INSIDE: CLIPPING THROUGH PARTY LINES, RAISING MINIMUM WAGE, INFLUENCING THE HOUSE, MORE

This Week’s Bill Introductions HF2488-HF2503 ESSION S Weekly Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offi ce. During the 2005-2006 Legis- lative Session, each issue reports daily House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions, and provides other information. No fee. ONTENT To subscribe, contact: C S Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services 175 State Offi ce Building HIGHLIGHTS 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Agriculture • 5 Game & Fish • 8 Retirement • 10 (651) 296-2146 or Crime • 5 Government • 8 Safety • 10 1-800-657-3550 Education • 5 Health • 9 Transportation • 10 TTY (651) 296-9896 http://www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Elections • 6 Higher Education • 9 Veterans • 11 Employment • 6 Recreation • 9 Late Action • 20 Environment • 7 Director Barry LaGrave Editor/Assistant Director BILL INTRODUCTIONS (HF2488-HF2503) • 23 Lee Ann Schutz Assistant Editor Mike Cook FEATURES Art & Production Coordinator Paul Battaglia FIRST READING: Lobbyists play second fi ddle to constituents • 3 Writers CAPITOL CENTENNIAL: The cornerstone, keeper of the past • 4 Ruth Dunn, Patty Janovec, Brett Martin, Matt Wetzel, AT ISSUE: Environment gets a hearing • 14 Nicole Wood AT ISSUE: Raising minimum wage • 15 Chief Photographer Tom Olmscheid AT ISSUE: Driving to the state for non-stop shopping • 16

Photographers AT ISSUE: Taxpayers could have say on any levy increase • 17 Andrew VonBank, Sarah Stacke FEATURE: ‘Ken the Barber’ clips through party lines • 18 Staff Assistants Christy Novak, Laura Noe FEATURE: War and remembrance brings House members together • 19

Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is pub- lished weekly during the legislative session by Minnesota House of Representatives Public DEPARTMENTS/RESOURCES Information Services offi ce, 175 State Offi ce Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Frequently called numbers • 11 Minnesota Index: Minnesota Exports • 24 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage How a bill becomes law • 12-13 For more information • 24 paid at Minneapolis, Minn. Members by Seniority • 21 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, Public Information Services offi ce, Minnesota House of Representatives, 175 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298.

Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, On the cover: The State Capitol is refl ected in the chrome of a 1960 Dodge Matador. Members of the 30% post-consumer content. Minnesota Street Rod Association brought nearly 40 collector cars to the Capitol May 3 as part of the association’s Annual Run to the Hill.

—Photo by: Andrew VonBank

2 May 6, 2005 IRST READING F★ ★ ★

PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID As is the case most days, lobbyists gather outside the House Chamber waiting to speak with House members about issues. As of January 2005, there were about 1,200 lobbyists registered with the state Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. “They can tell you, ‘If you do this, your resistance is going to come from here. So and Infl uencing the House so will be against it,’” Heidgerken said, adding Lobbyists are invaluable, but constituents rule that it’s better to hear the opposition from lobbyists and be prepared than to be surprised in committee or on the House fl oor. A good lobbyist is equal parts persistence, BY BRETT MARTIN Governmental Relations Council and senior creativity, knowledge and sense of humor, ep. Bud Heidgerken (R-Freeport) vice president of the Minnesota Chamber of Blazar said. They have to offer all viewpoints, begins his workday having coffee with Commerce. “There are many, many, many and they have to be honest. R lobbyists at the hotel he stays at in more organized groups that have an interest “You’re only as good as your word,” he said. St. Paul. in what goes on at the Capitol.” “You have to know what you’re talking about.” “They’re a wealth of information,” Heidg- Once people realize the impact the Legisla- If misinformation is given to members or erken said. “Each lobbyist presents good, good ture has on them, they want someone repre- they get blindsided by the opposition, that ideas. I seek them out.” senting their interests, Blazar said. lobbyist will never be trusted again. Lobbyists know the impact of bills, the Rep. Denise Dittrich (DFL-Champlin) said histories behind them and who will be lobbyists have changed her mind on bills. Good work, poor perception affected if the legislation becomes law, he “The advice I got from other members who While lobbyists may provide a needed said. have been here awhile is, ‘You can and should service to legislators, they suffer from a poor “We’d be lost without them down here,” use lobbyists as resources,’” she said. “As a public perception. They’re often viewed as he said. “They provide pertinent information freshman, you can’t possibly know all of the slicksters in designer clothes cutting deals that I don’t get anywhere else.” information. You do depend on them to shape with legislators — a perception that Blazar perspectives.” says is unfair. Valuable resources The best advice she got concerning lobbyists “I’d invite the public to walk around With lobbyists outnumbering legislators by is that the good ones will present both sides the Capitol. They would fi nd lobbyists are a nearly 6-1 ratio, representatives don’t have to of an issue. dedicated to their respective clients — that’s look too hard to fi nd a lobbyist who can help Full disclosure on legislation is key to their job — but they’re also committed to the with their legislative agenda. gaining a member’s trust, said Rep. Ray process,” he said. “Having lobbyists leads to As of January 2005, there were approximately Vandeveer (R-Forest Lake). The lobbyist more democracy.” 1,200 lobbyists registered with the Campaign should explain the pros and cons of a bill, then Lobbying is geared toward grassroots efforts Finance and Public Disclosure Board repre- tell why one side is better than the other. and gets people involved in government, which senting approximately 1,100 associations. “Things can sound very reasonable when is what democracy is all about, Blazar said. “There are so many lobbyists because you only hear one-third of it,” he said. “None of these bills miraculously shows the number of issues multiplies each year,” Lobbyists can also inform legislators about said Bill Blazar, president of the Minnesota who will be opposed to their bills and why. First Reading continued on page 4

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 3 First Reading continued from page 3 noting that some are experts in particular researched information, such as the person who areas. provided detailed research on the link between up at the revisor’s offi ce,” he said. “For the “You know them and trust their input,” mercury in vaccines and autism. vast majority of bills, somebody asked the he said, pointing out that many issues are “Constituents are probably the most infl u- legislator to pursue the bill, and the person nonpartisan and DFL members can provide ential,” Vandeveer said. He always takes time making the request is a lobbyist for it, even if valuable insight. to listen to the people he represents. “One of the person is not a paid lobbyist.” If a legislator only spoke to lobbyists, the the jobs of a representative is to listen. A lot Dittrich had a skeptical view of lobbyists when person would hear the same information over of times, people respect that you are listening, she started serving her fi rst term in January, but and over, Vandeveer said. honestly listening.” she has been pleasantly surprised. “Serving here is like being in a fi sh bowl,” Like most members, he attends town hall “My perceptions have changed. The he said. “Pretty soon, you start thinking like meetings to solicit input from constituents, majority of lobbyists have been professional, everybody else, and then you’re in trouble.” asking for their ideas and concerns. information-based and understand where I’m During committee hearings, he finds coming from,” she said. “The stereotypical Constituent power citizen testimony invaluable because people idea that they would try to strong-arm me Lobbyists may wield influence at the are taking the time to come to the Legislature into voting a certain way didn’t happen.” Capitol, but they still take a back seat to an and explain how bills could impact them. It Still, Dittrich, like most legislators, seeks even more powerful group — constituents. puts a face to the legislation. information from a variety of sources. She At least one representative excludes lobbyists “They bring the real world perspective,” often turns to her school board and city from her schedule. Vandeveer said. “They have an agenda called, council for input because they understand “Meeting with lobbyists leaves less time for ‘Don’t hurt me.’” the needs and values of her community. constituents. What time I have, I want to give Lobbyists can also help with constituents, “They are my go-to people,” Dittrich said. to the people I represent,” said Rep. Barbara Heidgerken said. They provide handouts She also values the expertise of legislators Goodwin (DFL-Columbia Heights). “The and research that’s needed for bills, and that from both parties. “They are, for the most best source of information is the people you information helps explain votes back home. part, very well informed. I do stand in awe of represent.” “I’ve taken this information and sent it to the people who have experience here. Balance A former lobbyist, Goodwin prefers to gather constituents to say, ‘This is why I voted like I for me is the whole key.” her own research rather than rely on lobbyists. did,’ he said. “Lobbyists help me with infor- Vandeveer views his peers as resources, too, She has also had constituents give her carefully mation, and it helps justify my vote.”

Capitol cornerstone A symbol of progress, keeper of past

“The strength of man is in said then U.S. Sen. Cushman K. Davis in ground level door, just to the right of the his brain and bone; That a lengthy oration. Davis was the state’s porte cochère (coach door) entrance beneath of the temple in its corner seventh governor, serving from January the Capitol’s front steps. stone.” 1874 to January 1876. “The hand that laid It holds a cache of items near and dear to With these words, Judge the ideal foundation of this state 50 years Minnesotans in the waning years of the 19th Charles E. Flandrau of ago, in the dining room of a frontier tavern, century. St. Paul handed Alexander now lays the corner stone of this, the capitol “In this box made of copper we have Ramsey, fi rst governor of of the completed commonwealth.” placed various articles and memorials the Minnesota Territory The stone is located near the southeast indicative of our progress in art, literature and second governor of the state, a and agriculture,” said then Gov. silver trowel to spread the mortar as David M. Clough. the Capitol cornerstone was hoisted This time capsule of sorts includes: into place July 27, 1898. a Bible; state law books and legisla- The ceremony is well documented tive manuals; the original draft in Laying of the Corner Stone of of the bill authorizing the Capitol the New Capitol of Minnesota, a construction; copper plate etch- commemorative book published by ings of the building’s fl oor plans; a the Pioneer Press Company in 1898. history of Minnesota volunteers in “We have met to perform a great the “War of the Rebellion;” gold, political ceremony; to dedicate, by copper, nickel and silver coins; an impressive symbolism, employed photographs from around the state; by many nations throughout all and an “Epitome of Memorable time, the edifi ce which represents Events” in the state’s history, with a and typifi es the state. timeline from 1784 to 1895. “The corner stone has always (N. WOOD) The Capitol cornerstone was hoisted into place July 27, 1898. It conveyed a mystical and symbolic is engraved with important dates in state history: “TERRITORY meaning, even in divine utterances,” ORGANIZED MAR 3 1849, THE STATE ADMITTED TO THE UNION MAY 11 1858, THIS CORNERSTONE LAID JULY 27 AD 1898.” Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

4 Session Weekly May 6, 2005 IGHLIGHTS A PRIL 28 - MAY 5, 2005 H★ ★ ★

Adjournment date approaching ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION The Minnesota Constitution stipulates that the Legislature cannot meet in regular ses- sion after the fi rst Monday following the third Saturday of May in any year. This means that the 2005 Legislature must adjourn no later than May 23. If its work is not completed on time, only the governor can call a special session. However, he or she cannot specify issues to be acted upon once a special session is called. If needed, this would be the third straight biennium that a special session would be required to pass budget bills for the following biennium. A one-day special session in 2002 was needed to provide flood relief for Roseau. Also considered were charitable deductions and a sales tax exemption on the delivery of aggregate materials and concrete block.

AGRICULTURE ★ PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, left, and representatives from the Department of Natural Resources E20 down the pike and the Minnesota Society of Arborists plant a tree on the Capitol grounds as part of the The state’s ethanol industry would receive offi cial State Arbor Day Celebration April 29. a boost, under a bill on its way to the governor. big you could drive an ethanol truck through of citations over any given period of time. After a House-Senate conference committee it,” said Rep. Paul Kohls (R-Victoria) in oppo- “This is a bill that doesn’t have any opposi- worked out differences over the timeline, sition to the language altered by the confer- tion. It just reinforces the fact that commercial liability provisions and small engine reports, ence committee. vehicle inspectors do not have quotas just the House voted 100-32 May 5 to double the Under the bill, the Agriculture Depart- like the state troopers don’t,” said Rep. Tom state ethanol mandate, under certain condi- ment, in consultation with other agencies and Rukavina (DFL-Virginia), the sponsor of tions. The Senate repassed HF223/SF4* a day stakeholders, is directed to review the effects the bill with Sen. David J. Tomassoni (DFL- earlier by a 57-8 margin. of E20 on the ethanol industry and Minnesota Chisholm). Currently, the state requires that motor consumers. Reports are due to the Legislature Passed by the Senate 61-0 April 28, the vehicle gasoline sold in Minnesota contains an Jan. 15, 2009, and Jan. 15, 2011. bill now goes to Gov. Tim Pawlenty for his “E10” blend, meaning 10 percent agricultur- Additionally, the Commerce Department consideration. ally derived ethanol by volume. would be required to report to the Legislature The bill, sponsored by Rep. Gregory M. by Jan. 15, 2008, on the appropriate use of E20 Davids (R-Preston) and Sen. Dallas C. Sams gasoline in small engines and make recom- EDUCATION (DFL-Staples), would raise the blend to 20/80 mendations on marketing tactics and ways ★ by Aug. 30, 2013, unless, by Dec. 31, 2010, the to increase E20 availability. state is already using a 20 percent denatured Omnibus K-12 education bill ethanol blend in the gasoline supply or federal Most Republicans would give an “A” to the approval has not been granted for the E20 omnibus K-12 education bill, passed 70-63 by blend. ★ CRIME the House May 4, while most DFLers would “Ethanol isn’t just a rural issue,” said Rep. assign a lower grade. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar). “It’s an issue of No quotas The bill now moves to the Senate, which energy independence and it’s an issue of being A prohibition on quotas for issuing traffi c has its own education fi nance omnibus bill. net exporters of energy from the state in the and vehicle inspection citations would be A conference committee will likely be needed very near future.” expanded under HF998/SF1486*, passed by to reach a compromise. The bill contains a provision to protect the House 127-0 May 3. “This is a bill that everyone can vote for, a dealers and refi ners from lawsuits alleging Currently, the prohibition applies only to very fair bill,” said Rep. Barb Sykora (R-Excel- damages from defective gasoline. The immu- the Minnesota State Patrol. The bill would sior), sponsor of HF872. nity would not apply to situations of “simple prohibit law enforcement agencies, along The bill would increase the basic state aid or willful negligence or fraud” or environ- with the state patrol, from requiring troopers, formula by 3 percent in fi scal year 2006 and mental or public health damages. commercial vehicle inspectors or law enforce- 3.1 percent in fi scal year 2007, which would “This is a liability exclusion with a hole so ment representatives to issue a certain number result in the second- and third-largest

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 5 amounts ever put into education, according funding that would benefi t all districts. noting those four votes cost the township to Sykora. Among policy changes is a provision that more than $2,500. Total state funding for K-12 education, the students who are truant, risk losing their Under current law, a state primary is held largest chunk of the state’s budget, would driver’s license or state identifi cation card. the fi rst Tuesday after the second Monday in be $12.4 billion during the biennium under The bill would also require that 65 percent September in each even-numbered year when House budget Option A, and $12.6 billion of school districts’ funding goes to the more than one person from each party has under Option B, if the racino bill (HF1664) classroom. fi led to run for the same elected position. The becomes law. primary is used to select only one nominee The bill also includes increases for gifted from each of the major political parties to be and talented education, early childhood Coaching contracts on the general election ballot in November. programs, community education, school School boards that decide not to renew safety, technology and Internet access, and a high school varsity coach’s contract must transportation aid for sparsely populated give timely notice of the basis for the decision, EMPLOYMENT rural districts. under HF68, which was passed 112-19 by the ★ But opponents said the bill fails to provide House May 2. Jobs and development appropriations enough funding to prevent further staff If a coach requests reasons for the non- A bill that appropriates almost $385 million layoffs and program reductions. renewal of the contract, the board must for jobs and economic development was “This bill will mean that every single respond, in writing, within 10 days of the passed by the House on a 68-66 party-line school district in the state would continue request. A coach then has the chance to vote April 29, and now goes to the Senate. to make cuts,” said House Minority Leader respond at a school board meeting that may Committee Chair Rep. Bob Gunther Matt Entenza (DFL-St. Paul). The bill would be open or closed at the board’s discretion. (R-Fairmont), sponsor of HF1976, said the also result in $112 million in local property “This gives recourse to coaches non- bill was crafted with one thing in mind: tax increases that school districts could levy renewed out of season. It’s simply a matter of “Helping Minnesotans have the best job they without voter approval, he said. fairness,” said Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove can possibly have.” Representatives missed a chance to return City), the bill’s sponsor. However, House Minority Leader Matt local control by rejecting an amendment that Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan) said under Entenza (DFL-St. Paul) disagreed, saying would have limited the mostly unfunded current law, head varsity coaches know up the bill did not provide enough money for mandates in the federal No Child Left Behind front they have annual contracts. When a affordable housing, jobs and training. “This law, said Entenza. Similar bills are being coach is let go at the end of the contract, it’s a is not a bill for jobs. It’s a jobless bill. The bill passed in other states, most recently in Utah, non-renewal and not a termination, he said. is a product of a whole lot of bad decisions,” he added. “The distinction is important to make.” he said. Geographic differences emerged when The bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Among the amendments successfully added rural legislators tried to block a provision Steve Dille (R-Dassel) is the sponsor. that would allow districts (mostly suburban), to the bill was one by Rep. Nora Slawik (DFL- already at the referendum levy limit, to ask Maplewood) that would require license holders voters for additional operating funds. and caregivers at child-care centers to complete It’s not equal education when property-rich ★ ELECTIONS 12 hours of in-service training every year. districts can offer eight world languages while Slawik said child-care is important because property-poor school districts barely have No primaries in uncontested elections of the important decisions young Minneso- enough money to pay for English classes, said Primary elections would no longer be tans will make in the future. “Kids in child- Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia). required under certain circumstances if a bill care are going to be the same kids going to Another sore spot was a move that began passed by the House 129-0 May 3 becomes school, the same kids that will fi ll the seats in the House Ways and Means Committee to law. here,” she said. divert $4 million in compensatory aid (paid Passed by the Senate 64-1 March 7, the bill Funding in the bill includes more than to districts with high concentrations of poor now awaits action by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. $63 million for the Minnesota Housing Finance students) to a pilot project in the Anoka- HF1110/SF879*, sponsored by Rep. Larry Agency, including $7.4 million for programs to Hennepin School District. Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph) and Sen. Michelle help the homeless and $3.2 million for rental Sykora said the project would look for better L. Fischbach (R-Paynesville), states that no housing assistance for the mentally ill. ways to assist struggling students, and that infor- primary election would be required in cases More than $54.2 million would go to work- mation could help all districts. Opponents said where there are uncontested local races. force services, including $23.4 million for it was unfair to take money away from schools It also provides that at least 15 days after extended unemployment services for people that need it the most and give it to one particular the close of fi lings the municipal clerk, county with severe disabilities, nearly $9.9 million district. Instead, the pilot project will be funded auditor and secretary of state’s offi ce must be for State Services for the Blind activities, with a portion of funds designated for Advanced notifi ed that no primary will be held. $2 million to help mentally ill people fi nd Placement and International Baccalaureate “This is a common sense bill,” Hosch said. and keep jobs, and $350,000 to the Minnesota programs for top students. “All this really does is recognize the fact that Employment Center for People who are Deaf DFLers tried unsuccessfully to reduce many times we have uncontested primaries or Hard-of-Hearing. the $98 million going to a new teacher across the state” and that costs cities and Included in the $45.3 million allocated compensation program, that would create townships a lot of money. “There was one for the Minnesota Historical Society is multiple career paths and provide rewards for township where four people came and voted $1.49 million for the operation of seven improving student and school performance, all day long, and they were actually the elec- historic sites: Oliver H. Kelley Farm, James and instead put the money toward per pupil tion judges who worked at the poll,” he said, J. Hill House, the Lower Sioux Agency, Fort

6 Session Weekly May 6, 2005 Ridgely, Historic Forestville, the Forest • Boathouse – “a fl oating structure that is removed mine pits from these additions. History Center and the Comstock House; moored by spuds, cables, ropes, anchors, or Sertich said there are abandoned mine pits $120,000 for Capitol tours, while prohibiting chains that may be intended for habitation on the Iron Range that are being converted to the society from charging a fee for general and has walls, a roof, and either an open lakeshore property but the development is far tours; and $50,000 for the Sesquicentennial well for boats or a fl oor from wall to wall from complete. Commission. and does not include houseboats.” “We are just looking for a little less restric- A total of $45.1 million would go to the • Houseboat – “a motorboat that has either a tion so we can make sure we can get the aban- Department of Labor and Industry, including pontoon or a fl at-bottomed hull confi gu- doned mine pits in the shape we need them in $20.6 million for workers compensation. ration, and a permanent enclosed super- before the DNR takes over and we have water The bill offers $14.9 million for business and structure housing, at a minimum, built-in issues,” he said. community development, including $500,000 sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities.” to start a revolving loan fund for cleanup of Under the bill, the following defi nitions methamphetamine labs; a grant of $300,000 would apply to structures in or adjacent to Inspector installers each for WomenVenture, for women’s busi- public waters: Sometimes the person who installs an indi- ness development programs, and to the Rural • Boathouse – “a structure or watercraft that is vidual sewage treatment system is the same Policy and Development Center at Minnesota moored by spuds, cables, ropes, anchors, or person who inspects it to make sure it meets State University, Mankato for operations; chains that may be intended for habitation state and local standards. $200,000 each to the Metropolitan Economic and has walls, a roof, and either an open HF731, sponsored by Rep. Ray Cox (R- Development Association for minority busi- well for boats or a fl oor from wall to wall Northfield), aims to modify Minnesota’s ness development programs in the Twin Cities and does not include watercraft that are sewage system inspection requirements to metropolitan area and to help small businesses designed and operated as motorboats.” prevent any potential conflict of interest access federal money through consulting and • Motorboat – “a watercraft that is designed for without preventing the installer and inspector training. Another $100,000 would go to the and is capable of navigation on the water from being the same person. Minnesota Inventors Congress. and that has an adequately sized external The House passed the measure 128-0 May 3. Another $14.9 million would go to work- or internal mechanical propulsion system It now moves to the Senate, where Sen. Michael force partnerships, including $1.75 million to for the type of watercraft.” J. Jungbauer (R-East Bethel) is the sponsor. programs at the Opportunities Industrialization Another provision in the bill would allow “There’s been a little issue with some counties Centers around the state to provide education the department to issue cease and desist where individual installers are also contracted and jobs training for disadvantaged people, and orders for illegal activities that adversely to do the inspections,” Cox explained. $500,000 to Twin Cities RISE! to provide jobs affect groundwater. Current law grants it this “The bill brings forward language to training for disadvantaged people. authority over wetlands and public waters. prevent them from sort of doing the same The bill also would add depleted quarries thing at the same time for individuals,” he and sand and gravel pits to the public waters said. “It doesn’t prevent them from installing ENVIRONMENT inventory when the water body exceeds 50 systems that they inspect at a later date.” ★ acres and the shoreland has been zoned for Under the bill, “No system professional may residential development. use their position with government, either as When is a boathouse a houseboat? An amendment successfully offered by Rep. an employee or a contractor, to solicit business The defi nition of a boathouse and a house- Anthony “Tony” Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) for their private system enterprise.” boat, and where and how each can be moored on public waters, is clarifi ed in HF894, spon- sored by Rep. Ray Cox (R-Northfi eld). CHARTER SCHOOL DAY The House passed the measure 118-15 May 2. It now moves to the Senate, where Sen. Dennis R. Frederickson (R-New Ulm) is the sponsor. Boathouses on public waters are prohibited under current law, except “in areas of historic use for such structures,” as determined by the Department of Natural Resources commis- sioner, when approved by the local government unit and where the boathouse has been moored on public waters prior to Jan. 1, 1997. The bill would alter the exceptions and clarify the defi nition of “boathouse.” “Due to problems with defi nitions in the statute and the rule, people have been trying to fi nd innovative ways to build boathouses on public waters in areas and under circum- stances where they are prohibited,” according PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID to the department. Students in the West African Drum and Dance group from the Wise Charter School in Minneapolis Currently, the following defi nitions can be perform on the Capitol steps May 3 as part of Charter School Day. found in state law:

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 7 Riverbend Board eliminated allow “unclassifi ed employees who are not A bill on its way to the governor’s desk ★ GAME & FISH now covered by collective bargaining to be would eliminate a formal board with oversight compensated under the terms of a compensa- of development along a stretch of the Minne- Silencing the cormorants tion plan that (the board) would adopt.” sota River, but proponents say protection The double-breasted cormorant population The bill now goes to the Senate where Senate efforts will not be diminished. on Leech Lake is negatively impacting walleyes President James P. Metzen (DFL-South St. HF2042/SF1841*, sponsored by Rep. Tony and threatening common terns, according to Paul) is the sponsor. Cornish (R-Good Thunder) and Sen. John C. the area’s aquaculture industry and natural “The current plan does not pay competi- Hottinger (DFL-St. Peter), would eliminate resources offi cials. tively,” Peterson said. The board is having the Project Riverbend Board. HF42, passed by the House 121-1 May 3, trouble retaining employees because private The House passed the measure 128-0 May 3, would give federal, state, tribal and local sector companies can offer better compensa- after the Senate did the same 65-0 April 18. peace offi cers a quiet, yet targeted method of tion plans. The board, consisting of representatives cormorant population control. Once the board establishes a compensation from Renville, Redwood, Brown, Nicollet, Blue Sponsored by Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker), plan, it must be submitted to the Department Earth, and Le Sueur counties, was created in the bill would allow the use of silencers to of Employee Relations for review within 14 1980, Cornish said. It has not met since 1994. muffl e fi rearms discharged by peace offi cers days. Under the bill, the Legislature and the Tina Rosenstein, Nicollet County environ- for wildlife control purposes. It now moves Legislative Coordinating Commission must mental services director, told the House Envi- to the Senate, where Sen. John Marty (DFL- also approve the plan. ronment and Natural Resources Committee Roseville) is the sponsor. Another provision exempts the execu- that the board was established to set standards Silencers are already legal for peace offi cers tive director from the salary cap placed on for development, similar to the state Wild and to use in tactical emergency response opera- commissioners that maximizes their compen- Scenic River designation, for a stretch of the tions against criminal activity. sation at 95 percent of the governor’s salary. Minnesota River from Franklin in Renville “Right now, up on Little Pelican Island on “Why should (the salary) be more than County to Le Sueur in Le Sueur County. Leech Lake, we have federal sharpshooters other commissioners,” Rep. Mark Buesgens County ordinances will continue to protect up there trying to limit the population of the (R-Jordan) asked on the House fl oor. Buesgens that portion of the river, Rosenstein said, even cormorant and they’re using BB guns,” Howes was one of eight members who voted against without a formal arrangement. said. “We need to give them a little help.” the bill. He presented some statistics: As little as six Peterson said the executive director’s role years ago there were about 260 nesting pairs is similar to investment offi cers and retention Protecting the paths of cormorants. Today, there are more than has been a problem. The Department of Natural Resources is 5,000 nesting pairs. The cormorants number seeking greater input into the process when between 8,000 and 12,000 birds. Each bird townships and municipalities decide whether eats an average of 1 pound of fi sh per day. Optional locations for meetings to give up public access rights to roads leading “That’s an average of 10,000 pounds of County boards may soon have the option to public waters. fish per day,” Howes said. “Leech Lake is of holding a meeting at any location within HF436, sponsored by Rep. Denny failing.” the county, under a bill passed 134-0 by the McNamara (R-Hastings), would require local The cormorant population has largely House May 3. authorities to consult with the department contributed to the fall of the walleye fi shery Passed 60-0 by the Senate April 26, the bill and increase the timeline for notifying the on Leech Lake, said Rep. Frank Moe (DFL- now goes to the governor. department, as required under state law, from Bemidji), whose district includes much of the The bill states that a board, “may meet” on 30 days to 60 days prior to the local road vaca- lake. “Walleye fi shing is extremely important other days “and at other locations within the tion public hearing. in our area,” he said, and the silencer option county.” Rep. Jerry Dempsey (R-Red Wing), The House passed the measure 125-9 is part of a comprehensive Department of who sponsors HF2318/SF2112* with Sen. Steve May 2. It now moves to the Senate, where Natural Resources plan to improve the quality Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), said the bill came Sen. Dennis R. Frederickson (R-New Ulm) of the fi shery. to him as a request from the counties. is the sponsor. The silencer bill is not directed solely Robert Davis, veterans service offi cer and McNamara explained that the roads under toward cormorant control. It would give legislative liaison for Goodhue County, testi- the scope of the bill are typically undeveloped natural resources management agencies a fied in a House committee that Goodhue tracts of land between 10 feet and 33 feet in more effective control method for other County now holds meetings at county fairs, width that lead to public waters. wildlife populations, proponents said during but cannot make the meetings offi cial because The bill was prompted by a situation in committee testimony. of current state law. Lakeland, he said, where the city gave back Current law states, “the board shall meet at a 30-foot wide easement to the neighboring the county seat for the transaction of business property owners and no one was given the GOVERNMENT on the fi rst Tuesday after the fi rst Monday in opportunity to explain that a lot of children ★ January, and on other days it prescribes as were using it to go down to fi sh along the St. necessary for the interests of the county.” Employee compensation plan Croix River. Unclassifi ed employees of the State Board “This will protect some of these entry points of Investment could fi nd themselves under a to our public waters,” McNamara said. Noxious weed appeals new compensation plan under a bill passed Counties would be permitted to reassign 121-8 by the House May 2. appeals duties related to laws controlling and Rep. Neil W. Peterson (R-Bloomington), eradicating noxious weeds to a county board sponsor of HF1692, said the bill would 8 Session Weekly May 6, 2005 of adjustment, under a bill passed by the increase would need to be used for employee to create strengthened centers of leadership House 128-0 May 3. salaries, benefi ts and associated costs. Rep. and more collaboration between and among The bill was passed 64-0 by the Senate Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) unsuccessfully fi elds that really have a reason and a purpose April 18, and it now awaits action by the offered an amendment that would require the to work more effectively together.” governor. money to go to non-administration staff. Among the proposed changes is integrating Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul), Other provisions would encourage commu- the Family Social Science Department and the who sponsors HF1084/SF1016* with Sen. nity-based options for mentally ill and elderly School of Social Work with current academic Pat Pariseau (R-Farmington), said the people and utilize changes in the Federal units in the College of Education and Human bill is “streamlining county government Medicare Modernization Act for a $17 million Development to create a college to address issues processes.” savings in state prescription drug programs. of lifelong learning and human development. Each county now has the ability to have a The most controversial aspect of the bill “Instead of having resources in three or four noxious weed appeal board, but counties have would restructure MinnesotaCare eligibility, different colleges that address these issues we’d to solicit members to join a rarely used board, eliminating health care coverage for more bring them together in one college with a great Hansen said. Counties could reduce their than 20,000 people. The bill would make a deal of academic strength,” Bruininks said. efforts in trying to fi nd members by having conforming change that would eliminate Also, the university’s General College would an existing board handle the appeals that may eligibility for adults without children, effec- become an academic support department come from the public, he added. tive Oct. 1, 2005. within the College of Education and Human “At its option, the county board of commis- An amendment offered by Rep. Thomas Development. “You do not need a college to sioners, by resolution, may delegate the duties Huntley (DFL-Duluth) would have restored educate a student at the University of Minne- of the appeal committee to its board of adjust- that coverage, but was ruled out of order. sota,” Bruininks said. “If that was true, we’d ment,” according to the bill. “When carrying An amendment successfully offered by Rep. have $70 million more in overhead and we’d out the duties of the appeal committee, the Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) calls for the health have about 60 colleges.” zoning board of adjustment shall comply with commissioner to develop a cervical cancer The committee is expected to have a hearing all of the procedural requirements.” prevention plan that would include improved devoted to the proposed General College screening rates. changes before the Legislature is scheduled “This is our first chance to eliminate a to adjourn May 23. HEALTH cancer,” Kahn said. Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul) sought ★ Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL- assurances that the changes would not mean Mpls) unsuccessfully offered an amendment to less focus on providing for diversity. “I don’t Omnibus bill passed by House create the “Emergency Care for Sexual Assault want to insult your colleges, but in looking at The omnibus health fi nance bill continued Victims Act,” which would require emergency the numbers I see some real big challenges.” on its contentious journey after passage by the rooms to provide rape victims with informa- Bruininks countered, “There’s a deep and House April 29. The 74-59 vote followed more tion about emergency contraception. abiding commitment for the university to than fi ve-and-a-half hours of fl oor debate and maintain its commitment to diversity in all two-dozen proposed amendments. forms and aspects. There are some exciting The Senate passed its omnibus health HIGHER EDUCATION ideas and recommendations on the table to and human services bill, sponsored by Sen. ★ achieve those values and aspirations.” Richard J. Cohen (DFL-St. Paul), 38-29 May 4. A conference committee is expected Planning for the future to work out the differences. Creating more access to success is the goal “This bill represents outstanding balance,” of new strategic positioning initiatives for the ★ RECREATION said Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester), sponsor University of Minnesota. of HF1422. “We need to better try to manage our future For adults only “There’s very little good in this bill,” coun- and manage the priorities of the university,” Adults who swim in zero-depth entry public tered Rep. Barbara Goodwin (DFL-Columbia President Robert Bruininks told the House pools would not need lifeguard supervision, Heights). “This bill moves health care into Higher Education Finance Committee under a bill approved by the House 128-2 welfare.” May 4. “It’s all about strengthening the May 3. The Senate approved the bill 57-4 April She said the bill includes 76 new fees or fee university for the long haul.” The committee 26. It now awaits the governor’s signature. increases, and eliminates funding for suicide took no action. HF604/SF284*, sponsored by Rep. Sandra prevention, the second leading cause of death This was the first time in a decade the Peterson (DFL-New Hope) and Sen. David for Minnesotans ages 10 to 24. university has stepped back and thought in Gaither (R-Plymouth), would exempt zero- The $7.3 billion bill, representing 27 percent this way about its future, Bruininks said. depth pools, when used by people 18 years of of the state budget, attempts to curb the trend Eventually, about 40 recommendations came age or older, from lifeguard requirements. of increased health care spending. Highlights from two working groups that addressed The bill would bring these pools in sync of the bill include changing the cost shift for academic priorities and administrative issues, with regulations for regular pools, which are intermediate care facilities for people with respectively. After about a year of work, the currently exempt from the lifeguard require- developmental disabilities from 80 percent recommendations were released March 30. ment when used by adults. state and 20 percent county to 95 percent “The reports cover a wide range of issues,” A zero-depth entry pool has a slope that state and 5 percent county and providing a Bruininks said. “Some recommendations begins at grade level, and deepens in a uniform 2 percent increase for long-term care providers talk about realigning colleges and academic slope to a depth of 3 feet or more. The gradual in both years of the biennium. departments. They would reduce the total slope makes it easier for some people to get in Under the bill, two-thirds of the 2 percent number of colleges on the Twin Cities campus and out of the pool.

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 9 The bill would allow health clubs to hold fi refi ghters with service in the two relief aqua-aerobic classes for adults in zero-entry associations; and ★ TRANSPORTATION pools without being required to have a life- • create a taskforce to study creating a state- guard present. wide volunteer firefighter retirement Revived omnibus bill moves on License requirements for pools would plan, including the possible investment House Transportation Finance Committee not change under the legislation. It would in vehicles. Chair Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R-Lakeville) have no fiscal impact, add no additional A successful amendment by Rep. Marty said her committee’s omnibus bill would regulatory responsibilities to the state or Seifert (R-Marshall) removed a $40,000 take many twists and turns before it reaches local government and not affect the need for appropriation for the taskforce study. the governor’s desk. This past week she was inspections. proved prophetic. Six days after HF2461, the committee’s RETIREMENT SAFETY $3.98 billion bill that would pay for Minne- ★ ★ sota’s transportation needs for the next two years and beyond, was rejected by the House Plan changes Conceal bill gets another hearing Taxes Committee. The committee approved a The House State Government Finance When HF2428, the so-called “conceal and revised version May 4 and sent it to the House Committee approved a bill May 4 that would carry” bill, was drafted, an important provi- Ways and Means Committee. make several changes to state pensions and sion was left out. The House Civil Law and The motion to reconsider the bill came retirement plans. Elections Committee corrected the omission from House Taxes Committee Chair Rep. Phil Rep. Steve Smith (R-Mound) and Sen. May 4 and made technical changes to the bill Krinkie (R-Shoreview). “It is important that we Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley) sponsor HF2092/ it previously passed April 27. at least do something to fund transportation.” SF427* that incorporates more than 30 bills Sponsored by Rep. Larry Howes DFL members protested the lack of public dealing with pensions and retirement options (R-Walker), the bill would reenact a 2003 notice of the action, as the committee had been for legislators; elected state offi cers; uniform law that liberalized the process to acquire a scheduled to take up its omnibus tax bill. judges; members of the Minnesota State handgun permit. That Retirement System, Minneapolis Teachers law was ruled uncon- DOUBLE DUTY Retirement Fund Association and Minne- stitutional by a district apolis Employees Retirement Fund; First court because it was Class City Teacher Plans; Minnesota State attached to an unrelated Colleges and Universities system Individual bill at the time of passage. Retirement Account Plans; and others. The Minnesota Court The bill, which now goes to the House Ways of Appeals upheld the and Means Committee, was passed 56-1 by the ruling in mid-April. But Senate April 27. language contained in the According to a summary provided by the two rulings differed on a Legislative Commission on Pensions and provision dealing with the Retirement, the bill would: availability of permits to • change or add defi nitions of dependent child, violent felons. constitutional offi cer, former legislator, As amended, the bill member of the Legislature and salary while would deny violent felons making technical changes to statutes; from ever receiving a • revise the Minnesota State Colleges and permit to carry a handgun. Universities system Individual Retirement The bill’s enactment date Account plans to not offer all of the State was also changed to Board of Investment Supplemental Fund the day following final investments options; enactment. • extend supplemental retirement plan status A companion bill to the local laborers pension fund, and (SF2259), sponsored increase the maximum employer contribu- by Sen. Pat Pariseau tion to trade union supplemental retire- (R-Farmington), awaits ment plans from $2,000 to $5,000; action on the Senate • make a financial statement requirement Floor. applicable to volunteer fi refi ghter relief as- sociations and report to the State Auditor’s offi ce; • allow the volunteer firefighter plans for If you have Aurora, Biwabik, Hoyt Lakes and Palo Internet PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID to consolidate to pay a smaller pension access, visit the amount than general law requires, and Members of the Welfare Rights Committee drape their protest Legislature’s Web sign from the second fl oor of the Rotunda as sixth-graders allow the Maplewood and Oakdale fi re- page at: from Murray County School in southwest Minnesota lay on fi ghter plans to enter into an agreement http://www.leg.mn the fl oor to get a better view of the dome during an April 29 to provide pension portability for six Capitol tour.

10 Session Weekly May 6, 2005 “This is something no city would even get stickers to automobile dealerships. Dealers ever contemplated and provide an easement away with,” said Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL- would then issue plates and stickers at the across the main Veterans Rest Camp Road in Dilworth). time of purchase. The information would be order to provide a connection of the north and Krinkie successfully offered one amend- electronically transmitted to the state and a south areas of the park.” ment to strip the increase in license tab deputy registrar would review the transaction fees from the bill. That would reduce the before issuing the registration. bill’s funding capacity by approximately Cost to customers in other states average Commemorative plaque $40 million, Holberg said, so that would $20, but the cost has not been set here. Using A commemorative plaque to honor Minne- increase debt service. The net effect would be the service would be optional. sota veterans who served in the Persian Gulf to postpone some projects, she said. Severson said he had heard of no organized War would be placed in the Court of Honor “It increases tab fees by $1.3 billion over the opposition to the bill. on the Capitol grounds, under a bill passed next 10 years. I consider that a signifi cant tax Rep. Gregory M. Davids (R-Preston) 128-0 by the House May 3. increase,” Krinkie said between votes. “While said the bill would be welcome. “This bill HF1394, sponsored by Rep. Judy Soderstrom I wish there might be some other way to infuse makes everyone’s life a lot easier. It will help (R-Mora), says the plaque is “to recognize the some additional revenue to better maintain consumers in Minnesota.” valiant service to our nation by thousands of highways, I don’t think that’s the way to do it.” brave men and women who served honorably DFLers unsuccessfully offered several as members of the United States armed forces amendments May 4, including a proposal VETERANS during the Persian Gulf War.” from Rep. Irv Anderson (DFL-Int’l Falls) to ★ The plaque would have “no cost directly to the raise the gas tax by 3 cents a gallon to help state, the money would be raised by the veterans fund transportation needs. Preserving disabled veterans land organizations,” Terrence Logan, director of the The vote April 28 was 16-12, with Reps. The Disabled Veterans Rest Camp on Big veterans benefi ts division of the Department of Jim Knoblach (R-St. Cloud), Ray Vandeveer Marine Lake in Washington County would be Veterans Affairs, told a House committee. (R-Forest Lake) and Krinkie joining DFLers excluded from certain zoning controls, under The bill states, “the plaque must be against the bill. a bill passed 134-0 by the House May 3. furnished by a person or organization other Holberg never seemed worried. “You’ve got Approved 60-0 April 26 by the Senate, than the Department of Veterans Affairs and to fund the State Patrol and (the Department HF34/SF467* now goes to the governor for must be approved by the commissioner of of Transportation),” she said. “It’s a divisive his signature. veterans affairs and the Capitol Area Archi- issue. There’s no perfect transportation bill.” “This shows our appreciation for the sacri- tectural and Planning Board.” Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) agrees fi ces that our disabled veterans have made for According to the nonpartisan House that it’s a contentious issue. “It’s got all that us,” said Rep. Ray Vandeveer (R-Forest Lake), Research department, included in the plaques bonding up over time, let’s not have our who sponsors the bill with Sen. Michele Bach- honoring the following people or groups that kids pay for our problems,” he said. The bill mann (R-Stillwater). are now part of the Court of Honor, the semi- features at least $1.5 billion in future highway The bill would also require the camp to circular granite wall in front of the Veterans bonding projects through 2015. continue developing and promoting camp Service Building, are: Gen. George Wash- The bill approved by the House features for veterans who are disabled, ington; veterans of the Civil War, Spanish- Transportation Finance Committee included prohibit the taking of land from the park by American War, World War I, World War II, a clause to repeal a state law that prohibits eminent domain, require access to the park 194th Tank Battalion Bataan Death March, service stations from selling gasoline below be unrestricted and would exclude the camp Korean Confl ict and Vietnam War; and POW/ cost. However, the tax committee removed from property taxes effective for taxes levied MIA and women veterans of all wars. that clause. in 2005, payable in 2006, and thereafter. The bill now goes to the Senate where The bill still calls for a constitutional The Disabled American Veterans, in a Sen. Carrie L. Ruud (R-Breezy Point) is the amendment in which voters would be asked written letter to a House committee, said sponsor. whether to dedicate Motor Vehicle Sales Tax there have been numerous attempts by the proceeds to highways and transit. Now, some Washington County Park Commission and of that money goes to the General Fund. members of the Washington County Board of Driver’s license fees would increase $3, Commissioners to acquire the land and make Frequently called numbers under the bill, and a variety of special license it part of the Big Marine Park Reserve. (Area code 651) The proposal “ensures that (the camp) is plates would be available for veterans. Information Services, House Public going to be there for the next 100 years,” said 175 State Offi ce Building ...... 296-2146 Donald Drigans, camp treasurer. Chief Clerk of the House “We’ve been working with the veterans,” 211 Capitol ...... 296-2314 Goodbye to temporary tags Index, House A bill that would allow customers to get and things are going fairly well on issues that 211 Capitol ...... 296-6646 license plates straight from the dealer when need to be addressed, said Myra Peterson, TTY, House ...... 296-9896 purchasing a new or used vehicle was approved chair of the Washington County Board. Toll free ...... 1-800-657-3550 Concerns have been raised about how the Information, Senate by the House May 3. The vote was 125-2. 231 Capitol ...... 296-0504 HF1134/SF1056*, sponsored by Rep. Dan county would be able to purchase the land if TTY, Senate ...... 296-0250 Severson (R-Sauk Rapids) and Sen. Mee Moua the camp wanted to sell the land in the future, Toll free ...... 1-888-234-1112 Secretary of the Senate (DFL-St. Paul), was passed by the Senate 60-0 she said. According to the bill, “The camp, by terms of separate agreements, must offer 231 Capitol ...... 296-2344 April 27. It now goes to the governor. Voice mail/order bills ...... 296-2343 The bill would allow the Department of Washington County the right of fi rst refusal Index, Senate Public Safety to distribute license plates and to purchase the rest camp property if a sale is 110 Capitol ...... 296-5560

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 11 How a Bill Becomes Idea Legal form Authors A bill is an idea for a new The Offi ce of the Revisor of Each bill must have a legisla- law or an idea to change an Statutes and staff from other tor to sponsor and introduce old law. Anyone can sug- legislative offi ces work with it in the Legislature. That 1 gest an idea for a bill — an 2 legislators in putting the idea 3 legislator is the chief author individual, consumer group, for a new law into proper legal whose name appears on the professional association, govern- form. The revisor’s offi ce is respon- bill along with the bill’s fi le number ment agency, or the governor. Most sible for assuring that the proposal’s to identify it as it moves through the often, however, ideas come from form complies with the rules of both legislative process. There may be up legislators, the only ones who can bodies before the bill can be intro- to 34 co-authors from the House and begin to move an idea through the duced into the Minnesota House of four from the Senate. Their names process. There are 134 House mem- Representatives and the Minnesota also appear on the bill. bers and 67 senators. Senate.

General Register Calendar for the Day In the House, the General In the House, the Calendar In the Senate, bills approved by the Register serves as a parking for the Day is a list of bills the "committee of the whole" are placed lot where bills await action House Rules and Legislative on the Calendar. At this point, the by the full body. Bills chosen Administration Committee bill has its third reading, after which 7 8 has designated for the full time the bill cannot be amended to appear on the Calendar for the Day or the Fiscal Calendar are House to vote on. Members can vote unless the entire body agrees to it. drawn from the General Register. to amend the bill, and after amend- Toward the end of the session, the ments are dispensed with, the bill is Senate Committee on Rules and In the Senate, a different procedure given its third reading before the vote Administration designates bills is used. Bills are listed on the Gen- of the full body is taken. The House from the General Orders calendar to eral Orders agenda. Senate mem- also has a Fiscal Calendar, on which receive priority consideration. These bers, acting as the “committee of the chair of the House Ways and Special Orders bills are debated, the whole,” have a chance to debate Means Committee or House Taxes amended, and passed in one day. the issue and offer amendments Committee can call up for consid- A bill needs 68 votes to pass the on the bill. Afterwards, they vote eration any tax or fi nance bill that House and 34 votes to pass the Sen- to recommend: passage of the bill, has had a second reading. The bills ate. If the House and Senate each pass progress (delay action), or further are debated, amended, and passed the same version of the bill, it goes to committee action. And sometimes in one day. they recommend that a bill not pass. the governor for a signature. From here, the bill is placed on the Calendar.

12 Session Weekly May 6, 2005 a Law in Minnesota Introduction Committee Floor The chief House author of the The bill is discussed in one After the full House or Senate bill introduces it in the House; or more committees depend- accepts the committee report, the chief Senate author in- ing upon the subject matter. the bill has its second reading 4 troduces it in the Senate. 5 After discussion, committee 6 and is placed on the House Identical bills introduced in members recommend action agenda called the General each body are called companion bills. — approval or disapproval — to Register or the Senate agenda called The bill introduction is called the the full House and full Senate. The General Orders. (A committee can fi rst reading. The presiding offi cer House committee then sends a re- recommend that non-controversial of the House then refers it to an port to the House about its action on bills bypass the General Register appropriate House committee for the bill; the Senate committee does or General Orders and go onto the discussion; the same thing happens likewise in the Senate. Consent Calendar, where bills usu- in the Senate. ally pass without debate.) After this point, House and Senate procedures differ slightly.

Conference Floor Governor If the House and Senate ver- The conference com- Once the governor has the sions of the bill are differ- mittee’s compromise bill, he or she may: sign it, ent, they go to a conference bill then goes back to and the bill becomes law; committee. In the House, 10 the House and the Sen- 11 veto it within three days; 9 the speaker appoints three ate for another vote. If or allow it to become law or fi ve representatives, and in the both bodies pass the bill in this by not signing it. During session, Senate, the Subcommittee on Com- form, it is sent to the governor the House and Senate can override a mittees of the Committee on Rules for his or her approval or disap- governor’s veto. This requires a two- and Administration selects the proval. (If one or both bodies re- thirds vote in the House (90 votes) same number of senators to form ject the report, it goes back to the and Senate (45 votes). The governor the conference committee. The conference committee for further also may “line-item veto” parts of a committee meets to work out differ- consideration.) money bill, or “pocket veto ” a bill ences in the two bills and to reach a passed during the last three days of compromise. the session by not signing it within 14 days after fi nal adjournment. ▼

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 13 T ISSUE: ENVIRONMENT A ★ ★ ★

enforcement; solid waste management grants; environmental education; and recycling Green the great outdoors efforts. Environmental funding and policy package progresses Minnesota Conservation Heritage Council A number of environmental projects BY NICOLE WOOD • direct the department to establish an off- would be funded through a $39.28 million innesota environmental agencies highway vehicle safety and conservation appropriation to the Legislative Commission and commissions would be morphed grant program, based on an ambassador on Minnesota Resources, although the bill Minto new entities and the state would program in Wisconsin, to encourage would eliminate the commission. It would spend nearly $1 billion during fi scal years vehicle clubs to participate in safety and establish the Minnesota Conservation Heri- 2006-07 for environmental protection, natu- environmental training; and tage Council in its place to make decisions on ral resources management and outdoor rec- • classify state forests north of U.S. Highway 2 Environmental and Natural Resources Trust reation, under an omnibus bill passed 68-64 as managed rather than limited. Fund spending. by the House May 5. Legislation in 2003 required the depart- The council would consist of 11 citizen HF902, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ozment ment to take an inventory of all state forests experts appointed by the governor with the (R-Rosemount), now moves to the Senate. and by 2007 change their designation from consent of the Senate. Spending in the bill accounts for the envi- managed, meaning trails are open unless Proponents said the change would take ronmental targets under both Option A and posted closed, to limited, meaning trails are politics out of the process. Option B of the House budget resolution. The closed unless posted open. “It needs to be in the hands of the people target is below the governor’s budget recom- Unsuccessful amendments offered by Rep. that actually went out there and campaigned mendation by $3 million in Option B (with a Ray Cox (R-Northfi eld) would have placed to get the Environmental Trust Fund estab- racino) and by $14.4 million in Option A. a 96-decibel sound limit on all off-highway lished,” Ozment said. “We’ve had to make some very tough vehicles and deleted the provision allowing Opponents said other factors were driving choices,” Ozment said. “We tried to fi nd where for managed state forest status north of U.S. the reform, including efforts by the executive we could craft it in such a way that could gain Highway 2. branch to control the purse strings. support and continue to have Minnesotans be “We need to remember that the forests and “You know what’s really behind this? Three proud of the way that we’re trying to protect public lands are used by a variety of people,” governors have tried to grab that money,” said our environment and natural resources.” Cox said. Rep. Ron Erhardt (R-Edina). General Fund spending in Article 1 of the “Managed” does not mean ATVs can go bill would equal the $285.88 million target anywhere or destroy wetlands, said Rep. Other spending set under Option B; however, total spending Maxine Penas (R-Badger) in support of Smaller biennial budget amounts would would reach $999.09 million when other a managed status for her region. “This is include $33.28 million for the Minnesota funding sources such as lottery proceeds, regional warfare at its best.” Zoological Board, $31.39 million for the license and permit fees, and federal dollars Under the bill, boaters who imbibe too Board of Water and Soil Resources and are added to the mix. much could lose more personal property if $14.9 million to the Metropolitan Council for arrested. It would specify that boat trailers regional parks. Department of Natural Resources could be subject to seizure and forfeiture by The Minnesota Conservation Corps would More than half of the overall package the department because of a DWI arrest. Rep. receive $1.68 million and the Science Museum – $609.41 million – would be directed toward Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) unsuccess- of Minnesota appropriation would be set at the Department of Natural Resources for fully offered an amendment that would have $1.5 million. responsibilities such as wildlife, minerals required the proceeds from the department’s and forestry management; state park opera- sale of the trailer to be put toward the defen- Select fee increases, revenue raisers tions; habitat improvement; game and fi sh dant’s fi ne. The bill would increase three-year water- law enforcement; and off-road vehicle trail craft license fees and place the funds in a dedi- development. Department of cated account for boating facilities and public Off-highway vehicle policies in the bill Environmental Protection access improvements on public waters. would: Under the bill, the Pollution Control Ski pass fees would be increased to support • allow conservation offi cers and other peace Agency and Offi ce of Environmental Assis- the department’s cross-country ski trail grant- offi cers to issue civil citations for wetlands tance would be merged into one department. in-aid program. violations by off-highway vehicle riders, The new entity, that would be known as the The bill would require resident snowmo- with penalties set at $100 for the fi rst of- Department of Environmental Protection, bilers to purchase a $15 sticker to ride on state fense, $500 for the second and $1,000 for would receive $267.65 million for land, water, subsequent offenses; and air monitoring and clean-up; regulation Continued on page 22

14 Session Weekly May 6, 2005 T ISSUE: WAGES A ★ ★ ★

the bill would help close that gap. “You want to make sure kids are fed and the Raising wages mortgage is paid,” said Rep. Cy Thao (DFL-St. Minimum wage increase awaits gubernatorial action Paul). Both of his parents worked minimum wage jobs. Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL- Mpls) said the increase would provide more BY BRETT MARTIN “What’s wrong with someone making $7 an fi nancial freedom to workers. ay raises for minimum wage earners hour making $7.50?” he asked. “It does have “This minimum wage bill will attract more might be just a couple of pen strokes an effect, but I think that’s a good thing.” people to Minnesota who want to work,” she Paway. Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake) worried that said. Awaiting action by Gov. Tim Pawlenty is a increasing the minimum wage would hurt Rep. Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) offered bill that would increase the state’s minimum businesses, which would result in job losses an unsuccessful amendment to make it a wage by $1 an hour for large employers and and lead to more jobs being outsourced. “livable” wage by increasing the minimum 35 cents an hour for smaller employers. “I have grave concerns over what you’re pay to $9.73 an hour. The House passed the bill 84-50 May 2, but proposing,” he said. “We cannot be short- “Let’s do the whole enchilada,” Seifert said. not before debating amendments that would sighted.” “You’re only giving us half a taco.” change the amount of the increase and which Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids) agreed, He offered an amendment to change the companies would be impacted. saying it would make Minnesota a less busi- $500,000 gross sales limit that determines The Senate approved the amended bill ness-friendly state and would drive some minimum wage pay rates to $2 million. 44-22 the following day. small businesses, such as family-run restau- When that was defeated, he unsuccessfully Sponsored by Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL- rants, out of business. offered another amendment to change it to Virginia) and Sen. Ellen R. Anderson (DFL-St. “This is about denying jobs to our people,” $1 million. A third amendment to change it Paul), HF48/SF3* would impact approxi- he said. to $750,000 was orally amended to $625,000 mately 50,000 Minnesotans who currently DFL members offered a different perspec- and approved. earn minimum wage. tive. Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Mpls) said a An amendment by Rep. Tom Emmer “The win today is for some of the lowest wide gap exists between basic necessities and Continued on page 22 paid people,” Rukavina said. what minimum wage earners can afford, and As approved, the bill would require employers with annual gross sales of at least $625,000 to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $6.15 an hour beginning Aug. 1, 2005. Current defi nition defi nes a large employer as one with at least $500,000 in annual sales. The $5.15 hourly rate has been in place since Sept. 1, 1997. Minimum wage for employers with annual gross sales of less than $500,000 has been $4.90 an hour since Jan. 1, 1998. That would increase to $5.25 an hour, beginning Aug. 1, 2005, for companies with less than $625,000 in annual sales. Employers would be able to pay an employee under 20 years of age $4.90 an hour for the fi rst 90 consecutive days of employment. The hourly amount is now $4.25. The federal minimum wage for covered, nonexempt employees is $5.15 an hour, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. “This would have a huge economic boost to the state,” Rukavina said. Some Republicans argued that the PHOTO BY SARAH STACKE minimum wage increase would force pay Tony Gomez prepares a sandwich at the Subway in Hugo. A bill that would raise the state’s minimum increases in other income brackets, which wage for the fi rst time since Jan. 1, 1998, would aff ect entry-level positions in fast food and other Rukavina welcomes. establishments.

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 15 T ISSUE: DRIVE TO EXCELLENCE A ★ ★ ★

to a committee’s overview report. Internet technology “underpins everything One-stop shopping we do in state government,” Badgerow said. State services as a single enterprise being proposed The second recommendation for change includes creating a shared technology orga- nization for computer systems and telecom- munication, consolidating data centers and BY PATTY JANOVEC creating a new purchasing process for state- magine beginning a new small business wide licenses. and only going to one state agency for all State agencies are operating more than Iyour licenses or permits. 500 individual Web sites, according to One-stop shopping for state government campaign details. A governor’s executive services is what Gov. Tim Pawlenty had in order mandates the creation of a new Offi ce mind with the Drive to Excellence campaign, of Technology that would essentially be a according to Administration Commissioner standalone agency to “develop and imple- Dana Badgerow. ment policies, procedures, and standards The campaign details recommendations, in ensuring the optimal leveraging of (Internet part, on how agencies can combine business technology) across the state enterprise, and technology services as a single enterprise and manage consistency and effi ciency in to create efficiencies and better customer IT activities including standardization of service. policies, procedures, data, and tools.” It is “Citizen access to services ought to be expected that more uniformity would mean simple and intuitive, and today it is a complex “more effective business processes, reduced web, very diffi cult for a citizen to navigate,” costs, and improved customer service based Badgerow told the House State Government on better use of technology.” Finance Committee April 27. The governor’s recommendation includes By fiscal year 2011, a cumulative cost making the “one-stop shop” approach into reduction of $570 million is expected, with a customer-focused online licensing system $160 million per year once the “Transfor- for professional, occupational and business mational Roadmap” projects are completed. licensing. A governor’s executive order will implement “One million business and professional the six project areas (information technology, licensing transactions are handled each purchasing, licensing, code consolidation, year by more than 40 agencies and 800 state grant management and real property manage- employees, using over 60 licensing systems,” ment) with additional changes to follow. PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK according to the report. “The fi rst six Drive to Excellence projects Part of the governor’s Drive to Excellence orders Another focus for change includes the could yield as much as $458 million in cost the creation of a new Offi ce of Technology which state grant management process. The report reductions over seven years, after an esti- would standardize information technology details, “the state currently pursues, distrib- across the state. mated investment of $72 million,” according utes, and manages more than $1.1 billion of to details in a report that focuses on shared incoming grant money from more than 500 functions among state agencies. grants. It also monitors the performance of “We spend at least $1 billion approximately 7,000 organiza- on goods and services … there Estimated savings from the Drive to Excellence tions that receive $1.4 billion are 543 people scattered among (Initial estimated dollars in millions) via 9,400 state grants.” all the executive branch agencies 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total With so many state agen- that are doing buying of some cies with their hands in the pot, the governor recommends kind,” said Badgerow, noting Sourcing/Procurement 0 20 30 41 52 53 55 251 creating a single grant manage- that compared to the private Information Technology 0 1 9 16 21 25 25 97 ment system to administer and sector that ratio is high. Licensing 0 11 15 15 15 14 14 84 meet the needs of 80 percent of The campaign calls for the Customer Service Innovation 0 0 0 1 2 2 2 7 state grant programs. consolidation of purchases by Grant Management 0 1 1 4 6 7 7 26 Pawlenty’s recommenda- a statewide system for better Real Property 0 0 0 2 2 4 8 sourcing and discounts. The tion also includes creating Subtotal 473 result is “more bang for the buck,” in state dollars, according Source: Drive to Excellence Transformation Roadmap Continued on page 22

16 Session Weekly May 6, 2005 T ISSUE: TAXES A ★ ★ ★

taxes. I think it’s insulting and disingenuous to our residents.” A taxing deliberation He also pointed out that renters would not Provisions call for taxpayer input into proposed levy increases receive the notices, and they pay property taxes through the rent they pay. “What are you afraid of?” countered Krinkie. “I can’t understand why all of our BY MATT WETZEL are dissatisfied, a special election on the legislators who do this (send out voter surveys) he omnibus tax bill that would make proposed levy would be triggered. If voters on a regular basis think it’s not a good idea? military veterans happy, but make city do not approve the new levy, the levy reverts “This is a unique opportunity for citizens to T offi cials cranky is under consideration to the previous year. participate. Just ask the folks who are paying by the House Taxes Committee. City offi cials said the legislation was unnec- the taxes if they approve of the levy.” Committee Chair Rep. Phil Krinkie (R- essary. “If it isn’t broke, don’t fi x it,” said Judy Shoreview) unveiled HF785 at the May 2 Johnson, Plymouth mayor and president of Veterans meeting. Public testimony was offered May 3 the League of Minnesota Cities. The bill proposes some tax breaks for and amendments were debated May 5. Krinkie “We have an open process based on public veterans, both active and retired. said a vote might occur late that night, after participation. We conduct city business in the Veterans or surviving spouses who are this edition of Session Weekly went to press. light of public meetings,” she said. “This is totally or permanently disabled due to a about local control. The state needs to allow service-related occurrence would get a Taxpayer satisfaction survey me to do the job I was elected to do. We believe $200,000 valuation exclusion for their prop- The bill proposes to freeze property tax this is a solution looking for a problem.” erty when determining property taxes. levies for counties, cities, towns and special Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL-Dilworth) unsuc- The state’s tax form would be amended taxing districts for taxes payable in 2006. cessfully offered an amendment to delete the to allow taxpayers to voluntarily donate It also provides for a survey form to be taxpayer satisfaction surveys. “It will likely $1 or more to a Minnesota Military Families enclosed with each taxpayer’s truth-in-taxa- increase property taxes,” he said, referring to Relief Account. Maximum grants of $2,000 tion statement beginning with taxes payable the potential cost of holding an election, and would be made as needed to National Guard in 2007, asking for a “yes” or “no” reaction to the need to possibly wait until the last week in or Reserve members ordered to federal active any proposed levy increase. January for cities to set their budgets. “With If more than 20 percent of property owners increased expenses, it will increase property Continued on page 20

PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID Department of Revenue Commissioner Dan Salomone, right, listens as Larry Wilkie, director of the department’s Corporate and Sales Tax Division, answers a question from a member of the House Taxes Committee during a May 3 hearing.

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 17 EATURE F ★ ★ ★

Barbers is defi nitely touched by the political atmosphere of the House. Kirkpatrick gets A cut above the rest dragged into debates all the time, “Whether ‘Ken the Barber’ clips through party lines I want to be or not,” he said. He’s also not shy about encouraging debates between others. “I usually start them,” he chuckles. “If I knew BY LAURA NOE people every day.” there was somebody in here from the Depart- ook what you have done to my Scott Wiggins, assistant to the public safety ment of Labor and somebody that was probably hair! Stay cool,” signed Gov. Tim commissioner, is relatively new because he’s only a Republican, I’d get it going. Then I’d walk out. Pawlenty, on his picture hanging been coming to Kirkpatrick for seven years. That was my breakfast every morning.” in Ken Kirkpatrick’s barber shop. “Friendly conversation,” he said, is what In addition to being the number one barber “LPawlenty is the fi fth governor whose tresses makes him loyal. at the Legislature, Kirkpatrick has been on the have been trimmed by Kirkpatrick, who never That’s exactly what Kirkpatrick loves most Board of Barber and Cosmetologist Exam- got the chance to shave the head of former about his job. “It’s like going on vacation. You iners, which is responsible for regulating the Gov. Jesse Ventura. have fun everyday. You got a 20 to 25 minute practice of all barbers, cosmetologists, shops Governors, legislators and commissioners party with everybody that comes in.” and schools, since 1980. He also served as alike have been getting their hair cut in the In fact, Kirkpatrick can’t think of anything president of the Barber Boards of America in basement of the State Offi ce Building since he’d want to change, except to perhaps expand 2002 and 2003. 1932. the shop. The Marquee, his shop in Maple- Kirkpatrick just wishes it took up less time. Kirkpatrick has owned Capitol Barbers for the past 33 years. Becoming a proprietor was always part of his plan to become a barber. “I knew I would right from the beginning. That’s why I wanted to get into it.” It was just out of the military, while working construction, that Kirkpatrick decided to go into the profession. “We were driving one day and passed a barber school and I went in and applied,” he said. Nine months later he was cutting hair professionally. His fi rst barber job, at age 23, was working for the North Star Inn in Minneapolis. Some of his current customers have been with him for 30 years. Although his convenient location tends to lead people in, Kirkpatrick’s joking demeanor and his skill draw people back. His nickname, “Lawn Boy,” comes from the speed of his work. “That was one of the better things they called me,” laughs the man with an insatiable sense of humor. So far, Kirkpatrick estimates he has PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID performed around 325,000 haircuts. However, he only considers a modest couple of thou- Ken Kirkpatrick of Capitol Barbers trims the beard of Gerald Melin at his State Offi ce Building shop May 4. Melin is a retired Department of Transportation employee, where he was an engineering sand people to be regulars. “Half of them are technician for 34 years. retired, so now they drive back in,” he said. Former Rep. Doug Ewald is a good example. wood, is a full-service salon, including foot “Because I’m here at the Capitol,” he said, “I He served the House from 1975-1982, but his massages and body wraps. seem to get most of the calls.” loyalty to his barber has remained. He laughed Because Kirkpatrick has both a barber and Kirkpatrick plans on staying with Capitol when saying, “I keep coming back because I’m cosmetology license, he would like to see some- Barbers until the end, and has already passed waiting for Ken to do it right!” thing like that in the Capitol Complex. “If they’d on his love for the profession to his two sons. Though obviously not short on customers, give me the room,” he said, “I would do it.” Josh runs Kirkpatrick’s shop in Maplewood, Kirkpatrick welcomes new clients with open Those who expect a typical barbershop arms. “It happens all the time. We get new atmosphere should be warned that Capitol Continued on page 22

18 Session Weekly May 6, 2005 EATURE F ★ ★ ★

World War II War and remembrance Days of Remembrance Representatives have ties to end of WWII May 5: Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorated since 1979 May 8, 1945: German surrender, BY RUTH DUNN tion to honor concentration camp survivors Victory in Europe (V-E Day) orld events that took place across and the veterans who helped liberate them six Aug. 15, 1945: Japanese surrender, the Atlantic Ocean 60 years ago this decades ago. Victory in Japan (V-J Day) W month are of special interest to three House members. Liberating Army As World War II was coming to an end Arriving in Europe in September 1944 as German soldiers and communication with in May 1945, Rep. Bernard Lieder (DFL- a replacement for troops killed in the beach civilians and inmates of worker camps. (Lieder Crookston) was a 20-year-old Army infan- landings in France, Lieder was in the front grew up speaking German in the close-knit tryman on the front line of the Allied invasion lines as the Allies moved toward Berlin. German Lutheran town of Hanover, Minn.) of Nazi Germany. His Army infantry unit would secure a town After the Germans surrendered, Lieder’s At the same time, the parents of Rep. Frank and prepare for a counterattack. His duties unit was preparing to go to the South Pacifi c, Hornstein (DFL-Mpls) were struggling to involved freeing inmates of worker camps that but avoided that fate when the Japanese survive in concentration camps where 6 included Jews and other displaced people from surrendered on Aug. 15, 1945. Instead, he million Jewish people had already died. Russia, Poland and France. stayed in Germany until March 1946 as part Although not as directly involved, Lieder is humble about his role and explains of the occupation forces. Rep. Lloyd Cybart (R-Apple Valley), a that he wasn’t involved in the liberation of “I was surprised how quickly the country retired Air Force sergeant now married to big-name concentration camps like Dachau recovered,” said Lieder, who has returned to a German woman, has an avid interest in and Auschwitz. Germany as a visitor about 10 times since the military history and a deep appreciation of But because he is bilingual, Lieder was war and organized donations for schools in a the sacrifi ces made by people like Lieder and brought in as a translator for many situations German town where he was once stationed. Hornstein’s parents. that he would not have otherwise been involved He’s also befriended a former SS soldier who All three recently attended a commemora- in as a private, including the interrogation of is now a Catholic priest. Thoughts of his war experience are never far away. “I think about it every day,” he admits.

Family history As a child, Hornstein didn’t understand the signifi cance of his family’s history. His early memories were of his parents’ foreign accents. When he realized that other children had grand- parents and he didn’t, he asked his parents why. He was told his grandparents died in the war. “I thought they were soldiers,” he said. By 1979, he had become so interested in the stories of his surviving relatives that he traveled to Israel and Germany to collect oral histories. He knew they were getting older and their powerful fi rst-person accounts would otherwise be lost. He’s always been glad he has preserved those written memories to share with future genera- tions, including his own three children. During his search, he discovered what happened to all four grandparents who died in the camps, and that his parents, like Women and children survivors in the concentration camp in Mauthausen, Austria, speak to an most survivors, managed to live through a American liberator through a barbed wire fence, May 5, 1945.

Photo courtesy United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, from the collection of Col. P. Robert Seibel (www.ushmm.org) Continued on page 22

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 19 Other earmarks for the department include: from obesity claims. ★ LATE ACTION $300,000 for increased groundwater moni- Livestock siting provisions under HF1420 toring for pesticides, $220,000 for a contract would place counties and townships on the Cultivating rural Minnesota with the University of Minnesota for live- same timeline for notifying the Pollution With debate refl ecting persistent differences stock odor research, $200,000 for training of Control Agency and Agriculture Department among lawmakers over local feedlot permit- local offi cials in livestock siting and land use of new or amended feedlot ordinances. ting practices, the House passed an omnibus planning and $50,000 for a grant to Second A township or county looking to adopt or agriculture and rural development fi nance Harvest Heartland for the purchase of milk revise feedlot ordinances would be required to and policy package 104-27 May 5. for food banks. prepare an economic impact statement at the Sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ozment A number of fee increases are forwarded request of any one member of its governing (R-Rosemount), HF1420 would dedicate under the bill, including apiary fees paid by board. approximately $150 million toward the state’s beekeepers, nursery stock dealer fees and An amendment offered by Rep. Frank Moe agricultural sector over the next fi scal bien- grain buyer and storage fees. (DFL-Bemidji) that would have changed that nium. It now moves to the Senate. Many of the fees addressed in the bill requirement to a request from a majority of The net effect to the General Fund would haven’t been increased since the 1980s, the governing board failed. be nearly $86 million, in line with the House Ozment said. Under the bill, the Department of Commerce target. Total spending would reach $150.39 The bill would also allocate $7.62 million would be instructed to study the technical and million when all sources, such as the Agri- to the Animal Health Board, $5.92 million of economic benefi ts of using biodiesel fuel as a culture and Remediation funds and federal which is General Fund spending; $3.2 million residential, commercial and industrial heating dollars, are considered. to the Agricultural Utilization Research Insti- fuel. Under the bill, the Department of Agricul- tute; and $10,000 to the Minnesota Horticul- Also, the bill would create an agricultural ture would receive just under $140 million. Of ture Society. nutrient task force of lawmakers and public that amount, $76.77 million is General Fund Policy issues in the bill would designate as experts to examine fertilizer selection, applica- spending. private certain data collected by the Animal tion, storage and other soil nutrient issues. Rep. Ethanol producer payments in the bill Health Board, encourage renewable fuel use Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) successfully would be disbursed at 13 cents per gallon, with in state vehicles with a so-called “SmartFleet” added another component to the study: ways $34.01 million earmarked for those payments initiative” and grant food makers and sellers of preventing anhydrous ammonia theft for in fi scal years 2006-07. immunity from certain lawsuits stemming manufacturing methamphetamine.

Continued from page 17 JOBZ program current system. The bill makes some changes to the state The commission would make reports to the duty, or surviving family members. That JOBZ program, which, according to the Legislature over a four-year period with the would be effective beginning with income tax Department of Employment and Economic goal of long-term improvements. returns for tax year 2005. Development, “provides substantial tax The commission is to report its fi ndings relief to companies that start up or expand in on corporate and business taxation by July 1, Special taxes and fees, tax credits targeted areas of Greater Minnesota — from 2007; on general sales tax, motor vehicle sales The bill proposes some changes in sales and the date they sign a subsidy agreement until tax and special excise taxes by July 1, 2008; on property taxes, and imposes some new fees. the program expires on December 31, 2015.” individual income tax by July 1, 2009; and on For example, a dairy investment credit would Under the bill, the local government must estate tax, insurance premiums tax, Minneso- be established against individual income or consider several things before executing a taCare tax and all other taxes by July 1, 2010. corporate franchise taxes owed to the state. business subsidy agreement with a business. The credit would amount to 10 percent of They must examine: Miscellaneous the fi rst $500,000 of investment, declining • how wages compare with 110 percent of the The state’s tax form would be amended as the investment increases. The top eligible statewide poverty rate for a family of four, to allow taxpayers to donate $1, or more, investment would be $1 million, with a credit • how wages compare to a regional industry to a public safety memorial and survivors of $75,000. Farmers can use their investment average, account. The money would be used to build for items such as barns, fences, water and feed • the number of jobs created, and maintain memorials and help families of facilities, manure handling equipment and • the industry’s economic outlook, and peace offi cers killed on duty. storage facilities. The credit is available for • how the business will diversify the regional All the check-offs will be placed on a sepa- investments made after Dec. 31, 2004. economy. rate form, with the total amount transferred Owners of Canterbury Park would have to In addition, the business must increase full- to the main tax form. Each check-off would be pay a franchise fee equal to 15 percent of gross time employment by fi ve jobs or 20 percent; removed if they fail to garner at least $100,000 revenues at their card club, effective after whichever is greater, in the fi rst year. Retailers in contributions from at least 8 percent of all June 30, 2005. are not eligible. returns over two years. Another provision calls for the retail sales The bill also provides a statutory defi nition tax on cigarettes to be replaced with a tax Tax reform commission of “tax.” A tax is any fee, charge of assessment imposed at the wholesale level based on the A 15-member tax reform commission imposed by a governmental entity, according average retail price of cigarettes. would be convened to examine the mix of state to the bill. The defi nition excludes amounts The measure also would reduce the insur- revenue between taxes and fees, the implica- that an individual pays in return for goods or ance premiums tax on life insurance to tions of demographic and economic changes services. 1.5 percent, beginning Jan. 1, 2008. on the revenue system and the fairness of the

20 Session Weekly May 6, 2005 Members by Seniority 17th Term 5th Term Heidgerken, Bud (13A) Anderson, Irv (3A)* Erickson, Sondra (16A) Hoppe, Joe (34B) Carlson, Lyndon (45B) Hackbarth, Tom (48A)* Hornstein, Frank (60B) Kahn, Phyllis (59B) Hilty, Bill (8A) Klinzing, Karen (56B) Juhnke, Al (13B) Koenen, Lyle (20B) 15th Term Mullery, Joe (58A) Kohls, Paul (34A) Jaros, Mike (7B)* Nornes, Bud (10A) Lanning, Morrie (9A) Murphy, Mary (6B) Otremba, Mary Ellen (11B) Latz, Ron (44B) Paymar, Michael (64B) Lesch, John (66A) 14th Term Seifert, Marty (21A) Magnus, Doug (22A) Sviggum, Steve (28B) Tingelstad, Kathy (49B) McNamara, Denny (57B) Vandeveer, Ray (52A) Meslow, Doug (53B) 13th Term Westrom, Torrey (11A) Nelson, Michael (46A) Clark, Karen (61A) Nelson, Peter (17B) 4th Term Newman, Scott (18A) 12th Term Abeler, Jim (48B) Peterson, Aaron (20A) Solberg, Loren (3B) Buesgens, Mark (35B) Powell, Duke (40A) 11th Term Dorman, Dan (27A) Samuelson, Char (50B) Holberg, Mary Liz (36A) Severson, Dan (14A) Lieder, Bernard (1B) Howes, Larry (4B) Sieben, Katie (57A) Ozment, Dennis (37B) Kelliher, Margaret Anderson (60A) Simpson, Dean (10B) 10th Term Larson, Dan (63B) Soderstrom, Judy (8B) Dorn, John (23B) Lenczewski, Ann (40B) Thao, Cy (65A) Pelowski, Jr., Gene (31A) Mahoney, Tim (67A) Thissen, Paul (63A) Rukavina, Tom (5A) Slawik, Nora (55B)* Urdahl, Dean (18B) Wagenius, Jean (62B) Westerberg, Andrew “Andy” (51A) Wardlow, Lynn (38B) Wilkin, Tim (38A) Zellers, Kurt (32B) 9th Term Abrams, Ron (43B) 3rd Term 1st Term Hausman, Alice (66B) Bernardy, Connie (51B) Charron, Mike (56A) Blaine, Greg (12B) Cybart, Lloyd (37A) 8th Term Davnie, Jim (62A) Dean, Matt (52B) Davids, Gregory M. (31B) Eastlund, Rob (17A) Dittrich, Denise (47A) Erhardt, Ron (41A) Goodwin, Barbara (50A) Emmer, Tom (19B) Krinkie, Philip (53A) Hilstrom, Debra (46B) Fritz, Patti (26B) Mariani, Carlos (65B) Johnson, Jeff (43A) Garofalo, Pat (36B) Smith, Steve (33A) Johnson, Ruth (23A)* Gazelka, Paul (12A) Johnson, Sheldon (67B) Hamilton, Rod (22B) 7th Term Marquart, Paul (9B) Hansen, Rick (39A) Dempsey, Jerry (28A) Penas, Maxine (1A) Hortman, Melissa (47B) Greiling, Mindy (54A) Ruth, Connie (26A) Hosch, Larry (14B) Huntley, Thomas (7A) Sertich, Anthony “Tony” (5B) Liebling, Tina (30A) Olson, Mark (16B) Walker, Neva (61B) Lillie, Leon (55A) Opatz, Joe (15B) Loeffl er, Diane (59A) 2nd Term Moe, Frank (4A) 6th Term Atkins, Joe (39B) Peppin, Joyce (32A) Anderson, Bruce (19A) Beard, Michael (35A) Peterson, Neil W. (41B) Bradley, Fran (29B) Brod, Laura (25A) Peterson, Sandra (45A) Entenza, Matt (64A) Cornish, Tony (24B) Poppe, Jeanne (27B) Gunther, Bob (24A) Cox, Ray (25B) Ruud, Maria (42A) Knoblach, Jim (15A) DeLaForest, Chris (49A) Sailer, Brita (2B) Paulsen, Erik (42B) Demmer, Randy (29A) Scalze, Bev (54B) Sykora, Barb (33B) Dill, David (6A) Simon, Steve (44A) Eken, Kent (2A) Welti, Andy (30B) Ellison, Keith (58B) Finstad, Brad (21B) * - non-consecutive term

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 21 Environment continued from page 14 employees at companies with annual sales of Kirkpatrick is a reservoir not only of skill and more than $1 million. experience, but political secrets as well. “I know and grant-in-aid trails in order to defray trail “This is fair,” he said. “I want to see the most everything that’s going to happen before grooming and maintenance costs. minimum wage raised to $6.15 an hour.” it happens,” he said, but he’ll never tell. Under the bill, municipalities, golf courses Gunther argued that tipped employees Then again, there is one thing Kirkpatrick and landscape irrigators would pay a surcharge don’t need the raise because they average more thinks people should know: “This job is the on water used during the summer months, if than $17 an hour. best-kept secret in the world!” the amount is greater than January consump- tion levels. The surcharge would not apply to agricultural users. The increased fee could promote conservation, proponents said. Drive continued from page 16 War continued from page 19 Also under the bill, a fee would be estab- a shared structure for the management of combination of street smarts and luck, said lished to cover the department’s costs for property and the use of shared technology Hornstein. Both his parents spent time in managing state-owned minerals. The minerals for managing real estate. The system would forced labor camps — much like those that management fee would be set at 20 percent of include details such as rent, repair, mainte- Lieder helped liberate — where the able- mineral revenues generated. Currently, the nance and ownership. bodied tended to be sent fi rst. His parents money comes from the General Fund. Fourteen “custodial” agencies now manage met after the war while on a train to a camp more than 5,000 buildings on nearly 6 million for displaced persons. Plan B acres, 880 leases totaling more than 4 million Hornstein’s mother died in 1998, and his If the House fails to pass a gaming measure, square feet and the budgeting and legisla- father, Stephen, now lives in St. Louis Park. Article 2 would become a reality in order to tive processes are based on incomplete data, Last year, Hornstein invited Lieder to his meet the General Fund spending target of according to the report. family’s Passover Seder meal where the two $274.48 million. “Uff Da, if we get Option A,” The governor’s reorganizational order older men immediately began talking about said Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar). involves making uniform “programs and their war experiences. “These cuts are pretty ironic or tragic when services related to the construction and “The vets who defeated Germany and liber- all we hear is the talk about cleaning up our building code licenses and regulation are ated the camps are heroes,” said Hornstein. polluted waters,” said Rep. Jean Wagenius being consolidated in the Department of (DFL-Mpls). Labor and Industry.” Currently, multiple A soldier’s view Under that scenario, funding would be agencies oversee the building codes causing When he was young, Cybart knew a concen- reduced for the following agencies: staff time to be spent on similar data collecting tration camp survivor who lived down the • Department of Natural Resources functions rather than enforcement activity. street from his aunt in Michigan. The woman, (-$8.31 million); however, reductions to The result would be, according to the report, who had a camp number tattooed on her arm, the Reinvest in Minnesota program for- “more effi cient, effective, and less costly regu- would talk about her experiences. “That made warded in the Article 1 funding plan would lation of the construction industry,” which it real,” said Cybart. be canceled out by $691,000; accounts for nearly 20 percent of the state’s During a seven-year stint in Germany with • Board of Water and Soil Resources economy. the Air Force military police in the 1980s, he (-$1.41 million); Additional areas expected to be addressed visited Dachau, a concentration camp near • Department of Environmental Protection later include: customer service innovation Munich. “It was a somber place and a horri- (-$1 million); projects, such as consolidated contact centers, fying part of history,” he said. • Minnesota Conservation Corps improvements on how the state handles Cybart has tremendous respect for the (-$700,000); fi nancial transactions and combining human “Greatest Generation” of World War II and the • Metropolitan Council parks resource functions into a shared service. sacrifi ces they made. Through his wife, who (-$600,000); and Staff positions are expected to be reduced is from Zell, Germany, he’s talked with many • Science Museum of Minnesota by about 1,300 with most of the reduc- Germans and heard their war experiences. (-$70,000). tion coming from attrition, rather than Retired a few years ago after 20 years of the “restructuring, relocations or layoff,” active duty, Cybart first met Lieder when which would happen over a fi ve-year period, he was seeking sponsors for a bill involving Wages continued from page 15 Badgerow said. veteran’s benefi ts. (R-Delano), which was withdrawn, would “I have the utmost respect for what he went have repealed the state’s minimum wage through,” said Cybart. altogether. Barber continued from page 18 Cybart feels strongly about honoring Seven states don’t have a minimum and Kevin will be graduating from cosme- veterans and the sacrifi ces they made for the wage requirement, and the 14 states with a tology school this year. country. He’s organizing the Memorial Day minimum wage standard higher than Minne- Kirkpatrick’s other shops, including one commemoration in Apple Valley this year. sota also have higher unemployment, Emmer in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International “If we don’t honor these people we forget said. Airport, and one opening in Stillwater, keep their sacrifi ces and I don’t want that to be “It’s proven that it does not work,” he him busy. When he gets a chance, though, he forgotten.” said. enjoys getting outdoors. Rep. Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont) unsuc- “I do all kinds of fi shing, and I do a lot of cessfully offered an amendment to hold hunting trips.” From Minnesota to Colorado If you have Internet access, visit the the minimum wage at $5.25 an hour for and Wyoming, you’ll fi nd Kirkpatrick fi shing for House’s Web page at: waiters and waitresses, and $6.15 an hour for walleye and hunting elk, deer and antelope. http://www.house.mn

22 Session Weekly May 6, 2005 ILL INTRODUCTIONS A PRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2005 B ★ ★ ★ HOUSE FILES 2488 - 2503

Friday, April 29 HF2492—Urdahl (R) HF2496—Peterson, A. (DFL) HF2500—Wilkin (R) Education Policy & Reform Local Government Commerce & Financial Institutions HF2488—Abrams (R) Uniform school lockdown plan; Lac qui Parle County auditor and Individual health insurance policy Taxes schools required to adopt, im- treasurer offi ces combined and com- forms fi ling and use regulated to Streamlined sales tax agreements plement and practice a uniform bined auditor-treasurer and county establish a minimum loss ratio conforming changes provided relat- lockdown plan. recorder made appointive offi ces. guarantee. ing to sales tax exemptions for drugs and medical devices. HF2493—Poppe (DFL) Agriculture, Environment & Tuesday, May 3 Thursday, May 5 HF2489—Mariani (DFL) Natural Resources Finance HF2497—Hornstein (DFL) HF2501—Charron (R) Mower County Soil and Conservation Taxes Commerce & Financial Institutions Jobs & Economic Major and intermediate airports District grant authorized to create a fl ood control demonstration project Currency exchanges; separate licen- Opportunity Policy & Finance clarifi ed as not included in metro- sure required for industrial loan and Child care services improvements politan fi scal disparities. in the Cedar River Watershed and money appropriated. thrift companies acting as currency provided. exchanges. HF2490—Krinkie (R) HF2494—Klinzing (R) HF2502—Anderson, I. (DFL) Taxes Education Finance Wednesday, May 4 Public Safety Policy & Finance Pharmacy referrals by the state pro- A House resolution memorializing the hibited to pharmacies that are not School districts required to spend at least 65 percent of their total operat- HF2498—Abrams (R) President and Congress to prohibit collecting the MinnesotaCare tax on the importation of pseudoephedrine prescription drugs. ing expenditures on direct classroom Taxes expenditures. from other countries into the United Public fi nance and tax increment States. HF2491—Davnie (DFL) fi nancing provisions modifi ed, pur- Taxes chases authorized, international eco- Monday, May 2 nomic development zone provided, tax HF2503—Anderson, B. (R) Land included in a soils condition Transportation district authorized for inclusion in a incentives established and money HF2495—Peterson, A. (DFL) appropriated. I-94 designated as 88th Infantry (Blue redevelopment tax increment fi nanc- Local Government Devils) Division Highway. ing district. Lac qui Parle County auditor, treasurer HF2499—Lenczewski (DFL) and recorder made appointive offi ces. Public Safety Policy & Finance Predatory offenders prohibited from attending meetings held to warn the public of the offenders’ presence in a community.

FALLEN HEROES

PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID Memorials lay at the base of the Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam Confl ict April 29. The names of 1,077 Minnesotans who died and 43 still missing in action are etched in the memorial’s black granite, along with the inscription “We Were Young, We Died, Remember Us.”

May 6, 2005 Session Weekly 23 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. P AUL, MN 55155-1298

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: S TEVE SVIGGUM MAJORITY LEADER: E RIK PAULSEN MINORITY LEADER: M ATT ENTENZA

INNESOTA M INDEX FOR MORE INFORMATION

For general information, call: Minnesota exports House Public Information Services offi ce (651) 296-2146 or State exports in 2004, in billions ...... $18.8 1-800-657-3550 Billions of manufactured exports from Minnesota in 2004 (record high) ...... $11.8 Percent increase from 2003 ...... 12.5 To have a copy of Session Weekly mailed to Billions in services exported from state in 2004 ...... $5.5 you, subscribe online at: http://www.house. Billions in bulk agricultural commodities ...... $1.5 mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp or call Percent of manufactured state exports that went to the European Union in 2004 ...... 37.1 (651) 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 Billions in export value ...... $4.4 To obtain a copy of a bill, call: Growth rate between 2003 and 2004, as percent ...... 14 Chief Clerk’s Offi ce State exports in 2004, as percent, that went to North American countries ...... 28 (651) 296-2314 Percent increase between 2003 and 2004 ...... 15.2 State exports in 2004, as percent, that went to Asia-Pacifi c region ...... 27.8 To fi nd out about bill introductions or Percent increase between 2003 and 2004 ...... 6.9 the status of a specifi c bill, call: Foreign destinations Minnesota exported to in 2004 ...... 200 House Index Offi ce State manufactured exports, as percent of 2004 total, which went to Canada ...... 23.9 (651) 296-6646 Percent growth from 2003 ...... 11.6 Percent of state manufactured exports that went to Ireland in 2004 ...... 11 For an after hours recorded message Percent growth from 2003 ...... 9 giving committee meeting times and agendas, call: Manufactured goods as percent of state’s 2004 total exports ...... 63 Committee Hotline State manufactured export growth, as percent, from 1998 to 2004 ...... 22.2 (651) 296-9283 U.S. average adjusted for infl ation, as percent ...... 2.5 Percent of 2004 U.S. manufactured imports coming from Minnesota ...... 1.62 The House of Representatives can be found State rank ...... 20 on the Web at: http://www.house.mn Value of computer and electronic products (largest state exporting industries in 2004), in billions ...... $3.5 Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired. Percent increase from 2003 ...... 5.3 To ask questions or leave messages, call: Computer and electronic products as percent of total 2004 manufactured state exports ...... 30 TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or Percent decrease from 2000 ...... 11 1-800-657-3550 U.S. percent increase between 2000 and 2004 ...... 9.5 Value of machinery exported from state in 2004, in billions ...... $1.9 Check your local listings to watch television coverage of House committees and fl oor Percent increase from 2003 ...... 26 sessions. Percent of Minnesota’s private-sector employment that are export-supported jobs ...... 6.5

Sources: Minnesota Annual Export Statistics, April 2005, Minnesota Trade Offi ce of the Depart- This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) ment of Employment and Economic Development; other offi ce publications; Minnesota: Exports, 296-2146 voice, (651) 296-9896 TTY, or Jobs, and Foreign Investment, April 2005, International Trade Administration. (800) 657-3550 toll free voice and TTY.