A Nonpartisan Publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives ♦ January 23, 1998 ♦ Volume 15, Number 1

HF2256-HF2646 Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Office. During the 1997-98 Legislative Minnesota House of Representatives • January 23, 1998 • Volume15, Number 1 Session, each issue reports daily House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions and upcoming committee meeting schedules, and pro- vides other information. The publication Reflections is a service of the Minnesota House. The House Public Information Office welcomes readers from throughout the No fee. state to the opening of the second year of the Minnesota Legislature’s 80th Session. Staff writers, editors, photographers, and information personnel are looking To subscribe, contact: forward to bringing you the latest report on proceedings in committee hearings and Minnesota House of Representatives legislative action in floor sessions in the Session Weekly, our nonpartisan Public Information Office newsmagazine. 175 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 We have made some editorial and graphic changes in the publication as we strive (612) 296-2146 or for improvement on content and quality. Some section headings have been changed 1-800-657-3550 to better fit the subject matter. The most obvious change, of course, is the addition TTY (612) 296-9896 of color — at no extra cost to taxpayers! Here are the sections and topics you will find in the newsmagazine. Director “Reflections,” on page 2, introduces weekly commentary on observations and LeClair G. Lambert legislative connections around the Capitol complex. On page 3, you will find “First Reading,” a feature which overviews the main issue or development of the week. Assistant Director/Editor A new feature, “Once in the House,” appears on page 4. Here, we will interview Peg Hamerston former legislators to keep you abreast of their activities since leaving the House. Highlights now begin on page 5, where you will find coverage of bills and their status Assistant Editor in the legislative process. Nick Healy Our biographies and stories about members, special reports on lectures by experts on important topics for legislators, and the historical “It’s a Fact!” pieces will Art & Production Coordinator continue to be an integral part of the contents. Also, we will continue to list weekly Paul Battaglia bill introductions, provide advanced committee schedules, and include the Minne- sota Index, which is always found on the last page of each issue. The index provides Writers statistical information on specific issues or bills presented and discussed by the Sandy Donovan, Grant Martin, Legislature. Jim Thielman, Matt Wetzel, House Public Information Office staff members are very pleased to add these Nicole Wood improvements to this 14-year-old publication. We welcome your comments.

Photographers — LeClair Grier Lambert Tom Olmscheid, Laura Phillips, Andrew Von Bank

Office Manager Toinette L. B. Bettis INSIDE Once in the House: Rodosovich ...... 4 Staff Assistant Ken Kaffine Highlights ...... 5 A Closer Look: Governor’s budget proposal ...... 11 Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is pub- lished weekly during the legislative session by Capitol Forum: Eric Mittelstadt ...... 13 the Minnesota House of Representatives Pub- Stepping Down: Swenson, Koppendrayer ...... 14, 15 lic Information Office, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage New Member: Otremba ...... 16 paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing House Loss: Vickerman ...... 17 offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, Public Information Office, Feature: Youth in Government ...... 18 Minnesota House of Representatives, 175 State Feature: Alan Rosenthal ...... 19 Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Bill Introductions (HF2256-HF2646)...... 20

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On the cover: House Speaker Phil Carruthers is flanked by his sons Alex, left, and Rory, right, as he recites the “Pledge of Allegiance” during the opening of the 1998 Legislative Session. —Photo by Tom Olmscheid Coming to order . . . House Speaker Carruthers opens ’98 Legislative Session

By Matt Wetzel As the 1998 Legislative Session opened Jan. 20, members of the Minnesota House of Representatives celebrated those who have come, those who have gone, and those who have stuck around. When House speaker Phil Carruthers banged the gavel to open the second year of the 80th Legislature, a few familiar faces were missing from the House chamber. Reps. Ken Otremba (DFL-Long Prairie) and Barb Vickerman (R-Redwood Falls), both of whom died last year after battling cancer, were gone. Rep. LeRoy Koppendrayer (R-Princeton), who was appointed to the Public Utilities Com- mission, and Rep. Doug Swenson (R-Forest Lake), who left to become a judge, were also missing. But Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba (DFL-Long Prairie), who was sworn in just in time for the The Kids From Fridley, a group of 30 fifth- and sixth-graders from Fridley Middle School, performed patriotic numbers during the opening day ceremonies of the 1998 Legislative Session. The group, which November conclusion of a special session on includes Rep. Willard Munger’s great-granddaughter, Katie Morrissey, also sang “Happy Birthday” to stadium financing, was there to begin her first Munger on his 87th birthday. regular session in the House. And she was promising to take up where her late husband Set to help open the session by presenting members had little other real business to tackle. left off. the U.S flag in the House chamber were two Erickson, who won a special election to re- Also, the swearing in of newcomer Rep. Girl Scout troops from Chaska Middle School. place Koppendrayer, drew enthusiastic cheers Sondra Erickson (R-Princeton) was one of the “I think it was a tremendous opportunity from her new colleagues when she completed first orders of business. for them to go,” said Troop Leader Janet the oath. Then there’s the matter of Rep. Willard Paulsen, who is the mother of Rep. Eric Paulsen A journalism and English teacher at Munger (DFL-Duluth), who is hardly a new (R-Eden Prairie). His sister, Emily, is also in Princeton High School, Erickson said she was face to Capitol watchers. Munger was cel- one of the troops. looking forward to doing some learning of her ebrating his 87th birthday on the day he began The scouts were enthusiastic about their own. his 42nd year in the House. opportunity. “I’ve been challenging high school children, And this year promises to be an exciting “This is interesting. It’s cool,” said Lauren and now, you’re going to be challenging me,” one. The state is flush with a forecast $1.3 Anderson, 13. she said. billion budget surplus. Gov. Arne Carlson is Allison Syverson, 13, echoed Lauren’s sen- Vickerman, who died Dec. 22, 1997, was calling for a record investment in capital timents. Studying the murals and arched ceil- commemorated by her House colleagues, who projects ranging from a new hockey arena in ings of the Capitol, she could only marvel. passed a resolution to honor her and to extend St. Paul to massive efforts to improve state “Wow,” she said. condolences to her family. parks and other environmental resources. And There were many other young faces to be House Minority Leader Steve Sviggum (R- Carruthers and other House DFL leaders are seen around the building. Carruthers was Kenyon) praised Vickerman as an outstand- calling for a “families first” agenda to address flanked by his two sons Alex, 8, and Rory, 6, ing person and lawmaker. needs in education and child care and pro- during the floor session. And when the speaker “The citizens of that district lost a public vides new tax rebates. dropped the gavel at 12:08 p.m., the Bell Canto servant,” Sviggum said. “She was a politician As the beginning of the session drew near, Voices, a group of young women singers from who did not have an egotistical or arrogant people around the Capitol were walking the Twin Cities area, performed “Irish Bless- bone in her body. Barb has won her race, and briskly, purposefully, with a clear goal in mind. ing” and “America the Beautiful.” she’s now with the Lord.” They were talking on their cellular phones, Then came the Girl Scouts, who presented On a lighter note, Rep. Alice Johnson (DFL- pulling their briefcases together, and catching the colors. Spring Lake Park) presented The Kids From up with colleagues. After weeks of inactivity, Bills were introduced, given their first read- Fridley, a group of 30 fifth- and sixth-graders the halls in the Capitol had come to life. ings, and referred to committees, but House from Fridley Middle School who sang a patri- otic tune before belting out a round of “Happy Birthday” for Munger. Among the singers was Munger’s great-granddaughter, Katie Rooted in program, Rodosovich Morrissey. The Kids From Fridley got a standing ova- continues to cultivate youth tion from the House, and later, some of the vocalists commented on the experience of By Nicole Wood other states with the wave of welfare re- performing in the House chamber. Once a year in January, former Rep. Peter form sweeping the country because we “I thought it was really cool,” said Kaitlyn Rodosovich comes back to the Capitol with planned ahead,” he said. Gaynon, 11. more than 1,200 teenagers in tow. Rodosovich pointed to the 1986 cre- Not everyone at the Capitol was there to As state executive director of the YMCA ation of the Minnesota Family Investment warmly welcome legislators back, however. At Youth in Government program, it’s his job to Program as an example of a welfare-to- least 200 people from around the state rallied share with our state’s future politicians his work program that was ahead of its time. in the rotunda to protest changes in welfare firsthand knowledge of the legislative process That program, which operated in eight programs. and the Capitol’s history. (See related story, counties, was the forerunner of the wel- “No justice, No peace,” the crowd chanted. page 18) fare-to-work measures that make up the Buses came from Winona, Bemidji, Northfield, Rodosovich was elected to the House at age cornerstone of Minnesota’s 1997 welfare St. Paul, Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Mankato 22, and he credits the youth program he now reforms. to bring people to the rally, which was orga- runs for inspiring him to seek office at such an Rodosovich said one of his fondest nized by Minnesota Welfare Rights Coalition. early age. He was a Youth in Government memories from his days in the Legislature “We don’t think they’re representing us,” said participant in the 1970s. He first won election is his time overseeing the 1989-90 restora- Brenda Boettcher, 35, of Winona. “We want to the House in 1982, and the DFLer served his tion of the House chamber. them to know that poor people are people, Faribault-area district until 1994. An unofficial Capitol historian, too.” In a recent interview, he said his decision Rodosovich researched the Cass Gilbert The state passed sweeping welfare reform to leave the House was based on a need to papers to get a feel for why the architect legislation in response to a 1996 federal law “regroup” and a desire to spend more time selected one item versus another or why he that scrapped portions of the long-standing with his family. chose a particular color combination. welfare system. “I kind of assumed that I would do 10 years of “There’s so much history in the build- All the action at the Capitol had even the public service, and I ended up doing 12,” he said. ing,” Rodosovich said. “When you sit in most experienced hands a bit excited as they “I stayed a little longer than I anticipated.” the chamber, you’re so busy and you’re so looked ahead to the action this year. Rodosovich, 38, still lives in Faribault and caught up in the activities of the day that “It’s like the first day of school,” said Eric commutes to his Minneapolis office. Most you really don’t absorb the 90-plus years of Eskola, a veteran radio reporter who has cov- of his time is spent overseeing the Youth in history and spirits and discussions that ered the capitol since 1985. Government program. His press corps colleague, Mike Mulcahy, He also coordinates in- now covering his ninth session for KTCA ternational programs Channel 2, concurred. for several Minneapo- “You do realize the days are going to be lis YMCA branches and longer,” he said. does public policy work with YMCAs across the state. He said he draws Where to find on his legislative expe- information rience to educate YMCA board members Chief Clerk’s Office about lobbying and the 211 State Capitol (612) 296-2314 political process. This office provides copies of bills at no Looking back at his charge, all agendas for House sessions, and Former Rep. Peter Rodosovich has been out of office for three years, but time as a lawmaker, he returns to the Capitol as part of his job running a program that aims the Journal of the House. Rodosovich said he is to teach young people about government and the legislative process. House Index Department satisfied with his accomplishments. have taken place. Care was taken to make 211 State Capitol (612) 296-6646 “I had a lot of wonderful opportunities,” sure that we put it back better than the way The House Index Department, a part of he said. “I chaired some of the best commit- we found it.” the Chief Clerk’s Office, has a computer- tees that anybody could chair.” Although he would not completely rule ized index available for public use. House One of those was the House Health and out the possibility of returning to the House Index lists bills by committee, topic, au- Human Services Committee, a panel that someday, Rodosovich said it would take a thor, file number, and other categories. traditionally carries a heavy workload. Last specific goal or a strong issue to draw him The office can also give you the current year, the committee led the overhaul of the status of legislation. back. state’s welfare system, and Rodosovich “I feel like I’ve done my job,” he said. “I If you have Internet access, visit the grades well the performance of his former did a good job, and now it’s truly someone Legislature’s web page at: committee. else’s responsibility.” http://www.leg.state.mn.us “Minnesota is doing better than a lot of Week in Review . . . January 20 - 22, 1998

ACORN board, presented statistics on check- devastating to low-income people and those ing and savings accounts. She said that 14 on a fixed income, she added. percent of households in Minnesota do not Since time ran out before hearing from Checking accounts, banking fees have checking or savings accounts and that 25 opponents of the bill, the working group agreed percent do not have checking accounts. A to send the bill to the full Financial Institu- Banking industry critics — particularly those total of 41 percent of households with an tions and Insurance Committee without a on the board of the public policy and advocacy annual income of less than $10,000 do not recommendation. group Minnesota ACORN — argue that check- have either kind of account. She said 80 per- ing accounts aren’t as accessible to the poor as cent of white households have checking ac- Checks in the mail they should be, that many banks charge fees counts, but 44 percent of households of color that are too high, and that account and service do not have either type of account. A bill that would prohibit lenders from fees at state-chartered financial institutions “We consider these glaring numbers,” sending consumers unrequested checks that, should be limited. Erickson said, adding that low-income people if cashed, become high-interest loans was ap- A bill that would address many of the com- should not be prevented from using financial proved by a House panel Jan. 21. plaints of ACORN (Association of Commu- services. Rep. Bill Haas (R-Champlin), who is spon- nity Organizations for Reform Now) and other Erickson provided a personal story to illus- soring the bill (HF2016), said consumers who groups was considered Jan. 21 by the House trate the damage she believes high service fees find such checks in their mailbox are actually Financial Institutions and Insurance can cause. She said she asked her bank if an receiving a loan solicitation carrying interest Committee’s Working Group on Consumer automatic payroll check deposit was available rates sometimes close to 30 percent. Banking. for use, and she was told it was. A week later, Haas said he and his wife, Joenie, have re- The bill (HF1278) sponsored by Rep. Karen she received an overdraft notice, and in the ceived three such checks from Twin Cities- Clark (DFL-Mpls), would limit account fees meantime, three checks had bounced. area finance companies: one for $75,000, one at state-chartered financial institutions. The Her company had not processed her paper- for $52,550, and one for $1,531. state can’t directly regulate federally chartered work in a timely fashion, she said, and the The interest rate attached to the check for institutions, but the bill would use state de- bank failed to check the date of the automatic $1,531 — should Haas have cashed it — was posits and loan programs as incentives to get deposit, so she was socked with $80 worth of 29.9 percent. them to comply with fee limits. In other words, overdraft fees. Haas said there are several dangers that go the federally chartered banks could not be “Two other entities had made mistakes, and along with the sending of such checks, includ- depositories for state money if they did not I was charged. It had nothing to do with my ing the possibility of the recipient’s mailbox follow the limits on fees. management,” Erickson said. Such fees can be being robbed. The bill also would require that banks make available money orders for 50 cents. Some banks now charge upward of $3, and the money New member orders are available only to depositors. Clark’s proposal also would try to stop banks from making huge overdraft charges. Specifi- cally, the measure would limit overdraft charges to $15 per check (some banks charge as much as $21 per check), and forbid the practice of clearing the largest checks first. That practice increases overdraft charges by declaring several small checks overdrafts rather than fewer large checks, said Jordan Ash, bank- ing organizer for Minnesota ACORN. The bill also would require that banks make available low-fee checking accounts, called “lifeline checking accounts.” State law already requires low-fee savings accounts to be avail- able. The measure would mandate that check- ing account charges be approved by the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and that they be automatically rejected if the bank doesn’t offer the lifeline C.J. Erickson, newly elected Rep. Sondra Erickson’s father-in-law, embraced Erickson after she was sworn in during the opening day of the 1998 Legislative Session. The new legislator was accounts. joined by her mother-in-law, Judy Erickson, left, while Michael Landell, editor of the Princeton Marcia Erickson, chair of the Minnesota High School newspaper, right, looked on. Rep. Erickson teaches at the high school. “What would happen if somebody stole the practice, now simply rent goods without the that the risk of being in a crash greatly in- check and cashed it?” Haas asked. “What’s option to buy. creases at each blood-alcohol concentration going to happen?” Rent-to-own stores offer goods and ser- level, and that it rises very rapidly after a Creditors who send out such checks also vices without credit checks, down payments, drinker reaches the 0.08 percent level. prey on desperate or naive consumers, such as or deposits. Instead, a payment plan is estab- He said that the relative risk of being killed young college students, Haas said. A college lished based on the store’s listed purchase in a single vehicle crash when drivers have student might assume the check is for a loan price of the item, any additional fees, and blood-alcohol concentrations between 0.05 for which they have applied, he added. interest. percent and 0.09 percent is 11 times higher “They’ll be shocked in a month when they Proponents of HF997 say that rental-pur- than that of drivers who have had no alcohol. get a payment book, and instead of a five to six chase agreements give the working poor the “Virtually all drivers are substantially im- percent interest rate, they’re paying 29.9 per- chance to obtain big-ticket items such as tele- paired at 0.08,” Fell said. cent,” Haas said. “Let’s be pro-active in the visions and stereos. He also said 0.08 percent is a reasonable Legislature, rather than reactive.” Bill sponsor Rep. Tom Pugh (DFL-South limit to set. The average male would have to Haas said he knows several people who have St. Paul) said he got involved because “it drink four drinks in an hour and the average received such loan solicitations, and it appears seemed to make more sense that you could female would have to drink three drinks in an to be an increasingly common practice. own [an item] at the end of the rental period.” hour to reach that level, Fell said. The bill was discussed by members of the Under the bill, retailers would have to limit The hearing’s most emotional testimony House Financial Institutions and Insurance their purchase agreements’ ancillary charges came from Pat Budig, whose husband was Committee’s Working Group on Consumer — such as set up, delivery, and finance fees — killed by an impaired driver who tested below Banking. to an amount equal to the original cash price the current 0.10 percent legal limit. Her son The measure would allow an exception for of the item. was also severely injured in the crash. prospective borrowers who already have an The bill also would require rent-to-own “You don’t have to be falling down drunk to open-end credit arrangement, such as a credit agreements to clearly state that the merchan- kill someone,” she said. “A crash caused by a card account, with the lender. dise may be available from other sources at a driver who is at 0.08 is just as vicious, just as Pat Martin, a lobbyist for the Minnesota cheaper price. devastating as a crash caused by a driver who Consumer Finance Conference, said some David Ramp, of the Legal Aid Society of is at 0.10.” Minnesota companies might have a problem Minneapolis, said that the bill would do noth- Lynne Goughler, of the Mothers Against with the bill. Some of the finance companies ing to protect consumers from excessive in- Drunk Driving, also testified during the hear- he represents send out the kind of checks that terest on rent-to-own agreements. In fact, he ing. Her parents were killed by a driver who Haas’s bill would outlaw. argued, the legislation is just a way of getting tested at 0.09 percent. Hundreds of thousands of those checks are around the court order. “It is the most preventable crime we have. sent out annually, Martin said. He conceded “It’s an industry bill touted as consumer You can be just as dead at 0.08 as 0.10,” that there have been some problems in the protection,” Ramp said. Goughler said. “[The change to] 0.08 serves form of theft or fraud, but, he added, in such Last year, the Senate passed a similar mea- notice on the impaired driver that society will cases, the intended recipient was not liable. sure, but the House bill stalled on the floor. not tolerate driving at this level.” “The creditor is liable for a miscashed John Berglund, a lobbyist for the Minnesota check,” Martin said. “The number of abuses is Licensed Beverage Association, testified against small, and the number of mailings is large.” the bill. He argued that once people under- The bill now moves to the full Financial stand the details of the debate, they will see Institutions and Insurance Committee with- Legal blood-alcohol limit out recommendation. Minnesota could join 14 other states in lowering the legal blood-alcohol limit for driv- ers from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent. Rep. Matt Entenza (DFL-St. Paul) is spon- Rent-to-own contracts soring a bill (HF2389) that would do just that, and the bill cleared its first legislative hurdle Let the buyer beware: The rent-to-own in- Jan. 21. dustry soon may be back in business in Min- “This is probably the most important pub- nesota. lic health and safety bill we could adopt in A bill that would regulate rent-to-own con- 1998,” Entenza said. tracts was approved by the House Commerce, The bill was given its first hearing in the Tourism, and Consumer Affairs Committee House Judiciary Committee, where it was ap- Jan. 22. proved and referred to the Judiciary Finance Currently, a court order prohibits rental- Division. purchase transactions in Minnesota. Prior to A similar measure was passed by the House With a photograph of her late husband as a the injunction, many consumers complained last year. However, the provision did not sur- backdrop, Pat Budig of Lino Lakes, Minn., described that rent-to-own retailers financed purchases vive a conference committee and was not in- how he died in a head-on automobile collision at exorbitant interest rates after tacking on a caused by a driver with an blood-alcohol cluded in the final 1997 omnibus DWI law. concentration of 0.08 percent. Budig urged variety of costs to a product’s base price. James Fell, a National Highway Traffic Safety members of the Judiciary Committee Jan. 21 to Retailers who previously engaged in the Administration official, told the committee support a bill that would reduce Minnesota’s threshold for legal drunkenness. that efforts to lower the legal limit are unnec- for startup costs for three boarding schools, “It’s in the public interest to have students essary. with both public and private organizations coming out of high school who have received “By shifting the focus away from the alcohol eligible to apply for grants to establish schools. training in life-planning,” he said. “We’re all abuser to the moderate, social drinker, we are Seagren said the hope is that existing un- better off if kids come out of school ready to shifting resources from the real problem,” he used buildings would be remodeled with the go.” said. “Changing the legal limit to 0.08 does not initial funding. And she said that academic Rep. Tony Kielkucki (R-Lester Prairie), a get at the problem of the chronic offender, costs hopefully would be transferred from the co-sponsor of the bill and a private school because they ignore the 0.10 limit.” students’ home districts and that parents would teacher for more than 20 years, said the change Berglund said that the average blood-alco- be asked to contribute as much as possible to would address a long-standing problem in hol concentration of drivers arrested for im- the estimated yearly per pupil boarding fees of private schools. paired driving is 0.16 percent and half of all $4,000. “For [students] to leave the building in DWI arrests are repeat offenders. Rep. Alice Johnson (DFL-Spring Lake Park) front of their peers when everyone knows Dennis Randelin, a former detective ser- said that because the schools would resemble where they’re headed — they [often] just didn’t geant from Cloquet, also testified against the reform institutions, it seemed likely the fund- go [to counseling],” he said. “This gives them bill, arguing that Minnesota’s tough DWI laws ing needs would be closer to the $40,000 per a little more confidentiality.” should concentrate on repeat offenders. year required to support a prison inmate. Although a 1965 federal act provides for “I want my guys out there nailing the ha- “The issue is, could we provide something publicly funded counseling to be available to bitual DWIs,” Randelin said. “I don’t want to that would meet the need at a lower cost?” eligible private school students, most states go to an accident and know the guy by his first Johnson asked. had prohibited the counseling from taking name because I have already arrested him two Seagren said that the program would not be place at the private schools since the U.S. times.” cheap “based on the nature of the children Supreme Court ruled in 1985 that some such Entenza’s bill was approved on a 16-3 vote we’re dealing with,” but that the state likely activities violated the federal law mandating and now awaits a hearing in the Judiciary would save money in the long run. separation of church and state. Finance Division. “If a child could be in the program for two But a July 1997 court ruling cleared the way to three years and it would keep them from the for public school employees to provide certain criminal path and get them stable and gradu- services inside religious schools. The ruling SCHOOL ated, then it would be successful,” she said. makes the content of service — as opposed to “Twelve million dollars and three facilities the location — what the court considers im- will not completely address the need, but it is portant. Boarding schools for teens a start.” Minnesota School Board Association attor- A bill reflecting Gov. Arne Carlson’s pro- Though members of the K-12 Education ney Tom Deans said that while his group is not posal for $12 million to establish boarding Finance Division of the House Education opposed to the bill, lawmakers should be care- schools for some of the state’s at-risk teens had Committee discussed Seagren’s bill, they took ful to limit the scope of any new law to services its first House committee hearing Jan. 21. no action. Testimony and debate on the issue that fall under the federal Title I category, Rep. Alice Seagren (R-Bloomington), spon- is expected to continue. which includes remedial education, guidance, sor of HF2321, said the three proposed year- and job counseling. round, 24-hour academies would reach some “You cannot read this case to say, for ex- ample, that now we’re going to send our phys- of Minnesota teens before they slip from mod- Counseling in private schools erate to chronic delinquency. ics teachers (to private schools),” he said. Dehler assured committee members he was “There are two types of students we envi- The idea of allowing public school employ- not “designing the beginning of a mushroom.” sion going to this school,” she said. “One type ees to provide counseling at private schools The subcommittee approved the bill, which of child is from a family that is so dysfunc- has been considered and rejected by legisla- now moves to the full Education Committee. tional that the child needs to be placed in a tors in the past, but since the U.S. Supreme different kind of environment. Court reversed a relevant precedent last sum- “The other type of child may be from a mer, House members are taking a new look at stable family who has perhaps had brushes the issue. with drugs or other problems but has not yet An education subcommittee approved entered the criminal justice system. The prob- HF820, sponsored by Rep. Steve Dehler (R-St. Child custody decisions lem now is that there is no place for these kids Joseph), Jan. 22. The bill would alter a state A plan to restructure the way child custody until they’ve committed a serious enough law that says guidance and counseling services crime to become part of the criminal justice can be provided to private school students and visitation are decided in the state’s family courts was debated Jan. 21 by the Civil and system.” only at a public school or a neutral site. Likely candidates for a state boarding school Dehler told members of the House Educa- Family Law Division of the House Judiciary would also include teens who may have been tion Committee’s Subcommittee on Quality Committee. Under current law, the courts establish cus- shuttled between several foster homes, she Initiatives that allowing public school guid- said. ance counselors into private schools would tody in situations where the placement of the child is an issue after marriage dissolution. Under the bill, the academies would be not only save money that school districts are specifically for children in grades seven to 12 currently spending to provide alternative lo- Courts designate a custodial parent, and all who are behind by at least one academic year cations, but would increase the likelihood that decisions concerning the child are made by that parent. and who volunteer to be in the program. private school students would take advantage The proposed $12 million would be used of available counseling. A bill (HF1323) sponsored by Rep. Andy Dawkins (DFL-St. Paul) would restructure bill. He argued that recent court changes of- of attorneys, judges, and legislators should state law to focus on joint decision-making fering education programs and alternative dis- tackle the problem, and then a pilot project between the two divorced parents. pute resolution to people involved in marriage could be set up to see how a new plan might Parents involved in marriage dissolution dissolution proceedings should be given time work. proceedings would be encouraged to work to work. And he said the courts exist for people As other issues arose, Dawkins withdrew his with a mediator to compose a plan to ensure who cannot solve such problems on their own. motion to send the bill to the full committee. significant participation by both parents in all “When people have conflict over their chil- Dawkins said he hopes to refine the bill to decision-making. Courts would then approve dren, they have serious disputes that are real,” ensure broad support. the parenting plan. Kennedy said. “When you dig into these The bill also would replace all mention of people’s complaints, you find that they are “custody” in the statutes with terms such as more broad than the terminology of “parenting plans,” “parenting obligations,” parenting.” and “parenting schedule.” Judge William Howard, who presided over ‘Any willing provider’ bill Dawkins said the bill is about the “nomen- family court in Hennepin County for three clature” of child custody following marriage years, also testified against the bill. He said In the Twin Cities area, proximity to pre- dissolution. family law is one of the most contentious areas ferred health care providers is rarely an issue. “I really don’t want children pulled and of law. But for many rural Minnesotans, travel can be tugged about in deciding who is their custo- While family law makes up 14 percent of the an economic and logistic hardship. dial parent,” he said. “That’s what this bill is all cases statewide, it accounts for 50 percent of If a patient must drive 100 miles round-trip about.” the complaints filed against attorneys and for medical attention from a network pro- Marilyn McKnight, of the Erickson Media- judges at the state Board of Judicial Standards, vider, the time and money can be a burden for tion Institute, testified in support of the bill. according to Howard. families with strained budgets. “Changing the laws will change the expecta- “I don’t know of any judge who does family The Health Care Access Subcommittee of tions of divorcing parents,” McKnight said. court in this state who supports this bill,” he the House Health and Human Services Com- “They will come in trying to figure out how said. mittee heard more than an hour of testimony they will parent in the future.” Howard said that the bill would cause an to that effect Jan. 22. Robert Oliphant, a law professor at William unnecessary backlog in the daily practice of Rep. Tom Huntley (DFL-Duluth), who Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, said the child custody and child support decisions and chairs the panel, said he wanted the subcom- changes would provide a new concept for could potentially throw even more of these mittee to hear testimony relevant to the so- parents involved in a divorce. cases back into the courts. And, he said, small called “any willing provider” bill (HF875), “It will provide a mindset for parents to changes in terminology of law can have huge sponsored by Rep. Jim Tunheim (DFL- move away from the litigation model,” he consequences. Kennedy). said. “The essence of litigation is predictability,” The bill would require insurers and health Bruce Kennedy, of the Minnesota Bar Asso- he said. maintenance organizations to cover health ciation, said that his organization opposes the Howard suggested that a task force made up care from any provider willing to accept the insurer’s payment schedule and rules. The bill would not affect self-insured health Families first plans, which provide coverage for about 30 percent of Minnesotans. The subcommittee took no action on the bill, but it is expected to come up again this session. Those who testified about the hardship in rural areas had an ally in Mary Ellen Otremba (DFL-Long Prairie). Otremba said she repre- sents one of the poorer economic regions of the state. She said large national companies have pur- chased local businesses, and health care ben- efits offered under the new ownership often don’t contain a local medical option. She said some of her constituents have found that the doctor they have had “for 30 years is no longer their family doctor” because the doctor is excluded from the provider network. Lee Greenfield (DFL-Mpls) said in many cases, patients “had a choice when they took the plan,” but they often opt for the least House Majority Leader Ted Winter explained the House DFLers’ top 1998 legislative initiatives — dubbed the “families first” agenda — during a Jan. 15 news conference. Also in attendance expensive coverage. That often precludes us- were (from left) Reps. Kathleen Sekhon, Doug Peterson, Betty McCollum, Luanne Koskinen, ing their previous health care provider, and, Nora Slawik, Len Biernat, and House Speaker Phil Carruthers. according to him, patients often know that when they choose their plan. To include more providers raises the cost of the coverage, to track which states recipients come from, Greenfield said. 25th anniversary rally the size of the household, and other character- “To say it does not cost more money is a istics. joke. Every study says so,” he said. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester) said he wanted But Eileen Tompkins (R-Apple Valley) said to make it clear the state’s welfare reform bill “there are a million studies about managed was not intended “to discourage people com- care, and not all of them say managed care ing in here for the work opportunity,” noting saves money.” the state’s low level of unemployment and the Greenfield said if the bill passes, “the prob- Minnesota businesses that currently go want- lem will be a lot of smaller employers won’t ing for new hires. provide health care because they won’t be able to afford it.” Peggy Schumacher, of the Dawson Medical Clinic, talked of long trips to doctors that cost families money and take them away from their Residency requirements jobs. Dawson, Minn., is 140 miles west of the Twin Cities near the South Dakota border. Police officers hired since 1993 by the city of “Rural Minnesota doesn’t have a choice. It’s Minneapolis are required to live within city a budget impact as well as a consumer night- limits, and some say it’s downright dangerous mare,” she said. for them, especially if they run into someone Richard Mulder (R-Ivanhoe), a family phy- they’ve arrested. Some also say the residency sician, said companies that provide health requirement can be hard on the children of plans “don’t care how far a patient has to police officers. drive.” He said the bill is a “good concept that That’s according to one officer who testi- should be passed.” fied before the House Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee Jan. 22 on a bill (HF2055) that would repeal the authority of the city of Minneapolis to require its em- ployees to live in the city. Job-seekers emerge The city of Minneapolis’ residency require- Marg Miller, a member of Epiphany Catholic ment affects many city employees. Those who Implementation of Minnesota’s main wel- Church in Coon Rapids, Minn., brought her worked for the city before 1993 can continue fare reform initiative — Minnesota Family sign to the steps of the Capitol Jan. 22 for the to live where they wish, but new hires must Investment Program-Statewide (MFIP-S) — annual rally sponsored by Minnesota Citizens establish residency within the city by the time Concerned for Life. This year, the event marked they have been on the job for 18 months. has gone remarkably well, according to Jan. 21 the 25th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court testimony heard by the finance division of the decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized The bill, sponsored by Rep. Rich Stanek House Health and Human Services Commit- abortion. (R-Maple Grove), would also repeal residency tee. requirements for the Minneapolis School Dis- Deborah Huskins, assistant commissioner trict, the city’s library board, and the city’s the parent would earn $1,032 a month from for economic and family support strategies for park and recreation board. A similar resi- the work and still get a MFIP-S grant of $179 the Minnesota Department of Human Ser- dency requirement in the city of St. Paul also a month. As a result, the parent’s total income vices, said participants are already being called would be wiped out. is $448 a month more than if unemployed. “job-seekers,” rather than “welfare recipients.” No action was taken on the bill, and it is Huskins said 19,835 families out of an ex- That change, she said, signals a shift in the expected to be taken up by the committee pected 40,000 have already gone through a com- perception of the people in the program. later. puterized conversion process for MFIP-S. States scurried to pass new welfare laws a Al Berryman, president of the Police Officer Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) said year ago after the federal government scrapped Federation of Minneapolis, supports the bill. there are jobs currently available in Minne- significant parts of the long-standing welfare The decision to live in a place is a personal one sota that pay as much as $15 to $20 an hour, if system in August 1996. Gov. Arne Carlson and should be based on personal choice, he people have the proper training. He asked if an signed Minnesota’s new welfare law on April said. emphasis would be placed on providing that 30, 1997, two months ahead of the federal Stanek also works as a Minneapolis police training. government’s deadline. officer. Other members of the Minneapolis Huskins said such efforts are to be imple- MFIP-S is designed to transform the state’s Police Dyˆartment testified in support of the mented at the county level. welfare system from one that discouraged work bill, including Jolene Lindner, a nine-year vet- There also was concern over monitoring to a process that expects families to work and eran of the department. the number of people who might move to raises their income. MFIP-S sets a lifetime Lindner said she grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota to take advantage of the state’s limit for receiving welfare checks of 60 months and enjoyed living there. “But I wasn’t arrest- relatively generous system. Eileen Tompkins and rewards those who find work. ing people, and I wasn’t working under cover. (R-Apple Valley) wondered if cases of people A single parent of two, for example, is eli- We’re in a different line of work,” she said. relocating to Minnesota could be tracked. gible to receive a $763 monthly grant. If that She said her 12-year-old daughter has been Huskins said it is being done, but no figures parent finds a full-time job that pays $6 hourly, assaulted because Lindner is a police officer, are available yet. Huskins also said the aim is and Lindner said a man fired a gun at the roof of her family’s house while the Lindners were gone. People she has arrested in the past have confronted her at stores in Minneapolis, Property tax rebate revisited Lindner said, so she now does all her shopping outside the city. The Minnesota Legislature, flush with a pro- People in the neighborhood also have come jected $2.3 billion budget surplus in 1997, passed to her house to report trouble instead of call- a one-time tax rebate to give some of that surplus ing 911, she said. back to homeowners and renters. The rebate was “Our job is dangerous as it is, but we have linked to property taxes paid in 1997. tools on the job,” she said. “To have people However, that created a problem for those coming and knocking on my door at all hours who paid their 1997 property taxes before of the night is not fair. I’m not paid to do this.” Jan. 1, 1997. Homeowners sometimes pre-pay Because Lindner has been on the job for their taxes to claim an itemized deduction for nine years, she is not subject to the residency the previous year’s income tax. requirement. But her husband, Rick, is also a But, under the rebate law, people who pre- Minneapolis police officer, and he is subject to paid are out of luck, because the law passed the residency requirement. For a while, the last year limited payment of the rebate to those family lived in the city. who paid their property taxes in 1997. But Lindner said she got tired of dealing with The House Tax Committee set about fixing the situation, so she has taken the children and things Jan. 22. The committee approved a bill moved to a house in Shakopee, while her hus- (HF 2294) that would allow the property tax band lives in an apartment in Minneapolis. rebate to be paid to people who paid their 1997 “I can’t be there 24 hours a day to protect property taxes before Jan. 1, 1997. my children from a drive-by shooting,” she “It’s a simple change in the law,” said Rep. said. Dee Long (DFL-Mpls), who is sponsoring the Among those testifying against the bill was bill. “I think all of your constituents will thank Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles-Belton. She you for taking care of them.” said it’s important for the city to keep resi- The rebate is available to both homeowners dents with good jobs, and the average pay for Two-year-old Jaylen and 6-year-old Michael Linear and renters. For homeowners, it comes to 20 watch a protest on the steps of the Capitol about a police officer is $44,173. percent of their property taxes, and for rent- recently implemented changes in welfare ers, 3.6 percent of their rent paid. It will come “By living in Minneapolis, employees con- programs. The boys and their mother, Ginnell, tribute to the tax base,” she said. traveled from Winona, Minn., to the Capitol for the in the form of a refundable income tax credit If those high-paid employees move to the Jan. 20 rally. for their 1997 taxes. suburbs, “there is evidence that it diminishes Even though the rebate is a property tax re- mission of Poland, the Czech Republic, and the quality of our workforce,” said Sayles- bate, it should be claimed on the state income tax the Republic of Hungary to the alliance. Belton. returns filed this year. It’s separate from the Committee members unanimously ap- The bill was laid over; it will be taken up by regular property tax refund that many renters proved the bill and sent it to the House floor. the committee at a later date. and homeowners get in August of each year. Initially, only Poland was mentioned in the resolution, but Jaros said that members of Minnesota’s Czech and Hungarian commu- nities asked that their countries be added. Leaders from those communities testified Expanding NATO membership at the committee meeting, and one said that Parking problems, solutions Though he’s not in the military, Rep. Mike NATO expansion “is good for security, good Officials from Minneapolis, St. Paul, the Jaros (DFL-Duluth) donned a U.S. Army uni- for America, and good for Minnesota.” Metropolitan Airports Commission, and the form to help convince members of the House Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) said that she University of Minnesota were among those Economic Development and International had received a phone call from a constituent who testified before a House panel Jan. 21 Trade Committee of the benefits of expanding asking that some Balkan countries be added to about the parking woes they face and the NATO membership. the resolution. Jaros said he had not had any costly potential solutions. Jaros came to the committee’s Jan. 21 meeting similar requests but that such an amendment Only one of the officials told members of in the camouflage uniform he wore in northeast- could be added on the House floor. the House Transportation and Transit Com- ern Bosnia last summer, where he spent about mittee that no significant efforts to increase two months translating for NATO troops. available parking spaces are on the way. “My idea is that every country should join Bob Baker, director of parking and transit NATO, and then once everybody is joined in Check your local listings to watch services for the University of Minnesota, said support of peace, we won’t need any more the House committee and floor no major additions to parking facilities are armies,” he said. sessions on TV. imminent on the campus. Jaros is the sponsor of HF2417, which calls The university has adhered to a self-im- for a resolution to be sent to President Clinton posed cap of 22,000 parking spots since 1992. and Congress asking them to support the ad- Continued on page 17 Projected $1.3 billion budget surplus . . . Governor calls for top investment in state facilities

By Nick Healy Lawmakers arrived at the Capitol for the beginning of the 1998 Legislative Session to find the state still solidly in the black and the governor calling for a record investment in state construction projects. A projected $1.3 billion surplus in state coffers creates many possibilities for legisla- tors. While everything is open for debate, Gov. Arne Carlson’s budget proposal calls for $373 million in new state spending, and his bond- ing request seeks more than $800 million in state borrowing for capital projects across the state. The governor also hopes to use the forecast budget surplus for tax relief, state savings, and new spending. Specifically, Carlson seeks to use $841 mil- lion of surplus funds for property tax rebates and rate reductions and tax breaks for educa- Department of Finance Commissioner Wayne Simoneau said Minnesota’s “economy and finances are in good shape” during a Jan. 14 press conference to unveil the administration’s supplemental budget tion expenses, $207 million for a so-called proposal. However, Simoneau also warned that the state is “looking at a potential risk because of the “Asian market fund” to brace for potential Asian economy” and expressed support for Gov. Arne Carlson’s plan to set aside $200 million to guard fallout from instability in Asian stock mar- against reverberations from shaky Asian markets. kets, and $373 million in new spending. and bonding proposals that are praiseworthy, ings, including the Architecture Building and A total of $172 million of the new spending it is troubling to see that the governor’s plan Murphy Hall, home of the School of Journal- would add to the bonding funds for capital contains virtually no K-12 education reforms ism and Mass Communication. projects. or improvements,” Carruthers said. “Helping The governor’s plan also would provide $16 “We looked at this budget surplus this year our schools do a better job of educating our million for construction of a new facility for the same way we have looked at budget sur- children will be a major goal of the House DFL technical programs at Hibbing Community pluses in the past,” said Lt. Gov. Joanne Benson. in 1998 and will be a high priority in our and Technical College, $11 million for the first “You ought to put some in reserve, spend session agenda.” phase of renovation of Mankato State some very prudently, and give the rest back to Carlson’s proposal to spend $1.02 billion University’s student athletic facilities, and $10 the taxpayers.” on improvements to state buildings and infra- million to revamp the library at St. Paul Tech- With the governor away on a trade mission, structure would require this year’s bonding nical College. Benson took his place to unveil the budget bill to be the largest ever. Higher education plan at a press conference days before the figures largely in the governor’s bonding and Environmental improvements opening of the session. budget plans. His proposal also focuses on the The governor is calling for a total of $202.5 The centerpiece of the governor’s initiatives environment and economic development. million in environmental projects. for this session — his last in office — is his plan Much of the money — about $114 million to invest more than $1 billion in state con- Building campuses — would be devoted to the governor’s “access struction projects. More than $800 million The governor’s plans call for $420 million to the outdoors” initiative, and significant would come from state borrowing in the form in capital improvements at higher education amounts of money also would be marked for of this year’s bonding bill, and additional funds institutions around the state. A total of $252 environmental protection and infrastructure would come directly from the state’s general million would go to the University of Minne- improvements. fund. sota, and $168 million would go to the Minne- Carlson’s “access to the outdoors” proposal “It is a large bonding bill,” Benson said. sota State Colleges and Universities system. calls for spending on habitat protection, park “However, it is within the restraints we set on Under the governor’s plan, the Twin Cities and trail improvements, and improved tour- ourselves for the state.” campus of the U of M would see construction ism promotion. Specifically, the governor is The sheer size of the governor’s spending of a $70 million molecular and cellular biol- calling for $63 million for outdoor recreation plans raised some eyebrows at the Capitol, ogy building. Another $53.6 million would be projects and $50 million to go toward habitat and House Speaker Phil Carruthers (DFL- spent to restore the Walter Library and to protection. Brooklyn Center) found key ingredients miss- equip a digital technology center at the facil- Spending on parks would include $14 mil- ing from Carlson’s proposals. ity. The governor also is calling for funds for lion for development of a veterans memorial “While there are many things in his budget the renovation of several of the U of M build- state park in Duluth, which would be home to the USS Des Moines, a mothballed Navy cruiser now sitting unused in Philadelphia. The gov- Governor’s Strategic Capital Budget Plan ernor also is calling for $17 million to be Total Recommendations = $1.02 Billion dedicated to general improvements through- General Obligation Bonds and Direct Spending = $872 Million out the state’s park and trails system. Another $1.2 million would be earmarked Use of Funds for an electronic licensing service to make it ($ in millions) easier to get recreational licenses and permits and for other improvements in tourism ser- vices. Environmental protection projects would get $64.5 million, including $26 million for flood mitigation efforts to help prevent devas- tation similar to that caused by 1997 floods in the Red River Valley and in other areas of Minnesota. Also, $27 million would be allocated for improvements to wastewater and drinking water infrastructure statewide. Sources of Financing Hockey and conventions ($ in millions) The governor’s proposed $213.7 million for improvements in regional economic develop- ment projects includes $65 million for con- struction of a new hockey arena in St. Paul.

The project, which carries a total price tag of $130 million, would provide a new St. Paul RiverCentre arena to serve as home for a new National Hockey League franchise. The governor also is calling for $87.1 mil- lion to reimburse the city of Minneapolis for the remaining principal on the Minneapolis Convention Center, which would allow the Source: Minnesota Strategic Capital Budget Plan: Executive Summary city to finance an expansion of the facility. ports include $5 million for the Year 2000 of priorities include college financial aid ef- Other projects included in Carlson’s pro- project, which seeks to avert computer system forts to make postsecondary education more posal include $25 million for construction of failures associated with the onset of the next affordable and an expansion of eligibility for a convention center in St. Cloud, $13.9 mil- century, and $500,000 for research of deformed the tax credit for child care costs. lion for expansion of the Duluth convention frogs found in Minnesota. The DFL leaders also are seeking a second center, $6.7 million to expand and renovate round of property tax rebates like those ap- the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, and $1.5 The DFL plans proved in 1997, which will return money to million for a regional convention center in After the governor’s budget and bonding homeowners and renters. And they want re- Fergus Falls. proposals were revealed, DFL leaders in the ductions in property tax rates. House announced legislative goals for the 1998 New spending plans session that include some key differences from Aside from his massive plans for capital Carlson’s plan. projects, Carlson included about $112 million Carruthers and Majority Leader Ted Win- Where to find in his proposed supplemental budget for a ter (DFL-Fulda) said they will seek funds to information variety of projects. reduce class sizes in public schools, to expand That sum includes $10 million for medical availability of all-day kindergarten, and to House Public Information Office education and research activities and $5 mil- improve computer technology in Minnesota’s 175 State Office Building (612) 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 lion for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome prevention. classrooms. The governor’s wife, Susan Carlson, has been This nonpartisan office provides: com- “We asked ourselves, ‘What are people talk- mittee meeting schedules, legislator infor- a leader in efforts to combat Fetal Alcohol ing about around the kitchen table?’” Winter Syndrome and she serves as co-chair of a state mation; and publications, including the said. “They are talking about the quality of Session Weekly newsmagazine, educational task force created to devise a comprehensive their children’s education. They are talking brochures for all ages, and member direc- strategy to prevent alcohol-related birth de- about how to pay their property taxes and how tories. All information is available at no fects. to afford a college education, child care, or a charge. The governor’s budget recommendations decent home.” Most of what this office publishes can be also include $10 million for county child wel- Winter and Carruthers also said they will viewed on the Legislature’s World Wide fare efforts and $5 million for child care access seek funding to help school districts imple- Web page. To connect, point your web browser at: http://www.leg.state.mn.us activities. ment the state’s new graduation standards. Other spending initiatives the governor sup- Other projects high on the leadership’s list Capitol Forum Series . . . Mittelstadt: ‘Robotics can solve workforce shortages’ By Jim Thielman less we solve our production problems. We The Jetsons, the ultra-mod- can’t import everything.” ern family of TV cartoons, But can robotics help small businesses? As enjoyed the luxury of a robot with other states, Minnesota has many small as a maid and butler. That businesses that are looking for workers. remains futuristic in today’s “It’s a lot easier to engineer these devices world, but if baby boomers into small businesses than large ones,” are to continue a comfort- Mittelstadt said. able lifestyle into their se- He described a three-man company in his nior years and businesses native Michigan that wanted to expand its arc- hope to cater to them, robotics is the answer. welding business. The owner had no educa- That’s what Eric Mittelstadt told legislators tion beyond high school. and others in a Jan. 21 lecture at the Minnesota Mittelstadt said with a $50,000 investment, History Center. Mittelstadt said workers still the business owner purchased the required view robots as a threat to their jobs. But he said robotic equipment. The result was his busi- that any jobs lost will be largely hazardous or ness expanded, he hired more workers, and he menial and that robots will make U.S. compa- purchased another piece of robotics. nies more competitive. Mittelstadt also said robotics will allow U.S. Mittelstadt said U.S. businesses face companies to be more competitive interna- workforce shortages. Robotics can solve not tionally. only that problem, he said, but confront issues Eric Mittelstadt, a top executive for the country’s He illustrated his company’s mindset when of safety as well. leading robotics company, addressed lawmakers it comes to competition. FANUC is a Japanese The Detroit native is the chair and chief Jan. 21 as part of the 1998 Capitol Forum lecture company that encourages him to sell a largely series. Mittelstadt described the future of robotics executive officer of FANUC Robotics North Japanese product to U.S. companies so those and explained how technology can help address U.S. companies can compete with Japanese America, the country’s leading robotics com- labor shortages and other workforce issues. pany since 1984. He has headed the venture companies. since it formed a joint agreement between and math. That approach has allowed FANUC to gain General Motors and FANUC LTD of Japan in “You can’t care less anymore,” Mittelstadt a position in about one-third of the North 1982. said. “You have to have some kind of under- American robotics market, and achieve $2.3 “The current workforce shortage is prob- standing, but that doesn’t mean you can throw billion in sales since 1985. ably not going to let up in the foreseeable out English and communication skills, be- Among the Minnesota companies using future,” Mittelstadt said. “For example, in the cause someone has to get the message across.” FANUC technology, Mittelstadt said, are Arc- next 10 years, 40 percent of the workforce in Mittelstadt said robotics can ease worker tic Cat of Thief River Falls, Malt-O-Meal in the automobile industry is going to retire. shortages on one end of the manufacturing Northfield, and Twin Cities-based 3M and These are skilled jobs, and these people got process, but there must be people capable of General Mills. those skills by being in that plant 30 or 40 programming and maintaining the machines Mittelstadt directed his comments toward years. Who’s going to replace them?” in a financially feasible way. legislators in attendance when he said, “The He said robotics can ease the crunch of “Employees of tomorrow must be techni- government is responsible for creating a cli- repetitious work done by human labor. With cally skilled, yet generalists,” he said. mate where corporations can succeed.” proper education, human workers can then It wasn’t long ago, Mittelstadt said, that Rep. Bob Ness (R-Dassel), who serves on ascend the ladder to replace retiring, skilled many workers feared technology would re- the House Economic Development and Inter- workers. place them. And during the early 1990s, when national Trade Committee, was asked after “Eighty-percent of all jobs in the future are the economy wasn’t as strong, the fear was the lecture to what extent helping private cor- going to require more than high school,” he palpable, he said. porations succeed is a responsibility of gov- said. But he said the shortage of “lower-end” ernment. That comment raised a question about the workers is likely to continue because “some “That’s a tough question,” he said. “I sus- direction of education in America. Mittelstadt workers are being shifted to the middle or pect we need to provide some incentive that said he doesn’t see college in everyone’s fu- higher end.” would allow technology to advance at a greater ture. But he said honing science and math Then there are the demographics. pace. It’s a critical issue. We depend more on skills is vital. “The baby-boomers, man, have they gotten technology applications, and that may mean “In order to be comfortable with comput- used to having a lot of goods and services,” we need to be more sensitive to that area. ers, you have to have some knowledge of sci- Mittelstadt said. “They’re going to retire, and “I’ve long thought we need to have custom- ence and math,” he said. who’s going to provide those goods and ser- ized training to help workers perform at an As a mechanical engineer in the 1950s, vices? advanced level of productivity. It’s a con- Mittelstadt said he had that science and math “There will be fewer people trying to pro- tinuum. The training can not be stagnant. It’s background. Yet many of his peers back then duce or serve more. The quality of life for a dynamic thing.” told him they couldn’t care less about science those baby-boomers is going to go down un- Rep. Doug Swenson . . . New judge leaves behind family ties in Legislature

By Nick Healy Rep. Doug Swenson’s departure from the House ends the second longest run in a storied family his- tory in the Minnesota Legislature. Swenson was one of six members of the same family tree to serve in the Legisla- ture over the course of more than 100 years. Earlier this month, the Forest Lake Republi- can left the House to begin a new job on the bench in the 10th Judicial District Court in Pine City, Minn. The Legislature will not be Swenson-less, however, as Swenson leaves behind his brother, Howard, a second-term Republican House member from Nicollet, Minn. When Doug Swenson was first elected to the House in 1986, he continued a family tradition that began when his great-grandfa- ther, Swen Swenson, was elected to the House in 1886. Swen served in the House with his brother, Rep. Doug Swenson, a leader in efforts to stiffen Minnesota’s DWI laws, left the House to accept an appointment to the District Court bench. Lars. Swen’s sons, Carl and Oscar, took up where their father left off when both were He led successful efforts to require repeat chamber and whose district borders Swenson’s, elected to the Legislature during the early DWI offenders to forfeit their vehicles and to said he will miss their conversations about the 1900s. Oscar was perhaps the most well-known create a “not-a-drop” standard for underage issues of the day. of the group, serving in the House from 1913 drivers. Swenson also backed a 1997 effort to “I consider him a person of integrity,” Mares to 1932, including a stint as speaker, and serv- lower the threshold for legal drunkenness to said. “He did what was right, not always what ing in the Senate from 1937 to 1950. He was 0.08 percent blood-alcohol content. While that was popular. He was a hard-working, fair- the grandfather of Doug and Howard. proposal did not pass, Swenson said he be- minded legislator.” “I’ve enjoyed the chance to serve because of lieves the stage is set for the lower standard to Swenson lists the fact that he never had the that heritage, and it’s been especially nice to serve become law in the future. opportunity to serve in the majority caucus as with my brother,” Doug Swenson said. “Doug has made a tremendous impact on his only regret from his days as a lawmaker. “Howard’s 15 years older than I am, and this was the lives of all Minnesotans through his work Republicans last held a controlling majority in the first time I’ve ever had seniority over him.” on strengthening Minnesota’s DWI laws,” said the House the year before Swenson arrived. Outside of the House, Swenson has worked House Minority Leader Steve Sviggum (R- Still, Swenson said he will draw satisfaction as a senior assistant Washington County at- Kenyon). “He has been a leader in securing from his work on crime and public safety torney since 1975. Combine that with his noted safe streets, schools, and communities for all issues. legislative work on public safety issues and it is Minnesota families.” “I’ve appreciated the opportunity that my apparent why Gov. Arne Carlson selected Swenson served on the House Judiciary constituents have given me to serve in the Swenson for the judicial position. Committee, and he was the lead Republican Legislature, and I feel that I have been able to “Swenson possesses a unique combination on the Judiciary Finance Division. His work contribute on a variety of public policy issues of experience prosecuting criminal cases and on those panels drew respect from lawmakers in a positive way,” Swenson said. “I will miss crafting legislation that seeks to find solutions on both sides of the aisle. the opportunity to advocate for change that I to the problems facing the court system to- “He was a very valuable member of the believe will improve the lives of Minnesotans, day,” Carlson said when the appointment was committee, and I think he’s an excellent ap- but I am excited about the chance to serve in announced. pointment,” said Rep. Wes Skoglund (DFL- another way that is also very important.” Swenson listed fiscal responsibility, educa- Mpls), who chairs the Judiciary Committee. tion, and public safety among his chief con- “He’ll do a good job as a judge, and the people cerns as a lawmaker, and he left his mark as the of the state of Minnesota are well served by his author of laws that toughened penalties for appointment.” driving while intoxicated and clamped down Rep. Harry Mares (R-White Bear Lake), on underage drinkers. whose desk was next to Swenson’s in the House Rep. LeRoy Koppendrayer departs . . . Lawmaker called thinker, risk taker, team player By Nick Healy Koppendrayer’s departure. Rep. LeRoy Koppendrayer “I’m happy for LeRoy, and I think this will (R-Princeton), a fourth-term law- be a good fit for him,” Sviggum said. “Obvi- maker noted for his leadership on ously, it’s a loss for our caucus and the entire education issues, was appointed to Legislature. He was a real thinker and one who the Minnesota Public Utilities was not afraid to take on some tough issues.” Commission (PUC) last month by Gov. Arne Sviggum is losing more than one of his Carlson. leaders in the caucus. He is also losing a Koppendrayer was an assistant minority confidant and roommate. For the past two leader in the House, and he was the lead Re- years, Koppendrayer and Sviggum have shared publican on the K-12 Finance Division of the quarters when in St. Paul for legislative busi- House Education Committee. His resignation ness. was effective Dec. 8, 1997, and he officially “He will be missed,” Sviggum said. “He was assumed his new post Jan. 5. a real team player, and he was willing to take a The move to the PUC is just the latest ven- risk and to step out of that comfort zone. ture on Koppendrayer’s long and widely var- Leaders have to be able to do that.” ied resume. Koppendrayer began serving as a member “If you’re looking for new opportunities in of the House Regulated Industries and Energy life, exciting things can happen,” Committee in 1997, and he said it was that Koppendrayer said. experience that whetted his appetite for the And Koppendrayer certainly has seen some kind of work he will be doing on the PUC. exciting things in his life. Before coming to the Rep. LeRoy Koppendrayer, a seven-year legislator Koppendrayer, who will serve a six-year House, he worked as a truck driver in an Iron noted for his work on K12 education policy, was term on the commission, said he looks for- Range mine, as a manager for Fingerhut Corp., selected by Gov. Arne Carlson to fill a vacancy on ward to dealing with “hot issues” such as the and as an international agricultural consult- the Public Utilities Commission. deregulation of electrical utilities and the rapid growth of telecommunications. ant who assisted dairy farmers in South Now Koppendrayer lists his work on educa- America, Africa, and other places around the “I won’t be bored. That’s for sure,” he said. tion issues as his most significant contribu- And Koppendrayer said he is confident other globe. tion as a legislator. As a legislator, Koppendrayer was a straight- legislators will step up to fill the role he played “Accountability and choice will enhance talker who made a name for himself as a leader with his House caucus. education,” Koppendrayer said. “We suc- “As soon as you think you’re indispensable, in efforts to change the public education sys- ceeded in getting those issues raised in public tem in Minnesota. He carried controversial look in the mirror and you’re looking at your awareness. Now I think the public is demand- only friend,” Koppendrayer said. school voucher legislation in recent years and ing accountability, and that issue is not going backed the successful effort to increase the tax to go away.” deduction for educational expenses and to House Minority Leader Steve Sviggum (R- provide low- to moderate-income families Kenyon) expressed mixed emotions over with a tax credit for education expenses.

Committee deadlines committee, the bill has met the commit- By the third committee deadline, tee deadline. Friday, Feb. 27 , all appropriations bills Each year, the House and Senate set By the second committee deadline, must clear their policy and finance com- deadlines by which most bills must be Friday, Feb. 20 , all bills other than those mittees and move to either the Taxes heard in a committee and forwarded containing appropriations, must be Committee or the Ways and Means Com- through the process. passed out of all policy committees in mittee. By the first committee deadline, both the House and the Senate. The dead- Of course, there are exceptions to the Friday, Feb. 13 , all bills must be passed line does not apply to the finance divi- deadlines. Any lawmaker may try to con- out of all policy committees in their house sions of the committees or the House vince the Rules and Legislative Adminis- of origin to receive further consideration Rules and Legislative Administration tration Committee, which includes this session. If a House bill has not been Committee, the House Taxes Commit- leaders from both party caucuses, to hear approved by a House policy committee tee, and the House Ways and Means Com- a bill after the deadlines. by the deadline, but its Senate compan- mittee. ion has been approved by a Senate policy New members . . . Otremba wins House seat in November special election By Sandra Donovan with her husband in 1976, and has since served next hour,” Otremba said. “That’s how I live It was exactly two months from the day her as the DFL Party chair in Todd County and as my life — you have to focus on what you’re husband, Ken, died that Mary Ellen Otremba a member of the party’s state executive board. doing at the time. (DFL-Long Prairie) won the special election “When Ken ran the first time [in a 1994 “I’ve learned very clearly that you have to to fill his vacant House seat, but that’s not the House race], the real question was who was take things one step at a time, after all I’ve gone only reason the election going to run, he or I?” she said. “We were both through with Ken and the kids.” was particularly notewor- very involved in county politics at the time — The youngest of Otremba’s four children, thy. he as an elected official [on the county board] Elizabeth, 11, will be home-schooled at the Otremba’s success at and I in the party. We made a great team Capitol during this year’s legislative session. the polls in District 11B because we bridged the gap between elected “She’ll still be enrolled at her school, and marked the first DFL vic- and party politics.” she’ll send work via fax and e-mail, but she’ll tory in 20 special elec- Ken Otremba won the House seat in 1994 be with me every day,” Otremba said. “She tions, and the first such and was in the middle of serving his second needs that and I need that.” Rep. victory outside of Minne- term when he died of liver cancer in Septem- Otremba took a leave of absence from her Mary Ellen Otremba apolis/St. Paul in 25 years. ber 1997. job as a Family and Consumer Science teacher Still, Otremba’s win was not what every- “We talked about it before he died, and he at Swanville High School for the session. body was talking about when she was sworn in wanted me to run,” Otremba said. “One reason I keep teaching is to keep in to the House last November. Onlookers were She said she will continue to work on the that part of the real world,” she said. “Ken too busy buzzing about the fact that she would issues that have long interested both her and always said that my job helped him to main- immediately be called upon to vote on what her late husband — rural health care, agricul- tain a balance — not everyone talks and many considered the toughest, most divisive ture, and education. breathes politics all the time.” question in years — stadium financing. She began work last year with House Major- One decision Otremba has not yet made is For Otremba, her first vote on a bill was an ity Leader Ted Winter (DFL-Fulda) on a bill whether to run for re-election this year. easy call. that would raise the minimum milk price paid “I’m leaning toward it and I probably will, “I think most of my constituents are glad I to dairy farmers. She also plans to push for the but we keep talking it over as a family,” she voted no,” she said. “I come from one of the creation of a Midwest compact for dairy farm- said. “We’ve always had those talks, every time poorer counties, so using public dollars to ers. Ken ran for office we had them. That’s just subsidize a sports team is just not popular. Of “In the northeast, several states have initi- how we are as a family.” course, there are some who think I voted the ated a compact to set dairy prices higher,” she explained. “We’re hoping to organize along wrong way, but every day I have someone District 11B thanking me for that vote.” those lines with Wisconsin, Iowa, North Da- kota, and South Dakota.” 1995 population: 32,599 And Otremba said she doesn’t believe it was Largest city: Long Prairie the toughest vote she’ll make. Otremba’s committee assignments mirror Counties: Douglas, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd, “I’m a very social-justice oriented person, her interests. She will serve on the Agriculture, Wadena Education, and Health and Human Services Location: north-central Minnesota and I make decisions based on that,” she said. Top Concern : “My main concern is to faithfully “I think there are a lot of tough votes.” committees, as well as acting as vice chair of represent the people [who] live in my district and Although the only other elected office the Health and Human Services Finance Divi- in the state of Minnesota. I believe in trying to sion. make decisions looking through the eyes of the Otremba has held was on her local Catholic ‘poorest’ person you know.” school board, she is no newcomer to politics. “I can be all fired up about dairy farmers — Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba She attended her first DFL precinct caucus one hour and all fired up about health care the

Constitutional Officers Governor Secretary of State State Treasurer ARNE CARLSON (R) JOAN ANDERSON GROWE (DFL) MICHAEL A. McGRATH (DFL) Room 130 Room 180 303 State Administration Building State Capitol State Office Building 50 Sherburne Ave. St. Paul 55155 St. Paul 55155 St. Paul 55155 (612) 296-3391 (612) 296-2803 (612) 296-7091 1-800-657-3717 Election Division: 215-1440 Open Appointments: 297-5845 Attorney General Lieutenant Governor Business Information: 296-2803 HUBERT H. HUMPHREY III (DFL) UCC: 297-9102 JOANNE BENSON (R) Room 102 Room 130 State Auditor State Capitol State Capitol St. Paul 55155 St. Paul 55155 JUDITH DUTCHER (R) (612) 296-6196 (612) 296-3391 525 Park St. Consumer Division: 296-3353 Suite 400 1-800-657-3787 St. Paul 55103 (612) 296-2551 House loses member . . . Vickerman’s legislative post topped a varied career

Rep. Barb Vickerman (R-Redwood Falls) died Dec. 22, 1997, at her home after a battle with liver cancer. She was 64. Vickerman was serving her third term in the House as the representative of District 23A. The longtime Republican Party activist was first elected in 1992 after years of involvement in community affairs. “Barb was a very kind and dedicated public servant who enjoyed the opportunity to serve the citizens of Brown and Redwood counties,” said House Minority Leader Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon). “Her fellow members of the House are saddened by her death.” In the House, Vickerman was selected to be the lead Republican on the General Legisla- tion, Veterans Affairs and Elections Commit- tee, and she was noted for her work on the Health and Human Services Committee and Rep. Barb Vickerman speaks on the House floor during the 1997 session. its finance division. “In the Legislature, her efforts in the areas of years before she was first elected to office. She ness when the two were at the Capitol for a health and human services, welfare reform, also was an avid reader and book collector. June special session. Vickerman received can- and veterans concerns were well known and Rep. Elaine Harder (R-Jackson) got to know cer treatment during the summer, and she was well respected,” Sviggum said. Vickerman well during their time together in able to attend an August special session on Vickerman was Republican Party chair for the Legislature. Serving bordering southern flood relief. However, Vickerman’s illness pre- the 2nd Congressional District and she worked Minnesota districts, Harder and Vickerman vented her from attending a fall special session on numerous campaigns before she sought a often ran into each other at county fairs and on stadium financing. seat in the Legislature. other local events, and they were roommates Gov. Arne Carlson praised Vickerman’s leg- Though trained as a medical laboratory tech- while in St. Paul for legislative sessions. islative work and expressed condolences fol- nician, Vickerman listed retail sales as her “She was really my mentor and role model, lowing her death. occupation, and she worked in various other and she set an excellent example for me,” “Her unique blend of a strong commitment jobs before coming to the House. She and her Harder said. “She was not flashy. She was a to family and community and good old-fash- husband, Gerald, ran a bowling alley for sev- soft-spoken person, and she was very succinct ioned common sense made her an effective eral years, and she opened a card and gift shop in her communication. When she spoke, her legislator,” Carlson said. in Redwood Falls, Minn. Vickerman operated words commanded attention.” Vickerman is survived by her husband, four the shop for 18 years and sold the business two Harder said she learned of Vickerman’s ill- children, and five grandchildren.

Continued from page 10 city plans three to five years ahead. Currently, ease traffic congestion and university parking University figures put the total of day students the 62,000 downtown Minneapolis parking congestion, enhance the air quality, and create and full-time staff and faculty at roughly spots are at 98 percent occupancy at 1 p.m. lifetime public transit riders. 51,000. each weekday, he said. The university also has begun to encourage Considering the cost of parking ramp con- Chuck Armstrong, assistant to the mayor of bicycle riders by offering bike racks on many struction, the committee lauded the St. Paul, said his city has 4,000 new spots in the of its Campus Connector buses. university’s controlled approach. development stage. However, he said, we “can’t Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls), who chairs Mike Monahan, director of transportation build our way out of this problem.” He said a the committee, asked Mike Christensen of the for the city of Minneapolis, told the commit- good transit system that people use is vital. Department of Transportation how the Twin tee that underground ramp construction costs To that end, Baker’s “U-Pass Program” gen- Cities compares to other metropolitan areas about $22,000 to $26,000 per stall. Above grade, erated interest among committee members. in availability and usage of park-and-ride ser- the cost falls to about $13,000 to $14,000 per The program would provide U of M students, vices. stall, he said. staff and faculty with a bus pass that offers Christensen said the metro area has 210 Annual maintenance runs about another unlimited rides anywhere, anytime on any park-and-ride areas with 10,000 spaces, and $750 to $900 per stall. route on the Twin Cities metropolitan bus there is 75 percent usage. He did not have Monahan said Minneapolis develops park- system. comparable figures from other metro areas. ing “only as we see the need.” Typically, the Baker said the program’s goal would be to Youth in Government . . . Growe: They’ll be ‘running the state in a few years’

By Nicole Wood model legislature, but it has expanded to in- grown by five times since 1980, said Peter innesota’s future politicians, lobbyists, clude the judicial branch, constitutional offic- Rodosovich, who served six terms in the Min- and journalists held a trial run at the ers, the media, and lobbyists. Participants now nesota House of Representatives (See related MCapitol Jan. 8-11. fill the many roles involved in the process — story, page 4) and is now the state executive More than 1,250 students in grades eight from that of a page to the governor. director of the Youth In Government pro- through 12 gathered in St. Paul for the 44th “I try to emphasize the government as a gram. annual session of the YMCA Youth in Gov- process and how the pieces fit together,” “I really think it’s been sold from person to ernment program. Lindquist said. “The Legislature doesn’t just person,” said Rodosovich, also a former par- “We are the next generation, and we have pass bills in a vacuum.” ticipant in the program. “I think kids really come to make a difference,” said Victoria Participants in the model legislature began have a good experience with the academic Cameron, 18, of Lakeville, who played the role learning about the process months in advance components that they’re participating in. They of governor in the mock lawmaking session. by researching and writing bills and memoriz- take it very seriously.” Youth in Government gives students from ing parliamentary procedure. Rodosovich also said the program provides across the state an opportunity to experience Once in St. Paul, they followed their bills a valuable learning experience by introducing the legislative process in the very place where through the committee process all the way to young people to peers who come from widely the real Legislature meets. the House and Senate floors. The lawmaking varied backgrounds. “I like meeting people from across the state,” said Melanie Wilken, 17, of Fridley, who served as floor leader during the mock session. “It’s really a good experience. When I get older, these are the people who are going to be run- ning the state.” Secretary of State Joan Growe echoed Wilken’s remarks when Growe stopped by to call the session of Youth in Government to order. “We need you,” Growe said. “We need your ideas. We need your talent. We need your enthusiasm, and we need your hard work. You are the ones who are going to be running the state in a few years.” Many past Youth in Government partici- pants have gone on to hold elected office. Second District Congressman David Minge is probably the most well-known former par- ticipant. Minge was youth governor in 1960. Rodosovich also recalled that former Reps. Craig Shaver and Dean Hartle, who had served with him in the House in the 1980s, were Victoria Cameron, Lakeville, who was elected governor for the YMCA Youth in Government mock veterans of the program. legislative session, is sworn in by Minnesota Chief Justice A. M. (Sandy) Keith in the House chamber. Skorczewski said she would definitely like “Being at the Capitol is just absolutely amaz- process came complete with pressure from to run for office someday. While honored to ing because we are the only youth program to participants serving as members of the execu- sit in the speaker’s chair this year, she said she use the House chamber in Minnesota,” said tive and judicial branches, lobbyists, and re- was surprised to find crib sheets on parlia- 18-year-old St. Paul resident Carly porters. mentary procedure and House rules at his Skorczewski, who was speaker of the House in Topics of debate on the House floor in- desk. the program. “It’s such an honor that we’ve cluded motor vehicle safety, handicapped ac- “I had to memorize everything,” she said. been able to hold this level of respect among cessibility requirements, and high school “I’m not saying I’m better than him; I’m just the representatives that they’ll let us come in attendance regulations. saying I want his job.” and do this.” Skorczewski said the most controversial bill The program has existed nationally since to pass during this year’s mock session autho- Send e-mail comments 1936. Over the years, it has evolved into what rized same-sex marriages. regarding Session Weekly to: Orville Lindquist, Youth in Government state “By nature, teenagers seem to be a little [email protected] program director and former participant, de- more liberal,” she said. scribed as a “process program.” The program’s popularity has grown along We thank you for your input. Youth in Government began simply as a with its scope. The number of participants has The editors Prof. Alan Rosenthal says . . . Public perception of state legislatures needs fixing

By Grant Martin that can be used to change the public’s percep- State legislatures have a real image problem tion of the legislature. Campaign finance and and it is up to legislators to fix it, according to ethics laws should continue to be used to clean Alan Rosenthal, professor of public policy at up the appearance of impropriety, he said. the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers University. And legislators should work on building a “If the legislature doesn’t try to support and relationship with both media and the public. explain representative democracy, it isn’t go- “Members have got to take responsibility ing to happen,” Rosenthal said to legislators for their institution,” he said. “They have got and the public at the state Capitol on Dec. 18, to be concerned about the Senate or the 1997. House.” Rosenthal, author of the new book The Legislators questioned Rosenthal on a vari- Decline of Representative Democracy, said that ety of points. Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. while state legislatures have become increas- Paul) expressed her opinion that television ingly democratic and responsive, the public coverage, while educational, often gives the perceives the opposite to be true. public a bad impression of the legislature. “Any public opinion poll in whatever state Rosenthal responded with an example that shows that the job performance of legislatures demonstrated his view of a responsive and has been down for years,” Rosenthal said. image-conscious legislature. When J. Clyde “Generally, confidence that people have in Ballard, speaker of the Washington State House their political institutions at the state, federal, and local level is down. “The pictures that people get in their heads “It’s a process that’s are not necessarily the pictures we think we’re improved, in my opinion, projecting. In today’s world, appearance has since I have been become reality and reality is less important. Prof. Alan Rosenthal speaks to lawmakers about It’s how things look.” the health of representative democracy. watching legislatures. It’s Rosenthal suggested that the reason state Photo by David J. Oakes legislatures are perceived negatively has to do Senate Media Services a remarkable process. It is with the lawmaking process. now more open. It is more the competition, and the media also contrib- utes to the problem by focusing on scandal as accessible — anybody can entertainment. penetrate this place. “ “The pictures that people Nonetheless, Rosenthal said, the legislative get in their heads are not process works. —Prof. Alan Rosenthal “It’s a process that’s improved, in my opin- necessarily the pictures we ion, since I have been watching legislatures,” of Representatives, heard complaints that the he said. “It’s a remarkable process. It is now think we’re projecting. In committee process focused on the testimony more open. It is more accessible — anybody of legislators and did not give the public enough today’s world, appearance can penetrate this place. It is deliberative. It’s time to present their views, he restructured deliberation on the run. A lot of thought goes has become reality and the process. Now, when a bill is presented, the into legislation. It is, in my mind, as demo- public testifies first and legislators present reality is less important. It’s cratic as any process can be.” after all public testimony is completed. He pointed to the services that legislators how things look.” Rosenthal said that while he would not go as provide their constituents as examples of re- far as prescribing this approach for all states, —Prof. Alan Rosenthal sponsiveness. Rosenthal also said that legisla- the example shows how legislatures can re- tures are also responsive to special interests. spond to enlighten and serve the public. Although this is often a criticism of the insti- “It’s a bad looking process,” he said. “It is tution, it should not be, according to Rosenthal. confusing and messy. It is unfathomable. It is He argued that special interest groups are not meant to be understood. It borders on made up of the voting citizenry. He said that [the] chaotic, and it can easily be lampooned.” four out of seven people in this country belong Rosenthal also cited other factors that make to an organization that could be labeled spe- If you have Internet access, visit the the image of legislatures unappealing. For ex- cial interest and two out of seven belong to ample, legislatures are competitive and frag- Legislature’s web page at: four or more such organizations. mented. As demands are made on the http://www.leg.state.mn.us “We have met the special interests and they institution, lines are drawn and redrawn. The are us,” Rosenthal said. public, Rosenthal said, is often turned off by Rosenthal said there are several methods In the Hopper . . . Jan. 20 -23, 1998

HF2256-HF2646

Tuesday, Jan. 20 HF2264—Lieder (DFL) HF2273—Mullery (DFL) HF2283—Delmont (DFL) Transportation & Transit Local Government Education HF2256—Olson, E. (DFL) Gasoline and special fuel tax rate in- & Metropolitan Affairs Nonstandard hour child care devel- Education creased, major highway projects ac- Municipal contract validity challenge opment grants established, incentives Camp Rabideau in Chippewa Na- count created, revenue dedication actions provided relief awards. provided, and money appropriated. tional Forest restoration funded, provided, and bond issuance HF2274—Mullery (DFL) HF2284—Kubly (DFL) bonds issued, and money authorized. Taxes Taxes appropriated. HF2265—Lieder (DFL) Seeds used in growing food sales tax Noncontiguous land classification HF2257—Chaudhary (DFL) Transportation & Transit exemption provided. provisions modified for the purposes Economic Development Motor vehicle registration law com- of agricultural homestead determi- & International Trade pliance pilot project established, and HF2275—Mares (R) nation. Environment, Natural Resouces Columbia Heights appropriated money appropriated. & Agriculture Finance HF2285—Skoglund (DFL) money for capital improvements, and HF2266—Lieder (DFL) Judiciary bonds issued. Ramsey and Washington counties Transportation & Transit regional trail land acquisition and Firearms offenses provided increased HF2258—Pugh (DFL) Passenger automobile registration development around White Bear Lake minimum sentences. Judiciary base tax eliminated, and motor fuel provided, and money appropriated. HF2286—Skoglund (DFL) Juvenile probation services payment tax rate increased. HF2276—Biernat (DFL) Judiciary by the state required for counties not HF2267—Lieder (DFL) Education participating in the Community Cor- Violent crime offense penalty provi- Transportation & Transit rections Act, HACA aid offset pro- School districts authorized to require sions modified, and mandatory sen- vided, and state takeover feasibility Key bridges on the state trunk high- summer school attendance. tence provisions recodified. and cost studied. way system replaced and recon- structed, bonds issued, and money HF2277—Tunheim (DFL) HF2287—Mullery (DFL) HF2259—Olson, E. (DFL) appropriated. General Legislation, Veterans Economic Development Taxes Affairs & Elections & International Trade HF2268—Lieder (DFL) Agricultural loan mortgage registry Candidates required to obtain writ- Youth intervention program grants Transportation & Transit tax exemption provided. ten permission from an organization provided, and money appropriated. Gasoline and special fuel excise tax prior to campaign material statements HF2260—Sviggum (R) rate increased, motor vehicle sales tax of support for a candidate or ballot HF2288—Mullery (DFL) Health & Human Services revenue percentage allocated to the question. Judiciary Abortion data reporting provisions transit assistance fund, and constitu- Consecutive sentences allowed when HF2278—Wenzel (DFL) modified, and criminal penalties tional amendment proposed. offender commits additional crimes Agriculture provided. prior to sentencing, and guidelines HF2269—Lieder (DFL) Milk handling assessment collection modified. HF2261—Jennings (DFL) Transportation & Transit and proceed distribution provided, Regulated Industries & Energy Passenger automobile registration milk handler assessment account es- HF2289—Tunheim (DFL) Education Environmental Quality Board pro- base tax eliminated. tablished, and money appropriated. vided jurisdiction over transmission Independent School District No. 390, HF2270—Winter (DFL) HF2279—Wenzel (DFL) lines less than 200 kilovolts, and large Lake of the Woods, additional con- Transportation & Transit Agriculture energy facility definition expanded to struction expenditure reimbursement include high voltage lines crossing Air ambulance registration exemp- Midwest interstate dairy compact es- grant provided, and money appro- the state boundary. tion provided. tablished, and money appropriated. priated.

HF2262—McGuire (DFL) HF2271—Mullery (DFL) HF2280—Wenzel (DFL) HF2290—Sykora (R) Local Government Transportation & Transit Agriculture Taxes & Metropolitan Affairs Motor vehicle registration informa- Milk over-order price mechanism Property tax rebate to include rebate Metropolitan Mosquito Control tion access provided to community- established and activated. for prepaid taxes. District abolished. based organization requesters designated by law enforcement HF2281—Winter (DFL) HF2291—McGuire (DFL) HF2263—Lieder (DFL) agencies. Agriculture Judiciary Transportation & Transit Midwest interstate dairy compact es- Seat belt and child restraint system HF2272—Mullery (DFL) Environmental protection; Congress tablished, and money appropriated. use civil action evidence admissibility Judiciary memorialized to ensure environmen- prohibition repealed. HF2282—Clark (DFL) tal protection, and constitutional Six-month redemption period pro- Economic Development HF2292—Anderson, I. (DFL) amendment proposed. vided from the date a sale is con- firmed by the court in a lien & International Trade Financial Institutions & Insurance foreclosure judgment. Individual development account ATM; Automated teller machine use demonstration project established, fees charged to other banks’ custom- and money appropriated. ers prohibited. HF2293—Jefferson (DFL) HF2304—Haas (R) HF2314—Evans (DFL) HF2325—Van Dellen (R) General Legislation, Veterans Financial Institutions & Insurance Health & Human Services Taxes Affairs & Elections Health maintenance organizations General assistance medical care reha- Income tax reserve account estab- Senate District 58 pilot project cre- financial reserves requirement in- bilitation services provided expanded lished, income tax and general educa- ated authorizing absentee voting with- creased. coverage. tion tax rates reduced, property tax out qualification. rebate provided for taxes assessed in HF2305—Mullery (DFL) HF2315—Leppik (R) 1997, and money appropriated. HF2294—Long (DFL) Judiciary Commerce, Tourism Taxes Gang related felony crime penalties & Consumer Affairs HF2326—Bishop (R) Property tax rebate to include rebate increased, mandatory minimum sen- Trademarks and service marks regu- Judiciary for prepaid taxes. tences provided for witness tamper- lated, terms defined, and remedies Sex-offender treatment facilities re- ing, and witness and victim protection provided. quired to provide treatment infor- HF2295—Mullery (DFL) fund appropriated money. mation, end-of-confinement review Commerce, Tourism HF2316—Goodno (R) process clarified, and community and & Consumer Affairs HF2306—Mullery (DFL) Health & Human Services victim notification provisions Building and construction contract Judiciary Minnesota Family Investment Pro- modified. lien and claim waivers regulated. Direct and indirect costs of crime gram Statewide Payment method studied by the legislative auditor. modified. HF2327—Mullery (DFL) HF2296—Mullery (DFL) Health & Human Services Commerce, Tourism HF2307—Mullery (DFL) HF2317—Davids (R) Patient protection act provisions & Consumer Affairs Judiciary Health & Human Services expanded. Building and construction subcon- County probation services provided Constitutional standard established tractor payments regulated. grants to increase the number of pro- relating to abortion, and constitu- HF2328—Mullery (DFL) bation officers, and money tional amendment proposed. Judiciary HF2297—Mullery (DFL) appropriated. Drug or firearm case assistance to Judiciary HF2318—Leppik (R) authorities considered a mitigating Correctional institution autopsies HF2308—Slawik (DFL) Education factor for defendant sentence reduc- conducted in all unattended inmate Commerce, Tourism Accelerated instruction required for tion, and court criteria established by deaths, Red Wing juvenile correc- & Consumer Affairs elementary and secondary students the sentencing guidelines tional facility bed limitation exemp- Accountant licensing provisions scoring three standard deviations commission. tion provided, and at-risk youth and modified, firm licensure required, and above the norm on standardized tests. girls included in the Camp Ripley board of accountancy provided HF2329—Mullery (DFL) weekend camp. rulemaking authority. HF2319—Greiling (DFL) Judiciary Education Individuals on conditional release HF2298—Weaver (R) HF2309—Leppik (R) Gifted and talented program grant required to carry a verification card, Education Financial Institutions & Insurance local-match requirement removed. and criminal penalties imposed. Legislative approval required prior to Equal consumer credit provided for state board of education diversity rule spouses. HF2320—Greiling (DFL) HF2330—Mullery (DFL) adoption final proceedings. Local Government Judiciary HF2310—Tompkins (R) & Metropolitan Affairs Peace officers authorized to perform HF2299—Murphy (DFL) Governmental Operations Metropolitan Mosquito Control protective pat-down searches on ju- Judiciary Private money given to the state for Commission required to give notice veniles taken into custody. Probation officer caseload reduction the purpose of influencing policy prior to insecticide application. program grants provided, and money prohibited. HF2331—Mullery (DFL) appropriated. HF2321—Seagren (R) Governmental Operations HF2311—Greiling (DFL) Education Pharmaceutical contracting activities HF2300—Tompkins (R) Education Residential academies for at-risk stu- funded, and money appropriated. Education Nonpublic schools subject to state dents provided program grants, and School districts prohibited from in- graduation requirements if families money appropriated. HF2332—Mullery (DFL) cluding teacher convention days on of students have claimed education- Judiciary the school calendar. related expense tax reimbursements. HF2322—Sviggum (R) Covenant not to allow contraband on Taxes premises required as part of a resi- HF2301—Greenfield (DFL) HF2312—Skoglund (DFL) Income tax reserve account estab- dential lease. Health & Human Services Judiciary lished, income tax and general educa- Physicians, acupuncturists, and physi- Methamphetamine manufacturing tion tax rates reduced, property tax HF2333—Clark (DFL) cal therapists licensing and registra- provided criminal penalties, and sale, rebate provided for taxes assessed in Judiciary tion requirements modified. possession, and attempt to sell penal- 1997, and money appropriated. Landlords not required to store ties modified. tenant’s personal property after aban- HF2302—Erhardt (R) HF2323—Bradley (R) donment or eviction. Taxes HF2313—Skoglund (DFL) Health & Human Services Property tax rebate to include rebate Judiciary Partial-birth abortions prohibited and HF2334—Clark (DFL) for prepaid taxes. Arson investigative data system cre- criminal penalties provided. Health & Human Services ated, state fire marshall authorized to Blood-lead analysis reports and data HF2303—Dawkins (DFL) license private fire investigators, mak- HF2324—Carlson (DFL) requirements established, lead abate- Taxes ing it a crime to engage in fire inves- Education ment, hazard reduction, and risk as- Public libraries and multicounty, tigation activities without a license, Pell Grant percentage excluded from sessments provided, lead workers multitype library systems sales tax and money appropriated. student financial aid calculation, and licensed, and nonprofits provided exemption provided. money appropriated. grants for cleanup equipment and staff. HF2335—Solberg (DFL) housing tax credit provided, and HF2356—Mullery (DFL) HF2366—Knight (R) Taxes money appropriated. Labor-Management Relations Environment & Natural Resources Political subdivision sales and use tax Occupational Safety and Health Law Motor vehicle emissions inspection exemption provided. HF2345—Entenza (DFL) violators prohibited from receiving a program repealed. Education state construction contract award, HF2336—Leppik (R) School lunch and food storage aid written safety and health plans re- HF2367—Rukavina (DFL) Local Government increased, and money appropriated. quired for each site, and civil and Environment, Natural Resouces & Metropolitan Affairs criminal penalties provided. & Agriculture Finance Golden Valley authorized to collect an HF2346—Wenzel (DFL) Mountain Iron and Virginia flood additional tax from the Valley Square tax Transportation & Transit HF2357—Wejcman (DFL) projects provided, bond issuance au- increment financing district. Trunk Highway No. 371 between Local Government thorized, and money appropriated. Brainerd and Trunk Highway No. 10 & Metropolitan Affairs HF2337—Folliard (DFL) provided improvements for express- Age ceiling for new firefighters in HF2368—Rukavina (DFL) Education way upgrade, bonds issued, and Minneapolis eliminated. Environment, Natural Resouces Nonpublic schools subject to the pu- money appropriated. & Agriculture Finance pil fair dismissal law if families of HF2358—Koskinen (DFL) St. Louis County; Fayal sewer system students have claimed education-re- HF2347—Ness (R) Judiciary provided, bond issuance authorized, lated expense tax credits. Education Sex offender registration data release and money appropriated. Hutchinson Technical College addi- authorized to promote public safety, HF2338—Folliard (DFL) tion and remodeling provided, bond and property owners convicted of HF2369—Kubly (DFL) General Legislation, Veterans issuance authorized, and money background check crimes required to Taxes Affairs & Elections appropriated. notify tenants. Employer contribution for employee Gulf War veterans bonus program housing tax credit provided. modified to facilitate eligibility HF2348—Ness (R) HF2359—Sekhon (DFL) verification. Education Education HF2370—Mullery (DFL) School interactive television program School district compensatory revenue Judiciary HF2339—Clark (DFL) provided additional state aid, and calculation alternative established, Firearms repeat violation minimum Economic Development money appropriated. and money appropriated. sentence increased. & InternationalTrade Circulator vehicle pilot project and HF2349—Ness (R) HF2360—Sekhon (DFL) HF2371—Mullery (DFL) grant developed to connect the Min- Education Taxes Judiciary neapolis Convention Center with Basic skills summer school funding City base aid increase provided for Attorney general maintained con- other locations, and money appro- reinstated, and money appropriated. newly incorporated cities. sumer complaint data access modi- priated. fied. HF2350—Ness (R) HF2361—Sekhon (DFL) HF2340—Clark (DFL) Education Environment, Natural Resouces HF2372—Lieder (DFL) Economic Development Secondary vocational education pro- & Agriculture Finance Local Government & InternationalTrade gram provided additional state aid, Anoka County; Linwood Township & Metropolitan Affairs Circulator vehicle pilot project in and money appropriated. surface water drainage system pro- Norman County Bridges Medical Minneapolis provided funding, bonds vided, and money appropriated. Center reconstruction provided com- issued, and money appropriated. HF2351—Clark (DFL) petitive bid requirement exemption. Judiciary HF2362—Jefferson (DFL) HF2341—Clark (DFL) Innovative court projects focusing on Economic Development HF2373—Lieder (DFL) Economic Development nuisance law actions and prosecu- & InternationalTrade Transportation & Transit & InternationalTrade tions funding provided, and money Hennepin County; People Incorpo- Local bridge replacement and reha- Community rehabilitation program appropriated. rated North Side Community Sup- bilitation provided, bond issuance and affordable rental investment fund port Program building provided, authorized, and money appropriated. provided funding, and money HF2352—Clark (DFL) bond issuance authorized, and money appropriated. Judiciary appropriated. HF2374—Clark (DFL) Restorative justice programs autho- Judiciary HF2342—Clark (DFL) rized, exisiting program funding pro- HF2363—Clark (DFL) Prostitution cases studied, investiga- Economic Development vided, and money appropriated. Judiciary tion and offender penalty assessment & InternationalTrade Abandoned property five-week mort- use information collected, and report Family homeless prevention and as- HF2353—Anderson, B. (R) gage redemption period clarified re- required. sistance program funding provided, Judiciary lating to trespassers. and money appropriated. Private property rights act adopted. HF2375—Clark (DFL) HF2364—Rest (DFL) Judiciary HF2343—Clark (DFL) HF2354—McElroy (R) Education Prostitution offenses committed in a Economic Development Rules & Legislative Administration Education income tax credit income school, park, or public housing zone & InternationalTrade Three-fifths legislative majority vote limitations modified and maximum provided increased penalties. Transitional housing loans funded required for sales and income tax or credit specified. through bond proceeds fund trans- education levy increases. HF2376—Evans (DFL) fer, bond issuance authorized, and HF2365—Bettermann (R) Judiciary money appropriated. HF2355—Greiling (DFL) Labor-Management Relations State correctional facilities perfor- Governmental Operations Public works prevailing wage rate mance report required to include pro- HF2344—Clark (DFL) State treasurer office eliminated and provisions eliminated. gramming and inmate job placement Economic Development constitutional amendment proposed. information. & InternationalTrade Employer contribution for employee HF2377—Mullery (DFL) HF2387—Folliard (DFL) HF2398—Goodno (R) HF2408—Sekhon (DFL) Judiciary General Legislation, Veterans Health & Human Services Environment, Natural Resouces Attorney general directed to investi- Affairs & Elections Personal care services termination & Agriculture Finance gate legal action against the Twins Voter address records updated. standards set, transition plans re- Anoka County; Linwood Township and Major League Baseball, and com- quired, recipients provided appeal surface water drainage system pro- mence action if in the public interest. HF2388—Sviggum (R) rights, and temporary stays of termi- vided, and money appropriated. Education nation allowed. HF2378—Mullery (DFL) Independent School District No. 2758, HF2409—Stanek (R) Judiciary Redwood Valley, multipurpose edu- HF2399—Huntley (DFL) Judiciary Crime of violence definition ex- cation and community center funded, Health & Human Services Procedures for compelling material panded to include felony fifth degree bond issuance authorized, and money Smoking prohibited at all times on witness attendance at hearings pro- assault relating to the gun control act appropriated. day care premises. vided. and mandatory miminum sentence law for crimes committed with a fire- HF2389—Entenza (DFL) HF2400—Huntley (DFL) HF2410—Mullery (DFL) arm or dangerous weapon. Judiciary Judiciary Judiciary DWI; maximum allowable blood al- Sale of tobacco and tobacco-related Firearms dealers required to provide HF2379—Mullery (DFL) cohol level lowered for operation of devices to persons under age 21 pro- pistol trigger locks at the time of pur- Judiciary motor vehicles and while hunting. hibited, and criminal penalties pro- chase. Juveniles adjudicated delinquent for vided. illegal pistol possession provided en- HF2390—Pugh (DFL) HF2411—Mullery (DFL) hanced criminal penalties. Judiciary HF2401—Huntley (DFL) Judiciary Real and personal property convey- Health & Human Services Judges authorized to set release con- HF2380—Mullery (DFL) ances and transactions regulated, and Federal drug enforcement adminis- ditions in cases of crimes against the Judiciary techincal changes provided to the uni- tration registration number require- person. Possession of a firearm with an al- form partnership act. ment exemption provided for certain tered, removed, or missing serial controlled substance prescriptions. HF2412—Lieder (DFL) number provided mandatory mini- HF2391—Jefferson (DFL) Education mum sentence. Judiciary HF2402—Mullery (DFL) School district flood losses appropria- Persons using children to import con- Judiciary tion extended. HF2381—Chaudhary (DFL) trolled substances into the state pro- Crimes committed with a firearm or Judiciary vided increased criminal penalties. dangerous weapon mandatory mini- HF2413—Lieder (DFL) DWI; driver’s license reinstatement mum sentence law expanded to in- Health & Human Services fee increased to fund the remote elec- HF2392—Leppik (R) clude first degree riot crimes. FEMA; Federal Emergency Manage- tronic alcohol monitoring pilot pro- Judiciary ment Agency mental health care gram, and money appropriated. Life insurance proceeds considered HF2403—Bakk (DFL) grants extended, and money appro- income for the purpose of determin- Environment & Natural Resources priated. HF2382—Rukavina (DFL) ing child support obligation. Snowmobile trail grants-in-aid pro- Agriculture visions modified to include mainte- HF2414—Lieder (DFL) Indoor housing facilities temperature HF2393—Mares (R) nance of Voyageurs National Park Environment, Natural Resouces rule exemption provided to a certain Environment, Natural Resouces trails. & Agriculture Finance kennel. & Agriculture Finance Polk County; Maple Lake Regional Willernie natural waterway erosion HF2404—Bakk (DFL) Park and Trail development provided, HF2383—Trimble (DFL) forestall funded, bond issuance au- Education bond issuance authorized, and money Economic Development thorized, and money appropriated. Snowmobile safety training provided appropriated. & InternationalTrade to K-12 students. Indian burial site human remains pro- HF2394—Mares (R) HF2415—Kubly (DFL) visions modified. Education HF2405—Johnson, A. (DFL) Environment, Natural Resouces School districts authorized to levy for Education & Agriculture Finance HF2384—Lieder (DFL) type III school bus purchases. School immunization program cre- Chippewa County; Skunk Hollow Judiciary ated, student health services aid pro- Regional Park and Minnesota River Crookston flood control project HF2395—Mullery (DFL) vided, and money appropriated. Trail extension provided, bond issu- funded, bond issuance authorized, Judiciary ance authorized, and money appro- and money appropriated. Felony-level offenders failing to ap- HF2406—Entenza (DFL) priated. pear in court provided increased Education HF2385—Lieder (DFL) criminal penalties. Nonprofit organization grants for HF2416—Kubly (DFL) Economic Development statewide literacy support services Local Government & InternationalTrade HF2396—Mullery (DFL) provided funding through adult ba- & Metropolitan Affairs Crookston; Valley Technology Park Judiciary sic education. Renville tax-increment district par- capital development funded, bond Possession of an antique or replica an- cel original local tax rate and certifi- issuance authorized, and money ap- tique firearm by persons convicted of a HF2407—Rukavina (DFL) cate date set, and collection deadline propriated. crime of violence provided criminal pen- Economic Development extended. alties. & InternationalTrade HF2386—Skoglund (DFL) Arrowhead Regional Arts Council HF2417—Jaros (DFL) Judiciary HF2397—Mullery (DFL) state funds distribution formula pro- Economic Development Special registration plate and regular Judiciary vided. & InternationalTrade reissue plate fees increased for repeat Probation revocation hearings pro- NATO; Congress memorialized to DWI violators following an impound- vided preponderance of the evidence support the admission of Poland to ment order, and remote electronic standard. the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza- alcohol monitoring program funded. tion. HF2418—Rukavina (DFL) HF2427—Munger (DFL) HF2437—Mullery (DFL) HF2447—Chaudhary (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Environment & Natural Resources Financial Institutions & Insurance Health & Human Services BWCA; permanent school fund Amphibian deformity research con- Financial institutions required to pro- Columbia Heights Nursing Facility funded through boundary waters ca- tinuation provided, and money ap- vide lifeline savings and checking ac- special property payment rate setting noe area campsite fees. propriated. counts, and ATM fees and service procedure established. charges regulated. HF2419—Juhnke (DFL) HF2428—Erhardt (R) HF2448—Chaudhary Health & Human Services Taxes HF2438—Mullery (DFL) Education Ambulance service standards modi- Seasonal recreational residential Economic Development Independent School District No. 14, fied, certification provided for emer- property tax class rate reduced. & International Trade Fridley, Central Middle School boiler gency medical technicians, medical Minneapolis and St. Paul police of- and exterior windows provided, response units, and emergency medi- HF2429—Murphy (DFL) ficer loan program grants for home bonds issued, and money appropri- cal technician instructors, training Judiciary purchases in targeted neighborhoods ated. program approval required, fees set, New juvenile facilities licensure con- provided through the community re- and penalties provided. ditions specifed, placement bed mora- habilitation program, and money ap- HF2449—Mullery (DFL) torium imposed, and exceptions propriated. Judiciary HF2420—Rukavina (DFL) provided. Judges authorized to impose condi- Local Government HF2439—Mullery (DFL) tions of pretrial release based on pub- & Metropolitan Affairs HF2430—Evans (DFL) Judiciary lic safety. St. Louis County required to sell its Commerce, Tourism Nuisance cases and tenant remedies county-owned nursing homes. & Consumer Affairs provided. HF2450—Mullery (DFL) Building contractor continuing edu- Judiciary HF2421—Skoglund (DFL) cation requirements and recovery HF2440—Trimble (DFL) Permitting limited rebuttal and sur- Judiciary fund fees increased, statutory hous- Economic Development rebuttal closing arguments in crimi- Extended jurisdiction adjudicated ing warranties modified, statute of & InternationalTrade nal cases. juveniles having a revoked stay of ex- limitations extension provided for real Redevelopment account created in the ecution not to receive credit for time property improvement actions. general fund for local development HF2451—Mullery (DFL) served in a juvenile facility. application review and grant making Judiciary HF2431—Paymar (DFL) costs, bonds issued, and money ap- Requiring higher bail if a person is HF2422—Swenson, H. (R) Economic Development propriated. arrested for a crime of violence while Transportation & Transit & InternationalTrade on probation or certain other speci- Trunk Highway No. 212 construc- Fair housing initiative established, HF2441—Larsen (R) fied forms of release or is an escapee. tion, reconstruction, and improve- grants provided for enforcement, edu- Local Government ment provided, bonds issued, and cation, and outreach, and money ap- & Metropolitan Affairs HF2452—Mullery (DFL) money appropriated. propriated. Municipal annexation prohibited Judiciary during a cooperation study. Authorizing a peace officer to detain HF2423—Swenson, H. (R) HF2432—Stanek (R) a person on conditional release for a Economic Development Judiciary HF2442—Larsen (R) brief time period to obtain an appre- & InternationalTrade Property crime court pilot project Commerce, Tourism hend and detain order. New Ulm; Herman Monument res- implemented in the Fourth Judicial & Consumer Affairs toration, enhancement, and protec- District, and money appropriated. Unsolicited commercial facsimile HF2453—Trimble (DFL) tion provided, bonds issued, and transmissions regulated, and penal- Governmental Operations money appropriated. HF2433—Stanek (R) ties and remedies provided. Requiring the State Board of Invest- Judiciary ment to sell certain stock in tobacco HF2424—Rukavina (DFL) Conditional release data system es- HF2443—Larsen (R) companies and to invest in specified Judiciary tablished by the bureau of criminal Judiciary other assets. Limited personal use of fireworks apprehension. Minnesota uniform transfers to mi- authorized, safety guidelines required, nors act modified, transfers to per- HF2454—Trimble (DFL) and penalties provided. HF2434—Stanek (R) sons under age 18 regulated. Economic Development Judiciary & International Trade HF2425—Anderson, I. (DFL) Peace officers authorized to appre- HF2444—Larsen (R) Appropriating money for the 50th Transportation & Transit hend and detain a probationer for Governmental Operations Conference of the Interstate Indian Watercraft trailers and all-terrain ve- probation violation reasonable cause. State hiring practices studied relating Council. hicle trailers exempt from motor ve- to disabled individuals, and money hicle sales on Sunday prohibition. HF2435—Tunheim (DFL) appropriated. HF2455—Evans (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Taxes HF2426—Munger (DFL) Owners compensated for livestock HF2445—Leppik (R) Modifying restrictions on certain re- Environment, Natural Resouces destroyed by timber wolves, livestock Education development tax-increment financ- & Agriculture Finance compensation maximum amount in- School districts authorized to estab- ing districts; appropriating money for Bioaccumulative residues research creased, insurers required to provide lish parking fees contingent upon grants to certain districts. program at the University of Minne- coverage, and wolf hybrid study re- school bus ridership. sota - Duluth provided funding to quired. HF2456—Clark (DFL) research selenium in fish, and money HF2446—Sviggum (R) Economic Development appropriated. HF2436—Tunheim (DFL) Education & International Trade Taxes Buses; additional school bus purchase Appropriating money for the County assessor notification limited levy authorized. Youthbuild program. concerning agricultural homesteads abandoned due to flooding. HF2457—Mullery (DFL) childhood learning facilities; autho- sonable cause that a person on condi- and property tax rebate provided, and Judiciary rizing issuance of bonds; appropriat- tional release has violated a condition money appropriated. Clarifying the authority of commu- ing money. of release. nity corrections agencies and the com- HF2483—Jefferson (DFL) missioner of corrections to issue HF2466—Winter (DFL) Education orders for the detention and release Economic Development Thursday, January 22 Driver safety education pilot program of persons on probation or super- & International Trade for students established, and money vised release who escape from or vio- Authorizing state bonds; appropriat- appropriated. late the conditions of release; ing money for capital improvements HF2474—Opatz (DFL) clarifying the authority of peace of- to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant Education HF2484—Anderson, I. (DFL) ficers and probation officers to detain facilities in Walnut Grove. Independent School District No. 742, Environment & Natural Resources and release persons under these St. Cloud, authorized to purchase a All-terrain vehicle operation provi- orders. HF2467—Winter (DFL) community education site with re- sions modified. Economic Development maining bond proceeds. HF2458—Rest (DFL) & International Trade HF2485—Rukavina (DFL) Education Authorizing state bonds; appropriat- HF2475—Opatz (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Changing the calculation of student ing money for construction of Environment, Natural Resources New snowmobiles required to be financial aid by excluding a portion Prairieland Expo. & Agriculture Finance equipped with auxiliary light power of any Pell Grant. St. Cloud; Lake George restoration and switches. HF2468—Clark (DFL) and Beaver Island Trail System ex- HF2459—Slawik (DFL) Judiciary pansion provided, bonds issued, and HF2486—Greiling (DFL) Education Appropriating money to the Depart- money appropriated. General Legislation, Veterans Providing for licensing assistance, ment of Corrections for grants to lo- Affairs & Elections outreach and training; changing li- cal organizations and government HF2476—Opatz (DFL) Voter eligibility and campaign mate- censing requirements for employers. units to provide support services to Economic Development rial provisions ruled unconstitutional individuals leaving systems of prosti- & International Trade eliminated. HF2460—Jennings (DFL) tution. St. Cloud; paramount arts district re- Regulated Industries & Energy gional arts center grant provided, HF2487—Olson, E. (DFL) Transferring the Residential and Small HF2469—Clark (DFL) bonds issued, and money Education Business Utilities Division from the Judiciary appropriated. Red Lake reservation educational and attorney general’s office to the De- Clarifying liability for the crime of training facility construction pro- partment of Public Service; authoriz- burglary. HF2477—Tompkins (R) vided, bonds issued, and money ing certain staff, requiring a study; Commerce, Tourism appropriated. appropriating money. HF2470—Tingelstad (DFL) & Consumer Affairs Governmental Operations. Sales of goods and services to adults HF2488—Skare (DFL) HF2461—Clark (DFL) Teachers retirement association; au- under 21 regulated, contract Economic Development Health & Human Services thorizing assignment of survivorship voidability specified, and enforcement & International Trade Establishing a grant program for re- interest in a 100 percent joint and provided. Battle Point cultural and education search on hepatitis C; establishing a survivor optional annuity to an center construction provided, bonds public education campaign on hepa- estate. HF2478—Tompkins (R) issued, and money appropriated. titis C; appropriating money. Taxes HF2471—Mullery (DFL) Dependent care income tax credit HF2489—Holsten (R) HF2462—Marko (DFL) Judiciary extended to include children up to Environment & Natural Resources Local Government Prohibiting individuals whom the age two. Ramsey and Washington counties & Metropolitan Affairs sentencing guidelines presume will state trail extended to Chisago Providing compensation to political be committed to the commissioner of HF2479—Tompkins (R) County. subdivisions for certain lost revenue. corrections from being released on Commerce, Tourism bail between conviction and sentenc- & Consumer Affairs HF2490—Folliard (DFL) HF2463—Marko (DFL) ing or between tender of a guilty plea Advertised airfares required to be Judiciary Taxes and sentencing; requiring defendants available in reasonable numbers. Earnings definition expanded to in- Authorizing the inclusion of certain to waive the right to bail as a condi- clude maintenance relating to gar- property in tax-increment districts; tion of tendering the factual basis for HF2480—Olson, E. (DFL) nishment of wages. extending payment of deferred taxes a guilty plea. Education if certain property is removed for White Earth reservation Pine Point HF2491—Folliard (DFL) green acres treatment. HF2472—Mullery (DFL) school facility provided, and money Judiciary Judiciary appropriated. Medical malpractice action limita- HF2464—Johnson, A. (DFL) Authorizing probation officers to im- tions modified. Education pose community work service for a HF2481—Chaudhary (DFL) Establishing an alternative calcula- violation of a condition of probation; Taxes HF2492—Anderson, I. (DFL) tion for compensatory revenue; ap- providing for district court review of Urban homesteading program appli- Environment & Natural Resources propriating money. the imposition of community work cation period modified. Fish house restrictions and license service. periods modified. HF2465—Clark (DFL) HF2482—Rest (DFL) Education HF2473—Mullery (DFL) Taxes HF2493—Folliard (DFL) Authorizing spending to acquire and Judiciary Long-term health care insurance pre- Environment, Natural Resources to better public land and buildings A bill for an act relating to crime; mium income tax credit and inputs & Agriculture Finance and other public improvements of a allowing a peace officer to make a to taxable services and certain analge- St. Louis Park Southwest Regional capital nature; providing for early warrantless arrest based upon rea- sics sales tax exemptions effective Trail construciton authorized, bonds dates modified, federal conformity issued, and money appropriated. HF2494—Daggett (R) HF2505—Delmont (DFL) HF2516—Pawlenty (R) HF2527—Stanek (R) Taxes Judiciary Taxes Taxes Long-term care insurance premium Drive-by shooting at an occupied Deferral of property taxes and special Annuities paid to survivors of public income tax credit effective date motor vehicle maximum sentence and assessment provided for property safety officers income tax exemption modified. severity level increased. dedicated to the arts. provided.

HF2495—Mullery (DFL) HF2506—Daggett (R) HF2517—Murphy (DFL) HF2528—Kubly (DFL) Judiciary Taxes Environment & Natural Resources Economic Development Firearms dealers required to main- June sales tax liability acceleration Carlson County tax forfeited land sale & International Trade tain a list of pistol serial numbers and abolished. terms modified. Community rehabilitation program provide that information to the pur- funding provided for home owner- chaser upon request free of charge. HF2507—Macklin (R) HF2518—Nornes (R) ship counseling services for persons Judiciary Local Government with mental retardation, and money HF2496—Mullery (DFL) Limited partnership withdrawals & Metropolitan Affairs appropriated. Judiciary regulated, favorable federal estate tax Fergus Falls authorized to impose an Motor vehicle forfeiture provided for valuation treatment changes pro- additional sales tax and motor ve- HF2529—Olson, M. (R) certain illegal weapons offenses. vided. hicle excise tax. Health & Human Services Gender reassignment surgery deter- HF2497—Mullery (DFL) HF2508—Bishop (R) HF2519—Bettermann (R) mined not to be a medically necessary Judiciary Local Government Local Government treatment option for gender Firearms owners required to report & Metropolitan Affairs & Metropolitan Affairs dysphoria. thefts to local police department or Olmsted County auditor/treasurer Douglas County tax increment fi- county sheriff. appointment authorized. nancing district provided special rules HF2530—Wejcman (DFL) for a tourism project. Judiciary HF2498—Mullery (DFL) HF2509—Johnson, A. (DFL) Putative father’s adoption registry Judiciary Taxes HF2520—Huntley (DFL) provisions modified. Pistol and semi-automatic military- Metropolitan special taxing districts Health & Human Services style assault weapon acquisition budget and levy public hearing dates Health care conscience and religious HF2531—Murphy (DFL) within a 30-day period limited, and modified. liberty protection provided. Health & Human Services exception provided for collectors. Carlton County nursing home licen- HF2510—McElroy (R) HF2521—Bishop (R) sure and certification moratorium HF2499—Stanek (R) Commerce, Tourism Judiciary exception approval extended. Local Government & Consumer Affairs Advanced health care directive pro- & Metropolitan Affairs Minnesota collection agency collec- visions modified, and living wills and HF2532—Chaudhary (DFL) Hennepin County Board authorized tor license holders prohibited from durable power of attorney for health Transportation & Transit purchases limit increased. using assumed names. care laws combined. Youth-oriented driver improvement clinics and graduated licensing sys- HF2500—Rest (DFL) HF2511—Pawlenty (R) HF2522—Greiling (DFL) tem established, driving privileges Financial Institutions & Insurance Education Education restricted for permit and provisional Customer loss or theft of a debit card Building space average age threshold K-12 education policy changes and license holders, and violation-free limited liability provided. reduced relating to school district al- rulemaking provided. period required prior to advancement ternative facilities bonding and levy to next license stage. HF2501—Kraus (R) program qulaifications. HF2523—Johnson, A. (DFL) Education Taxes HF2533—Stanek (R) Independent School District No. 241, HF2512—Rest (DFL) Petroleum and special fuel tax re- Judiciary Albert Lea, year-round school/ex- Financial Institutions & Insurance codified, and civil and criminal pen- Professional bail bonding agents who tended week or day pilot program Homeowner’s insurance nonrenewals alties provided. perform enforcement services re- examined, evaluation required, and regulated, and automobile and quired to be licensed as private money appropriated. homeowner’s insurance discrimina- HF2524—Chaudhary (DFL) detectives. tion limited. Judiciary HF2502—Rukavina (DFL) Revisor’s bill correcting erroneous, HF2534—Stanek (R) Governmental Operations HF2513—Tompkins (R) ambiguous, and omitted text and Judiciary Iron Range resources and rehabilita- Taxes obsolete references, and making mis- Pawnshop data release authorized to tion board Giants Ridge cross-coun- Income tax brackets and alternative cellaneous technical corrections. criminal justice agencies for law en- try ski event facility enhancement minimum tax exemption amounts forcement purposes. provided, bonds issued, and money modified to reduce marriage penalties. HF2525—Koskinen (DFL) appropriated. Governmental Operations HF2535—Stanek (R) HF2514—Tompkins (R) Independent School District No. 11, Judiciary HF2503—Bradley (R) Taxes Anoka-Hennepin, Teachers Retire- Innocent third parties whose prop- Health & Human Services Dependent care income tax credit ment Association deadline extended erty is damaged by law enforcement Region 10 Quality Assurance Com- expanded. for a certain teacher. officers provided compensation re- mission appropriation carryover au- sponsibility clarification, state com- thorized. HF2515—Bakk (DFL) HF2526—Osthoff (DFL) pensation and local government Environment & Natural Resources General Legislation, Veterans reimbursement process established, HF2504—Sykora (R) Minnesota forest resources council Affairs & Elections and money appropriated. Local Government membership expanded to include a Absentee ballot provisions modified. & Metropolitan Affairs representative from the Indian Deephaven tax-increment financing dis- Affairs Council. trict revenue expenditures authorized. HF2536—Juhnke (DFL) HF2547—Skoglund (DFL) HF2559—Farrell (DFL) HF2569—Broecker (R) Education Judiciary Judiciary Transportation & Transit School district youth recreation levy Anti-paper terrorism act; public offi- Ramsey County juvenile crime pre- Flexible highway and metropolitan provided. cial and employee protection pro- vention pilot program provided, and road accounts created, and highway vided, fraudulent lien filing money appropriated. user tax distribution fund proceeds HF2537—Juhnke (DFL) prohibited, and remedies and penal- distribution formula modified. Health & Human Services ties provided. HF2560—Luther (DFL) Kandiyohi County alternative care Education HF2570—Broecker (R) and elderly waivered programs reim- HF2548—Jennings (DFL) Local government facility grants pro- Governmental Operations bursement rates increased. Environment & Natural Resources vided for regular enrichment activi- State agency retainage payment op- State park permit provisions modi- ties during nonschool hours, and tions modified. HF2538—Wagenius (DFL) fied for nonprofit, volunteer groups. money appropriated. Environment & Natural Resources HF2571—Kelso (DFL) Pollution Control Agency’s annual HF2549—Winter (DFL) HF2561—Hausman (DFL) Economic Development performance report required to con- Taxes Transportation & Transit & International Trade tain additional emissions informa- Regional development commissions Hiawatha, Riverview, Northstar, Ce- Scott County workforce center con- tion. levy limit modified. dar, and Northwest transit corridors struction in Valley Green industrial design and construction authorized, park provided, bonds issued, and HF2539—Goodno (R) HF2550—Otremba, M. (DFL) St. Paul to Hastings commuter rail money appropriated. Economic Development Health & Human Services developed, bonds issued, and money & International Trade Rural critical access hospitals desig- appropriated. HF2572—Kelso (DFL) Historical Society appropriated nated to establish a Medicare rural Taxes money for expansion of the Red River hospital flexibility program. HF2562—Peterson (DFL) Counties with Indian casinos pay- Valley Center, and bond issuance au- Environment, Natural Resources ment conditions modified relating to thorized. HF2551—Tunheim (DFL) & Agriculture Finance revenues under tribal tax agreements. Transportation & Transit Montevideo recreational trail com- HF2540—Dawkins (DFL) First haul definition modified relat- pleted, bonds issued, and money HF2573—Huntley (DFL) Taxes ing to farm trucks. appropriated. Health & Human Services Counties appropriated proceeds from Emergency medical services commu- mortgage registry and deed taxes. HF2552—Jennings (DFL) HF2563—Stanek (R) nications needs assessment conducted Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Judiciary outside the seven-county metropoli- HF2541—Rukavina (DFL) Affairs Licensed part-time peace officers pro- tan area, and money appropriated. Environment & Natural Resources Safety provisions enacted relating to vided eligibility under the soft body Gunn Lake dam construction pro- persons on amusement rides. armor reimbursement program. HF2574—Molnau (R) vided, bonds issued, and money ap- Environment & Natural Resources propriated. HF2553—Rukavina (DFL) HF2564—McCollum (DFL) Licensed game and fish subagent Regulated Industries & Energy Transportation & Transit bonding required. HF2542—Rest (DFL) St. Louis County caller identification Municipal state-aid street system Taxes and blocking services provided. mileage determination modified. HF2575—Hasskamp (DFL) Charitable contributions subtraction Taxes authorized for individuals who do HF2554—Marko (DFL) HF2565—Delmont (DFL) Gravel, equipment, and certain ve- not itemize deductions for federal Taxes Health & Human Services hicles purchased by a town for road income tax purposes. Political subdivision sales and use tax Human services claim error notifica- maintenance sales tax exemption pro- exemption provided. tion required. vided. HF2543—Hasskamp (DFL) Education HF2555—Rostberg (R) HF2566—Hausman (DFL) HF2576—Juhnke (DFL) Crow Wing and other counties pro- Economic Development & Interna- Local Government Transportation & Transit vided additional family visitation cen- tional Trade & Metropolitan Affairs Medical emergency vehicles required ters, and money appropriated. Low-income persons with chemical Commissioner of transportation and to sound both audible signal and dis- sensitivities assisted, and money the Metropolitan Council required play lighted red light when respond- HF2544—Tunheim (DFL) appropriated. to seek comments of the light rail ing. Environment & Natural Resources joint powers board on metro transit Timber wolf hunting season estab- HF2556—Farrell (DFL) and transportation issues, and joint HF2577—Stang (R) lished, licenses awarded to livestock Judiciary board membership and authority ex- Local Government owners by lottery, license holders au- Ramsey County appropriated money pansion provided. & Metropolitan Affairs thorized to resell, and taking restric- for breaking the cycle of violence Richmond annexed to the Paynesville tions and conditions provided. pilot project. HF2567—McCollum (DFL) area hospital district. General Legislation, Veterans HF2545—Rostberg (R) HF2557—Juhnke (DFL) Affairs & Elections HF2578—Stang (R) Transportation & Transit Transportation & Transit Ramsey County open absentee bal- Local Government Trunk Highway No. 65 in Cambridge Truck tractor wheel flaps required, loting pilot program extension au- & Metropolitan Affairs designated as State Trooper Timothy vehicle axle weight restrictions regu- thorized. Water main improvement assessment J. Bowe Memorial Highway. lated, and technical changes provided. payments to the city of Freeport HF2568—Broecker (R) required. HF2546—Osskopp (R) HF2558—Juhnke (DFL) Judiciary Transportation & Transit Transportation & Transit Minors prohibited from engaging in U.S. Highway No. 61 speed limit es- Driver’s license agent effective date body piercing without parental per- tablished from Wabasha to Kellogg. provision corrected. mission, and penalties provided. HF2579—Johnson, R. (DFL) ments regulated, contributions to can- HF2599—Tunheim (DFL) HF2609—Delmont (DFL) Economic Development didates regulated, and study required. Taxes Environment & Natural Resources & International Trade Fund raising event time period ex- Anoka County tax forfeited lands that Wastewater infrastructure funding HF2589—Wagenius (DFL) tended for sales tax exemption border public water or wetlands sale provisions modified, and money Transportation & Transit purposes. or conveyance authorized. appropriated. Snowfence easements, highway clo- sures, and signs regulated, state trans- HF2600—Luther (DFL) HF2610—Bishop (R) HF2580—Carlson (DFL) portation plan revised, private carriers Education Local Government Economic Development regulated, flexible highway account Basic sliding fee child care assistance & Metropolitan Affairs & International Trade created, town highways and bridges allocation formula modified, and re- Rochester authorized to impose per- Brooklyn Center Earle Brown Heri- funded, and conveyances to public pealer without effect provided. manent sales, use, and excise taxes, tage Center debt assumption provided bodies permitted. proceed expenditures specified, and by the state, bonds issued, and money HF2601—Mullery (DFL) referendum required. appropriated. HF2590—Jennings (DFL) Commerce, Tourism Judiciary & Consumer Affairs HF2611—Kelso (DFL) HF2581—Delmont (DFL) Security deposit interest rates provided. Building and construction contract Education Economic Development lien and claim waivers and subcon- American Indian language and cul- & International Trade HF2591—Rifenberg (R) tractor payments regulated, and re- ture programs, post-secondary prepa- Emergency assistance and transitional Taxes demption period modified for ration grants, and scholarship funding housing programs appropriated Vacant platted property assessment property sold at a mechanic’s lien increased, and money appropriated. money. provided. foreclosure sale. HF2612—Jennings (DFL) HF2582—Johnson, R. (DFL) HF2592—Rifenberg (R) HF2602—Erickson (R) Transportation & Transit Financial Institutions & Insurance Judiciary Health & Human Services Trunk Highway No. 95 designated as Independent School District No. 508, Private property protection act Abstinence education grant require- State Trooper Timothy J. Bowe St. Peter, authorized to establish a adopted. ments established. Memorial Highway. school bank as part of an educational program. HF2593—Juhnke (DFL) HF2603—Bradley (R) HF2613—Luther (DFL) Education Health & Human Services Education HF2583—Luther (DFL) Child guide prevention program ap- Minnesota Family Investment Pro- Independent School District No. 279, Health & Human Services propriated money. gram statewide payment method Osseo, levy authorized to fund in- MinnesotaCare four month unin- modified. structional services for at-risk sured requirement exemption pro- HF2594—Juhnke (DFL) children. vided, and eligibility requirements Judiciary HF2604—Macklin (R) modified for children who are part- Child guide prevention program ap- Taxes HF2614—Luther (DFL) time students. propriated money. Property tax rebate and property tax Education reform provided, levy limits extended, School district low-income concen- HF2584—Evans (DFL) HF2595—Jennings (DFL) individual alternative minimum tax tration levy program established. Education Local Government calculation modified, tax receipts Independent School District No. 621, & Metropolitan Affairs from certain athletic events dedicated, HF2615—Pugh (DFL) Mounds View, Laurentian Environ- Municipalities authorized to provide and money appropriated. Judiciary mental Learning Center renovation contract bid specifications, design, DWI criminal penalties modified, authorized, bonds issued, and money and construction standards. HF2605—Dawkins (DFL) intensive supervision program sen- appropriated. Economic Development tences authorized, and technical HF2596—Tunheim (DFL) & International Trade changes provided. HF2585—Jaros (DFL) Environment, Natural Resources St. Paul transit zone property desig- Governmental Operations & Agriculture Finance nated as an enterprise zone. HF2616—McElroy (R) Benefit options provided for retirees Private landowners provided grants Local Government affected by local relief association con- to construct ring dikes within 1997 HF2606—Wagenius (DFL) & Metropolitan Affairs solidations. flood damage area. Judiciary Dakota County dangerous dog regis- Cities required to collect and main- tration system city administration HF2586—Skare (DFL) HF2597—Skoglund (DFL) tain information on the occurrence provided. Environment & Natural Resources Judiciary and disposition of crimes within their Resident definition modified relating Indecent exposure while confining or jurisdictions, and reports required. HF2617—Milbert (DFL) to game and fish provisions. restraining another person deemed a Health & Human Services felony, and sex offender registration HF2607—Rukavina (DFL) Foster care licensing provisions modi- HF2587—Skare (DFL) required. Health & Human Services fied relating to correction orders. Economic Development Spend-up limit exemption and addi- & International Trade HF2598—Delmont (DFL) tional reimbursement for real estate HF2618—Hausman (DFL) Bemidji Historical Museum renova- Transportation & Transit taxes provided to a certain nursing Environment & Natural Resources tion authorized, bonds issued, and Dispute resolution process provided facility completing a moratorium ex- Recreational motor vehicle registra- money appropriated. for cities and counties relating to the ception project. tion modified, driver’s license and establishment or improvement of a liability insurance required, opera- HF2588—Orfield (DFL) county state-aid highway within a city. HF2608—Johnson, A. (DFL) tional restrictions modified, personal Local Government Local Government watercraft provisions modified, and & Metropolitan Affairs & Metropolitan Affairs Iron Range off-highway recreation County commissioners to serve as met- Anoka County; bond issuance autho- development repealed. ropolitan council members, candidate rized for library building construc- and member economic interest state- tion and an annual debt levy retirement. HF2619—Stanek (R) from lobbying the legislature or ad- a not-for-profit housing corporation. HF2642—Jefferson (DFL) Health & Human Services ministrative agencies for one year af- Labor-Management Relations Minnesota Family Investment Pro- ter leaving office. HF2636—Skare (DFL) Standard collection procedure ex- gram-Statewide payment method Environment, Natural Resources emption provided to overpaid modified. HF2630—Delmont (DFL) & Agriculture Finance re-employment insurance benefits. Health & Human Services Bemidji Headwaters Science Center HF2620—Westfall (R) Family day-care licensure provisions funding provided, bonds issued, and HF2643—Farrell (DFL) Health & Human Services modified. money appropriated. Labor-Management Relations Minnesota Family Investment Pro- Settlement division established in the gram-Statewide payment method HF2631—Johnson, R. (DFL) HF2637—Hasskamp (DFL) office of administrative hearings, modified. Financial Institutions & Insurance Economic Development transfer of judges, small claims court, Dependent health insurance cover- & International Trade duties, and funds provided. HF2621—Erickson (R) age extended to include veterans who Crosby provided funding for the Health & Human Services are full-time students. Hallet Community Center, bonds is- HF2644—Carruthers (DFL) Minnesota Family Investment Pro- sued, and money appropriated. Taxes gram-Statewide payment method HF2632—Luther (DFL) Use tax de minimis exemption ex- modified. Commerce, Tourism HF2638—Luther (DFL) panded. & Consumer Affairs Transportation & Transit HF2622—Stanek (R) Dishonored check civil penalties re- School bus passive restraint system HF2645—Luther (DFL) Judiciary lief provided to nursing home or installation grants authorized, study Education Maple Grove law enforcement train- health care facility inpatients. required, and money appropriated. North Hennepin Community Col- ing facility provided, bonds issued, lege provided funding for capital im- and money appropriated. HF2633—Jennings (DFL) HF2639—Daggett (R) provements, bonds issued, and money Economic Development Economic Development appropriated. HF2623—Delmont (DFL) & International Trade & International Trade Governmental Operations Historial Society North West Com- Detroit Lakes Community Center HF2646—Jefferson (DFL) Local government correctional pany Fur Post Interpretive Center funding provided, bonds issued, and Labor-Management Relations service retirement plan created. construction provided, bonds issued, money appropriated. Department of Economic Security and money appropriated. technical changes provided. HF2624—Osthoff (DFL) HF2640—Holsten (R) Transportation & Transit HF2634—Winter (DFL) Environment, Natural Resources Port development assistance grants Health & Human Services & Agriculture Finance provided, bonds issued, and money Marshall regional emergency re- Stillwater provided funding for stage appropriated. sponse training center construction III of its flood control project, bonds provided, bonds issued, and money issued, and money appropriated. HF2625—Tomassoni (DFL) appropriated. Financial Institutions & Insurance HF2641—Rest (DFL) Workers’ compensation self-insurance HF2635—Skare (DFL) Commerce, Tourism authority terminations and commerical Economic Development & Consumer Affairs self-insurance groups regulated, and & International Trade Professional and professional services investment, funding, reporting, and Headwaters Regional Development defined relating to professional cor- transfer requirements provided. Commission authorized to establish porations and firms.

HF2626—Boudreau (R) Environment & Natural Resources Faribault state land conveyance Independent seniors authorized.

HF2627—Winter (DFL) Governmental Operations Regional Development Commission grants provided to assist local govern- ments with land use planning prepara- tion, and money appropriated.

HF2628—Holsten (R) Economic Development & International Trade Stillwater territorial prison wall reno- vation engineering study provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

HF2629—Sviggum (R) Rep. Bob Westfall receives a copy of the American Association of Retired Persons General Legislation, Veterans 1998 legislative agenda from Marion Jacobson, left, along with other Lake Park, Affairs & Elections Minn., residents, Eric and Donna Chalimonczyk, center, and Gordon Bartholomay, Former legislators, constitutional of- right. About 200 seniors from around the state came to the Capitol to encourage ficers, commissioners, and certain legislators to support their “Keep Seniors Independent” agenda. deputies and assistants prohibited Coming Up Next Week . . . Jan. 26 - 30, 1998

facilities authority capital requests, Terry 12:30 p.m. Schedule is subject to change. Kuhlman. Office of Environmental Assistance, For information updates, call capital request, Tom Osdoba and David Benke. Family & Early Childhood Education Finance House Calls at (612) 296-9283. Division/EDUCATION 10 a.m. 5 State Office Building All meetings are open to the public. Chr. Rep. Tony Kinkel Sign language interpreter services: AGRICULTURE Agenda: Governor’s budget recommendations, (612) 282-2331 v/tty 200 State Office Building department overview, Barb Yates, assistant To have the daily and weekly schedules Chr. Rep. Stephen Wenzel commissioner. Agenda: Feedlot regulations overview by the delivered to your e-mail address, send a Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the GENERAL LEGISLATION, message to: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; discussion VETERANS AFFAIRS & ELECTIONS [email protected] of Generic Environmental Impact Statement. 10 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Bob Milbert In the body of the message type: ENVIRONMENT & Agenda: HFXXXX (Osthoff) Absentee ballot bill. NATURAL RESOURCES HFXXXX (Greiling) Secretary of State subscribe h-schedules 5 State Office Building housekeeping bill. Chr. Rep. Willard Munger HF2338 (Folliard) Gulf War veterans bonus Agenda: HF2427 (Munger) Deformed frog program modified to facilitate eligibility MONDAY, Jan. 26 research. verification. HF326 (Holsten) Hunting and fishing rights affirmed and constitutional amendment LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS 8 a.m. proposed. 200 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Richard Jefferson Economic Development Health & Human Services Agenda: HF216 (Mariani) Employment contract Finance Division/ Finance Division/ provisions modified. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES HF2646 (Jefferson) Re-employment insurance & INTERNATIONAL TRADE 10 State Office Building housekeeping bill. 500S State Office Building Chr. Rep. Lee Greenfield HF2642 (Jefferson) Re-employment insurance Chr. Rep. Steve Trimble Agenda: Presentation of the governor’s strategic benefit overpayment collections. Agenda: Budget briefings, Department of capital budget plan for the Department of Human Economic Security, Minnesota Humanities Services and Veteran’s Home Board. TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT Commission. 500S State Office Building JUDICIARY Chr. Rep. Jean Wagenius Higher Education Basement Hearing Room Agenda: Continuation of metropolitan Finance Division/EDUCATION State Office Building parking discussion, John Dewitt, Transit for 500N State Office Building Chr. Rep. Wes Skoglund Livable Communities. Chr. Rep. Gene Pelowski Agenda: HF2313 (Skoglund) Arson investigative HFXXXX (Mahon) Public safety department Agenda: University of Minnesota capital budget data system created, state fire marshall authorized bill. request, Mark Yudof, president, University of to license private fire investigators, making it a Minnesota. Dr. Frank Cerra, vice president, crime to engage in fire investigation activities 2:30 p.m. Academic Health Center, University of without a license, and money appropriated. Minnesota. Dean Robert Elde, College of HF2306 (Mullery) Direct and indirect costs of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota. crime studied by the legislative auditor. The House meets in session. HF2326 (Bishop) Sex offender treatment facilities K-12 Education Finance Division/ required to provide treatment information, end- Immediately After Session EDUCATION of-confinement review process clarified, and 5 State Office Building community and victim notification provisions Chr. Rep. Becky Kelso modified. WAYS & MEANS Agenda: HF2394 (Mares) Levy to purchase HF2606 (Wagenius) Requiring certain cities to 10 State Office Building school buses. collect and maintain information on the Chr. Rep. Loren Solberg HF2446 (Sviggum) Levy to purchase school occurrence and disposition of crimes within their Agenda: November forecast. The governor’s buses. jurisdictions; requiring periodic reports. supplemental budget recommendation and HF2445 (Leppik) School district parking fee Additional bills may be added. budget resolution. contingent on school bus ridership. HF2345 (Entenza) Increase school lunch and State Government Finance Division/ TUESDAY, Jan. 27 food storage aid. GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS HF2405 (Johnson, A.) Categorical aid for student 400S State Office Building health services. Chr. Rep. Tom Rukavina 8 a.m. Agenda: Department of Military Affairs, capital 8:30 a.m. budget requests, Brigadier General Gary LeBlanc, EDUCATION executive director. Department of 200 State Office Building ENVIRONMENT, Administration capital budget requests, Chr. Rep. Lyndon Carlson NATURAL RESOURCES & Commissioner Elaine Hansen. Agenda: Presentation by Lisa Larson, House AGRICULTURE FINANCE Research Department, on state funding for non- Basement Hearing Room public education. State Office Building HF2364 (Rest) Education income tax credit Chr. Rep. Tom Osthoff income limitations modified and maximum Agenda: Overview of governor’s budget credit specified. recommendations, Jim Reinholdz. Public HF2311 (Greiling) Nonpublic schools subject to state graduation requirements if families of HFXXXX (Clark) Hepatitis C research. WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28 students have claimed education-related expense Additional bills may be added. tax reimbursements. HF2337 (Folliard) Nonpublic schools subject to TAXES 8 a.m. the pupil fair dismissal law if families of students 200 State Office Building have claimed education-related expense tax Chr. Rep. Dee Long Economic Development credits. Agenda: Continuation of Jan. 22 meeting Finance Division/ HFXXXX (Long) Department of Revenue policy ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Judiciary Finance Division/ bill. & INTERNATIONAL TRADE JUDICIARY 500S State Office Building 500N State Office Building 12:30 p.m. Chr. Rep. Steve Trimble Chr. Rep. Mary Murphy Agenda: Budget briefing, Department of Trade Agenda: Continuation of review and CAPITAL INVESTMENT & Economic Development, Minnesota recommendation of capital budget requests for 500S State Office Building Humanities Commission. the Department of Corrections and members. Chr. Rep. Henry Kalis Testimony on construction of residential Agenda: Presentations by Assistant Higher Education academies. (This meeting may continue later in Commissioner Peter Sausen, Department of Finance Division/EDUCATION the day or evening.) Finance, debt capacity forecast, Minneapolis 500N State Office Building convention center bonds purchase proposal. Chr. Rep. Gene Pelowski Transportation & Transit Agenda: Minnesota State Colleges and Finance Division/ COMMERCE, TOURISM Universities (MnSCU) capital budget request, TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT & CONSUMER AFFAIRS Morris Anderson, chancellor, MnSCU, Robert 500S State Office Building 200 State Office Building Erickson, chair, facilities committee, MnSCU Chr. Rep. Bernie Lieder Chr. Rep. Jim Tunheim Board of Trustees, Laura King, vice chancellor Agenda: HF2265 (Lieder) Motor vehicle Agenda: HF2308 (Slawik) Accountant licensing for finance, MnSCU. (Meeting will continue at registration law compliance pilot project provisions modified, firm licensure required, 2:30 p.m.) established, and money appropriated. and board of accountancy provided rulemaking HF2267 (Lieder) Key bridges on the state trunk authority. K-12 Education Finance Division/ highway system replaced and reconstructed, HF2315 (Leppik) Trademarks and service marks EDUCATION bonds issued, and money appropriated. regulated, terms defined, and remedies provided. 5 State Office Building Capital budget bonding requests by the HFXXXX (Mullery) Relating to commerce, Chr. Rep. Becky Kelso Minnesota Department of Transportation and regulating building contracts. Agenda: Governor’s K-12 education bonding the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Additional bills may be added. recommendations. HF2321 (Seagren) Residential academies for at- 8:30 a.m. LOCAL GOVERNMENT risk students provided program grants, and & METROPOLITAN AFFAIRS money appropriated. ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES 10 State Office Building HF2256 (Olson, E) Camp Rabideau in Chippewa & AGRICULTURE FINANCE Chr. Rep. Ann H. Rest National Forest restoration funded, bonds issued, Basement Hearing Room Agenda: To be announced. and money appropriated. State Office Building HF2388 (Sviggum) Independent School District Chr. Rep. Tom Osthoff REGULATED INDUSTRIES & ENERGY No. 2758, Redwood Valley, multipurpose Agenda: Minnesota Zoo capital supplemental 5 State Office Building education and community center funded, bond requests, Kathryn Roberts and Jeff Higgins. Chr. Rep. Loren Jennings issuance authorized, and money appropriated. Board of Soil and Water Resources capital Agenda: HF967 (Tomassoni) Horse racing requests, Ron Harnack. licensee allowed to conduct card club activities. 8:30 a.m. HFXXXX (Jennings) Minnesota Agriculture Sales and Income Tax Division/TAXES Power Project and cost recovery and acts of God. ENVIRONMENT, 300S State Office Building NATURAL RESOURCES & AGRICULTURE FINANCE Chr. Rep. Alice Johnson 2:30 p.m. Agenda: HFXXXX (Johnson, A.) Department of Basement Hearing Room Revenue Petroleum Recodification Bill. State Office Building WAYS & MEANS Chr. Rep. Tom Osthoff HFXXXX (Olson, E) Department of Revenue 10 State Office Building technical bill. Agenda: Department of Natural Resources Chr. Rep. Loren Solberg capital request, Ron Nargang. Agenda: Continuation of Jan. 26 agenda. 10 a.m. Property Tax & Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Subcommittee on Regent Election Process/ Division/TAXES GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS EDUCATION Basement Hearing Room 200 State Office Building 200 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Edgar Olson State Office Building Chr. Rep. Rob Leighton Chr. Rep. Phyllis Kahn Agenda: Department of Revenue technical bill. Agenda: Action on regents bills heard during Additional bills may be added. Agenda: HF1583 (Mullery) Nellie Stone Johnson joint committee process. bust placed in State Capitol. HFXXXX (Leighton) Changes to regent election 10 a.m. HF2355 (Greiling) State treasurer office process. eliminated and constitutional amendment proposed. ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES 4 p.m. 5 State Office Building HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Chr. Rep. Willard Munger 10 State Office Building Anoka County Legislative Delegation Agenda: HF2236 (Wolf) City of Savage. Chr. Rep. John Dorn 500N State Office Building HFXXXX (Westfall) Flood policy. Agenda: HF2419 (Juhnke) Ambulance service Chrs. Rep. Kathy Tingelstad, HFXXXX (Milbert) Department of Natural standards modified, certification provided for Rep. Satveer Chaudhary. Resources fisheries. emergency medical technicians, medical Agenda: Northstar Corridor presentation. HF2418 (Rukavina) BWCA; permanent school response units, and emergency medical Review local bills from legislative delegation. fund funded through boundary waters canoe technician instructors, training program Legislation of county concern. area campsite fees. approval required, fees set, and penalties HFXXXX (Munger) Expansion of membership provided. on School Trust Fund Advisory Committee. HFXXXX (Koskinen) Nursing home staffing. HFXXXX (Slawik) Hepatitis B immunization. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & INSURANCE TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT 10 a.m. 200 State Office Building 10 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Irv Anderson Chr. Rep. Jean Wagenius GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS Agenda: HF2292 (Anderson, I.) ATM; Agenda: Presentation of Commuter Rail Study, Basement Hearing Room automated teller machine use fees charged to Al Vogel, Minnesota Department of State Office Building other banks’ customers prohibited. Transportation. Presentation of Hiawatha Chr. Rep. Phyllis Kahn Corridor proposal. Agenda: HF106 (Anderson, I.) House of Health & Human Services Representatives; evenly divided state House of Finance Division/ 3:30 p.m. Representatives provided. HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES HF2453 (Trimble) Requiring the SBI to divest 10 State Office Building K-12 Education Finance Division/ certain tobacco stocks. Chr. Rep. Lee Greenfield EDUCATION Agenda: Presentation of the 1998-99 November 5 State Office Building TAXES budget forecast, George Hoffman, director of Chr. Rep. Becky Kelso 200 State Office Building Reports and Forecast Division, Department of Agenda: HFXXXX (Schumacher) Library access Chr. Rep. Dee Long Human Services. bonding. Agenda: Discussion of education tax credits. HF2448 (Chaudhary) Independent School Additional bills may be heard. JUDICIARY District No. 14, Fridley, Central Middle School Basement Hearing Room boiler and exterior windows provided, bonds 12:30 p.m. State Office Building issued, and money appropriated. Chr. Rep. Wes Skoglund CAPITAL INVESTMENT Agenda: HF2312 (Skoglund) Methamphetamine THURSDAY, Jan. 29 500S State Office Building manufacturing provided criminal penalties, and Chr. Rep. Henry Kalis sale, possession, and attempt to sell penalties Agenda: Constitutional and federal tax modified. 8 a.m. considerations relating to bond authorization, HF2521 (Bishop) Durable power of attorney for Jean LeFevere, House Research. Revenue health care. Economic Development Building. General fund request for moving and HF2391 (Jefferson) Persons using children to Finance Division/ telecommunications expenses, Commissioner import controlled substances into the state ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Jim Girard and John Lally, Department of provided increased criminal penalties. & INTERNATIONAL TRADE Revenue. 500S State Office Building State Government Finance Division/ Chr. Rep. Steve Trimble COMMERCE, TOURISM GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS Agenda: Budget briefing, Minnesota Historical & CONSUMER AFFAIRS 400S State Office Building Society, Office of Dispute Resolution, Mediation 200 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Tom Rukavina Services. Chr. Rep. Jim Tunheim Agenda: Capital budget review: Minnesota Agenda: HF2430 (Evans) Building contractor Amateur Sports Commission. Additional bills EDUCATION continuing education requirements and recovery may be added. 200 State Office Building fund fees increased, statutory housing warranties Chr. Rep. Lyndon Carlson modified, statute of limitations extension 12:30 p.m. Agenda: Report on Joint Subcommittee on provided for real property improvement actions. Regents Election Process and action on any bills Civil & Family Law Division/ and recommendations brought forward. LOCAL GOVERNMENT JUDICIARY & METROPOLITAN AFFAIRS 400S State Office Building Judiciary Finance Division/ 10 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Andy Dawkins JUDICIARY Chr. Rep. Ann H. Rest Agenda: HF1554 (Dawkins) Certification of 500N State Office Building Agenda: To be announced. questions of law uniform act adopted. Chr. Rep. Mary Murphy HF1519 (Chaudhary) Landlords required to Agenda: Continuation of review and REGULATED INDUSTRIES & ENERGY return rental application fees or provide reason recommendation of capital budget requests for 5 State Office Building for rental denial in writing, and penalty provided. the Department of Corrections and members. Chr. Rep. Loren Jennings HF2332 (Mullery) Covenant not to allow Testimony on construction of residential Agenda: To be announced. contraband on premises required as part of a academies. Staff reports of studies and interim residential lease. activities. (This meeting may continue later in 2:30 p.m. HF1151 (Van Dellen) HIV virus transmission the day or evening.) action against health care providers time limit The House meets in session. imposed. 8:30 a.m. 6 p.m. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT, & INTERNATIONAL TRADE NATURAL RESOURCES & Subcommittee on Education Planning and 200 State Office Building AGRICULTURE FINANCE Transitions/ Chr. Rep. Mike Jaros Basement Hearing Room EDUCATION Agenda: HF2339 (Clark) Circulator vehicle pilot State Office Building 500N State Office Building project and grant developed to connect the Chr. Rep. Tom Osthoff Chrs. Rep. Ruth Johnson, Minneapolis Convention Center with other Agenda: Department of Natural Resources Rep. David Tomassoni, locations, and money appropriated. request, Ron Nargang. Agenda: HFXXXX(Johnson, R./ Tomassoni) HF2282 (Clark) Individual development account Proposals to ease educational transitions. demonstration project established, and money Sales and Income Tax Division/TAXES appropriated. 300S State Office Building Subcommittee on Quality Initiatives/ Additional bills may be added. Chr. Rep. Alice Johnson EDUCATION Agenda: HFXXXX (Johnson, A.) Authorizing 200 State Office Building Family & Early Childhood Education Finance use tax payment with income tax return. Chr. Rep. Matt Entenza Division/EDUCATION Continuation of Jan 27 meeting if necessary. Agenda: HF2174 (Kelso) Recodification of K-12 5 State Office Building education statutes. Chr. Rep. Tony Kinkel Agenda: HF2459 (Slawik) Child care quality. HF2283 (Delmont) Nonstandard hour child care development grants established, incentives provided, and money appropriated. FRIDAY, Jan. 30

8 a.m. Fifth governor bursts onto political scene Higher Education Finance Division/ William R. Marshall was neer ethics and the matter was largely EDUCATION a Civil War hero and ignored by other members of the Territo- 500N State Office Building Minnesota’s fifth gover- rial Legislature. Chr. Rep. Gene Pelowski nor, but his initial ap- By the time Marshall became governor, Agenda: University of Minnesota capital budget request, Mark Yudof, president, University of pearance on the political his outburst in the House was long forgot- Minnesota. Dr. Frank Cerra, vice president, scene was less than ten. Academic Health Center, University of statesmanlike. Marshall’s career outside of politics was Minnesota. Dean Robert Elde, College of At the age of 24, Marshall, who hailed marked by his diverse interests and many Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota. from St. Anthony, was among the 18 men pursuits. He worked as a miner, banker, Subcommittee on Special Education/ sworn into the House of Representatives merchant, and editor at various times in K-12 Education Finance Division/ when Minnesota’s First his life. In fact, he was part EDUCATION Senate K-12 Education Budget Division/ Territorial Legislature con- owner of the St. Paul Press CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND LEARNING vened in 1849. and was briefly owner of Basement Hearing Room Lawmakers at that time the St. Paul Dispatch. State Office Building were charged with the dif- Marshall became a Chrs. Rep. Mindy Greiling, Sen. Martha Robertson ficult task of creating a gov- brigadier general during the Agenda: HFXXXX (Greiling,) To testify, please ernment in a sparsely Civil War, and he was contact Kathy Kerr at 296-7191. Testimony will populated, geographically wounded at the Battle of be taken as time permits. (Look for an addition immense wilderness. It was Mobile. on the “Today” sheet to find out when you can pick up a copy of the bill draft at 125 State Office not unusual for debate to After the war, Marshall Building or 553 State Office Building.) get a bit heated, but returned to Minnesota, ran Marshall was involved in for governor as a Republi- Transportation & Transit an exchange that was un- can, and won. He took of- Finance Division/ William Marshall, Minnesota’s TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT usual by any standards. fice in 1866 and served two 500S State Office Building During that first session, fifth governor, lived by two-year terms as the state’s pioneer ethics while a Chr. Rep. Bernie Lieder Marshall was addressing chief executive. Agenda: Continuation of capital budget bonding member of the Territorial requests, Minnesota Department of the other members of the Legislature. His administration was Transportation and the Minnesota Department House when a member noted for the state’s rapid of Public Safety. seated in front of Marshall called him a growth (the population doubled to 350,000 liar. Marshall was quick to respond. during Marshall’s time in office) and for 10 a.m. The future governor leapt over his desk Marshall’s push to give African-Ameri- Health & Human Services and, before anyone realized what was hap- cans the right to vote in Minnesota. Finance Division/ pening, he knocked his critic to the floor. He succeeded in that effort in 1868, HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Marshall then returned to his seat, apolo- before the 15th Amendment to the U.S. 10 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Lee Greenfield gized for the disturbance, and continued Constitution was ratified and all states Agenda: Presentation of the governor’s with his remarks. were forbidden to deny the right to vote supplemental budget recommendations for Similar actions today would undoubt- on the basis of race. programs administered by the Department of edly stir a great uproar, but in 1849, Human Services. Marshall’s behavior was attributed to pio- Photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society JUDICIARY Basement Hearing Room State Office Building Chr. Rep. Wes Skoglund Agenda: HF2473 (Mullery) Allowing a peace officer to make a warrantless arrest based upon reasonable cause that a person on conditional Rep. Mike Jaros (DFL-Duluth) demon- develop innovative ways to keep people in release has violated a condition of release. strated the Legislature’s commitment to cus- their homes and out of emergency shelters. HF2434 (Stanek) Peace officers authorized to apprehend and detain a probationer for tomer service during a Jan. 22 meeting of the The bill is sponsored by Rep. Karen Clark probation violation reasonable cause. Housing and Housing Finance Division of the (DFL-Mpls). Additional bills to be added. House Economic Development and Interna- Lelyukh was surprised when Jaros asked his questions directly in Russian. She then began 2 p.m. tional Trade Committee. Nadezhda Lelyukh and her husband, answering his questions without the use of the Legislative Audit Commission Vladimir, were testifying in Russian through a translator. 112 State Capitol translator. Lelyukh spoke of her family’s hous- Rep. Jim Rhodes (R-St. Louis Park) soon Chr. Sen. Deanna Wiener reminded Jaros that the vote would take place Agenda: Review and follow-up on several recent ing difficulties as recent immigrants. financial audit reports. Lelyukh and other Russian immigrants were in English and that it would be a great help to asked to testify on a bill (HF2342) that would the other members if he would translate his extend a state program that provides grants to question so all the members could follow. counties and community-based nonprofits to The committee is still considering the bill. Rep. Willard Munger . . . Pioneer in environmental legislation turns 87 years old By Grant Martin When the Legislature adjourns this spring, Rep. Willard Munger (DFL-Duluth) will have 21 legislative sessions under his belt, surpass- ing Walter E. Day as the person serving the most sessions in the Minnesota House of Rep- resentatives. Munger was honored by his House peers Jan. 20, the first day of the legislative session and Munger’s 87th birthday. A student choir from Fridley Middle School, of which Munger’s great-granddaughter Katie Morrissey is a member, led the House in sing- ing “Happy Birthday.” And a reception was held in his honor in the House retiring room. Munger currently holds the record for the most years served in the House at 41 years. He was first elected in 1954 from his West Duluth district. He has served the district since then with the exception of the 1965-66 session, which he missed after losing in a 1964 state Senate campaign. An activist and pioneer in environmental Rep. Willard Munger, right, the longest-serving member of the Minnesota House, enjoyed a piece of his legislation, Munger has chaired the House 87th birthday cake Jan. 20, as his daughter, Pat Lahr, talks with House Majority Leader Ted Winter during a reception in the House retiring room. Environment and Natural Resources Com- mittee since 1973, except when Republicans logger and an environmentalist, encouraged “If my wife had lived, I would have consid- briefly held a controlling majority in the House. him to pursue politics. ered not running,” he said, “but she always His most noted legislative accomplishments “My grandpa used to tell me, ‘Willard, it’s wanted me to run again. It was one of the last include passage of the Environment and Natu- no use talkin’ about it. You’ve got to get elected. things she said to me.” ral Resources Trust Fund, the Solid Waste You can talk about it ‘til the cows come home, Munger must remain in office through 2001 Reduction and Recycling Act of 1989, and the but you can’t do a thing about it until you get to break the record for most years served in the Wetlands Conservation Act of 1991. in the Legislature,’” Munger said. Minnesota Legislature, including service in “I’ve loved every bit of it,” Munger said. “I He said that he recently had a physical and both the House and the Senate. This record is am in a position to carry out the dreams I have with his clean bill of health he plans to offi- currently shared by former legislators Carl M. had since I was a kid.” cially announce that he will run for re-election Iverson, Anton J. Rockne, and Donald O. Munger said that he was inspired to get again this fall. Munger suffered the loss of his Wright, each with 44 years of combined ser- involved in politics by the economic problems wife, Frances, in November 1997, an event vice in both bodies. caused by over-logging in northern Minne- that he said factored into his decision to run sota. He said that his grandfather, who was a again in 1998.

Minnesota’s U. S. Senators E-mail:[email protected] 417 West Litchfield Avenue Website: http://www.senate.gov~grams Willmar, MN 56201 U.S. Senators (320) 231-0001 Senator Senator Fax: (320) 231-0006 Rod Grams (R) Paul Wellstone (DFL) 136 Hart Senate Office Building P.O. Box 281 261 Dirksen Senate Office Building Virginia, MN 55792 Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-5641 (218) 741-1074 (202) 224-3244 Fax: (218) 741-8544 Fax: (202) 228-0956 Fax: (202) 224-8438 E-mail: [email protected] Suite 30 Suite 100 North 2550 University Ave. W. Website: http://www.senate.gov/ 2013 Second Avenue North ~wellstone Anoka, MN 55303 St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 427-5921 (612) 645-0323 Fax: (612) 427-8872 1-800-642-6041 Fax: (612) 645-0704 1998 House Standing Committee Schedule Committee Environment, Natural Resources Rules & Legislative Chair ...... Phone & Agriculture Finance Administration Meeting Day ...... Room ...... Time Osthoff ...... 296-4224 Winter ...... 296-5505 (All rooms are in the State Office Building) Mon.-Thurs...... B ...... 8 a.m. Call of the chair

Financial Institutions & Insurance Taxes Agriculture Anderson, I...... 296-4936 Long ...... 296-0171 Wenzel ...... 296-4247 Wed...... 200 ...... 10 a.m. Tues., Thurs., Fri...... 200 ...... 10 a.m. Mon...... 200 ...... 10 a.m. General Legislation, Property Tax & Tax Increment Financing Capital Investment Veterans Affairs & Elections (TIF) Division Kalis ...... 296-4240 Olson, E...... 296-4265 Milbert ...... 296-4192 Tues., Thurs...... 500S ...... 12:30 p.m. Mon...... 300N .... 12:30 p.m. Mon., Wed...... 200 ...... 8 a.m.

Commerce, Tourism Governmental Operations Sales & Income Tax Division & Consumer Affairs Johnson, A...... 296-5510 Kahn ...... 296-4257 Tues., Thurs...... 300S ...... 8 a.m. Tunheim ...... 296-9635 Tues., Thurs...... B ...... 10 a.m. Tues., Thurs...... 200 ...... 12:30 p.m. Transportation & Transit State Government Finance Division Economic Development Rukavina ...... 296-0170 Wagenius ...... 296-4200 & International Trade Mon., Wed...... 400S ...... 10 a.m. Mon., Wed ...... 10...... 12:30 p.m. Jaros...... 296-4246 Health & Human Services Transportation & Wed...... 200 ...... 12:30 p.m. Transit Finance Division Dorn ...... 296-3248 Lieder ...... 296-5091 Economic Development Tues., Thurs...... 10...... 10 a.m. Tues., Fri...... 500S ...... 8 a.m. Finance Division Trimble ...... 296-4201 Health & Human Services Ways & Means Mon.,Wed.,Thurs...... 500S ...... 8 a.m. Finance Division Greenfield ...... 296-0173 Solberg ...... 296-2365 Call of the chair Housing and Housing Finance Division Mon., Wed., Fri...... 10...... 10 a.m. Clark ...... 296-0294 B-Basement Hearing Room Tues., Thurs...... 500S ...... 10 a.m. Judiciary Skoglund ...... 296-4330 Education Mon., Wed., Fri...... B ...... 10 a.m. Carlson ...... 296-4255 Where to find Tues., Thurs...... 200 ...... 8 a.m. Civil & Family Law Division Dawkins ...... 296-5158 information Family and Early Childhood Education Wed...... 400S ...... 12:30 p.m. Chief Clerk’s Office Finance Division 211 State Capitol (612) 296-2314 Kinkel ...... 296-2451 Judiciary Finance Division This office provides copies of bills at no Mon., Wed...... 5...... 12:30 p.m. Murphy ...... 296-2676 charge, all agendas for House sessions, and Tues., Thurs...... 500N ...... 8 a.m. the Journal of the House. Higher Education Finance Division House Index Department Pelowski ...... 296-8637 Labor-Management Relations Mon.,Wed., Fri...... 500N ...... 8 a.m. 211 State Capitol (612) 296-6646 Jefferson ...... 296-8659 The House Index Department, a part of Mon...... 200 ...... 12:30 p.m. the Chief Clerk’s Office, has a computer- K-12 Education Finance Division ized index available for public use. House Kelso ...... 296-1072 Local Government & Index lists bills by committee, topic, au- Mon., Wed., Fri...... 5...... 8 a.m. thor, file number, and other categories. Metropolitan Affairs The office can also give you the current Environment & Rest ...... 296-4176 status of legislation. Tues., Thurs...... 10...... 12:30 p.m. Natural Resources Munger ...... 296-4282 Regulated Industries & Energy If you have Internet access, visit the Mon., Wed...... 5...... 10 a.m. Legislature’s web page at: Jennings ...... 296-0518 http://www.leg.state.mn.us Tues., Thurs...... 5...... 12:30 p.m. MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. PAUL, MN 55155-1298

Speaker of the House: Phil Carruthers Majority Leader: Ted Winter Minority Leader: Steve Sviggum

For more information

Minnesota’s budget For general information, call: February 1997 forecast surplus for 1998-99 biennium, in billions ...... $2.3 House Information Office January 1998 forecast surplus for 1998-99 biennium, in billions ...... $1.3 (612) 296-2146 or February 1991 forecast shortfall for 1992-93 biennium, in billions ...... $1.2 1-800-657-3550 January 1995 Minnesota Planning projected state and local revenue shortfall for 2004-05 biennium, in millions ...... $800 To obtain a copy of a bill, call: January 1997 update of Minnesota Planning projected state and local Chief Clerk’s Office revenue shortfall for 2004-05 biennium, in millions ...... $400 (612) 296-2314 Total spending for 1998-99 biennium approved in 1997, in billions ...... $20.9 Spending called for in Gov. Arne Carlson’s proposed 1998 supplemental To find out about bill introductions or the status of a specific bill, call: budget, in millions ...... $373 House Index Office Governor’s 1998 capital budget plan for state construction projects, (612) 296-6646 in billions ...... $1.02 Proposed total to be financed with general obligation bonds For up-to-date recorded message (paid from general fund), in millions ...... $700 giving committee meeting times and Amount spent in capital projects law passed in 1996 (comparable year), agendas, call: in millions ...... $614.5 Committee Hotline Total financed with general obligation bonds, in millions ...... $485.3 (612) 296-9283 Amount in 1996 bonding law for construction of a new prison in Rush City, Minn., in millions ...... $89 Amount included in governor’s 1998 capital budget plan for a new St. Paul hockey arena, in millions ...... $65 Amount included in governor’s 1998 capital budget plan for the The House of Representatives can be Minneapolis Convention Center expansion project, in millions ...... $87.1 reached on the World Wide Web at: Current balance in state’s budget reserve, in millions ...... $522 http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us Biennial spending approved in 1997 for K-12 education, in billions ...... $6.7 Attorney general’s office 1999 operating funds line-item vetoed by the governor in 1997, in millions ...... $24 Attorney general’s office 1999 operating funds included in governor’s 1998 supplemental budget proposal, in millions...... $22.5 State tax collections during fiscal year 1997, in billions ...... $10.3 Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired. Total collected in income taxes, in billions ...... $4.4 To ask questions or leave messages, call: Total collected in sales taxes, in billions ...... $3.4 TTY Line (612) 296-9896 or Total collected in motor vehicle license taxes, in millions...... $491 1-800-657-3550 Total collected in cigarette taxes, in millions ...... $175 Check your local listings to watch House committee and floor sessions Sources: Minnesota Data Book for Legislators, 1997, House Research Department; Laws of on TV. Minnesota, 1996; Laws of Minnesota, 1997; Minnesota Strategic Capital Budget Plan: Executive Summary, 1998, Office of the Governor; 1998-99 Supplemental Budget, Office of the Governor; This document can be made available Staying Within Our Means, 1997, Minnesota Planning. in alternative formats.