission Re- get the message to be a law-abiding citizen,” this program can run amok of the truth in sen- port released during the fall of 2000. The re- she said. “At boot camp I learned discipline.” tencing guidelines. port charged that America faces an Sentenced for a controlled substance crime, “When I get a sentence for someone, I ex- “environmental health gap.” Scientists need Hawkins also got treatment during her time pect them to serve it,” Gaertner said. tracking data to identify sources of chronic at the camp, something she was not getting John Tuma (R-Northfield), committee illnesses before they can prevent them. behind bars. chair, asked Sheryl Ramstad Hvass, state De- Asthma is one of the priority illnesses the The program, which serves a maximum of partment of Corrections commissioner, to put state Health Department wants to track. 90 offenders at one time, including up to 15 together a proposal to address issues raised by Especially prevalent in core cities, asthma women, is often referred to as boot camp be- Backstrom and Gaertner. That plan could be causes 30 percent of all school absenteeism, cause of its rigorous agenda. addressed at a meeting in the next few weeks. said Bloomgren. An inmate must have 48 months or less re- “I want this resolved because this is a good “The area of environmental health is one maining on their sentence to be eligible. The program,” he said. that compels us to work well together across type of crime committed may prohibit an in- agencies,” Malcolm said. This collaboration mate from participating. Eighty percent of may at times make for strange bedfellows. those in the program committed drug As an example, said Bloomgren, “The De- offenses. EDUCATION partment of Health seeks to protect the pub- Divided into three phases of at least six lic from the hazards of the environment, months each, offenders take treatment-ori- Teacher licensure examined whereas the Department of Natural Resources ented classes, participate in restorative justice A plan that would allow certain teacher can- (DNR) seeks to protect the environment from work crews, and later take part in a commu- didates to forgo new licensure requirements the actions of the public.” nity-supervised release program. that affect graduates beginning in 2001 passed Lou Stender, warden at the Moose Lake/Wil- the House by a unanimous 131-0 vote Jan. 11. low River facility, said the program is a gamble The first bill to pass the House in the 2001 CRIME for inmates. Those who fail to complete all three session, HF34/SF28* was initially approved by phases receive no credit for time spent in the the House Education Policy Committee Preparing offenders for the outside program, and are returned to incarceration to Jan. 5. Boot camp is not just for the military in complete their original sentence. Members suspended the rules on the floor Minnesota. At the meeting, concerns were raised about Jan. 11 and passed the Senate version, which The Challenge Incarceration Program gives the program by Ramsey County Attorney Su- is identical to the House version, upon its first nonviolent adult inmates an opportunity to pre- san Gaertner and Dakota County Attorney Jim reading in the House. pare themselves for successful reintegration into Backstrom. Under the bill, sponsored by Rep. Marty

6 January 12, 2001 Seifert (R-Marshall), people who were en- State law requires that two former legisla- rolled in accredited teacher coursework by Jan. tors be board members, but they must sup- GAME & FISH 1, 2000 would be eligible to complete the pro- port different political parties. Greedy anglers beware gram under old licensure rules with a dead- Spear, who served in the Senate from 1972 A current of outrage surged through the line of Sept. 1, 2003 to apply for licensure. until December 2000, including the past eight Jan.11 meeting of the House Environment and Seifert said the Legislature had directed the years as president, said he didn’t have techni- Natural Resources Policy Committee as mem- Minnesota Board of Teaching to revise teacher cal expertise on the board’s responsibilities, bers heard a presentation on gross game and licensure requirements in Minnesota, but the but that as a former legislator he would bring fish violations in Minnesota. new requirements did not include permission some practical experience. “I’m so mad about this thing,” said Rep. Bill for certain students to be grandfathered in Although as a lawmaker Spear did not au- Haas (R-Champlin), who plans to sponsor a under old rules. thor any campaign finance bills, he was in- bill that would increase penalties for overlimit Michael Tillman, executive director of the volved in the process of passing those bills. violations. “People are out there hunting and Board of Teaching, appeared at the commit- And as a candidate, he knew firsthand some fishing — and stealing from the people of tee meeting to tell representatives that the of the frustrations of the complex filing re- Minnesota.” board unanimously endorsed the proposal. quirements that he and his campaign treasurer Graphic evidence of fish violations was pre- “The last thing we want to do is place obstacles struggled with. sented by Tom Chapin, a Department of Natu- in the paths of students who are preparing to be Chase, an attorney from Little Canada, said ral Resources conservation officer with 29 teachers for our schools,” Tillman said. she brings the perspective of a concerned citi- years of experience in the field. He showed The Education Policy committee also re- zen to the board. She has never been a mem- photos of “wanton” disregard for state law, ceived written testimony from a Southwest ber of a political party nor has she ever served including 186 walleye taken by one angler and State University student who, if the bill does as a lobbyist. 360 sunfish taken by another. not pass, may have to take additional courses, Roggenbauer is a private investigator and Overlimit violations are among the most costing him thousands of dollars more in tu- security consultant from Maple Grove. difficult and time consuming for conservation ition and delaying his graduation. Fluegel, who has chaired the board since 1998, officers to detect and enforce, according to the Seifert said students who would qualify is an attorney based in Minneapolis. DNR. They can have drastic effects on at-risk under the bill to graduate with the old require- The nominees need the “advice and con- wildlife populations and are disabling to fish ments attend school part-time or have taken sent” approval from three-fifths of the mem- and wildlife management efforts. time off. He believes that most students are bers in both the House and Senate before their Rep. Tom Osthoff (DFL-St. Paul) said he halfway through their teacher prep programs. confirmations are complete. believed some people may innocently keep too The 2003 deadline gives them three years many fish, and an education program for an- to complete one to two years of work, Seifert glers might be useful. said, and he pointed out that some courses FAMILY “We d on’t want to go after gross offenders required aren’t offered on a regular basis. and end up getting grandma and grandpa,” Officials estimate an additional $9,000 in Web site offers information agreed Rep. Dennis Ozment (R-Rosemount), extra tuition costs per student at a public in- Members of the House Family and Early committee chair. stitution if the bill does not pass, and close to Childhood Education Committee heard pre- “There is no ignorance of the law in these $20,000 at a private institution. sentations about a number of resources avail- cases. They know exactly what they’re doing ,” able to families at its meeting Jan. 8. said Chapin, whose 800 square mile conser- Among those resources is a Web site, spe- vation district includes 60 lakes. “In every case ELECTIONS cifically designed for family and early child- of gross overlimits the intent was there.” hood issues, maintained by the state The first question those apprehended ask Quartet recommended to board Department of Children, Families & Learn- after paying their fine, Chapin said is “‘Can I The House Government Operations and ing. fish again tomorrow?’ and, regrettably, I have Veterans Affairs Policy Committee voted Jan. Available on the Web site is information to say ‘yes.’” 10 to recommend confirmation of four nomi- regarding: Haas said he wants to put some teeth in the nees to the state’s Campaign Finance and Pub- • Childcare providers law, increasing penalties for gross violations. lic Disclosure Board. • Early childhood educators Suggested penalties include license revocation, The board is responsible for administering • Early childhood family education restitution of resources, confiscation of equip- registration, disclosure, and enforcement pro- coordinators ment, seizure of motorboats and motor ve- grams to ensure that the state’s government • Early childhood screening coordinators hicles, and custodial arrest. ethics laws are met. The board also provides • Early childhood special education “The message we want to get out is, ‘We ha ve financial information about public officials to coordinators an excellent resource for you to enjoy but don’t the public. • Interagency early intervention committee abuse it,’” Haas said. Three of the nominees, Shirley Chase, chairs Wilbur Fluegel, and Donald Roggenbauer • School readiness coordinators • Parent educators have previously served on the board. Their HEALTH confirmation is to affirm reappointment to the • Parents, and board. Gov. nominated the • Others interested in the health and Back to class fourth, former state Sen. Allan Spear (DFL- development of young children and their School was in session for members of the Mpls), to fill a seat vacated by former congress- families. House Health & Human Services Policy and man Tim Penny. To view the site, point your browser to Finance committees Jan. 10 as they received a http://cfl.state.mn.us/ecfi quick course in “Insurance 101” from

Session Weekly 7 John Gross, director of health care policy at health efforts, not medical technology, accord- otherwise strong record for Minnesota,” he the Minnesota Department of Commerce. ing to Malcolm. said “We need to address it.” The complexities of the health insurance Public health is not the same as health care, Malcolm pointed out that eliminating dis- marketplace became apparent as Gross de- she explained. It is not health care for the poor parities in health outcomes is one of the tailed an individual’s options ranging from or the indigent. In fact, it is not about indi- department’s primary goals. The Minnesota private coverage (either individual or em- vidual health care at all, but about the health Department of Health is “committed to being ployer funded) to no coverage at all. of a population. part of the solution for the future,” she said. Regardless of the health care vehicle, Gross Minnesota has been at the top of the chart said a loss of health insurance coverage need — consistently first or second — in any analy- not be a fiasco because state law has provided sis of public health. The state is especially dis- “stepping stones” to extend that coverage. tinguished in the area of preparedness to HIGHER EDUCATION “People always have an option,” Gross said. respond to emerging health threats, accord- “The problem is sticker-shock, because termi- ing to Malcolm. MnSCU at a crossroads nated employees have to pay for their share as An example is the rapid identification of, The 35 institutions in the Minnesota State well as their former employer’s share.” and response to, the recent E. coli outbreak. Colleges and Universities are at a crossroads In addition to protecting people from a sud- “We will never know the number of deaths and and where they go all depends on the finan- den loss of insurance coverage, Minnesota of- serious illnesses that were prevented,” she said. cial support the system gets from the fers a variety of government-sponsored health Despite Minnesota’s strong reputation, the Legislature. care coverage options. Currently, about 23 state has serious disparities based on racial, Such was the message from MnSCU Chan- percent of the state population is covered un- ethnic, gender, and rural-urban differences, cellor Morris Anderson at the Jan. 10 meeting der these public programs and about 5 per- she said. For example, Minnesota has the of the Higher Education Finance Committee. cent has no health insurance. The likelihood nation’s worst disparity in infant mortality He said leaders within the MnSCU system of being uninsured is higher for people of when comparing its white residents with have spent “a lot of time” in the past six color, low-income people, and rural people, African-American and American Indian months determining what higher education according to department statistics. populations. costs will be and deciding if the system should Despite escalating health care costs and pre- Rep. Kevin Goodno (R-Moorhead), chair of be status quo or be a leader. miums, health care spending in Minnesota is the Health & Human Services Finance Com- Anderson said the MnSCU budget request, 12 percent lower than in the United States as mittee, asked why these disparities exist. expected to be presented early next month, a whole. There are a number of reasons for Among the reasons Malcolm cited are differ- will enable the system to be competitive with this, according to Scott Leitz, director of the ences in access to health care, health behav- any in the nation. “We want to be a leader,” he Health Economics Program of the Depart- iors, and concentrations of poverty. Goodno said as he told committee members it is up to ment of Health, including the fact that the said he hoped “we’ll do more than talk” about them to allocate funds so the system can move population of Minnesota tends to be much the issues this session. in that direction. healthier than that of other states. Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester), chair of Anderson spent much of his presentation While health care costs have increased the House Health & Human Services Policy speaking about what was done with bonding across the board, they have risen fastest in the Committee, agreed. “This is a blight on an funds from the past year and other positives areas of prescription drugs, which rose by 15.8 percent from 1997 to 1999, and outpatient Former speaker care, which rose by 12.5 percent during the same period. On average, health care costs during that period rose by 8.5 percent. It is these rising costs together with past losses that have driven the increases in premi- ums over the past few years, Leitz said. Overall health care spending in Minnesota has stabilized at approximately 13 percent of the state’s economy, which is a smaller share of the economy than in other states.

Public health disparities A joint meeting of the House Health & Human Services Finance and Policy commit- tees Jan. 8 focused on the health needs of the public. “I believe public health is one of the best bargains of government. It is government’s ‘si- lent success,’” said Jan Malcolm, commissioner PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK of the state Department of Health. House members and staff welcome former House Speaker Lloyd “Dux” Duxbury to the House Since 1900, life expectancy in Minnesota has floor Jan. 11. First elected to the House in 1950, he was elected speaker in 1963 and was re- increased by almost 30 years. Twenty-five of elected in 1965, 1967, and 1969. Duxbury was a very colorful presiding officer and is still those years have been gained due to public quoted by colleagues.

8 January 12, 2001 about the MnSCU system. increase in medical school staffing of 80 more services to the local level, O’Keefe testi- Of the $131 million in the 2000 bonding people. Noting that two-thirds of physicians fied, “We need to upgrade technology so our bill, Anderson said new libraries have opened in the state were trained at the university, systems talk to each other.” at Winona State University, Bemidji State Uni- Yudof said, “What is done on our campuses versity and St. Cloud State University, a library benefits the state as a whole.” is under construction at the Minneapolis Yudof said he believes if the Legislature con- INDUSTRY Community & Technical College, and new tinues to approve money for the university, buildings and major remodeling are taking others will as well. Yudof noted that the ‘U’ Web access for all place on 20 campuses. ranked 18th in private support in 1999 with Delivering high-speed Internet access to Anderson said having top facilities is im- $162 million, but expects that number to in- areas of Greater Minnesota will be a major is- portant because it attracts top students, who crease because of a capital fund-raising cam- sue for the House Regulated Industries Com- in turn benefit the state. “For every $1 in net paign, that has seen almost 64,000 gifts. mittee this session. state spending, MnSCU generates a return of “People think this is a good place to invest,” Legislators had many questions for Minne- $5.75 to the state’s economy,” he said. he said. sota Department of Commerce representa- He said that enrollment is now at a six-year tives during their Jan. 8 presentation of a plan high, with more than 117,000 students 2000- likely to be introduced as a bill this week. 2001 year. “One of every two students attend- Despite making much progress in telecom- munications at the state level, Commerce ing college in Minnesota attends an MnSCU HUMAN SERVICES institution,” Anderson said. Commissioner Jim Bernstein stressed the im- Individuals come first portance of the Legislature taking more ac- Department of Human Services Commis- tion in 2001. Stadium not U of M priority sioner Michael O’Keefe told members of the “If the Legislature does nothing this year, University of Minnesota president Mark House Health & Human Service Finance and Minnesota will fall further behind,” he said. Yudof told the House Higher Education Fi- Policy committees at their joint Jan. 9 meet- Committee Chair Rep. Ken Wolf (R- nance Committee Jan. 8 that an on-campus ing that despite its size and complexity the Burnsville) agreed and asked representatives stadium will not be part of the university’s department is dedicated to serving the indi- to seriously think about the future of the state. capital campaign request. vidual client. “We should consider what will happen if we The response came after Rep. Doug Stang “We focus on people, not programs,” pass no bill this year,” he said. (R-Cold Spring) asked Yudof about what some O’Keefe said. Setbacks in Internet service access put ru- believe could become a hot topic in the 2001 The state’s largest agency, with a $6 billion ral Minnesotans at risk of not keeping up with session, especially if the university and Min- budget for the year 2000, the Department of today’s markets and retaining a competitive nesota Vikings team together. Human Services provided the following ser- edge in business, therefore possibly worsen- Yudof said the issue frustrates him because, vices last year: ing the decreasing population problem in as much as he enjoys on-campus football, • Health coverage for 500,000 people; those areas of the state. other areas have priority. “The idea of putting • Income support for 41,000 families a Bernstein said he believes getting services a stadium ahead of students is something I do month; to greater Minnesota is an imperative initia- not buy into,” he said. “No part of our capital • Food stamps for 95,000 households, an tive. “We’re looking at a market-based ap- campaign is for a stadium.” average of 211,000 individuals per proach for high-speed access where “If you somehow came up with an extra month; communities desire it,” he said. $100 million, I’d probably put it in the aca- • Child support for more than 270,000 As of now, high-speed Internet access is gen- demic health center or the medical school,” children; erally not available in greater Minnesota. Yudof added. He said the university would • Out-of-home care, including foster care, Department officials talked about introduc- oppose money coming off the university’s emergency shelters, group homes, and ing wireless services to rural areas, a technol- budget request and going towards a stadium. residential treatment facilities for almost ogy that could possibly skip the cable modem The stadium issue was the highlight of a 19,000 children; and step, going from phone lines to no lines. one-hour informational meeting that focused • Mental health services for 3,300 persons in “Wireless may be a good solution for less on accomplishments and needs at the communities and 600 in state facilities. populated areas,” said Jack Reis, Commerce university’s four campuses (Crookston, Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester), chair of Department project manager. Duluth, Morris and the Twin Cities). Univer- the committee, called the array of services State officials favor wireless and cable solu- sity representatives are expected to present a “mind-boggling.” tions because the industries are not regulated. formal budget request of more than $200 mil- Among the areas that fall within the domain “There are some things at the state level we lion later this month. of the department is long-term care. can do to encourage wireless competitions,” On the positive, Yudof said that 2000 was a The agency plans to release a report on said Anthony Mendoza, telecommunications record year for sponsored research when more Jan. 18 about long-term care in Minnesota. division deputy for the department. than $455 million in grants were received, a The results of that report will be on the agenda This year’s budget recommendation has not 25 percent increase from 1999. He further for the committee this session. yet been released, but Mendoza said the num- noted that faculty requests for research fund- O’Keefe said the department is successful bers will be lower than the previous request. ing totaled $1.18 billion, the first time that not only because it has a dedicated work force, Wolf said he and the chair for the correspond- mark has topped $1 billion. Expenses also but also because it makes use of an array of ing committee in the Senate have been work- reached a record-high of $376 million. technology. He said the current challenge fac- ing together since last session on finding ways The problem, he said, is that the depart- ing the agency is that its technological systems to expand the revenue base. ments need to grow to keep those numbers are often incompatible. Bernstein said the Legislature will soon have growing. For example, he would like to see an To effectively deal with its goal of moving Session Weekly 9 to reach a conclusion regarding the next step Apologies offered for mix-up At a Jan. 11 hearing, members of the House in telecommunications for Minnesota. During the summer of 2000, tens of thou- Taxes Committee expressed concern that one “There’s no question about it — it’s going sands of Minnesotans received rebate checks side of that three-way arrangement turned out to be part of the future.” from the state. But errors made by the Depart- to be larger than the rest. ment of Revenue meant that checks were sent The governor used his portion of the sur- TAXES to many who were not eligible. plus to fund a reduction in the state’s motor Department of Revenue Commissioner vehicle license registration fees and, ultimately, Taxing Internet purchases Matt Smith told the House Taxes Committee to help fund a high speed busway linking Minnesota will lose an estimated $219 mil- Jan. 11 that his department takes full respon- downtown St. Paul and the Minneapolis-St. lion in sales tax revenues in 2003 because of sibility for the mistakes that were made and Paul International Airport. sales made over the Internet, the House Taxes decisions that were made afterward to rectify But confusion caused by the way the law was Committee was told in a Jan. 9 hearing. the problems. written meant that the cost of reducing license In a presentation made by the non- Smith said more than 33,000 Minnesotans registration fees was more than expected. partisan House Research Department, com- who were not eligible for the 2000 sales tax The effective date of the law change was July mittee members were told that the growth of rebate received checks totaling more than $2.9 1, 2000. However, existing state law allows sales over the Internet is causing a number of million. Of that amount, more than $1 mil- drivers a 10-day grace period into the follow- sales tax related issues as Minnesota and other lion is yet to be recollected. ing month to display their new tabs. The de- states attempt to grapple with that growing In order for the rebate to be automatic so partment sends out renewal notices six weeks component of the economy. taxpayers would not have to file additional before the expiration date. Because of precedents established in several forms in order to qualify, the department used The confusing and overlapping dates led to court cases, the state currently cannot require information provided by the United States a class action lawsuit filed against Department businesses to collect sales tax unless the business Social Security Administration. Smith said of Public Safety Commissioner Charlie Weaver has a physical presence in the state. Thus, a re- that some of the records received did not in- last summer as those with tabs that expire in tailer with a store in Minnesota charges 6.5 per- clude the person’s date of birth. He said the June thought they should also be eligible for cent more on the same product than an online department then used outside sources in an the reduced rates. store with no physical presence in the state. attempt to determine which of those people The state decided to settle the suit, agreeing Rep. Dan McElroy (R-Burnsville) pointed should be sent a check. to send out 124,000 refunds to drivers at a cost to a recent personal shopping experience that That led to a programming error within the of $11.7 million. Rep. Ron Abrams (R- showed there are inconsistencies regarding department that resulted in more than 22,000 Minnetonka), chair of the committee, said what sales tax certain businesses are collect- minors receiving a rebate check they were not because of the situation, the arrangement ing from their customers. entitled to. The department also erred in send- reached last session now means that the deal McElroy purchased a computer for his busi- ing out checks to children whose parents have is now “One-third, one-third, one-third plus ness and was charged sales tax on the item, died or are disabled and to people whose $11.7 million.” but a personal computer for his home use spouse died that otherwise would have been Department of Revenue Commissioner purchased from the same out-of-state online eligible for the rebate. Matt Smith said that an opinion issued by the company was not charged sales tax. Smith said the department then decided to state Attorney General Mike Hatch indicated There have been several national attempts send out letters to those who had received re- that although the intent of the law was clear, to address the issue. bates in error. the language of the law was not, lending cre- In 1998 Congress passed the Internet Tax “We felt we had little choice,” Smith said. dence to the belief that the state could not Freedom Act that imposed a three-year mora- “The law is very clear about eligibility require- prevail in court. torium on new Internet taxation. As part of ments.” Abrams was critical of the decision to settle the act, Congress established an Advisory Rep. Ron Abrams (R-Minnetonka), com- the lawsuit without seeking another legal Commission on Electronic Commerce to ad- mittee chair, was critical of Smith’s decision opinion. He also said it should be the gover- dress the issues related to Internet taxation. to try and re-collect the money without first nor, and not the Legislature, that should ad- However, the act did not include a morato- consulting with lawmakers to determine the dress the resulting hole caused in the Highway rium on taxing Internet sales as has widely best way to deal with the situation. User Tax Distribution Fund caused by the been reported, only on taxing sales to Internet Abrams said there now is no good solution settlement. (Money from that fund was used access. This has led to a number of problems to the problem of the 11,000 minors who, to pay for the settlement.) as Internet providers, cable, satellite, and tele- through no fault of their own, will find out Smith said the governor’s proposed budget phone companies merge their services. when they get a job or apply for a future re- this session will likely include $11.7 million Jennifer Engh, an assistant commissioner bate or refund that they owe the state money. to cover the settlement’s costs. with the Department of Revenue, said that the “In retrospect it was a big mistake and I’d Abrams said the unanticipated additional department is working on the issue. Recently, like to offer a public apology,” Smith said. cost was another reason that the one-third, the department has received a number of in- one-third, one-third arrangement did not es- quiries about what taxes are to be collected tablish a good precedent for future sessions. when a buyer purchases an integrated pack- A tab tax tussle “This was a mistake brought about by a age that includes Internet access bundled with Last spring the Legislature broke a deadlock unilateral legislature,” he said. cable and telephone services. by agreeing to an arrangement between the House, the Senate, and the governor to divide Rep. Ron Abrams (R-Minnetonka), com- Highlights continued on page 23 mittee chair, said the issues involved will be the $525 million state surplus three ways — among many the committee will hold further thus allowing each side to determine how to hearings on this session. use one-third of the money.

10 January 12, 2001 T ISSUE: EDUCATION A

Rep. (DFL-St. Paul) said he doesn’t blame the department for an evalua- Testing fairness tion he says is inadequate and misleading. Student accountability assessments for Title I draw “(The MCAs are) pretty close to useless as a measure for most districts because of turn- criticism from House members over rates in different classes,” he said. “The Federal government has put CFL in a box, and BY THERESA STAHL made them come up with tests.” egislators questioned officials from the Some school officials who testified before state Department of Children, Families the committee reported they use several meth- Land Learning (CFL) and school adminis- ods of testing in addition to the MCAs to trators about assessing students and schools evaluate their students. during the Jan. 9 and 11 meetings of the “Our use of the MCA state accountability Education Policy Committee. system is limited,” said David Heistad, direc- Some representatives were skeptical of the tor of Research, Evaluation and Assessment at methods by which students were evaluated. Minneapolis Public Schools. It indicates “I’m concerned that we only rely on a test progress, he said, but he leans more on an- and not other methods,” said Rep. Mindy other test. Greiling (DFL-Roseville). Margo Baines, from the Office of Account- The tests, the Minnesota Comprehensive ability at St. Paul Public Schools, said they look Assessments (MCAs), are being used to meet at several indicators of progress, including the accountability requirements under Title I, a MCAs as well as other tests and additional fac- federally funded program that provides addi- tors such as attendance. tional funds to schools with children who need “We know that MCAs only test to a bench- assistance in meeting reading and math mark rate,” she said, then pointed out a posi- standards. tive result of the test. “We have noticed The assessments currently test only third- through the tests that many students have and fifth-grade students, and legislators won- made progress, especially those students of dered if the tests are providing accurate in- color and at poverty levels.” formation of students’ progress. Baines confidently praised her school

“It seems to me we’re dealing with flawed PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK district’s testing methods. system standards,” said Rep. Sondra Erickson Mark Davison, with the Office of Educational “We believe our accountability system is (R-Princeton). “If you really look at it, MCAs Accountability at the University of Minnesota, working,” she said. are not measuring achievement. This is un- testifies at the House Education Policy Committee Baines said St. Paul schools look at one stu- fair to children of Minnesota and unfair to Jan. 11 during a discussion regarding Title I and dent at a time, and some schools ask to test accountability. teachers.” first-grade students. Comparatively, Heistad said that Minneapolis schools use tests to “I have serious questions about the pro- tion gathered from different testing methods. evaluate kindergartners. gram,” said Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake). Marianne Johnson of the Children, “The tests give a background of students for “We should be looking at what happened in Families and Learning Department defended parents who want to know specifics of how first and second grade just to see if (the test the use of the test. results are) accurate or could be more refined.” “We’re looking to evaluate a school pro- their child is doing,” Baines said. Alice Seagren (R-Bloomington) said she’s Dr. Mark Davison, from the Office of Edu- gram, not students’ progress through the heard it’s hard to test students so young, but cation Accountability at the University of Min- years,” she said. Heistad said it is necessary to assess students nesota, recommended testing students from Jessie Mantano, assistant commissioner at to determine areas of strength and weakness. one year to the next using two forms of a test, the department, said the federal education one of which includes “anchor items” that are department, which requires the test, isn’t dic- “We use a test appropriate to abilities,” Heistad said. “This provides valuable informa- of the same level of difficulty. tating to the state. tion towards progress of standards.” “A system should have multiple indicators” “They say we must use standards, but not of students’ achievement, Davison said. Tests, which,” Mantano said. “We have set the score he said, should provide a step-by-step look at at a reasonable level. The MCAs are designed student performance and progress instead of to measure standards that correspond to cer- an overall assessment that combines informa- tain skills.”

Session Weekly 11 ROCESS P

Rule 6.02 reads, in part: History repeats itself If the minority leader submits to the Speaker- designate, at least 15 days before the start of Dispute over speaker’s committee assignments mirrors the session, a list of proposed committee as- signments for the minority caucus that com- similar disagreements from the Houses past plies with the numbers and guidelines provided, the Speaker must make the pro- posed assignments with the purpose of at- BY JONAS M. WALKER members’ requested assignments with “the pur- taining proportionate representation on the his legislative session was off to a rocky pose of attaining proportionate representation committees for the minority caucus. start Jan. 3, as uncommonly apparent on the committees for the minority caucus.” Tbickering intruded upon the normally History shows that House speakers have A committee of the House must not have ex- routine process of appointing members to tended to honor the committee preferences of clusive membership from one profession, oc- cupation or vocation. committees. minority members while making only a hand- However, it’s not the first time the caucuses ful of modifications. However, current minor- have clashed over committee assignments. A ity leaders have said Speaker Sviggum made to tie the hands of the speaker. (Before the similar situation faced the body nearly more than 60 such changes. 1995 proposed rule change), there never had 20 years ago. Rep. Kevin Goodno (R-Moorhead), who as- been any abuse” of the speaker’s discretion- House rules endow the speaker with the re- sisted Sviggum in making committee assign- ary authority, she said. sponsibility of “attaining proportionate rep- ments, argued against Folliard’s point of order, As to the Republican claim that gender and resentation on the committees for the noting that his caucus had weighed a number geographic considerations should come into minority members.” of factors. play, Kahn said that “proportionality should However, DFL House members are charging Among those factors, Goodno said, were only be interpreted in terms of (caucus mem- that House Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon) geographic and ideological representation, as bership).” Asked to comment on the assign- violated both the letter and spirit of that rule in well as gender balance. Previous speakers had ments themselves, Kahn said simply, “It makes making committee assignments for the 2001- used the same factors in their committee as- no sense.” 2002 biennium. signments, Goodno said. This year’s wrangling bears significant simi- The issue first larity to past sessions. In 1983, for example, made itself apparent DFL House Speaker Harry Sieben considered on opening day more than just a member’s party affiliation Jan. 3 with com- when making appointments. ments prior to the According to a 1985 University of Minne- opening session by sota report, Sieben said “that the understand- House Minority ing between the parties was that minority Leader requests would be taken into consideration (DFL-South St. Paul) along with geographical and philosophical but reappeared Jan. 8 balance among other things.” He only changed on the House floor. a few minority assignments, the report said. Shortly after the Two years later, Republicans took control conclusion of the of the House and elected David Jennings as opening prayer, Rep. speaker. He changed 23 of the 193 minority Betty Folliard (DFL- requests, something which, according to the Hopkins) rose to a PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK U of M report, “caused much grumbling in point of order to House members 2001-2002 assignments to various committees, such as the the DFL camp because of the number of protest the assign- House Education Policy Committee pictured here, caused controversy on the changes in minority recommendations.” He ment of a bill to the House floor Jan. 8. later allowed a minority leader to protest, al- K-12 Education Finance Committee. She Back in 1995, Republican members of the beit unsuccesfully. asserted that the bill could not be considered House proposed a rule change that would have Like Sviggum this year, Jennings argued that as legitimate because that committee had not required the speaker to honor the minority’s committee assignments balanced members’ been properly introduced in accordance with committee preferences, said House Majority views and backgrounds. However, the 1985 study House Rules. Leader (R-Eagan) during the showed that DFLers were generally moved to In particular, Folliard argued that Sviggum exchange. However, the then-DFL majority less-requested committees. Fiscally conservative violated Rule 6.02, which provides the speaker voted down the change, he said. DFLers were moved to committees on which with the authority to assign members to com- Rep. (DFL-Mpls) still stands Republicans “needed more votes,” in the words mittees. The rule allows the speaker to balance by her opposition to that plan. “You don’t want Continued on page 27

12 January 12, 2001 EOPLE P

nication between leadership and members but also from members to leadership. He said that Majority Whip in the past some members have felt they were not involved enough in the decision making Goal of new House position is better communication process within the caucus and that the new within the Republican caucus positions will spread out responsibility and allow for more input. BY DAVID MAEDA The DFL caucus has not announced plans he lawmaking process is full of colorful terms. To the uninitiated, some- for a comparable position. what cryptic words and phrases like “engrossed,” “lay on the table,” and Traditionally in the House, the caucuses have appointed a majority leader, a minority T“germane” sound strange as they are thrown about the chamber through- leader, and assistant majority and minority out the session. Now for the first time in recent memory, the term “whip” leaders. One exception to this was in 1979 will be used in the House. when the House was split evenly with 67 Re- publican and 67 DFL members. In December, Republican members ap- Seifert will be assisted by six assistant ma- That year a compromise between the two proved the appointment of Rep. jority whips, Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka), Rep. parties was reached, and Rep. (R- (R-Marshall) as the majority whip. Lynda Boudreau (R-Faribault), Rep. Mark Waseca) was named Speaker of the House. The newly created position will assist Buesgens (R-Jordan), Rep. Bob Gunther (R- Rep. (DFL-Int’l Falls) was Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty (R-Eagan) in Fairmont), Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R- named as DFL House Leader, Rep. Harry floor debate, motions, and parliamentary pro- Lakeville), and Rep. Doug Stang (R- Sieben Jr. (DFL-Hastings) was named House cedures. Seifert will also help coordinate floor Cold Spring). Floor Leader, and Rep. Gerald Knickerbocker activity including amendments, speeches, the In government terms “whip” was first used (R-Minnetonka) was named Independent order of speakers, and defending caucus poli- in the English Parliament. The term comes Republican Caucus Leader. cies. The whip also is responsible for deter- from the sport of fox hunting where the This year Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R- mining if enough votes are present on priority “whipper-in” is the person responsible for Lakeville), Rep. Tony Kielkucki (R-Lester bills. keeping the hounds together and working as Prairie), Rep. William Kuisle (R-Rochester), “It was a reaching out by leadership to the a team. Thus, legislatively, the position tradi- and Rep. Carol Molnau (R-Chaska) are the as- caucus for better communication,” Seifert said. tionally has been the member or members re- sistant majority leaders. Minority Leader Tom He said with the slimming majority, the sponsible for keeping others in the same party Pugh (DFL-South St. Paul) has four assistant leadership of the party thought the new posi- together in voting on specific key issues as well minority leaders—Rep. Matt Entenza (DFL- tion would help provide better organization as other coordinating duties. St. Paul), Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar), Rep. within the caucus. House Speaker Steve Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-Mpls), and Sviggum (R-Kenyon) Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba (DFL-Long Prairie). said that he agreed to The position of whip has been used more the idea of creating the frequently in the Senate. This session the Sen- new position, an idea ate DFL has six whips — Sen. Linda Higgins that initially came from (DFL-Mpls), Sen. David H. Johnson Pawlenty. He said the (DFL-Bloomington), Sen. Steve Kelley six assistant whips will (DFL-Hopkins), Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL- be responsible for Red Wing), Sen. David L. Tomassoni meeting with 10 caucus (DFL-Chisholm), and Sen. Deanna L. Wiener members individually (DFL-Eagan). for at least 15 minutes each week. “It will create a better informed major- ity and a majority that feels more ownership If you have Internet access, visit the to the final product,” Legislature’s web page at: Sviggum said. http://www.leg.state.mn.us He said not only PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID Majority Whip Marty Seifert talks with Rep. Ken Wolf and Rep. Elaine Harder will the new structure during the Jan. 8 House floor session. lead to better commu-

Session Weekly 13 EOPLE P

extremely important issues. “From talking to the state agency people Time to shine they tell me that the people on welfare are re- Once-shy Jacobson steps out, hoping to shape policy and ally the ones that need to be there,” he said. He said that while that is good, it also raises reform the tax system issues of how best to take care of those who most need the help. BY DAVID MAEDA Once he decided to run, the most difficult Jacobson said his personality and work Rep. Carl Jacobson (R-Vadnais Heights) part was getting out and knocking on doors background will help shape the type of legis- began his career as an accountant working for — something that again challenged his shy lator he is likely to be. a corporation — a factory in Iowa that made nature. “I’m more likely to sit back and help shape filing cabinets. “It was something I was not looking forward how things are going rather than come in with Quiet and introverted to but ended up enjoying the most,” he said. my own long agenda,” he said. by nature, Jacobson said Jacobson said his accounting background He learned a lot while campaigning — from that corporate account- will lend itself well as he serves as a member talking to people and his own self-reflection. ing appealed to him be- of the House Taxes Committee, and House And he had plenty of help along the way as cause it focused on Sales Tax Division. his wife helped door knock and another working with numbers and didn’t require a lot of direct contact with “I’m more likely to sit back and help shape how things are Rep. Carl Jacobson others. going rather than come in with my own long agenda.” But he eventually switched over to public —Rep. Carl Jacobson accounting precisely because it required talk- ing with people and that was what he ended up finding most enjoyable about his work. As a member of the Minnesota Society of As a CPA, he worked with a broad spectrum family member, the couple’s dog Rocky, was a Certified Public Accountants, Jacobson came of clients — from large and small corpora- star in the parades they attended. to the Capitol on a day last year for MnCPA tions, to single person businesses. He said that “We learned Rocky is highly intuitive,” Lobby Day. He met with his representative, wide range of experience gives him a broader Jacobson said. “He would go right up to the former Rep. Sherry Broecker, who mentioned perspective on various tax issues. children. He was a big hit.” to him that she was considering not running In addition to reducing the tax rates in the for another term. state, Jacobson thinks the system itself needs He had previously worked with Broecker to be simplified. DISTRICT 53B and former state Sen. Linda Runbeck (R-Circle He supports reform with two specific goals. Pines) when he served as the party treasurer The first is decreasing the number of people to his House district. Both encouraged him to required to file. And the ultimate goal would 1998 population (estimate): 37,307 run for Broecker’s open seat. be to reduce the form for those who do file to Largest city: Vadnais Heights County: Ramsey “It’s something I always wanted to do but a postcard size. always thought that I would do later on,” Jacobson had the privilege of being the au- Location: Northern suburbs of St. Paul Jacobson said. “I’ve always believed we need thor of this session’s first bill (HF1), a bill that Top concern: “Our (tax) system is good people with common sense, which is would reduce the income tax rates for a third better than some but I think we could sometimes lacking.” consecutive year. do better. Not only reducing rates but simplifying the system.” Born in Hibbing and schooled at Minne- Along with his interest in taxes, Jacobson sota State University, Mankato, Jacobson has will also serve on the House Health & Human — Rep. Carl Jacobson spent most of his life in Minnesota. He worked Services Policy Committee. Although it is an for awhile in Iowa as his wife, Joyce, completed area he doesn’t have a lot of experience in, he her post-graduate education in chemistry. thinks the committee will deal with some

14 January 12, 2001 EOPLE P

high-tech investment in northeastern Minnesota. A new generation He would also like to develop a plan that Sertich relies on his youth and perspective to bring new would gather a list of skilled workers who would pledge to return to the Iron Range if prosperity and opportunity to the Iron Range employers will provide desirable jobs. “It worked in Georgia,” Sertich said. Such a BY JONAS M. WALKER of us came down to the Twin Cities for col- plan has never been applied on a regional level, Barely moved into his new office, freshman lege and would like to return to the region, he said, but he’s interested in exploring Rep. Anthony “Tony” Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) but can’t.” whether the idea could work in Minnesota. mused early this month on being one of the Sertich said he plans to follow the tradition As to the matter of trade, Sertich sketches youngest representatives of other Iron Rangers at the Capitol and try himself as a “fair-trade” moderate. Having ever elected to the Min- to find ways to provide some of the state’s seen firsthand some negative localized effects nesota Legislature. wealth to his marginalized constituents. of global trade, he describes himself as “pas- “It’s pretty neat,” said the “The state’s had an economic boom in the sionately” committed to the unique problems 25-year-old. “It’s getting a last few years, but we really haven’t felt it up pressing his district. new generation, some there,” he said. Ultimately, Sertich sees himself teaching in new blood into public policy discussion.” Sertich takes over the “If you don’t bring jobs, people are going to leave. Rep. Tony Sertich District 5B seat vacated Many of us came down to the Twin Cities for college and by , who moved on to the would like to return to the region, but can’t.” Senate. —Rep. Tony Sertich Though he is new to the Legislature, Sertich is no stranger to the DFL caucus at the Capi- tol, having worked on the staff of former state However, Sertich anticipates that accom- some capacity. Both his parents work in edu- Sen. . Sertich’s first exposure to plishing this goal will be no easy task. One cation, and he considers the edification of the the world of politics came while interning with obstacle, he said, is convincing the majority masses to be among the most noble of endeav- Janezich, whom Sertich now credits as a men- of state residents that parts of Greater ors in a democratic society. tor and benefactor. Minnesota are suffering. Until then, Sertich will draw on his previ- “He was thoughtful,” Sertich says of “It’s kind of hard to convince the rest of the ous experience in the Legislature to give him Janezich. “He took the time to listen, no mat- state when they see low unemployment” and a bit of a head start as a first-time representa- ter the issue.” other positive economic conditions, he said. tive. “I know where my desk is,” he said. “I While learning the art of politics, Sertich The Iron Range has suffered some economic don’t have to run around asking how to do never broke contact with another passion, the decline in recent years. Sertich said he hopes this, or who to talk to about finding that out.” politics of art. A longtime thespian, Sertich to address the trends that have become char- credits Laurel and Hardy among his original acteristic to the region: a declining school en- theatrical inspirations. rollment, the relative scarcity of high-paying Today, film actor Kevin Spacey can count new jobs, and the inability of native college Sertich among his most loyal fans. As for the graduates to return. DISTRICT 5B stage, Sertich favors the likes of Shakespeare, To that end, Sertich is pleased with his ap- mentioning “The Merchant of Venice” as his pointment to the House Commerce, Jobs, & 1998 population (estimate): 31,445 favorite piece. Economic Development Policy Committee. Largest city: Hibbing “It has everything,” he said. “Love, politics, Sertich hopes to both steer public resources County: St. Louis religion, money.” toward his district and use his position to Location: Northeastern Minnesota Hailing from the same town as Tomassoni lobby the private sector on the strengths of Iron Range Top concern: “I am hoping to find a voice and Janezich, Sertich spoke knowingly of the the area, which he listed as “tourism, taconite, for our generation; to put a new face on politics of that DFL stronghold. timber,” before adding “technology” to that public service. If you don’t bring jobs, “If you don’t bring jobs, people are going list. In that particular sector, Sertich’s youth people are going to leave.” to leave,” he said. Sertich explained the diffi- may be a distinct advantage. Given his — Rep. Tony Sertich cult position many of his Generation-X Iron generation’s comfort with computing, he said, Range companions find themselves in. “Many he looks forward to making a strong case for

Session Weekly 15 EOPLE P

In addition to education, top concerns of Slawik’s constituents are prescription drug Close enough to count costs and long-term care issues — issues she Slawik returns to Legislature, still favoring issues also hopes to address. “I see myself as a true public servant,” she of education and health care after two-year absence said. “I’d like to serve my constituents well.” However, she pointed out that legislators “have BY MARY KAY WATSON The key issue for Slawik is education, spe- hundreds of things on our plate and only a In an election year dominated by a conten- cifically early childhood issues. Solving the few we can bring back.” tious presidential recount, Rep. Nora Slawik problems of overcrowded classrooms, too few Like many other areas throughout the state, (DFL-Maplewood) understands firsthand the teachers, and outmoded buildings are a top a property tax cut is another high priority for stresses that a recount priority for her tenure, she says. constituents of District 57A, the fastest grow- imposes upon the In addition, Slawik said she believes that ing district in the state. Along with this rapid candidates. increasing funding to reduce class sizes will growth have come climbing property values A veteran of close elec- lead to children learning better. “Education is and subsequent tax increases that present a tions, Slawik saw two of the beginning of everything,” she said. “If you problem for both seniors and young families. her three runs for the educate children well, you will have the edu- Slawik said she hopes the Legislature will Legislature capped by cated work force Minnesota needs.” strike a balance in dealing with the surplus recounts — both against Republican attorney Jim Rep. Nora Slawik Seifert of Woodbury. “I see myself as a true public servant. I’d like to serve After winning her first bid for election in my constituents well.” District 57A in 1996, Slawik lost to Seifert by —Rep. Nora Slawik 298 votes in 1998. Last November, when more than 22,000 ballots were cast, she won by 79 votes after a recount. Slawik, 38, said she feels qualified to voice with a combination of tax cuts and rebates. It was like living through election night all the needs of young families in the Legislature. Redistricting will undoubtedly have a pro- over again during the three days of the recount She and her husband, Brien, have a fourth– found effect on the political makeup of and the weeks that preceded it, she said. grade son, Sean, and a daughter, Victoria, in Slawik’s district. Already the most populated “It confirmed that we have a really good preschool. Victoria was born during Slawik’s district in the state, District 57A has grown process in Minnesota,” Slawik said. “I am first legislative tenure in 1997. especially rapidly in swing areas, such as thrilled and humbled at the same time.” Born and raised in Tucson, Ariz., Slawik was Woodbury, which tends to vote Republican. As a freshman legislator and member of the selected for a training program for the United “We have to lose 11,000 people in redistrict- majority party during the 1997-98 session, Way of America after graduating from Arizona ing,” she said. Slawik served as vice-chair of the Health & State University. She worked in Texas and Slawik said she refuses to dwell on the po- Human Services Committee. At that time, her Colorado, then moved to Minnesota to work tential vulnerability of her seat when redis- interest in education and early childhood is- as a campaign manager for the United Way of tricting is complete. “Right now I’m here to sues led her to sponsor a bill that would have the Saint Paul Area. serve my constituents,” she said. created an endowment fund for early child- Eventually she formed her own consulting hood education. business, which provides services to non- That bill died in conference committee, profit organizations in fund raising and re- DISTRICT 57A though it brought the importance of early source development. childhood issues to the forefront, she said. Slawik has also been active in her commu- 1998 population (estimate): 49,822 After a two-year hiatus from the Legislature, nity in roles as varied as president of the Largest city: Woodbury and with the hard work of campaigning be- Woodbury-Cottage Grove League of Women Counties: Ramsey, Washington hind her, Slawik says of losing and coming Voters, founding board member of the South- Location: east and south of St. Paul back that she has a “new appreciation for all east Area YMCA, and volunteer coordinator Top concern: “When it comes to educa- of it.” for the Ramsey County book drive. tion, you can pay now and invest in kids, The issues important to her remain the She also has family roots in Minnesota. Her or you can pay later in higher crime rates same as before: education, health care, and tax grandfather published a newspaper in Benson, and associated costs.” reform. She is serving on the House Health & Minn., and served on the Democratic National — Rep. Nora Slawik Human Services Policy and Family & Early Committee. Her husband Brien’s family, also Childhood Education Finance committees. from Minnesota, developed the Har Mar Mall in Roseville.

16 January 12, 2001 ESOURCES R Committee Information 2001 Minnesota House of Representatives Agriculture Policy Kahn-DFL Murphy-DFL Staff Leppik-R Osthoff-DFL Committee Administrator 517 State Office Building ...... 296-9918 Lipman-R Rhodes-R Brian McDaniel ...... 296-4283 Meets: Wed., 12:30 p.m. in Room 10* Luther-DFL Solberg-DFL Committee Legislative Assistant Members: 18 Mariani-DFL Tingelstad-R Cristina Wohlford ...... 297-8139 Chair: Finseth-R Molnau-R Economic Development & Vice Chair: Westrom-R Staff Lead Democrat: Wenzel-DFL Committee Administrator Tourism Division 417 State Office Building ...... 296-7806 Cassell-R Otremba-DFL Matthew J. Hughes...... 296-2585 Dorman-R Penas-R Committee Legislative Assistant Meets: to be announced * Barbara Thomas ...... 296-7191 Harder-R Peterson-DFL Members: 10 Johnson, R.-DFL Rifenberg-R Chair: Lindner-R Juhnke-DFL Schumacher-DFL Civil Law Vice Chair: Walz-R Kubly-DFL Skoe-DFL 503 State Office Building ...... 296-9188 Lead Democrat: Mullery-DFL Ness-R Swenson-R Meets: Mon., Wed., 10:15 a.m. in Room 10* Osskopp-R Davids-R Gunther-R Mahoney-DFL Members: 12 Staff Ruth-R Chair: Smith-R Hackbarth-R Committee Administrator Larson-DFL Sertich-DFL Brad Biers...... 296-4172 Vice Chair: Holberg-R Committee Legislative Assistant Lead Democrat: Luther-DFL Staff Rebecca Lowden ...... 296-4230 Boudreau-R Murphy-DFL Committee Administrator Clark, J.-R Skoglund-DFL Erik Aamoth ...... 296-3108 Agriculture & Rural Lindner-R Stanek-R Committee Legislative Assistant Lipman-R Swapinski-DFL Kelly J. Tungland...... 296-5355 Development Finance Mahoney-DFL 509 State Office Building ...... 296-4344 Staff Crime Prevention Meets: Tues., Thurs., 12:30 p.m. in Room 10* Committee Administrator 533 State Office Building ...... 296-4229 Dennis Virden ...... 296-6860 Members: 10 Meets: Tues., Thurs., 10:15 a.m. in Room B* Chair: Ness-R Committee Legislative Assistant Scott Wiggins ...... 296-5356 Members: 18 Vice Chair: Swenson-R Chair: Tuma-R Lead Democrat: Peterson-DFL Commerce, Jobs, & Economic Vice Chair: Penas-R Dorman-R Kubly-DFL Lead Democrat: Skoglund-DFL Wenzel-DFL Finseth-R Development Policy Bishop-R Paymar-DFL Harder-R Westrom-R 549 State Office Building ...... 296-9278 Fuller-R Smith-R Johnson, R.-DFL Bishop-R** Meets: Tues., Thurs., 12:30 p.m. in Room Gunther-R Stanek-R Staff 200*; Wed., 12:30 p.m. in Room B* Hilstrom-DFL Swapinski-DFL Committee Administrator Johnson, S.-DFL Sykora-R Members: 27 Craig Clark ...... 296-1540 McGuire-DFL Walz-R Chair: Davids-R Committee Legislative Assistant Murphy-DFL Wenzel-DFL Vice Chair: Stang-R David Easterday ...... 296-9463 Olson-R Lead Democrat: Rukavina-DFL Staff Capital Investment Bakk-DFL Lindner-R Committee Administrator Bradley-R Mahoney-DFL 451 State Office Building ...... 296-6316 Charles Noerenberg ...... 296-5533 Clark, K.-DFL Marquart-DFL Committee Legislative Assistant Meets: Tues., Thurs., 12:30 p.m. in Room 5* Entenza-DFL McElroy-R Denise Berger...... 296-8857 Members: 22 Erhardt-R Mullery-DFL Chair: Knoblach-R Gerlach-R Opatz-DFL Vice Chair: Fuller-R Gunther-R Paymar-DFL Lead Democrat: Kalis-DFL Haas-R Ruth-R Hackbarth-R Sertich-DFL Bishop-R Evans-DFL Johnson, J.-R Sykora-R Clark, J.-R Greiling-DFL Larson-DFL Walz-R Daggett-R Holsten-R Leighton-DFL Westerberg-R Dempsey-R Jaros-DFL Session Weekly 17 Assignments as of 1/10/01 *Rooms in State Office Building B=Basement Hearing Room **-Non-voting member Education Policy Environment & Natural Governmental Operations 401 State Office Building ...... 296-5363 Resources Policy & Veterans Affairs Policy Meets: Tues., Thurs., 8:15 a.m. in Room 200* 479 State Office Building ...... 296-4306 409 State Office Building ...... 296-9889 Members: 32 Meets: Tues., Thurs., 10:15 a.m. in Room 10* Meets: Mon., Wed., Fri., 8:15 a.m. in Room B* Chair: Mares-R Members: 22 Members: 20 Vice Chair: Olson-R Chair: Ozment-R Chair: Rhodes-R Lead Democrat: Dorn-DFL Vice Chair: Tingelstad-R Vice Chair: Osskopp-R Anderson, B.-R Leppik-R Lead Democrat: Wagenius-DFL Lead Democrat: Jaros-DFL Biernat-DFL Mariani-DFL Bakk-DFL Kelliher-DFL Anderson, B.-R Kielkucki-R Buesgens-R Marquart-DFL Cassell-R Nornes-R Biernat-DFL Krinkie-R Carlson-DFL McGuire-DFL Finseth-R Osthoff-DFL Dehler-R Kubly-DFL Cassell-R Ness-R Hass-R Peterson-DFL Dibble-DFL Lipman-R Davnie-DFL Opatz-DFL Hackbarth-R Skoe-DFL Eastlund-R Mares-R Dehler-R Pelowski, Jr.-DFL Hausman-DFL Swenson-R Erickson-R Seifert-DFL Eastlund-R Penas-R Holsten-R Vandeveer-R Evans-DFL Solberg-DFL Entenza-DFL Seagren-R Howes-R Wasiluk-DFL Gleason-DFL Thompson-DFL Erickson-R Schumacher-DFL Jennings-DFL Workman-R Hilty-DFL Goodwin-DFL Seifert-R Johnson, R.-DFL Gray-DFL Skoe-DFL Staff Greiling-DFL Sykora-R Staff Committee Administrator Johnson, J.-R Wolf-R Committee Administrator Laurie Esau ...... 296-4112 Kielkucki-R Marilyn Brick ...... 296-8893 Committee Legislative Assistant Committee Legislative Assistant Lisa Frenette ...... 296-9194 Staff Mary Lee Telega ...... 296-5994 Committee Administrator Rebecca J. Pryse ...... 296-9469 Health & Committee Legislative Assistant Ethics Human Services Finance Rory Koch ...... 296-5394 439 State Office Building ...... 296-4293 563 State Office Building ...... 296-5515 Meets: Call of the Chair Meets: Mon., Wed., Fri., 8:15 a.m. in Room 10* Environment & Natural Members: 6 Members: 10 Chair: Daggett-R Resources Finance Chair: Goodno-R Vice Chair: Milbert-DFL 381 State Office Building ...... 296-3018 Vice Chair: Mulder-R Meets: Mon., Wed., Fri., 10:15 a.m. in Room 10* Davids-R †Kubly-DFL Lead Democrat: Huntley-DFL Murphy-DFL †Rhodes-R Members: 14 Abeler-R Koskinen-DFL †-Alternate Chair: Holsten-R Boudreau-R Otremba-DFL Vice Chair: Hackbarth-R Bradley-R Wilkin-R Lead Democrat: Osthoff-DFL Family & Early Childhood Folliard-DFL Bishop-R** Bakk-DFL Swenson-R Education Finance Staff Finseth-R Tingelstad-R 403 State Office Building ...... 296-4315 Committee Administrator Howes-R Wagenius-DFL Christine Eilertson ...... 296-5065 Meets: Mon., Wed., 12:30 p.m. in Room 5* Jennings-DFL Wasiluk-DFL Committee Legislative Assistant Kelliher-DFL Workman-R Members: 10 Holly Iverson Hayden ...... 296-4295 Ozment-R Bishop-R** Chair: Sykora-R Staff Vice Chair: Nornes-R Health & Committee Administrator Lead Democrat: McGuire-DFL Human Services Policy David Chura ...... 297-5723 Eastlund-R Mulder-R 559 State Office Building ...... 296-9249 Committee Legislative Assistant Gray-DFL Slawik-DFL Kathleen S. Anderson ...... 296-8871 Haas-R Swapinski-DFL Meets: Tues., Thurs., 8:15 a.m. in Room 10* Leppik-R Bishop-R** Members: 16 Staff Chair: Bradley-R Committee Administrator Vice Chair: Boudreau-R Jared Jordal ...... 296-5318 Lead Democrat: Koskinen-DFL Committee Legislative Assistant Michele Timp-Pilon ...... 296-7167 Abeler-R Huntley-DFL Folliard-DFL Jacobson-R Goodno-R Kubly-DFL Haas-R Mulder-R

18 January 12, 2001 Assignments as of 1/10/01 *Rooms in State Office Building B=Basement Hearing Room **-Non-voting member Nornes-R Walker-DFL Skoglund-DFL Tuma-R Redistricting Otremba-DFL Wilkin-R Smith-R 445 State Office Building ...... 296-7449 Slawik-DFL Staff Meets: Call of the Chair Staff Committee Administrator Committee Administrator Jeff Davidman...... To be assigned Members: 12 Heidi M. Holste ...... 296-7185 Committee Legislative Assistant Chair: Paulsen-R Committee Legislative Assistant Dana Gotz ...... 296-4119 Vice Chair: Rifenberg-R Cheryl A. Burke ...... 296-4375 Lead Democrat: Pelowski, Jr.-DFL K-12 Education Finance Abrams-R Luther-DFL Higher Education Finance 477 State Office Building ...... 296-7803 Anderson, I.-DFL Mariani-DFL 485 State Office Building ...... 296-7026 Boudreau-R Seifert-R Meets: Mon., Wed., Fri., 10:15 a.m. in Room 5* Gray-DFL Tingelstad-R Meets: Mon., Wed., Fri., 10:15 a.m. in Members: 19 Knoblach-R Room 300S* Chair: Seagren-R Staff Members: 10 Vice Chair: Kielkucki-R Redistricting Analyst Chair: Leppik-R Lead Democrat: Greiling-DFL Gregg Peppin ...... 296-5508 Vice Chair: Dehler-R Abeler-R Mares-R Committee Legislative Assistant Lead Democrat: Carlson-DFL Biernat-DFL Ness-R Erik Holmstrom ...... 297-8404 Cassell-R Seifert-R Buesgens-R Olson-R Marquart-DFL Stang-R Davnie-DFL Penas-R Regulated Industries Opatz-DFL Tuma-R Dorn-DFL Schumacher-DFL 571 State Office Building ...... 296-5185 Pelowski, Jr.-DFL Bishop-R** Entenza-DFL Skoe-DFL Meets: Mon., 12:30 p.m. in Room 10* Staff Erickson-R Wolf-R Committee Administrator Goodwin-DFL Bishop-R** Members: 18 Bret Walsh ...... 296-4091 Johnson, J.-R Chair: Wolf-R Committee Legislative Assistant Staff Vice Chair: Gerlach-R Sarah Berkowitz...... 296-7168 Committee Administrator Lead Democrat: Jennings-DFL Gregory L. Marcus ...... 296-9468 Davids-R Lieder-DFL Jobs & Economic Committee Legislative Assistant Gleason-DFL Paulsen-R Development Finance Kitty Musty ...... 296-3316 Gunther-R Pelowski, Jr.-DFL Hilty-DFL Rifenberg-R 437 State Office Building ...... 296-4212 Local Government & Holsten-R Stang-R Meets: Mon., Wed., Fri., 8:15 a.m. in Room Johnson, S.-DFL Westrom-R 200* Metropolitan Affairs Kahn-DFL Workman-R 575 State Office Building ...... 296-8635 Members: 10 Kalis-DFL Chair: McElroy-R Meets: Mon., Wed., 12:30 p.m. in Staff Vice Chair: Gunther-R Room 200* Committee Administrator Lead Democrat: Clark, K.-DFL Members: 18 Brian S. Fahey ...... 296-9302 Committee Legislative Assistant Davids-R Paymar-DFL Chair: Dempsey-R Cassandra J. Holmstrom ...... 296-5489 Gerlach-R Sertich-DFL Vice Chair: Howes-R Lindner-R Walz-R Lead Democrat: Marko-DFL Mahoney-DFL Bishop-R** Abrams-R Koskinen-DFL Rules & Legislative Staff Bernardy-DFL Krinkie-R Administration Committee Administrator Buesgens-R Lenczewski-DFL 459 State Office Building ...... 296-4128 Andy Gildea ...... 296-5069 Davnie-DFL Osskopp-R Meets: Call of the Chair Committee Legislative Assistant Dibble-DFL Ozment-R Ann Matuella ...... 296-5999 Folliard-DFL Seagren-R Members: 21 Hilstrom-DFL Vandeveer-R Chair: Pawlenty-R Judiciary Finance Holberg-R Vice Chair: Seifert-R Lead Democrat: Pugh-DFL 543 State Office Building ...... 296-5502 Staff Committee Administrator Abrams-R Molnau-R Meets: Tues., Thurs., 8:15 a.m. in Room B* Blair Tremere ...... 296-5376 Dorn-DFL Olson-R Members: 10 Committee Legislative Assistant Gerlach-R Ozment-R Chair: Stanek-R Clayton J. Helmer ...... 296-5998 Huntley-DFL Paulsen-R Vice Chair: Lipman-R Knoblach-R Peterson-DFL Lead Democrat: Murphy-DFL Mares-R Solberg-DFL Bishop-R Hilstrom-DFL McGuire-DFL Sviggum-R Fuller-R Johnson, S.-DFL Milbert-DFL Tuma-R

Assignments as of 1/10/01 *Rooms in State Office Building B=Basement Hearing Room **-Non-voting member Session Weekly 19 Wagenius-DFL Winter-DFL Property Tax Division Transportation Policy Staff 591 State Office Building ...... 296-4363 537 State Office Building ...... 296-5066 Committee Administrator Meets: 10:15 a.m. in Room 200* Meets: Tues., Thurs., 8:15 a.m. in Room 5* Georgie Hilker ...... 296-4276 Members: 14 Committee Legislative Assistant Members: 18 Chair: Erhardt-R Lesley Hinz ...... 296-9183 Chair: Workman-R Vice Chair: Kuisle-R Vice Chair: Clark, J.-R Lead Democrat: Milbert-DFL State Government Finance Lead Democrat: Hausman-DFL Abrams-R 365 State Office Building ...... 296-2907 McElroy-R Holberg-R Marko-DFL Daggett-R Mullery-DFL Howes-R Molnau-R Meets: Tues., Thurs., 10:15 a.m. in Dempsey-R Rifenberg-R Juhnke-DFL Ruth-R Room 300N*; Fri., 8:15 in Room B* Gleason-DFL Rukavina-DFL Kahn-DFL Vandeveer-R Knoblach-R Members: 12 Winter-DFL Kalis-DFL Westerberg-R Lenczewski-DFL Chair: Krinkie-R Kuisle-R Westrom-R Vice Chair: Anderson, B.-R Staff Larson-DFL Winter-DFL Lead Democrat: Hilty-DFL Committee Administrator Lieder-DFL Dibble-DFL Kielkucki-R Margaret Amundson...... 296-7427 Staff Eastlund-R Mares-R Committee Legislative Assistant Committee Administrator Erickson-R Rhodes-R Adrienne Buske ...... 296-2955 Mary K. Cummins ...... 296-3244 Evans-DFL Thompson-DFL Committee Legislative Assistant Jaros-DFL Bishop-R** Sales Tax Division Rebecca S. Reiners ...... 297-5603 583 State Office Building ...... 296-5373 Staff Committee Administrator Meets: 10:15 a.m. in Room 200* Ways & Means Craig Stone ...... 296-5367 Members: 12 453 State Office Building ...... 296-0573 Committee Legislative Assistant Chair: Harder-R Meets: Call of the Chair Kathy Heimel ...... 296-3367 Vice Chair: Dorman-R Lead Democrat: Dawkins-DFL Members: 29 Chair: Bishop-R Taxes Abrams-R Leighton-DFL Vice Chair: Haas-R 585 State Office Building ...... 296-9934 Anderson, I.-DFL Paulsen-R Lead Democrat: Solberg-DFL Meets: Mon. - Fri. 10:15 a.m. in Room 200* Bernardy-DFL Walker-DFL Daggett-R Wilkin-R Abrams-R Molnau-R Mulder-R Members: 25 Jacobson-R Anderson, I.-DFL Chair: Abrams-R Carlson-DFL Osthoff-DFL Vice Chair: Daggett-R Staff Clark, K.-DFL Otremba-DFL Lead Democrat: Anderson, I.-DFL Committee Administrator Dawkins-DFL Rukavina-DFL Open Dehler-R Seagren-R Bernardy-DFL Leighton-DFL Committee Legislative Assistant Erhardt-R Stanek-R Dawkins-DFL Lenczewski-DFL Shelley Peterson...... 296-3641 Jaros-DFL Stang-R Dempsey-R McElroy-R Kahn-DFL Sviggum-R Dorman-R Milbert-DFL Kalis-DFL Swenson-R Erhardt-R Mullery-DFL Transportation Finance Kelliher-DFL Sykora-R Gleason-DFL Paulsen-R 443 State Office Building ...... 296-8872 Krinkie-R Wenzel-DFL Harder-R Rifenberg-R Meets: Mon., Wed., 8:15 a.m. in Room 5* McElroy-R Wilkin-R Jacobson-R Rukavina-DFL Knoblach-R Walker-DFL Members: 14 Staff Krinkie-R Wilkin-R Chair: Molnau-R Committee Administrator Kuisle-R Winter-DFL Vice Chair: Vandeveer-R Chas Anderson ...... 296-8875 Lead Democrat: Lieder-DFL Staff Committee Legislative Assistant Shirley Koderick ...... 296-4999 Committee Administrator Clark, J.-R Marko-DFL Jason Rohloff ...... 296-8880 Hausman-DFL Ruth-R Committee Legislative Assistant Holberg-R Westerberg-R Kathleen M. Kieffer...... 296-5991 Juhnke-DFL Workman-R Kalis-DFL Bishop-R** Kuisle-R Larson-DFL This list is subject to change. Staff This document can be made available in Committee Administrator alternative formats to individuals with Erik Rudeen ...... 296-5528 disabilities by calling (651) 296-2146 voice, (651) 296-9896 TTY, or Committee Legislative Assistant (800) 657-3550 toll free voice and TTY. JoAnn Overgaauw ...... 296-5336

20 January 12, 2001 Assignments as of 1/10/01 *Rooms in State Office Building B=Basement Hearing Room **-Non-voting member OMMITTEE SCHEDULE J ANUARY 15 - 19, 2001 C

MONDAY, January 15 TAXES 8:15 a.m. 200 State Office Building House offices closed. Chr. Rep. Ron Abrams HEALTH & HUMAN Agenda: HFXXXX (Daggett) Department of SERVICES FINANCE 10 State Office Building Revenue technical bill (continued from Jan. 11 Chr. Rep. Kevin Goodno TUESDAY, January 16 tax committee meeting). Agenda: Discussion of Interim Federal Funding Utility taxation study. 8:15 a.m. and other LAC requests. Forestry taxation study. Joint House HEALTH & HUMAN JOBS & ECONOMIC SERVICES POLICY/ 12:30 p.m. DEVELOPMENT FINANCE Senate HEALTH & FAMILY SECURITY 200 State Office Building 10 State Office Building AGRICULTURE & RURAL Chr. Rep. Dan McElroy Chrs. Rep. Fran Bradley, Sen. Dallas Sams DEVELOPMENT FINANCE Agenda: Presentation from the Minnesota Agenda: Presentation on Legislative Long Term 10 State Office Building Housing Finance Agency. Care Task Force. Chr. Rep. Bob Ness Agenda: Overview of the dairy industry from Testimony will include advocates for more affordable housing and advocates for more TRANSPORTATION POLICY processors’ economic and financial perspectives. 5 State Office Building homeless shelters. Chr. Rep. Tom Workman CAPITAL INVESTMENT Agenda: A resolution memorializing the benefits 5 State Office Building TRANSPORTATION FINANCE 5 State Office Building of a modernized waterway transportation Chr. Rep. Jim Knoblach Chr. Rep. Carol Molnau delivery system; ports; and HF37 traffic Agenda: Overview of building processes in Agenda: Demonstration of Intelligent regulations; abolishing statutes defining trackless Minnesota, CAPRA and ADA by Transportation System (ITS) technology. trolley car, regulating driving through rough Kath Ouska, Dept. of Administration. country, and prohibiting carrier employment by 10:15 a.m. persons addicted to liquor. COMMERCE, JOBS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 200 State Office Building ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL 10:15 a.m. RESOURCES FINANCE Chr. Rep. Greg Davids 10 State Office Building CRIME PREVENTION Agenda: Department of Economic Security Chr. Rep. Mark Holsten Basement Hearing Room agency overview. Agenda: Legislative Commission on Minnesota State Office Building Resources (LCMR) overview of selection process 3 p.m. Chr. Rep. John Tuma and LCMR recommendations. Agenda: Overview of sentencing guidelines. The House meets in session. Sentencing Guidelines Commission 2001 Report HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCE to the Legislature. 300S State Office Building 4 p.m. or immediately following session Sentencing trends and statistics. Chr. Rep. Peggy Leppik Overview of DWI laws. REDISTRICTING Agenda: Higher Education Services Office DWI trends and statistics. 10 State Office Building overview, Dr. Robert Poch, director. Chr. Rep. State Grant Program overview, Dr. Robert Poch, ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL Agenda: Historical overview of the redistricting director. RESOURCES POLICY process. 10 State Office Building Professor Charles Umbanhower, Department of Chr. Rep. Dennis Ozment K-12 EDUCATION FINANCE Political Science, St. Olaf College. 5 State Office Building Agenda: Karen Studders, MPCA Commissioner, Professor Joe Kunkel, Department of Political Chr. Rep. Alice Seagren global/state environmental issues. Science, Minnesota State University-Mankato. Agenda: Department of Children, Families and Tom Koehler, co-chair of the Minnesota Learning review of federal programs: Environmental Coalition of Labor and Industry WEDNESDAY, January 17 Title I; (MECLI). Professional development; Bill Cunningham, Unions for Jobs and 8 a.m. Charter schools; and Environment (UJAE), climate policy issues. Secondary vocational programs. GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS & STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY TAXES 300N State Office Building Bus trip 200 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Philip Krinkie Chr. Rep. Jim Rhodes Chr. Rep. Ron Abrams Agenda: Department of Administration update Agenda: Tour and overview of the Minneapolis Agenda: To be announced. on Capitol area projects. Veterans Home. Budget presentation, State Treasurer. Budget presentation, Attorney General.

Session Weekly 21 12:30 p.m. TRANSPORTATION POLICY FRIDAY, January 19 5 State Office Building Economic Development & Tourism Chr. Rep. Tom Workman 8:15 a.m. Division/COMMERCE Agenda: Design-build. Basement Hearing Room State Office Building GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS & 10:15 a.m. VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY Chr. Rep. Arlon Lindner Basement Hearing Room Agenda: Introduction of new members and staff. Joint CRIME PREVENTION/ State Office Building Overview presentation by the Department of JUDICIARY FINANCE Chr. Rep. Jim Rhodes Trade and Economic Development. Basement Hearing Room Agenda: HFXXXX (Krinkie) Clarifying that Overview presentation by the Minnesota State Office Building executive branch constitutional officers are Housing Finance Agency. Chrs. Rep. John Tuma, Rep. Rich Stanek subject to the code of ethics; prohibiting executive Agenda: Overview of Criminal Justice branch constitutional officers from engaging in FAMILY & EARLY CHILDHOOD Information Policy Group and integrating outside work. EDUCATION FINANCE Minnesota’s Criminal Justice Information 5 State Office Building System (CriMNet). Chr. Rep. Barb Sykora ***Tentative*** HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES POLICY Agenda: Adult Basic Education (ABE) overview, ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL 10 State Office Building Barry Shaffer and Greg Sogaard, Department of RESOURCES POLICY Chr. Rep. Fran Bradley Children, Families and Learning. 10 State Office Building Agenda: If necessary, this meeting is a ABE Policy Task Force recommendations. Chr. Rep. Dennis Ozment continuation of the discussion on: Agenda: Continuation of HF94 (Haas) Fish and HF4 (Abrams) MinnesotaCare premium and LOCAL GOVERNMENT & game law gross overlimit violations criminal provider taxes repealed, pass-through consumer METROPOLITAN AFFAIRS penalties established, and restitution values savings required, tobacco settlement proceeds 200 State Office Building determined. allocated, and contingent penalties provided. Chr. Rep. Jerry Dempsey HF14 (Bradley) Tobacco settlement revenues Agenda: Overview presentations STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE credited to health care access fund, (municipalities): 300N State Office Building MinnesotaCare provider taxes eliminated on League of Minnesota Cities; Association of Chr. Rep. Philip Krinkie contingent basis, and pass-through of savings Metropolitan Municipalities; Coalition of Agenda: Budget presentation, State Auditor. required. Greater Minnesota Cities; Minnesota Association Budget presentation, Secretary of State. of Small Cities; Municipal Legislative Commission; and other. 12:30 p.m. JOBS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE Committee rules. 200 State Office Building Organizational items. AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE Chr. Rep. Dan McElroy 10 State Office Building Agenda: Presentation from the Department of REGULATED INDUSTRIES Chr. Rep. Bob Ness Trade and Economic Development. 107 State Capitol Agenda: Dairy producers’ perspective of Chr. Rep. Ken Wolf environmental feedlot rules. 10:15 a.m. Agenda: Presentation by the Department of Testimony from the Minnesota Pollution Commerce on energy issues. HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCE Control Agency. 300S State Office Building THURSDAY, January 18 Chr. Rep. Peggy Leppik CAPITAL INVESTMENT Agenda: Private colleges overview - David Laird, 5 State Office Building president, Minnesota Private College Council. 8:15 a.m. Chr. Rep. Jim Knoblach Metro Alliance overview. Agenda: Update on the State Office Building EDUCATION POLICY repairs from Kath Ouska, Department of 200 State Office Building K-12 EDUCATION FINANCE Chr. Rep. Harry Mares Administration. 5 State Office Building Agenda: Overview of School Trust Fund Lands. Overview of HEAPR - University of Minnesota. Chr. Rep. Alice Seagren Agenda: Department of Children, Families and HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES POLICY COMMERCE, JOBS & Learning review of federal programs: 10 State Office Building ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 200 State Office Building Completion of Wed., Jan. 17, agenda; Chr. Rep. Fran Bradley Chr. Rep. Greg Davids Special education; Agenda: HF4 (Abrams) MinnesotaCare Agenda: Presentation by Iron Range Resources Food and nutrition; premium and provider taxes repealed, pass- & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). Class size reduction; and through consumer savings required, tobacco HRXXXX (Bakk) Relating to the extension of Discretionary funds. settlement proceeds allocated, and contingent unemployment benefits to LTV mine workers. penalties provided. HF14 (Bradley) Tobacco settlement revenues 3 p.m. credited to health care access fund, MinnesotaCare provider taxes eliminated on The House meets in session. To find out who represents you contingent basis, and pass-through of savings at the Capitol . . . required. Call the House Public Information Office at (651) 296-2146

22 January 12, 2001 Highlights continued from page 10 metropolitan area, which can make purchas- ing land for transportation projects very expensive. TRANSPORTATION Tinklenberg responded that the department lamented the cost increase, but was prepared Tinklenberg talks transit to meet the challenges. At the Jan. 8 meeting of the House Trans- Hausman further expressed appreciation After introducing herself at the Jan. 11 portation Finance Committee, the Transpor- for the governor’s leadership on transit, re- tation Department’s top gun gave members a meeting of the House Capital Investment marking that Ventura is the first state leader Committee, Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL- peek into the future — or at least what they in many years to offer a comprehensive trans- can expect from his department in the next Roseville), tongue firmly in cheek, said, “To portation plan. However, she also expressed two years. anyone who read that I was ‘miffed’ to be on her confusion at “the absence of transit in this committee, that was a slip of the tongue. Referring to Gov. Jesse Ventura’s compre- (Ventura’s recent) State of the State address.” hensive transportation plan, “Moving Minne- In fact, I’m delighted to be here and especially Rep. Tom Workman (R-Chanhassen) asked to be working with Rep. Knoblach.” sota,” Elwyn Tinklenberg, commissioner of the if the commissioner believed there was a rela- state Department of Transportation, empha- To which Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-St. Cloud), tionship between housing development, sized that “we want to be a multi-modal trans- committee chair, quipped, “Rep. Greiling, “Smart-Growth” initiatives, and transporta- members — whether you planned to be here portation department.” tion policy. Tinklenberg said there is. He explained that transportation system or not, you’re all welcome.” Rep. William Kuisle (R-Rochester) ques- components, such as highways or airports, are tioned the commissioner on the length of time best understood as collections of interdepen- In its presentation to a joint meeting of the the department takes to secure and execute dent units, which function best when designed construction and other contracts. Noting that House Health and Human Services Finance with other elements in mind. For example, his department requires up to eight months, and Policy committees Jan. 8, representatives highways are useful only when they are not Tinklenberg said his staff is working aggres- of the state Department of Health discussed overburdened by excessive truck traffic, and sively to reduce that time. recent achievements in health-related ventures ports function only when trains are readily and presented the following Top 10 list of Rep. Carol Molnau (R-Chaska), committee available to move goods overland. th chair, asked about the department’s use of public health accomplishments of the 20 Tinklenberg touched on the plan’s alpha- funds the committee had previously desig- Century: betic priorities: “A, advantages for transit; B, nated to repair highways to underwrite the • Vaccinations bottleneck removal; and C, connecting inter- operating cost of a suburban commuter bus. • Motor vehicle safety regional corridors.” Tinklenberg said that both • Safer workplaces Tinklenberg explained that the department Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities areas had secured additional federal funding by • Control of infectious diseases would likely benefit under Ventura’s commencing with the bus project, and if they • Decline in deaths from coronary heart proposals. had not, Minnesota would have lost the disease and stroke Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul) in- funding. • Safer and healthier foods quired about the department’s ability to deal • Healthier mothers and babies with the rising cost of real estate in the • Family planning • Fluoridation of drinking water Safety quiz • Recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard

In light of the potential stadium talk be- tween the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings, one educational group is definitely out of the picture. “No pro sports team has asked us to build them a sports stadium on their behalf,” said Morris Anderson, chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. His comments came Jan. 10 at the House Higher Education Finance Committee meeting, two days after University of Minnesota President Mark Yudof said his institution would not seek sta- dium funds. Continuing the lightheartedness of the moment, committee chair Rep. Peggy Leppik (R-Golden Valley) noted there were no televi- sion cameras in the room, unlike when Yudof spoke. Anderson replied, “They never showed PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK up.” Members of the House Transportation Finance Committee test their knowledge of driver safety during a tour of the Midway Driver License Exam Station in St. Paul Jan. 10.

Session Weekly 23 U.S. Senators Senator (DFL) 818A Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3244 Fax: (202) 228-2186

Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building 1 Federal Drive, Suite 298 St. Paul, MN 55111 (612) 727-5220 Fax: (612) 727-5223

Senator Paul Wellstone (DFL) 136 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-5641 Fax: (202) 224-8438

Suite 100 North 2550 University Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55114 (651) 645-0323 Fax: (651) 645-0704 1-800-642-6041

417 W. Litchfield Ave. Willmar, MN 56201 (320) 231-0001 Fax: (320) 231-0006

P.O. Box 281 105 S. Second Ave. Virginia, MN 55792 (218) 741-1074 Fax: (218) 741-8544 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.senate.gov/~wellstone

Where to find information

Chief Clerk’s Office 211 State Capitol (651) 296-2314 The Chief Clerk’s Office provides copies of bills at no charge, all agendas for House ses- sions, and the Journal of the House.

House Index Department 211 State Capitol (651) 296-6646 The House Index Department, a part of the Chief Clerk’s Office, has a computerized index available for public use. House Index lists bills by committee, topic, author, file number, and other categories. The office can also give you the current status of legislation.

24 January 12, 2001 ILL INTRODUCTIONS J ANUARY 5 - 11, 2001 B HOUSE FILES 44 - 124

Monday, Jan. 8 HF57—Molnau (R) HF71—Pawlenty (R) Transportation Policy Education Policy HF44—Rifenberg (R) Drivers’ licenses; certain crimes against children School Districts’ financial and academic perfor- included as disqualifying offenses for purposes of mance evaluated, and money appropriated. K-12 Education Finance school bus driver endorsements. Independent School District No. 857, Lewiston, HF72—Mares (R) fund transfer authorized. HF58—McGuire (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Policy HF45—Erickson (R) Commerce, Jobs & Economic Development Washington County tax-forfeited land sale Standards prescribed for identification of beer kegs, authorized. Taxes retailers required to maintain records of keg sales, Kanabec County aggregate materials production and penalties provided. HF73—Abrams (R) tax imposed. Taxes HF59—Luther (DFL) HF46—Lipman (R) Long-term capital gain income tax exclusion Transportation Policy Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs allowed. World War II license plates with symbols showing Comprehensive local planning local control re- HF74—Erhardt (R) highest decoration awarded authorized. established, metropolitan land use planning and Taxes metropolitan council review of local comprehen- HF60—Workman (R) Individual income tax rate reduction provided. sive plans repealed, and conforming changes Governmental Operations & HF75—Hackbarth (R) provided. Veterans Affairs Policy Transportation Finance HF47—Rukavina (DFL) Teachers retirement association service credit pur- chase authorized for a specified individual. Minneapolis to Anoka County highway No. 22 Environment & Natural Resources Policy express transit bus service appropriation provided. Iron mining; Closed iron mines and facilities re- HF61—Jaros (DFL) HF76—Davids (R) quired to be maintained for two years. Governmental Operations & Environment & Natural Resources Policy Veterans Affairs Policy HF48—Abrams (R) Diesel fuel oil minimum biodiesel content required. Taxes Simulated elections for minors provided. HF77—Peterson (DFL) Sales tax rebate provided and money appropriated. HF62—Kubly (DFL) Taxes Commerce, Jobs & Economic Development HF49—Seifert (R) Motor fuel retailer grants and tax incentives pro- Transportation Policy Yellow Medicine and Chippewa counties disaster vided for installing E85 pumps and equipment, relief provided for July 25, 2000 tornado, and money Special veterans of Grenada military action license state required to purchase and operate E85 plates authorized. appropriated. vehicles, and money appropriated. HF63—Ness (R) HF50—Pelowski (DFL) HF78—Rifenberg (R) Higher Education Finance K-12 Education Finance Transportation Policy School district career and technical aid restored, Winona State University science building construc- Winona County highways natural preservation and money appropriated. tion and renovation bonds issued and money route designation partially removed. appropriated. HF64—McElroy (R) HF79—Stanek (R) Crime Prevention HF51—Goodno (R) Taxes Crime Prevention Itinerant carnival prohibition repealed. Nursery stock production farm machinery sales tax DWI; maximum blood-alcohol level lowered for HF65—Folliard (DFL) exemption provided. impairment offenses involving driving motor ve- Environment & Natural Resources Policy HF80—Hackbarth (R) hicles, recreational vehicles or watercraft, hunting, Toxic air contaminants reduction required and Environment & Natural Resources Policy handling explosives, or operating military vehicles. reports required. Anoka County; Coon Lake water level control in- HF52—Rifenberg (R) HF66—Folliard (DFL) stallation required. Taxes K-12 Education Finance HF81—Solberg (DFL) Agricultural loans exempted from mortgage Licensed K-12 teachers additional staff develop- Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs registry tax. ment and additional salary option authorized. Itasca County additional part-time peace officers HF53—Seifert (R) authorized. Governmental Operations & Veterans Affairs Thursday, Jan. 11 Policy HF82—Seagren (R) Fair campaign practices act; use of name, image, or HF67—Abrams (R) Education Policy voice of certain candidates prohibited from public Taxes Staff development reserved revenue dedicated to service messages or state agency advertising. S corporation federal tax conformity provided. induction and mentorship activities for new teachers. HF54—Kielkucki (R) HF68—Buesgens (R) Health & Human Services Finance Taxes HF83—Anderson, I. (DFL) Abortion standard conformity with United States Military pay income tax subtraction provided. Environment & Natural Resources Finance Deer River fire station addition design appropria- constitution required, and constitutional HF69—Howes (R) tion provided. amendment proposed. Transportation Policy HF55—Jaros (DFL) Portion of motor vehicle sales tax dedicated to HF84—Daggett (R) Family & Early Childhood Education Finance highway user tax distribution fund, and constitu- Taxes Family definition provided. tional amendment proposed. Income, property, sales and use, cigarette and to- bacco, liquor, MinnesotaCare and other taxes HF70—Seifert (R) HF56—Lipman (R) technical corrections bill. Civil Law Governmental Operations & Covenant marriages option provided. Veterans Affairs Policy Presidential electors designated and duties specified. Session Weekly 25 HF85—Jennings (DFL) HF100—Seifert (R) HF115—Luther (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Education Policy Taxes Wyoming and Chisago City orderly annexed prop- Higher education grant stipends calculation modi- Nonprofit animal shelters sale of pets sales tax erty reimbursement duration limitation exemp- fied relating to Pell grants. exemption provided. tion provided. HF101—Dempsey (R) HF116—Mulder (R) HF86—Jennings (DFL) Transportation Finance Health & Human Services Policy Environment & Natural Resources Finance Port development assistance appropriation pro- Respiratory care practitioner advisory council sun- Taylors Falls fire and rescue operations grant pro- vided. set delayed, and athletic trainer registration can- vided in support of Interstate park, and money celled for nonrenewal after two years. appropriated. HF102—Seifert (R) K-12 Education Finance HF117—Anderson, I. (DFL) HF87—Koskinen (DFL) Independent School District No. 418, Russell, fund Environment & Natural Resources Policy Governmental Operations & transfer authorized. Superior National Forest connecting road con- struction authorized, money appropriated, and Veterans Affairs Policy HF103—Jennings (DFL) Minneapolis teacher retirement fund association report required. K-12 Education Finance service credit purchase authorized for specified HF118—Kielkucki (R) individual. Independent School District No. 578, Pine City, fund transfer authorized. Regulated Industries HF88—Juhnke (DFL) Resolution memorializing television networks to HF104—Stang (R) Judiciary Finance reduce violent and sexually explicit material and Drug task force education measures federal Byrne K-12 Education Finance produce material that promotes wholesome family grant matching funds appropriations provided. Independent School District No. 750, Rocori, fund values. transfer authorized. HF89—Greiling (DFL) HF119—Harder (R) K-12 Education Finance HF105—Jennings (DFL) Taxes K-12 Education Finance Independent School District No. 623, Roseville, S corporation federal tax conformity provided. fund transfer authorized. Independent School District No. 578, Pine City, disabled access levy extended. HF120—Bakk (DFL) HF90—Mulder (R) Environment & Natural Resources Policy HF106—Ness (R) Taxes Fishing; imported leeches from Canada authorized Agriculture Policy Nonprofit dance club admissions and sales tax as fishing bait. exemption provided. Minnesota agricultural education leadership coun- cil permanent or temporary replacement members HF121—Erhardt (R) HF91—Mulder (R) authorized for specified ex-officio seats. Governmental Operations & Taxes Veterans Affairs Policy HF107—McElroy (R) Military pension income tax subtraction provided. Presidential electors designated and duties Taxes specified. HF92—Daggett (R) Qualified low-income housing projects construc- Taxes tion materials sales tax exemption provided. HF122—Skoglund (DFL) Long-term care insurance income tax credit maxi- Governmental Operations & HF108—Cassell (R) mum increased. Veterans Affairs Policy Taxes Purchase of service credit authorized for parental HF93—Entenza (DFL) Sales to political subdivisions tax exemption or family leaves of absence or breaks in service. Education Policy provided. HF123—Juhnke (DFL) Guidance counselor to student ratio established. HF109—Kuisle (R) HF94—Haas (R) Taxes Governmental Operations & Veterans Affairs Policy Environment & Natural Resources Policy Correctional facilities construction materials sales National Guard eligible members tuition and text- Fish and game law gross overlimit violations crimi- tax exemption provided. book reimbursement level increased, and money nal penalties established, and restitution values HF110—Wagenius (DFL) appropriated. determined. Environment & Natural Resources Policy HF124—Folliard (DFL) HF95—Opatz (DFL) Water quality standards risk evaluation and report Health & Human Services Policy Governmental Operations & required. Home care providers required to provide notice of service Veterans Affairs Policy HF111—Krinkie (R) termination, and state health care program reimburse- St. Cloud city employee retroactive bounce-back Governmental Operations & ment rates increased for home care providers. annuity payment provided. Veterans Affairs Policy HF96—Entenza (DFL) Ethics code applied to executive branch constitu- Education Policy tional officers, officers prohibited from engaging in Where to find information Criminal background check required of nonlicensed outside work, and malfeasance definition expanded individuals paid to provide classroom instruction. for purposes of recall. House Public Information Office 175 State Office Building HF112—Murphy (DFL) HF97—Greiling (DFL) (651) 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 Taxes Health & Human Services Policy The House Public Information Office is a Hermantown local sales tax uses expanded to in- Revisors instructed to replace phrase concerning nonpartisan office that provides committee mental illness. clude construction projects and bond issuance authorized. meeting schedules; legislator information; and HF98—Greiling (DFL) publications, including the Session Weekly K-12 Education Finance HF113—Murphy (DFL) news magazine, educational brochures for all Como Park natural science education coordinator Taxes ages, and member directories. All informa- provided, and money appropriated. Cloquet authorized to impose local sales tax and tion is available at no charge. bond issuance authorized. HF99—Westerberg (R) Most of what this office publishes can be State Government Finance HF114—McElroy (R) viewed on the Legislature’s World Wide Web National Sports Center conference center construc- Commerce, Jobs & Economic Development page. To connect, point your web browser at: tion authorized, bonds issued, and money appro- Internet access catalyst grants in rural Minnesota http://www.leg.state.mn.us priated. provided, and money appropriated.

26 January 12, 2001 Continued from page 12 of a Republican member at the time. No such assertions have been made regard- ing Speaker Sviggum’s motives this session. Until 1973, House rules favored the majority caucus; no provision was made for the minority leader’s requests. With conservative Republicans Many “firsts” and coincidences show up health reasons. Youngdahl ended his gov- holding tight control over the body at that time, when the 82nd Legislative Session and 2001 ernorship for a similar matter. He was a minority influence was minimal. governorship are compared to the 57th victim of very high blood pressure. Thus, When DFLers won a majority in 1973 after Legislative Session 50 years ago. the 27th governor of the state was told by campaigning on a platform of reform, they When the Legislature convened on his Mayo Clinic physician to “Quit the gov- “adopted the changes which the conservatives Jan. 2, 1951, 40 new House members took ernorship — forthwith!” previously had refused,” according to the 1985 their seats in the 131-member representa- U.S. Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey heard U of M report. tive body. Over in the 67-member Senate about it from Ray Ewald, a mutual friend. In part because of their reformist leanings, chamber, 21 became new lawmakers Humphrey asked then-President Harry DFLers were unable to continue the rules On Jan. 3, 2001, the 82nd Legislative Ses- Truman to nominate the governor for a against which they had campaigned. In short, sion convened, with 21 newly elected mem- U.S. District Court judgeship in the Dis- they had little choice other than to honor bers joining the 134-member House. trict of Columbia, a job that would be less Republican committee requests. At the first day of the 2001 Legislative Ses- stressful. By the time Republicans had regained a sion, southern Minnesota’s Rep. Steve A long-distance call via public pay phone majority in 1985, House rules included a bevy Sviggum (R-Kenyon) was elected as House from Humphrey to Youngdahl sealed the of language meant to protect minority re- Speaker for a second time. So was southern plan. The latter resigned. quests; that language remains today. Minnesota’s John A. Hartle (Conservative- On Sept. 28, 1951 Lt. Gov. C. Elmer In an interview after the session Jan. 8, Owatonna) in 1951. Anderson became the 28 th governor, hav- Goodno explained that the speaker had acted Gov. Luther W. Youngdahl was sworn in ing been appointed to complete the term, in good faith and well within the bounds of for his third, two-year term on Jan. 2, 1951. some 50 years and two months ago, about the rules. “There is a certain portionality bal- He made his state address one day later. the same time as the birth of Minnesota’s ance that the rules require us to meet,” he said. Jesse Ventura gave this year’s State of the 38th governor, Ventura. He ultimately beat “Not specific rules, but generally, it states that State Address as the 38th governor on Jan. 4, two opponents — one of whom was (committee membership) should be propor- also one day after the start of session. Hubert H. Humphrey III—to become the tional. I think we followed those rules.” Critics said both governors’ requests went head of state. According to Goodno, a group of Republican too far on their respective issues: Youngdahl Anderson was already known as the only legislators and staff suggested assignments to in law enforcement programs, namely those lieutenant governor to serve six governors Sviggum, which he then modified and published. that related to anti-gambling, and Ventura in 11 non-consecutive years — longer than “I don’t know how the DFLers (make assign- on license tab fees. Both got what they anyone else. ments when they are in the majority),” he said. wanted. Already popular, it also helped Ander- Goodno said the speaker was concerned As they served, both governors’ programs son that when he became governor the state that each member had a comparable number may not have always received high favor, but was experiencing technological growth and of assignments. And though they anticipated both held a 70 percent or greater approval a major state fund surplus. So did Ventura. the DFL members would object to some as- rating in polls conducted in 1951 in the Anderson was later elected to the signments, Goodno said, they needed to com- Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and in 2001 by governor’s office in 1953, and served to plete the rosters in a timely manner. the Minneapolis Star Tribune. 1955. After leaving St. Paul, Anderson Assistant Minority Leader Al Juhnke (DFL- Youngdahl first became head of the state served two terms as mayor of Nisswa, and Willmar) was denied membership to a commit- based on the strength of many Minneso- later as mayor of Brainerd. Before he be- tee he had selected. “If we look at [the rule],” he tans who transcended party lines when they came governor, Ventura was the mayor of said, “as long as certain dates and time limits are voted. So did Ventura. Brooklyn Park. followed, really the speaker must appoint based Both governors were born in south Min- Likely, the similarities may further in- on the minority leader’s recommendations.” neapolis — Ventura, in 1951. crease as the Legislature becomes more in- He said he was especially troubled by the Like Ventura, Youngdahl was over 6’2" tall volved with the issues of the day. use of “ideological” characteristics and and athletic. —LECLAIR GRIER LAMBERT reiterated that the specific provisions of Rule Ventura ended his wrestling career for 6.02 were not followed. Juhnke also said the conflict over commit- tee assignments has brought the caucus to- gether and sets them on a path to work together throughout the session. Frequently called numbers Now, the tumult seems to have subsided, (Area code 651) and both caucuses are gearing up for legislat- Information, House Index, House ing. “At this point,” said Goodno, “the com- 175 State Office Building ...... 296-2146 211 Capitol ...... 296-6646 mittees have been assigned, the speaker has Chief Clerk of the House TTY, House ...... 296-9896 made those assignments under the rules of the 211 Capitol ...... 296-2314 Toll free ...... 1-800-657-3550 House, and it’s time to move forward and start doing the people’s will.” Session Weekly 27 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55155-1298

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: STEVE SVIGGUM MAJORITY LEADER: T IM PAWLENTY MINORITY LEADER: T HOMAS W. PUGH

INNESOTA M INDEX FOR MORE INFORMATION

For general information, call: Gauging water quality House Information Office (651) 296-2146 or Number of major river basins into which Minnesota land drains ...... 10 1-800-657-3550 Number of miles of streams in Minnesota ...... 92,000 To obtain a copy of a bill, call: Percentage of studied* stream miles fit for swimming, 1998 ...... 68 Chief Clerk’s Office Percentage fit for aquatic life ...... 65 (651) 296-2314 Number of public access sites on lakes, rivers and streams, 1999 ...... 3,180 Public access sites, 1990 ...... 3,000 To find out about bill introductions or Ratio of people to boats in Minnesota, 2000 ...... 6:1 the status of a specific bill, call: National rank for recreational watercraft per capita ...... 1 House Index Office Number of water bodies in Minnesota with surface water use regulations, 2000...... 300 (651) 296-6646 Number of lakes with fish harvest regulations, 2000...... 100 Number of rivers ...... 30 For an up-to-date recorded message giving committee meeting times and Minnesota streams designated as trout waters ...... 600 agendas, call: Percentage of Minnesotans who rely on groundwater for drinking water ...... 75 Committee Hotline Percentage of Minnesota community water systems fed by groundwater ...... 98 (651) 296-9283 Percentage of monitor stations showing a decrease in phosphorus pollutant levels ... 78 Percent that showed an increase...... 1 Percentage of water bodies negatively affected by increase in nitrogen levels ...... 75 The House of Representatives can be Percent showing a decrease in nitrogen ...... 1 reached on the World Wide Web at: Monitoring stations showing a decrease in ammonia levels, as percent ...... 83 http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us Percent showing an increase ...... 4 Square miles drained into the Lake Superior basin ...... 6,150 In the Minnesota, Missouri and Des Moines River basins Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired. (southwestern Minnesota) ...... 18,259 To ask questions or leave messages, call: The Red River basin (northwestern Minnesota)...... 17,743 TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or Upper Mississippi basin (central Minnesota) ...... 20,089 1-800-657-3550 Combined wind and water erosion of cropland, above tolerance levels, as percent, Lake Superior Basin, 1992 ...... 0 Check your local listings to watch Minnesota, Missouri and Des Moines River basins ...... 51.3 House committee and floor sessions Red River basin ...... 86.5 on TV. Upper Mississippi River basin ...... 50.1

* The report assessed about 5 percent of streams as a jump-off point for setting goals. This document can be made available in alternative Source: Minnesota Watermarks: Gauging the flow of progress 2000-2010, Minnesota Environmental formats to individuals with disabilities by calling Quality Board, September 2000. (651) 296-2146 voice, (651) 296-9896 TTY, or (800) 657-3550 toll free voice and TTY.