APRIL 4, 2003 VOLUME 20, NUMBER 13

In this issue:

RAISING CIGARETTE TAXES

NEWEST HOUSE MEMBERS, AND MORE HF1302-HF1468 ESSION S Weekly Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services. During the 2003-2004 Legislative Session, each issue reports daily House ac- tion between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions and upcoming commit- tee meeting schedules, and provides other information. The publication is a service of the Minnesota House. No fee. CONTENTS To subscribe, contact: Minnesota House of Representatives IGHLIGHTS Public Information Services H 175 State Office Building Agriculture • 5 Environment • 13 Insurance • 21 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Arts • 6 Ethics • 14 (651) 296-2146 or Law • 22 1-800-657-3550 Business • 7 Family • 15 Local Government • 22 TTY (651) 296-9896 Consumers • 7 Gambling • 15 Metro Affairs • 23 Crime • 8 Game & Fish • 16 Military • 25 Director Development • 9 Government • 17 Recreation • 25 Barry LaGrave Education • 9 Greater Minnesota • 17 Safety • 26 Assistant Director Elections • 11 Health • 18 Transportation • 26 LeClair G. Lambert Employment • 12 Higher Education • 19 Editor/Assistant Director Michelle Kibiger Assistant Editor FEATURES Mike Cook PEOPLE — Rep. Rebecca Otto (DFL-Marine on St. Croix) won a special Art & Production Coordinator election Feb. 11 to replace Mark Holsten who defeated her in the general Paul Battaglia election and resigned to become deputy commission in the Department of Writers Natural Resources. • 28 Miranda Bryant, Patty Janovec, Jeff Jones, Tom Lonergan PEOPLE — Rep. Duke Powell (R-Burnsville) won a Feb. 3 special election Chief Photographer and replaces Dan McElroy, who resigned to become the state’s finance Tom Olmscheid commissioner. • 29 Photographers Andrew Von Bank, Kristine Larsen PEOPLE — Rep. Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) is the newest member of the Office Manager House, elected Feb. 25 to fill the seat vacated by Rich Stanek, who resigned Nicole Wood to become the state’s public safety commissioner. • 30 Staff Assistants Christy Novak, Joseph Rude Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is published DEPARTMENTS/RESOURCES weekly during the legislative session by the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services, 175 State Office Building, It’s a Fact: High places • 4 Committee Schedule (April 7-11) • 36 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage Bill Introductions (HF1302-HF1468) • 31 Reflections: Minnesota Territory • 39 paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing Resources: State and Federal Offices • 35 Minnesota Index: Powering up • 40 offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, Public Information Services, Minnesota House of Representatives, 175 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155-1298.

Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, 30% post-consumer content. On the cover: Thomas A. Roman, a professional engineer with ElectroSoft Engineering Inc., makes his way up the front steps of the State Office Building on a windy and rainy April 3 to visit with his legislators about issues that affect Minnesota’s engineers. — Photo by Tom Olmscheid

2 April 4, 2003 IRST READING F★ ★ ★

William Moyers, vice president for external affairs at the Hazelden Foundation, an addic- An extra buck a pack tion treatment and recovery center, said his organization would save more than $500,000 Plan to raise the state tax on cigarettes and other tobacco annually if the state eliminates the health care products clears one House committee provider tax. “We believe in helping people who cannot help themselves,” he said, “but we are convinced that taxing the sick is not the BY JEFF JONES answer.” egislation featuring the words “tax in Provider taxes accounted for 1.4 percent of crease” can expect a cool reception from the state’s budget in 2002, according to the Lmany lawmakers this session, but on nonpartisan House Fiscal Analysis Depart- March 31 one such bill gained a warm, bipar- ment, and are primarily assessed on health care tisan endorsement from a House committee. providers, including hospitals, physicians, den- Starting July 1, purchasing a pack of ciga- tists, psychologists, and others. Money col- rettes in Minnesota would become $1 more lected from the tax goes into the state’s Health expensive if HF29 becomes law. On that same Care Access Fund, which finances the day, the cost of medical care would go down MinnesotaCare subsidized health insurance 1.5 percent because of the elimination of a program for low- and moderate-income fami- state tax on medical providers. lies and individuals. The current tax rate is That tradeoff, according to the bill’s spon- 1.5 percent of a provider’s gross expenditures, sor, Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester), means and is scheduled to jump to 2 percent in the proposed legislation amounts to a revenue January 2004. shift rather than an outright tax hike and Bradley told committee members about wouldn’t run afoul of Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s $260 million in revenue is shifting from one pledge not to raise taxes. House Speaker Rep. tax to the other. Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon) said he supports However, the fundamental difference be- the legislation as long as it produces a true tween the two taxes — their potential for dollar-for-dollar offset. growth – may change the zero-sum game rela- The bill gained compliments and approval tively quickly. While taxing tobacco is, by de- from House Health and Human Services sign, aimed at decreasing smoking in the state, Policy Committee members and will next go it may ultimately result in lower revenues from to the House Health and Human Services Fi- the tax. The health care provider tax, in con- nance Committee, which Bradley chairs, for trast, is appealing because the income it gen- evaluation of its fiscal impact. PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK erates grows consistently as health care costs Under the bill, the tax on a pack of ciga- Jeremy Hanson, from the Minnesota Smoke-Free rise. The sharp increase in costs in recent years rettes would go from 48 cents to $1.48, and Coalition, testifies before the House Health and has made the tax all the more lucrative for the taxes on other tobacco products would rise by Human Services Policy Committee March 31 in state. the same proportion. If passed, Minnesota support of a bill that would raise tax rates on ciga- Bradley said that’s why it has been so diffi- rettes and tobacco. would have one of the highest tobacco taxes cult to repeal. “The provider tax is a really in the nation. Minnesota Smoke-Free Coalition, said the sweet tax if you just look at revenue,” he said. Previous proposals to eliminate the provider proposal would reduce teen smoking by about “It will automatically increase at 10 percent a tax would have used money from the state’s 63,000, or more than 18 percent, and ulti- year. And if you like to expand government general fund surpluses or tobacco settlement mately saving the state $1 billion in medical programs and do more stuff, it fits.” fund to make up for lost revenues, but the pro- costs associated with tobacco-related ailments. Beyond the revenue, however, provider tax jected budget shortfall forced supporters to get Adult smoking rates would also go down an opponents call it bad public policy because it creative. estimated 5.7 percent, lawmakers were told. augments already skyrocketing health care Bradley said a cigarette tax is an appropri- Both aspects of the bill have the support of costs. While it’s assessed on health care pro- ate alternative given Pawlenty’s proposal to medical organizations. Dr. Gary Hanovich, viders rather than patients themselves, the cost drain the tobacco endowment to help balance president of the Minnesota Medical Associa- is usually just passed through to insurance the budget. “It gives us an alternative which tion, said tobacco use is the single most pre- providers and consumers, and state law spe- quite frankly…is superior to anything else ventable cause of death in the country. “We cifically allows them to do so. Language in the we’ve managed to do in terms of reducing the physicians see the disease caused by tobacco bill would require providers to similarly pass incidence (of smoking), particularly among use daily and we hate it,” he said. “The data is along the savings they receive from elimina- young people,” Bradley said. clear: Increasing the tobacco tax decreases to- tion of the tax. Jeremy Hanson, advocacy director for the bacco use and saves lives.” “It’s going to reduce the cost of care by

Session Weekly 3 2 percent,” said Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL- Duluth), who co-sponsors the bill. “That’s not a big amount, but if you have a 15 percent in- crease in your premium, 13 percent is better.” Huntley and other supporters said the pro- vider tax is also one of the most regressive in High places the state, disproportionately affecting low- 1931 case brought Minnesota’s first Supreme Court justice back to his roots income Minnesotans who can least afford higher medical costs. He’s probably not the first Minnesotan to put them out of business, the Legislature Critics argue the tobacco tax is the state’s on the nation’s high court that comes to in 1925 passed a law giving the courts power most regressive because low-income individu- mind, but Pierce Butler was indeed the first to suppress them from injunction.” als are much more likely to smoke than more from the state to serve as an associate jus- Hennepin County Attorney Floyd B. affluent individuals. The Minnesota Medical tice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Olson, who would later become the state’s Association’s Hanovich agrees, but said the But he left indelible marks on the court’s first farmer-labor governor, brought the first costs of tobacco use are even more regressive. history. And about halfway through his court action related to the law, and drew the “Low-income individuals do smoke at tenure, he got the opportunity to rule on a attention of a number of other newspapers higher than average rates, but they also become legal matter from home. around the country, who feared the poten- ill and die at higher rates from the diseases of Butler was born in 1866 in Dakota County. tially far-reaching implications of the law. tobacco use,” he said. “I would hope that all of He attended Carleton College and went on The case was appealed all the way to the you would be more concerned about the re- to serve as Ramsey County attorney in the Supreme Court, which declared some of gressive nature of tobacco-related death and late 1890s. He made one un- the provisions of the Min- illness than the regressive nature of tobacco successful run at the Legis- nesota law unconstitutional taxes.” lature in 1906. Instead, he on June 1, 1931. Butler was Like the provider tax, money generated by served 18 years on the Uni- one of four dissenters, and a tobacco tax would go into the dedicated versity of Minnesota Board he objected to the ruling, Health Care Access Fund, under the proposed of Regents. saying that the state had an legislation. If that fund were eliminated, as the For most of his career, interest in curtailing the governor proposes in his budget plan, the Butler was a corporate attor- nuisances such scandal money would go directly into the state’s gen- ney, representing some of the sheets presented. eral fund. nation’s largest railroads. Said Butler, It “exposes the MinnesotaCare would also change under Even after he was appointed, peace and good order of the governor’s plan, which proposes combin- as a Democrat, to the high every community and the ing it with the General Assistance Medical Care court by President Warren business and private affairs program and decreasing participation by Harding, a Republican, But- The Honorable Pierce Butler, of every individual to the ler showed his conservatism Associate Justice, United States constant and protracted tightening eligibility requirements. Supreme Court in1935. With all the proposed changes, Bradley said by opposing government false and malicious assault tobacco tax income would be sufficient to regulation of business and labor. of any insolvent publisher who may have cover MinnesotaCare costs for the next three He became known as one of the “Four purpose and sufficient capacity to contrive or four years. “I’m confidant that the will of Horsemen” on the Supreme Court, who op- and put into effect a scheme or program of the Legislature will continue to be there to pro- posed the constitutionality of nearly every oppression, blackmail, or extortion.” tect MinnesotaCare,” he said. “I think we’re New Deal initiative that came before it. Though the court saw fit to rule on the case, going to see a more sensible organization of However, he sided with a state regula- the Legislature had already seen the writing all our health plans.” tion in relation to a 1925 Minnesota law on the wall and repealed the law, Christianson Bradley also challenged Senate lawmakers that regulated certain publications. wrote, acting upon the recommendation of to examine a Senate companion bill (SF114), According to the Supreme Court Histori- Olson, governor at that point. sponsored by Sen. Sheila Kiscaden cal Society, while the court was deciding a Butler continued to serve on the court until (IP-Rochester), which currently awaits a com- 1925 case where a New York law prohibiting his death in November 1939. His later years mittee hearing. anarchy tripped up a pamphleteer and his were marked by dissent, as he dealt with the First Amendment rights, Minnesota was attempts by President Franklin Roosevelt to passing a law that would throw it right into pack the court with younger, more liberal Frequently called numbers the same stew. Though the pamphleteer’s justices. According to a history published by (Area code 651) conviction was upheld, the court acknowl- the state bar association, though the “pack- Information, House edged for the first time that First Amendment ing” plan did not succeed, it prompted a sen- 175 State Office Building ...... 296-2146 rights must also be upheld by states under timent to grant more broad powers of Chief Clerk of the House the 14th Amendment. regulation to state and local governments. 211 Capitol ...... 296-2314 In 1925, the Minnesota Legislature passed This prompted Butler’s dissent in 73 cases Information, Senate 231 Capitol ...... 296-0504 a law that said the publication of certain during his last three years on the court. TTY, Senate ...... 296-0250 newspapers constituted a nuisance. In par- (M. KIBIGER) Toll free ...... 1-888-234-1112 ticular, two Minneapolis scandal sheets were Secretary of the Senate believed to gain their livelihood from 231 Capitol ...... 296-2343 blackmailing subjects of their reporting. Said Voice mail/order bills ...... 296-2343 historian Theodore Christianson, “In order Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

4 April 4, 2003 IGHLIGHTS M ARCH 27 - APRIL 3, 2003 H★ ★ ★

by two Senate committees and awaits action services for Nicollet County, said the bill would ★ AGRICULTURE in the Senate Finance Committee. relieve county feedlot officers of additional paperwork and time spent on citizen-initiated Disease protection reviews. “The environmental review doesn’t An elk breeder questioned a proposed fund- add to the process,” she said. ing method that would expand the state’s ef- Review exemption Feedlots licensed for less than 1,000 animal Feedlots are large confined land areas with fort to control chronic wasting disease in buildings and manure drainage basins for testimony March 27 before the House Agri- units would be exempt from environmental review, under a bill approved April 1 by the breeding and raising agricultural livestock. A culture and Rural Development Finance 1,000 animal unit feedlot, for example, would Committee. House Agriculture Policy Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ozment have 300 sows. There are more than 25,000 The committee approved a bill (HF649), poultry, swine, or cattle feedlots in the state. sponsored by Rep. Howard Swenson (R-Rosemount), HF1202 would amend state law by removing feedlots between 300 and Opponents of the bill said it would take (R-Nicollet), that would require owners of away residents’ rights to question proposed deer and elk farms to register their herds with 1,000 animal units from discretionary envi- ronmental review by a county government or feedlot locations and monitor their environ- the state’s Board of Animal Health, provide an mental compliance. Feedlots with more than annual inventory, meet state requirements for requested through a citizen petition. The bill would “provide a little more effi- 1,000 animal units are required to undergo a fencing their herds, and submit brain samples state environmental review. Those with fewer of deceased animals for testing. The bill was ciency in government,” said Ozment. He said feedlot operators must meet state environmen- than 300 animal units are exempt from review. referred to the House Environment and Natu- “We believe environmental review is one of ral Resources Finance Committee. tal standards when applying for a feedlot per- mit. The permit process is handled at the local the bedrock statutes for determining informa- According to the Board of Animal Health, tion for the public and local decision makers,” there are an estimated 12,000 captive deer and level by county governments and is adminis- tered by the state Environmental Quality said Don Arnosti, policy coordinator for the elk in the state. Minnesota Environmental Partnership. He The Pawlenty Administration is proposing Board. Tina Rosenstein, director of environmental said the bill would “tie the hands” of county that the owners of captive deer and elk herds and township officials regarding their ability pay an annual inspection fee of $200 plus $4 to question proposed feedlots of fewer than for each animal in the herd. 1,000 animal units. The state general fund is expected to pro- Representatives for the Minnesota Farm vide two-thirds of an estimated $600,000 Bureau and livestock organizations expressed needed by the Board of Animal Health to an- support for the bill. nually enforce the chronic wasting disease sur- “Opponents of this change have tried to veillance program statewide. The remaining portray farmers as degrading the environ- $200,000 would come from the proposed fee. ment,” said Al Christopherson, president of the The proposed funding method is not part of Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation. “Whether HF649, but is expected to be part of an omni- we like it or not, farming has changed and will bus finance bill the committee will consider. continue to change.” The elk industry is being “singled out” to pro- Conversely, Deb Peterson of Canby, a mem- vide a substantial portion of the disease control ber of Land Stewardship, said citizen petitions program’s funding, even though the program for an environmental action worksheet are would benefit other agricultural producers, too, needed to assure feedlot operators meet state said Don Olson of Windom, treasurer of the regulations. A proposed 3,000-hog feedlot Minnesota Elk Breeders Association. The near her farm in Lac Qui Parle County is “a 322 member farms in the group average herds more environmentally sound project,” she said, of 49 animals each, he said. after neighbors discovered valid concerns by Olson said small farmers could potentially be initiating an environmental review. “Govern- driven out of elk breeding by the expense of the dis- ment officials did not protect the environ- ease control program exceeding the price they could ment,” she said. “It was the citizens.” get for their animals. Since the onset of the disease The bill was referred to the House Environ- among deer in Wisconsin during the winter of 2002, ment and Natural Resources Policy Commit- the market for elk meat has been severely damaged, tee. A companion bill (SF1281), sponsored by Olson said. Sen. Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples), awaits action Deer and elk are part of the cervidae family in the Senate Agriculture, General Legislation, susceptible to the fatal progressive brain dis- and Veterans Affairs Committee. ease caused by an abnormal protein. The state’s first cases of the disease were found last sum- mer in two farm elk, part of herds near Aitkin and Sauk Centre. Richard Draper of New Richland testifies before If you have Internet access, visit the A companion bill (SF548), sponsored by the House Agriculture Policy Committee April 1 Legislature’s web page at: Sen. Steve Dille (R-Dassel), has been approved against a bill that would modify the feedlot envi- http://www.leg.mn ronmental review process.

Session Weekly 5 Ethanol payments made it possible for states to adopt a single, As part of the project, landowners are paid The House Agriculture Policy Committee uniform, national organic food law, accord- to voluntarily idle farmland. approved a bill April 1 that would provide ing to an analysis of the bill provided by the Higher payments to farmers for permanent $35 million for ethanol producer payments, nonpartisan House Research Department. easements, versus time defined easement op- virtually the same amount Gov. Tim Pawlenty That law defines organic production to tions, “drives the decision rather than resource has proposed to cut from the program in his mean a production system that responds to needs,” said Perry Aasness, state Agriculture 2004-05 biennium budget. “site-specific conditions by integrating cul- Department assistant commissioner. Sponsored by Rep. Elaine Harder (R-Jack- tural, biological, and mechanical practices that A permanent easement brought a price of son), HF1096 would add what she described foster cycling of resources, promote ecologi- $600 per acre in the Minnesota River project, as “catch-up” payments for ethanol producer cal balance and conserve biodiversity.” $150 more than the 35-year easement option, subsidies cut by the governor for fiscal year The bill would also allow the agriculture according to the federal farm service agency’s 2003 and would allow future state money for commissioner to appoint a 14-member task Minnesota office. The vast majority of ease- ethanol production to be spent on “rural eco- force that would include organic farmers, food ment contracts were permanent. nomic infrastructure” projects like biodiesel wholesalers and retailers, an organic consumer Such decisions, “assume that we stand at the and other renewable fuels. representative, and a representative of an or- cornerstone of truth for future generations,” said The bill was referred to the House Agricul- ganic food certification agency. John Monson, state director of the Farm Service ture and Rural Development Finance Com- That group would meet twice a year and Agency. The agency’s state committee is recom- mittee, which Harder chairs. advise the Agriculture Department on “ex- mending that future conservation projects elimi- Harder said the bill would allow the state panding, improving, and developing produc- nate permanent easements, he said. “to keep its commitment” to ethanol through tion and marketing of the organic products Wayne Edgerton, agriculture policy director a proposed annual appropriation and create a of Minnesota agriculture.” The task force for the state Department of Natural Resources, pool of funds for “value-added agricultural would expire on June 30, 2005. testified in favor of keeping permanent ease- programs on the horizon.” The bill would also allow the agriculture com- ments as an option. “Farmers decide if these pro- The state’s ethanol producer payments be- missioner to spend state and federal funds to as- grams make sense to them,” said Edgerton, who gan in 1986. The governor’s proposal would sist producers to meet organic certification, also serves on the board of directors of the water continue to fund the program at 10 cents per conduct education and marketing activities, and and soil resources agency. gallon of ethanol produced, a 50 percent cut address “production or marketing obstacles to Conservation projects are proposed in from the current rate. The bill would continue the growth and well-being of the industry.” southeast Minnesota, and the Red River val- to base payments on the 20 cents per gallon The committee voted to include the bill in ley in the state’s northwest region. A 20 per- rate, with a maximum payment of $3 million an omnibus agriculture policy bill. A compan- cent state funding share is required by federal in a fiscal year to a producer. ion bill (SF990), sponsored by Sen. Steve law. For the Minnesota River project, that share Jim Boerboom, Agriculture Department Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), awaits further ac- has been provided through the Reinvestment assistant commissioner, said the bill was “a tion in the Senate Agriculture, General Legis- in Minnesota bonding program. good concept.” However, he said the depart- lation, and Veterans Affairs Committee. “Large sections of productive farmland that ment was concerned with the bill restoring was marginally environmentally-sensitive has payments at 20 cents per gallon, which would been placed under perpetual easements,” said be a 1 cent per gallon increase from legisla- Marc Stevens, president of the Chippewa tion passed in 2002. The bill “exceeds the Farmland easements County Farm Bureau. Approximately 7,800 governor’s recommendation by $32 million for A conservation program that retires envi- acres of Chippewa County farmland in the the biennium,” Boerboom said. ronmentally sensitive farmland was criticized Minnesota River basin was idled in the con- Representatives from the ethanol industry by several agriculture organizations March 27 servation program. “We strongly oppose per- and crop growers groups testified in support during a hearing before the House Agriculture petual conservation easements,” Stevens said. of the bill. and Rural Development Finance Committee. The committee took no action regarding the “For three years farmers put money into etha- Representatives of the Minnesota Farm Bu- program. nol plants and didn’t get one thing out of them,” reau Federation, as well as soybean growers said James Simonson, of Pro-Corn, an ethanol and wheat growers associations, opposed us- plant in Preston. “Please remember the farmer.” ing permanent easements to idle farmland in The bill has no Senate companion. floodplains, wetland areas, and along rivers. ★ ARTS They found allies in the state Agriculture De- partment and the U.S. Department of Dollars for art Organic promotion Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency. The federal A plan to cap the amount allocated for art A bill providing for increased state promotion Agriculture Department oversees the Conserva- in state buildings at 1 percent of the construc- of organic agriculture was approved April 1 by tion Reserve Enhancement Program, which is a tion budget or $100,000, whichever is less, was the House Agriculture Policy Committee. partnership with state and local governments. In approved April 1 by the House Capital Invest- Sponsored by Rep. Ray Cox (R-Northfield), Minnesota, the program is administered by the ment Committee. HF1213 would amend state law to define or- state Board of Water and Soil Resources. “Some expenses are getting extremely large,” ganic production in compliance with federal The Minnesota River Watershed project, said Rep. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley), regulations and create an organic advisory task which has idled approximately 100,500 acres sponsor of HF575. force to advise the agriculture commissioner of farmland since 1998, was the second con- For example, he said for a $60 million lab on improving organic agriculture, including servation reserve enhancement project funded to be built for the departments of Agriculture the marketing of products. in the United States under the federal agricul- and Health up to $600,000 could be spent on Federal law passed in the early 1990s has tural improvement and reform law.

6 April 4, 2003 Booker responded the program could con- have had to close, Gerlach said. tinue to still operate at an established 10 per- But public health officials and local govern- cent, but at 5 percent it would be extremely ment representatives say that allowing cities difficult, if not impossible. to set stiffer penalties leads to greater diligence Solberg also tried to change the capped on the part of clerks checking cigarette pur- amount to $150,000. The amendment failed. chasers’ identifications, and therefore de- A spreadsheet distributed to committee creases teen smoking. members showed a large number of the HF561 now moves to the House Civil Law projects over the 20-year program were under Committee. $100,000, Gerlach pointed out. A Senate companion bill (SF992), spon- Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL- sored by Sen. David Knutson (R-Burnsville), Mpls) said some buildings might call for more awaits action by the Senate Commerce and expensive artwork because of their architec- Utilities Committee. ture. She gave the example of the Minnesota History Center, which used a total of $389,968 on art. Gerlach responded the program could have CONSUMERS some exceptions, and might result in “reexam- ★ ined policy” with adjustments made in the future. Stop skimming The bill now goes to the House Ways and Credit card users would be protected from Means Committee. A Senate companion the unlawful practice of skimming, a form of (SF910), sponsored by Sen. Claire Robling credit card theft, under a bill approved (R-Jordan), awaits committee action. April 1. An emerging type of consumer fraud, credit card skimming, occurs when an employee of a store or restaurant processes the customer’s BUSINESS card through an electronic device, known as a ★ skimmer, that records the card number. The number is then used illegally for purchases, Tobacco penalties either over the phone or Internet. In some A bill replacing the rights of cities to set their cases the number is transferred to a blank card, Robert Booker, executive director of the Minne- own fines for tobacco sales violations with sota State Arts Board, tells members of the House which is then used as if it were a legitimate state-mandated penalties was amended on a Capital Investment Committee April 1 that it credit card. would be difficult for his board to administer the narrow vote April 2. The bill would make illegal the fraudulent Minnesota Percent for Art in Public Places pro- Sponsored by Rep. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple use of skimmers, usually small, hand-held de- gram if administrative fees were reduced from Valley), HF561 was amended on a 9-7 vote by 17 percent to 5 percent. vices that can be concealed, and re-encoding the House Local Government and Metropoli- devices, used to make fake credit cards. tan Affairs Committee. art under current legislation. Committee It also lays out a penalty of up to 90 days in Under the amendment, businesses licensed to members agreed that it was too much. jail or a fine of up to $1,000 if no money is sell tobacco would be fined up to $500 for a first The Minnesota Percent for Art in Public lost. If money is lost, then the fraud is treated violation of the law that prohibits the sale of to- Places program was established in 1984. It al- as a theft and punishable according to the bacco products to a person younger than 18. The lows for the state to appropriate 1 percent of amount of money involved. second violation within 24 months would bring the cost of a state building or renovation to be The House Commerce, Jobs, and Economic a fine of up to $1,000; the third violation, a fine allocated for art. Robert Booker, executive di- Development Policy Committee approved of up to $5,000. Subsequent violations within rector of the Minnesota State Arts Board, said HF980, sponsored by Rep. Greg Davids 24 months would bring a mandatory $5,000 fine that “no art works are placed in private areas” (R-Preston), and forwarded it to the House and the possibility of a license suspension last- that taxpayer money goes to support. Civil Law Committee. ing no more than seven days. Gerlach was also concerned with the amount A Senate companion bill (SF969), spon- The original bill would have imposed a $75 of appropriations spent on administrative costs, sored by Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), was fine for the first violation, a maximum of $200 which have averaged about 17 percent annually approved March 31 by the Senate Crime Pre- for the second violation, and either a $500 fine since the program’s inception. vention and Public Safety Committee and for- or a license suspension of up to seven days for Acknowledging the process could be warded to the Senate Finance Committee. a third violation. streamlined along with other state agencies Current law allows each city to exceed cur- dealing with budget cuts, Booker said they’re rent state-mandated minimum fines to busi- “willing to toe the line and do the same.” nesses and clerks. Also left to local control is Mortgage employees HF575 requires the program, administered the number of days a business’s tobacco license Independently owned mortgage companies by the arts board and Administration Depart- may be suspended, if a suspension is applied. required to be licensed by state law would now ment, to spend no more than 5 percent on Some cities have imposed fines and license have to register their residential mortgage administrative costs. Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL- suspension periods so extreme that businesses lending and brokering employees, under a bill Grand Rapids) offered a successful amend- have lost substantial income, and in some cases approved March 27. ment to change the number to 10 percent. Those employees would also be required to

Session Weekly 7 undergo criminal background checks for de- The bill addresses a current situation cre- requires that all gasoline sold in the state con- termination of any felony convictions, as well ated by a court ruling. According to Pam Perri tain 2.7 percent oxygen by weight. The cur- as take 30 hours of continuing education dur- Weaver, executive vice president of the Build- rent law has been in place since October 1995. ing a two-year period. The education must be ers Association of Minnesota, the Minnesota Several legislators questioned whether it was “relevant and useful” to residential mortgage appellate court in December 2001 ruled that appropriate for the state to mandate ethanol. origination work, and must include nearly homeowners do not have to file a warranty Rep. Tim Wilkin (R-Eagan) wondered aloud four hours pertaining to ethics, Minnesota claim for defects within the warranty period. why the state keeps trying to mandate prod- mortgage laws, and state or federal fair hous- This has created a loophole, she said, that is ucts grown in Dorman’s district. Perhaps, he ing and mortgage consumer protection laws. making it difficult for homebuilders to gain said, all corn growers should be mandated to HF1055, sponsored by Rep. Andrew insurance. fly only Northwest Airlines, whose headquar- Westerberg (R-Blaine), was approved by the Supporting the bill was Steve Noble, presi- ters is in Wilkin’s district. House Commerce, Jobs, and Economic Devel- dent of Noble Custom Homes in St. Cloud. Rep. Barbara Goodwin (DFL-Columbia opment Policy Committee and sent to the He said that most insurance companies are Heights) said as many of her constituents, ac- House Civil Law Committee. reluctant to insure Minnesota homebuilders cording to a survey, support alternative fuel as Pat Martyn, executive director of the Min- due to the ruling. oppose mandates of such fuels. nesota Association of Mortgage Brokers, said Noble said he has never had a claim filed Dorman responded that the bill is sup- the number of mortgage brokers in Minne- against him, yet was dropped by his insurance ported by Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, who sees it sota has increased tremendously in the past company due to the situation created by the as a means of increasing production at value- decade, and the business is very competitive. court ruling. After much searching, he found added agriculture plants that are facing cuts Homebuyers rarely make purchases with- an insurance company that would insure him, elsewhere in the state budget. In addition, out using a broker of some sort, he said. “This but his rates increased $30,000. Dorman said, rural cities are not interested in is the way mortgages are made in Minnesota.” “If I had one lawsuit against (me) it would taking state local government aid as much as Because a home purchase can be the big- wipe my business out,” Noble said. they are in expanding their own economies. gest financial transaction many consumers Current law allows a one-year warranty for Also, the bill does not mandate that the etha- undertake in their lifetimes, mortgage origi- most defects; two-year warranty for electrical, nol originate in Minnesota, Dorman said, nor nators must be well qualified with good eth- heating, and plumbing defects; and a 10-year that it be produced from corn. At least one ics, hence the proposed criminal background warranty for major defects. location in New York is producing ethanol check, Martyn said. Under the bill, vendors and home improve- from garbage, he said. The employees would not have to register ment contractors would not be liable if the loss Rejected on a 9-6 vote was an amendment by themselves with the Department of Com- or damage was not reported by the home- Rep. Tony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) that would merce, under the bill. Rather, their employer owner in writing within six months of the de- have mandated that 50 percent of all steel and would do so by listing the individuals’ names, fect being discovered. The bill includes many iron materials used in constructing public build- and stating that each person has completed the exemptions, including damage from normal ings in the state originate in Minnesota. educational requirement and undergone a shrinkage caused by drying of the home, and A Senate companion bill (SF895), spon- criminal background check. damage from dampness and condensation due sored by Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont), awaits Companies that would be exempt are those to insufficient ventilation after occupancy. committee action. currently not required by state law to be li- Also exempt are claims for defects discovered censed, including mortgage companies affili- after one, two, and 10 years, respectively, from ated with banks, credit unions, and financial the warranty dates covered by current law. institutions, said Kevin Murphy, deputy com- An amendment was voted down by the ★ CRIME missioner with the Department of Commerce. committee that would have awarded “The department is not intending to build a homeowners attorney fees when successfully DNA samples big database,” he said, adding that the program suing for breach of warranty. It was offered by Minnesota would continue collecting DNA is meant to be self-regulating and that the de- Rep. Barbara Goodwin (DFL-Columbia samples from convicted felons under a bill partment does not expect to field questions Heights). approved by the House Judiciary Policy and from the public about registered mortgage A Senate companion bill (SF289), spon- Finance Committee March 27. originators. sored by Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), As a part of anti-terrorism legislation passed A Senate companion bill (SF1083), spon- awaits committee action. in 2002 and scheduled to expire this year, the sored by Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls), state began taking DNA samples from anyone awaits committee action. convicted of any felony-level crime for use in Gas content future analyses. The state has required DNA All gasoline sold in Minnesota would have samples be collected from sex offenders since to contain 9.8 percent ethanol by volume, un- 1988 and from people convicted of certain vio- Warranty coverage der a bill approved on a split vote by the House lent and property crimes since 1999, but the Buyers of new homes would find stricter Commerce, Jobs, and Economic Development 2002 law was the first to require specimens rules governing defects covered by warranties, Policy Committee April 1. from all felony offenders. In addition, it also under a bill heard April 1. HF899, sponsored by Rep. Dan Dorman requires anyone currently serving prison sen- HF730, sponsored by Rep. Larry Howes (R-Albert Lea), now moves to the House Ag- tences for felony crimes to submit DNA (R-Walker), was approved by the House Com- riculture Policy Committee, with an additional samples before release. merce, Jobs, and Economic Development stop expected at the transportation policy HF382, sponsored by Rep. Steve Smith Policy Committee and referred to the House committee. (R-Mound), the committee chair, would make Civil Law Committee. The bill would amend current law, which

8 April 4, 2003 the 2002 law permanent by removing a July 1, “You know you need this witness, but you union wages or pay dues to labor unions. Cur- 2003 sunset date. haven’t been able to prepare until the end be- rently when the state or local governments ac- The law also applies to juveniles convicted of cause of your caseloads.” cept bids on building projects, part of the felony-level crimes, but it does not require Lipman said other kinds of lab reports are negotiation could include project labor agree- samples from juveniles currently serving jail time. already subject to the 10-day rule, and having ments. The agreements are not legally required, Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul) said he a consistent standard makes preparing for but can guarantee workers would not strike. thought requiring specimens from non- cases easier for everyone. For projects that include both union and violent felons was unnecessary, and Rep. Keith The committee approved the bill and re- nonunion workers, nonunion contractors Ellison (DFL-Mpls) asked why courts aren’t ferred it to the House Floor. must pay union prevailing wages. Part of the given discretion in ordering DNA samples, A Senate companion (SF942), sponsored by wage goes to union funds, even if the worker especially from juveniles. Sen. Satveer Chaudhary (DFL-Fridley), awaits isn’t a member of a union. Smith responded that his bill merely contin- committee action. Robert Heise, president of the Minnesota As- ues the policy established by a prior Legislature. sociation of Builders and Contractors, testified A Senate committee amended a companion that small business owners are being discrimi- bill (SF239), sponsored by Sen. Dave Kleis nated against, and the agreements cost taxpay- (R-St. Cloud), by extending the law’s sunset DEVELOPMENT ers more dollars because of the requirement of date from 2003 to 2005. It awaits further com- ★ paying union wages to nonunion employees. mittee action. Labor contracts Heise said there is an “implied threat” for Project labor agreements, which are some- units of governments if they don’t sign an times included in state and local building agreement, thus nonunion contractors have to Scientists in court projects, could soon be a part of the past, un- work under the same kind of contract as a der a bill approved March 31 by the House union contractor. Saying the state’s forensic scientists are more Governmental Operations and Veterans Af- Dick Anfang, president of Minnesota Build- useful in the laboratory than in courtrooms, fairs Policy Committee. ing and Construction Trades Council, ac- Rep. Eric Lipman (R-Lake Elmo) brought a bill Rep. Barb Sykora (R-Excelsior), the sponsor knowledged the threat and said it should be before the House Judiciary Policy and Finance of HF931, said it would create “fairness in con- taken as such. He said small nonunion con- Committee March 27 that would make it easier tracts” and “save taxpayer’s money.” The bill pro- tractors don’t have enough workers to com- for written reports to take the place of scien- hibits the state and local governments from plete a large project, so they have to hire union tists in criminal court hearings. requiring a nonunion contractor to pay workers workers and pay corresponding wages. Sitting next to Bureau of Criminal Appre- Citing good success with project labor hension Assistant Lab Director David Petersen, agreements, Anfang explained that they cre- Lipman asked committee members, “Is the EAL PLAN ate a partnership among participating entities. best use of his time testifying as to the chain M Also, he emphasized the wages taken from a of custody of a lab specimen, or would we nonunion worker’s pay can be obtained by the rather have him at his lab bench reducing the worker upon joining the union. backlog of specimens and conducting tests on “If everybody doesn’t win, then nobody public crime evidence?” wins,” said Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson). As Lipman is sponsoring HF909, which would a small business owner for 30 years, Hilty said allow courts to consider a written report about he’s always tried to charge the least amount how and when evidence in a laboratory was for a product and pay the most to his employ- handled as evidence in a case. Currently, sci- ees. An opponent of the bill, Hilty added that entists must appear in person to certify that his business has stayed alive doing that for the kind of information. Under the bill, defendants common good. could still subpoena scientists to appear up to Sykora said the bill has nothing to do with 10 days before a trial date. private companies; rather the bill creates a “There were approximately eight or nine “level playing field.” times last year when four or five or six scien- The bill now goes to House Commerce, Jobs, tists, because of the way we now handle evi- and Economic Development Policy Commit- dence within the laboratory, were required to tee. A Senate companion (SF1161), sponsored go testify that ‘Yes, indeed this is a package I by Sen. Brian LeClair (R-Woodbury), awaits have touched,’” Petersen said. “I hope to be able committee action. to increase the efficiency and keep the scien- tists working in those instances where it really is not necessary for a scientist or staff member to show up in court.” Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL-Mpls) said he wor- PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK ★ EDUCATION ried the bill would put too much pressure on Deputy Corrections Commissioner Dennis public defenders who already face the pros- Benson answers questions from the House Surcharge for student learning pect of rising caseloads due to budget cuts. Judiciary Policy and Finance Committee An education telecommunications fund “The thing that I’m worried about is, you’ve April 2 about a bill that would modify the fre- based on a phone bill surcharge of 25 cents a quency of inmate meals and prohibit des- month would be established under a bill ap- got 120 cases that come up for trial every day. serts to inmates. The bill is proposed as a way Here comes the deadline. Bam, you missed it. to help with the state’s budget situation. proved April 1 by the House Regulated Now you’ve only got eight days,” Ellison said. Industries Committee.

Session Weekly 9 Sponsored by Rep. Bob Gunther judicial review option, but only after the edu- Crithley said there were 70 new high school (R-Fairmont), HF794 would provide funding cation commissioner has reviewed and ruled varsity basketball coaches in the state this past to maintain and expand an Internet network on the decision. The bill would allow a school season, a turnover he attributed to younger in the state that connects K-12 public schools, district to implement an expulsion decision coaches leaving due to the volatility of the job. public libraries, and the state’s colleges and during an appeal. Bob Meeks, representing the Minnesota universities. Bob Brick, representing the Coalition for School Boards Association, did not oppose the “This is the only network for K-12 schools Students with Disabilities, spoke in opposition bill but said he had concerns about it. Coaches and public libraries,” said Peg Werner, chair to the bill. The state education department, he are unique, Meeks said, and can be employed of the Minnesota Library Association’s tele- said, “is in a better position than the court of by a school district in a status different from communications committee. “If it’s gone, there appeals to protect special education students’ teachers. Their work is “out of the classroom” is no Internet,” she said. The network has been rights.” in a voluntary student extracurricular activ- built over the past seven years with federal Of 1,529 student expulsions in the state ity, he said. funding, as well as incremental state funding during the past five years, Brick said, He opposed the bill’s requirement that that has expired, she said. 14 percent involved students with disabilities. school boards hold a public meeting to air The telecommunications fund money He said 45 expulsion cases were appealed to grievances related to a coach. “Some reasons would come from a 25-cent surcharge on the the education commissioner and four cases should be made public and some should not monthly bill for each wireless or hardwire line were appealed to the court. be,” Meeks said. customer for voice or data services. The sur- Roger Aronson, counsel for the Minnesota A companion bill in the Senate (SF708), charge is expected to raise $16 million a year. Association of Elementary and Secondary sponsored by Sen. Steve Dille (R-Dassel), The fund would be administered by the School Principals, said, “Districts have a lot of awaits action in the Senate Education Department of Children, Families and Learn- discretion to draft expulsion policies.” Keep the Committee. ing, with program oversight by the Minnesota discipline process closer to the local level, he Education Telecommunications Council. said and, “it will be better.” Schools and public libraries that receive tele- A companion bill (SF1031), sponsored by Contract services communications funds from the state would Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), A bill that would allow school districts to be required to apply for discounted rates from awaits action in the Senate Education negotiate contracts for non-instructional ser- telecommunications service providers. Committee. vices caused a lively debate April 2 at the House Buzz Anderson, representing the Minnesota Education Finance Committee meeting. Retailers Association, said the bill was a “bad Sponsored by Rep. Phil Krinkie idea” because it would increase business costs Coaching change (R-Shoreview), HF1109 would amend state in the state. Large retailers and service com- A school district would be required to pro- law to allow school boards to “unilaterally con- panies have “thousands of phone lines,” he vide written reasons for not renewing a var- tract or subcontract for services” like food ser- said. sity head coach’s annual contract, under a bill vice, building maintenance, and For rural school districts, the Internet learn- approved April 1 by the House Education transportation, unless prohibited by a union ing network is essential, said Vernae Policy Committee and referred to the full contract. Hasbargen, executive director of the Minne- House. The bill would also set a 45-day mediation sota Rural Education Association. “It’s the one The bill states the reasons would have to be period for contract negotiations if either the vehicle we have to equalize access to learning given within 10 days of the coach’s request. union or management declares an impasse. opportunities,” she said. Sponsored by Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove Either party could terminate the collective The bill next goes to the House Education City), HF680 would amend state law to also bargaining agreement after the mediation pe- Finance Committee. require that school boards provide “timely riod expired, according to the bill. A companion bill (SF766), sponsored by notice” for a dismissed coach and a “reason- The committee took no action on the bill. Sen. Steve Kelley (DFL-Hopkins), awaits ac- able opportunity” for the coach to respond to Krinkie said the bill would provide school tion in the Senate Commerce and Utilities his or her dismissal at a public meeting. boards with the “inherent right to contract Committee. “It simply is a mater of fairness,” said Urdahl, with whoever they choose,” for a teacher with 25 years of high school coach- noninstructional services. ing experience. He said the bill would provide “All this is is a union busting amendment to current law,” said Rep. Barbara Goodwin Fighting an expulsion coaches, who have annual contracts with a (DFL-Columbia Heights). “It will be detri- The appeal of a public school student’s ex- school district, similar hearing rights as those mental to school districts in the long run.” pulsion would go directly to the state Court provided a probationary teacher. The bill Representatives of school boards, school of Appeals, under a bill approved April 1 by would apply to unlicensed coaches, as well as administrator organizations, and business the House Education Policy Committee and coaches who are licensed teachers. groups testified in support of the bill. Repre- referred to the House floor. John Erickson, executive director of the sentatives of unions representing school dis- Sponsored by Rep Mark Buesgens Minnesota State High School Coaches Asso- trict employees opposed it. (R-Jordan), HF822 would amend state law that ciation and Tom Crithley, the group’s execu- Duane Benson, executive director of the now requires an expulsion appeal to go to the tive director of boys basketball, testified in Minnesota Business Partnership, said the bill commissioner of the Department of Children, support of the bill. would provide school districts “the opportu- Families and Learning. “Some parents want to pick and choose the nity to save some money” by allowing more The bill would remove “the middle step” in high school coach,” Erickson said. He said the contracting. appeals of a school expulsion decision, bill would not weaken a local school board’s Charles Kyte, executive director of the Min- Buesgens said. Current law provides the control. nesota Association of School Administrators

10 April 4, 2003 said, “Even having the option (of more school district’s requirement to maintain spe- asked whether the bill would apply to televi- contracting) available will increase efficiency cial education services while all other areas sion ads. An example, he explained, was an ad with existing employees.” sustain reductions.” for U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman in which video The bill would “send a bad message” to The bill would allow the state’s education of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone giving a speech school district employees, said Chris Cowen, commissioner to select up to three other was used, and the speed of the video was political action director for the American Fed- school districts that are geographically diverse slowed down so significantly that the sound eration of State, County, and Municipal Em- to be waived from the special education re- was distorted. Seifert said the ad would be con- ployees Council 14. quirements and study ways services can be sidered campaign material, which would be Frank Miskowiec, president of Service Em- more efficiently delivered. covered by the bill. But, he added, the bill ployees International Union Local 63 in Min- The commissioner would be required to would only effect state and local elections, not neapolis, which represents 400 school present the results of the district reports to the federal. custodians, said his union has agreed to pay Legislature by Feb. 1, 2006 and recommend A suggestion was made by Rep. Paul Thissen freezes in the past when the school district any changes to state law regarding special (DFL-Mpls) to amend the bill to not allow any faced budget problems. The bill would “open education. use of an opponent’s picture. Solberg said al- schools to companies that care more about the A companion bill (SF399), sponsored by though he’s never used a photo of someone bottom line than our kids,” he said. Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (IP-Rochester), awaits running against him, he’s “reluctant to ban a Krinkie said it was an “insult” for opponents action in the Senate Education Committee. photo completely.” of the bill to suggest school districts would use A companion bill (SF899), sponsored by contracting of services to “put employees on Sen. Michele Bachmann (R-Stillwater), awaits the street.” committee action. A companion bill (SF1315), sponsored by ELECTIONS Sen. Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista), awaits action ★ in the Senate Education Committee. Distorted images Younger voters Rep. Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) says he An effort to increase the number of young wants to put a stop to using distorted photo- people at the polls was approved by the House Mandate review graphs of opponents in campaign material. Governmental Operations and Veterans Af- State special education requirements that To accomplish that, Seifert presented ex- fairs Policy Committee March 27. exceed federal mandates would be examined amples of altered pictures in campaign litera- HF440 would require school districts to by the Rochester School District and perhaps ture to the House Governmental Operations make voter registration forms available twice three others, under a bill approved April 1 by and Veterans Affairs Policy Committee a school year to certain students. the House Education Policy Committee. March 27. In one picture, a candidate’s teeth “This would further encourage young Sponsored by Rep. Carla Nelson (R-Roch- had been changed to appear crooked. people to vote,” said Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL- ester), HF936 would allow the selected school He is sponsoring a bill (HF807) that would Mpls), who sponsors the bill. He said the gen- districts an exemption from certain state re- take away public funds to candidates running eral idea is to get high school seniors registered, quirements for three years while they exam- for office, if a legislator were found guilty of so they can vote in the next election. He said ine such areas as pre-referral interventions for the offense. Seifert said the bill would make that voting rates for young people are far be- school students with disabilities and service “everyone be nice to each other.” The commit- low rates for other ages. delivery issues with other agencies. The dis- tee approved the bill and referred it to the Acknowledging that some school districts tricts participating in the pilot program would House floor. are already providing forms, Thissen explained report their findings to the state Department Minnesota is one of the only states that of- the bill would extend to all schools in the state. of Children, Families and Learning by fers a subsidy program to individuals running Rep. Eric Lipman (R-Lake Elmo) asked why Nov. 1, 2005. for office, said Seifert. “Only Maine has some- the bill requires the distribution to occur in Nelson said the bill addresses those state thing similar,” he added. May and September. special education mandates “that go over and Committee members agreed the intent was Thissen responded that some high school above the federal law.” The bill was referred to honorable, but some voiced concerns over the seniors turn 18 in the beginning of the school the full House. potential violation of free speech. Rep. John year, and some near the end. Jerry Williams, Rochester schools superin- Lesch (DFL-St. Paul) said campaigning is one Questions were raised over language that tendent, said the bill would allow the district of the “highest forms of free speech” and lan- said school districts “shall provide” the forms to look at four special education mandates to guage in the bill doesn’t define a distorted thereby making the law a mandate. Rep. Lynda “find efficiencies but still retain quality in the photograph. Boudreau (R-Faribault) said schools already program.” Seifert said he was willing to accept any have enough tasks to do. An amendment was Charles Kyte, executive director of the Min- amendments to “fix-up” the bill. made to say the schools “shall make available.” nesota Association of School Administrators, An amendment was added that addressed “If we can find any way to encourage our said the bill would provide “a reasonable and the questions of “clarity, coloring, or features young people to become voters, it’s the right modest way to reduce paperwork and bureau- altered from the original.” thing to do,” said Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL- cracy associated with special education.” Seifert said he doesn’t expect the bill to pass Grand Rapids). He said mandates are in the “All school districts in Minnesota will be and was using it as a measure to bring both “eyes of the beholder whether it’s good or not.” making reductions in programs in all areas political parties together, in hopes of each sign- He added that this is “an inexpensive one.” over the next two years,” Kyte wrote in a state- ing a legally binding document to not delib- The bill now moves to the House floor. A ment provided to the committee. “As these re- erately distort photographs in campaign Senate companion (SF658), sponsored by Sen. ductions are made, regular education parents literature. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls), awaits committee will become increasingly frustrated by (a) Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand Rapids) action.

Session Weekly 11 Homemaker assistance support the family due to separation, divorce, or ★ EMPLOYMENT A program helping homemakers, forced by the death or disability of a spouse. It is not as much an employment program as it is a pre- Fund depletion misfortune to become breadwinners, gain access to the workforce may have found a way to gain employment program, Oldendorf said. The state paid out more than $1 billion in state funding, despite that its budget was zeroed Many clients do not have proper education unemployment benefits to laid-off and unem- out in the governor’s proposed budget. or training to enter the workforce. Perhaps ployed workers last year. As a result, the state The Displaced Homemaker Program would they don’t have transportation, health care, or pool paying out the benefits went in the red earn $660,000 a year by increasing marriage childcare. And some suffer from depression. and began borrowing money from the federal licenses fee by $20, under HF849, sponsored The 12 regional partner locations through- government in February. by Rep. Dale Walz (R-Brainerd). out the state that offer displaced homemaker A bill (HF831) approved April 1 by the The bill was approved by the House Jobs and services provide workshops, personal and House Commerce, Jobs, and Economic Devel- Economic Development Finance Committee employment support groups, self-esteem opment Policy Committee would change the April 2 and now moves to the House Judiciary building activities, personal and vocational formula by which employers pay into the fund Policy and Finance Committee. counseling, and leadership development. The in hopes of keeping it solvent. The bill now Yvette Oldendorf, the president emeritus of aim is to help clients identify skills, and seek moves to the House Jobs and Economic De- Career Solutions, said that when the program training or employment. velopment Finance Committee. originally began in 1974 it was funded through Nearly 1,500 people were served in fiscal Under current law, the base tax rate paid by an additional fee attached to marriage and di- year 2002. Of those, 35.3 percent became em- all taxpaying employers fluctuates between vorce licenses. ployed with an average wage of $9.66 an hour, one-tenth and six-tenths of 1 percent of tax- “We believe this is one partial way of con- and 20.5 percent engaged in job training or able wages, depending on how much money tinuing this very important program,” education. is in the unemployment insurance trust fund. Oldendorf said. The proposal would only raise A Senate companion bill (SF835), sponsored When the fund is low, a higher rate is collected. one-third of the program’s previous budget, by Sen. Richard Cohen (DFL-St. Paul), awaits The exact amount to be paid for the following requiring additional fundraising, she added. action by the Senate Finance Committee. calendar year is based on the fund balance on In the 2002-03 biennium, the program was June 30 of each year. funded through $1 million in state workforce Sponsored by Rep. Bob Gunther development funds and $827,000 in federal (R-Fairmont), the bill would continue to ad- Sharing personal information Temporary Assistance to Needy Families just the base rate employers pay to the fund Individuals enrolled in state employment (TANF) funding. by comparing the fund balance on March 31 and training programs could find their hours- A displaced homemaker is a person who cared of any year to the percentage of total wages worked and wages-earned data, as well as their for her home and family exclusively for at least paid to employees in the previous year. Accord- Social Security number, being shared with two years, but now must seek employment to ing to nonpartisan House research staff, this other state agencies, under a bill approved has the effect of comparing the balance to the April 1. fund’s “exposure.” The more being paid in LIVING INDEPENDENTLY HF1087, sponsored by Rep. Lynne Osterman wages, the more the fund may need to pay out (R-New Hope), relates to data submitted to the in benefits if unemployment rates rise. Department of Economic Security, which ad- Calculations in the bill indicate that the rate ministers the unemployment insurance system. would fluctuate between one-tenth and The data, required of all employers who meet fourth-tenths of 1 percent of taxable wages. certain employee thresholds, is provided in sum- Under the bill, payments to the unemployed mary form to workforce centers operated could also be delayed. Current law allows the throughout the state. state to delay unemployment benefits for up But the summary format isn’t enough, ac- to four weeks when an employee collects sick cording to John Schaber, management infor- leave or severance pay after being laid off. The mation systems manager with the workforce bill would determine the weeks of delay by center in Rochester, which is operated by dividing the severance package by the Workforce Development Inc. Schaber said his employee’s weekly pay. agency would like to track the wage data of As part of the bill’s discussion, Department employed individuals that have benefited from of Economic Security Commissioner Harry center training and education. Doing so would Mares announced that recent Northwest Air- help the agency evaluate how its services con- lines layoffs are hitting hard in Minnesota. Of tribute to improved wages. the 4,900 layoffs announced, 1,990 are in Min- To extrapolate such specific data, the agency nesota, centered in Rochester, Duluth, and the would need the Social Security number, Schaber Twin Cities. The department has applied for a said. HF1087 would allow the data to be shared

$13.9 million federal grant to serve those laid- PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID by the state with state agencies, such as the off employees. Lea Martin, right, of Bloomington wipes a tear workforce center, for up to three years, provided A Senate companion bill (SF864), spon- as she testifies April 1 before the House Jobs that the individual gave consent at the onset of sored by Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), and Economic Development Finance Com- the training and education program. awaits action by the full Senate. mittee on proposed funding cuts to indepen- Under current practice, all clients sign a data dent living programs. David Hancox, executive director of the Metropolitan Cen- practices act waiver, Schaber said. Further- ter for Independent Living, is seated at left. more, no private information about the

12 April 4, 2003 individual would be shared with the public. The bill would pay $9,000 for placing a pro- Among the $6.8 million in proposed reduc- In addition, the bill would allow the shar- gram graduate in a job that pays at least $9 an tions to the Board of Water and Soil Resources ing of wage and employment data with agen- hour plus health care benefits, and $9,000 in a budget, funding for voluntary local water plan- cies in other states without an individual’s retention grant when a client maintains a job ning activities outside the Twin Cities metro- consent for the purpose of comparing the ef- for at least one year that pays at least $10 an politan area would be eliminated. fectiveness of federal Workforce Investment hour plus health care benefits. Those reductions would limit river clean- Act programs. The act is intended to improve To qualify for the funding, the bill states that ups and shoreline improvements, said Terry coordination among organizations engaged in programs must spend at least $15,000 per Polsfuss of Clear Lake. Water planning activi- workforce development activities and to en- graduate on education and training in basic ties are so important to his lake association, hance employment services. skills, thinking skills, and personal qualities. he added, that they hold pancake breakfasts Several legislators voiced concern about Babette Pohtilla, corporate human resources and sell bratwursts to leverage as many addi- sharing personal data, including Rep. Tom manager with SuperValu, said her company tional dollars as possible. Rukavina (DFL-Virginia). “This sharing of has hired more than 20 graduates of the pro- “Investment in water management is an in- information is frightening,” he said. gram. “We feel that the program is very, very vestment in the future,” said Brad Wozney, The bill was heard March 27 and April 1 by important to us.” Wright County Soil and Water Conservation the House Commerce, Jobs, and Economic Program graduate Jesse Mahoney, now an District water resource specialist. Development Policy Committee and now goes associate at Community Fitness Today, called Water quality was also addressed from a to the House Civil Law Committee. An amend- the program “truly a blessing.” hunter’s perspective. “I’m not trying to pro- ment to add language increasing the state The group expects to serve 1,580 people in mote a crisis mentality, but my canary in the minimum wage, offered by Rukavina, was re- the next two years. coal mine is the mallard duck,” said John jected by the committee, 16-10. A Senate companion bill (SF921), spon- Schroers of the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage A Senate companion bill (SF687), spon- sored by Sen. Linda Scheid (DFL-Brooklyn Alliance. Schroers urged the committee to ear- sored by Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), was Park), awaits committee action. mark a portion of state lottery dollars allocated approved by the Senate Jobs, Housing, and to environmental interests for water quality Community Development Committee and improvements that would sustain larger, awaits further action. healthier flocks of waterfowl. ★ ENVIRONMENT The committee will consider the testimony as it prepares its omnibus finance bill. Recycling faces reductions Preparing to work Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s environmental budget A program that predominantly helps men for the next biennium could significantly di- of color in the Twin Cities metropolitan area minish recycling, waste management, and wa- Land swaps and sales would receive state money for continuing to ter planning activities in the state, according A bill that would authorize a number of state place clients in jobs and helping them stay to public testimony before the House Environ- land transactions cleared the House Environ- there, under a bill heard April 2. ment and Natural Resources Finance Commit- ment and Natural Resources Policy Commit- Sponsored by Rep. Lynne Osterman tee April 1. tee April 1. (R-New Hope), HF1012 will be considered by Under the governor’s proposal, SCORE The main policy change, according to bill the House Jobs and Economic Development grants through the Office of Environmental sponsor Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker), would Finance Committee for inclusion in its omni- Assistance would be cut by $5 million in fiscal allow the Department of Natural Resources bus finance bill. years 2004-05. (DNR) to acquire certain lands in state recre- The bill would provide funding for a non- SCORE is a commonly used acronym that has ation areas without first seeking legislative profit group called “Twin Cities RISE!” and any retained its name from the Select Committee on approval. other program meeting funding qualifications. Recycling and the Environment, which recom- Under HF810, language authorizing a According to founder and chairman, Steven mended more than a decade ago the path Min- whitewater trail on the Mississippi River in Rothschild, the program is proposing a unique nesota should take toward a comprehensive Minneapolis is modified to be less restrictive method of state funding that would only pay waste management and recycling system. in its boundary designation. Currently, the law for successful graduates, not for the number There are no net savings in cuts to recycling limits kayakers and others to an area below the of individuals served. programs because the money will eventually Stone Arch Bridge and the bill would clarify “We believe that being paid for numbers have to be spent on landfills, Fridley Environ- that the trail follows a larger route near served is old thinking and rewards process, not mental Planner Julie Jones said. “People don’t St. Anthony Falls. performance,” Rothschild wrote in a letter sub- consume less just because a recycling program The bill would also grant legislative approval mitted to the committee that accompanied his isn’t there.” of land sales, exchanges, or acquisitions in the testimony. SCORE funding supports the educational following designated areas: The group aims to provide employers with component that is the “consciousness of recy- • Fort Snelling State Park; skilled workers, primarily men from commu- cling,” said Tom Troskey, recycling manager for • Grand Portage State Park; nities of color, by training under-employed Rock-Tenn Company, an international packag- • Lake Bemidji State Park; and unemployed adults for skilled jobs pay- ing and recycled paper manufacturer with a plant • Tettegouche State Park; ing at least $20,000 annually. RISE! clients have in St. Paul. Demand for recycled fiber is growing • Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation many problems to overcome in gaining em- on an international level, Troskey said. Area; ployment, Rothschild said — 50 percent are “Recycling adds jobs to the Minnesota • Paul Bunyan State Forest; ex-offenders and more than 65 percent have a economy,” said St. Paul-based paper industry • Savanna State Forest; history of substance abuse. union representative Jerry Parzino. • Waukenabo State Forest; and

Session Weekly 13 • Big Bog State Recreation Area. consolidate references to timber areas, sale ar- Land would be deleted in the following eas, or permit areas under one new term: for- ★ ETHICS areas: estry administrative area. Hearing date set • Tettegouche State Park; Under current law, the state has the right to A hearing for an ethics complaint filed • Foot Hills State Forest; take cut timber if the permit holder has not against Rep. Arlon Lindner (R-Corcoran) has • Kabetogama State Forest; properly marked the wood. been scheduled for April 7 sometime after the • Mississippi State Forest; and “It’s a little harsh for forgetting to put up a House floor session. • Red Lake Wildlife Management Area. poster, or more likely the poster was vandal- The date was finalized during a March 31 The bill would also offer the Fond du Lac ized,” Ford said. The bill would instead desig- meeting of the House Ethics Committee, in Band of Chippewa Indians the first option to nate the offense as trespassing. which members laid out the process to be used, buy tax-forfeited lands that may become avail- Another provision of the bill is designed to and discussed whether formal subpoenas able for sale on the Fond du Lac Indian Reser- help the logging community, particularly should be issued to potential witnesses. vation. The sponsor of the measure (originally smaller outfits, with bond requirements by As for the process, each side will be allotted introduced as HF1193), Rep. Bill Hilty offering a “performance deposit” option that 30 minutes to present their case and can be (DFL-Finlayson), said the band is in need of would entail a smaller bond amount. questioned by the committee for 15 minutes. land for housing development. The bill would “simplify cash flows, simplify In addition, Lindner or his representatives will Another provision would permit the state lives, and simplify business practices” for tim- have 15 minutes to question the individuals to unload seven city lots in Blackduck for less ber producers and the DNR, according to bringing the complaint. Each side will also be than appraised value. The parcel has been Wayne Brandt, a lobbyist for the Minnesota permitted a 15-minute closing statement. The through three public auctions and an adjoin- Timber Producers Association. committee may then choose to meet in an ex- ing landowner has approached the DNR with The bill now moves to the House floor. ecutive session to determine if there is suffi- a tentative offer. The forestry division would A Senate companion bill (SF888), cient probable cause for a violation. An like to “dispose of this land to eliminate main- sponsored by Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand announcement on the committee’s decision tenance costs,” according to the DNR. Rapids), awaits action by the Senate Environ- would likely come at a separate meeting. The bill also would authorize the private sale ment and Natural Resources Committee. Eight DFL members filed the complaint of acreage in Crane Lake near the Canadian March 11, saying that when Lindner expressed border. The DNR has determined the land his belief that homosexuals may not have been would serve a better purpose if it were sold to Easing bureaucratic burdens persecuted during the Nazi Holocaust, his con- adjacent cabin owners who need to replace A bill (HF1054) that aims to lessen the ad- duct violated “accepted norms of House be- their leaking septic tanks with a community ministrative weight on solid waste managers havior” and that his comments “bring the system. in 80 Greater Minnesota counties and the House into dishonor or disrepute.” If prob- Finally, the bill would re-establish the Min- Western Lake Superior Sanitary District was able cause for a violation is found, the penal- erals Coordinating Commission as a state- approved by the House Environment and ties Lindner could face range from censure to supported resource to promote research and Natural Resources Policy Committee April 2. expulsion from the House. Such actions re- development of mining assets. The bill now goes before the full House. quire a majority vote of the full House. The bill moves to the House Governmental When integrated solid waste planning be- The committee, on a 2-2 vote, also chose not Operations and Veterans Affairs Policy gan in earnest in the 1980s, administrators to allow the issuance of subpoenas for those Committee. were required to renew their plans with the that may testify at the hearing. A Senate companion (SF935), sponsored by state every five years, said Rep. Denny Jim Anderson, an attorney representing Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids), McNamara (R-Hastings), the bill’s sponsor. Lindner, previously said that he wants to sub- awaits action by the Senate Environment and The systems are relatively stable now and poena all eight DFLers who filed the complaint Natural Resources Committee. changing filing requirements to every 10 years against his client. would allow solid waste staff to spend more “We have someone being charged with time implementing programs than updating something that could cost him his seat in the Simplifying timber sales plans, he said. Legislature and to think that this Ethics Com- A bill that the Department of Natural Re- The bill also modifies Office of Environ- mittee could deny his defense I think is shame- sources (DNR) and the logging community mental Assistance planning rules that solid ful. There will be no legitimacy to these agree is a way to simplify and standardize tim- waste administrators have said do not reflect proceedings if the defense cannot have who ber sales was approved by the House Environ- the demographic, regional, and geographic they want to testify,” said Rep. Greg Davids ment and Natural Resources Policy differences between counties. (R-Preston). “The problem is, what if some Committee April 2. “We all know that it’s not a one-size-fits- complainants don’t come.” The bill (HF859) is basically two-thirds all,” said Bob Meier, a pollution control spe- “My impression is that to issue subpoenas technical corrections and one-third new pro- cialist with the office. “We want to make sure to the complainants is probably not necessary,” visions to help the economy in northern Min- the county planning reflects that, as well.” said Rep. Tom Pugh (DFL-South St. Paul). nesota by allowing some flexibility in timber A Senate companion (SF1001), sponsored “There’s probably a good chance all eight will sales, said Doug Ford, DNR timber sales pro- by Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids), be here in any event. ... If in fact something is gram supervisor. has been sent to the Senate floor. drastically short in terms of the testimony we The bill is sponsored by Rep. Doug Lindgren receive as to whether or not we can make a (R-Bagley). decision, we can issue subpoenas and continue Much of the statutory language governing the hearing to a later date.” timber sales has not been updated since 1925, The complaint is signed by five Minneapolis Ford said. For example, the bill would

14 April 4, 2003 DFLers (Rep. Karen Clark, Rep. Keith Ellison, Tribal casino plan Rep. Frank Hornstein, Rep. Margaret Anderson A proposed casino that would have been a Kelliher, and Rep. Neva Walker), Rep. Lyndon partnership between the state and one or more Carlson (DFL-Robbinsdale), House Minority American Indian tribal governments was rejected Leader Matt Entenza (DFL-St. Paul), and April 1 by the House Governmental Operations Rep. Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park). and Veterans Affairs Policy Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Haas (R-Champlin), HF1020 would have permitted the Minnesota State Lottery to operate gaming machines at a facility somewhere in the Twin Cities metro- ★ FAMILY politan area. The facility would offer both slot machines and card games. Custody changes Under the plan, 60 percent of the casino The House took action March 27 to allow proceeds would go to the Red Lake Nation and parents to give up custody of a child to some- White Earth Band of American Indians, one outside their family, as long as all parties groups that currently do not receive gaming agree to the change. revenue that other tribes receive from their HF457/SF356*, sponsored by Rep. Mary Liz own gaming facilities. Among the benefits to Holberg (R-Lakeville), changes a law that cur- the state is a 20 percent tax on gross revenue rently only allows parents to give custody of a (wagering minus prize money), 90 percent of child to another family member. “Given that which would go the state’s general fund. both parents have to agree to this, it seems fair The bill was laid over in the committee the that in some instances maybe it isn’t a family previous week so more information could be member who would be best able to care for gathered on how the casino would operate. Haas the child,” Holberg said. said the casino would create more than 4,000 The bill also corrects a “misunderstanding” jobs, many of those to be filled by tribal between the Legislature and the courts over a members. law allowing de facto custody of children. Un- “Poverty is (a) far more greater immorality der a law passed in 2002, individuals or couples than gaming,” said Doyle Turner, chair of the who have cared for a child for one year or more White Earth Reservation. He described to the without a parent’s active participation can take committee the desolate, poverty-like condi- custody of that child. For children under age tions on the American Indian lands. He said 3, the time limit is six months. 300 families have no housing at this time, and When courts have implemented the law, Shakopee Mayor William Mars testifies April 2 added “This is a creative solution for all.” they have ruled that the time spent with the before the House Taxes Committee in support of Although the state is involved in gambling people seeking custody must be consecutive. a bill that would create a racino at Canterbury Park through the lottery, Rep. Bill Hilty Holberg said this was not the intent of the law. in Shakopee. The bill was approved by the com- (DFL-Finlayson) said that’s not an excuse to “What the problem has been is that these mittee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. make the jump to “another level.” Directing children may have lived the entire (time) with his comments to other legislators, he said, “You their grandparent but they traveled to another must be paid to the state general fund in the want to help certain classes of people, but you relative for a period of two weeks in the sum- don’t want to pay for it.” mer for a vacation,” Holberg said. “The courts first years of the venture’s operations. The original bill had the so-called racino pay- Other opponents included the Mille Lacs Band have ruled that breaks the time frame and they of Ojibwe, who run the Grand Casino Mille Lacs are no longer able to qualify under this act.” ing 40 percent of the adjusted gross revenues for the 2004-05 biennium to the state. The amend- and Grand Casino Hinckley. Tribal representa- Sponsored by Sen. Richard Cohen tives claim that the majority of their clientele visit (DFL-St. Paul) in the Senate, the bill cleared ment changes the bill so that 51 percent of the revenues are paid in the 2004-05 biennium, an from the Twin Cities and that this bill would al- that body 62-0 March 13. It now goes to the low different tribes to operate a state-run casino. governor. amount that drops to 34 percent in the 2006- 2007 biennium and returns to the original bill’s Also, the metro gaming facility could lure em- 40 percent in 2008 and thereafter. ployees from outlying casinos. The effect is a shift of $21 million in pro- Haas said all tribes in Minnesota have been GAMBLING ceeds to the state general fund from the offered written chances to become involved in ★ 2006-07 biennium to the 2004-05 biennium. the casino. Only two tribes were included in Racino dedication change Following a 13-11 committee vote, the bill the plan: Red Lake Nation and the White Earth Band. A bill to add slot and video gaming ma- now goes to the House Ways and Means Com- A Senate companion(SF966), sponsored by chines at Canterbury Park in Shakopee cleared mittee. An amendment to instead send the bill Sen. Sandra Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), awaits one more committee April 2, but with a slight to the House State Government Finance Com- committee action. amendment. mittee was rejected on a 16-8 vote. The amendment to HF646, offered by the A Senate companion bill (SF576), spon- bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan), sored by Sen. Dick Day (R-Owatonna), awaits was approved by the House Taxes Committee. action by the Senate State and Local Govern- It shifts forward the amount of profits that ment Operations Committee.

Session Weekly 15 Sports bookmaking rejected tee moved a bill about compulsive gambling Part of the money would be earmarked for A bill to authorize sports gaming and issue along to another committee April 1 without a program targeting adolescents and provid- licenses for sports bookmaking failed April 2 further recommendation. ing training for adults working with teens on in the House Governmental Operations and “I think we are lacking some key informa- gambling prevention, said Betty George, the Veterans Affairs Policy Committee. tion here,” said Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Roches- council’s executive director. She said the pro- HF830, sponsored by Rep. Phyllis Kahn ter) of HF924, which would annually transfer gram has been featured on national news pro- (DFL-Mpls), would have allowed the gaming $150,000 in unclaimed state lottery winnings grams and children’s television shows and has to be operated through the Minnesota State to the Minnesota Council on Compulsive reached about 54,000 students statewide in five Lottery. Kahn said the bill would “authorize Gambling, created by the Legislature in 1988. different languages with classes, books, news- real sports waging” for the state, with proceeds Bradley said the committee wished to know letters, and targeted school supplies. going into the state’s general fund, although more about exactly how the council would George said she would be prepared with a she said it would be hard to predict the spend the funds, including what amount detailed breakdown of the program’s spend- amount. would be dedicated to prevention programs. ing the next time the bill comes before the Under the bill the state would collect taxes The bill was referred to the House State committee. ranging from 3 percent to 6.25 percent of gross Government Finance Committee, but will have A Senate companion (SF788), sponsored by revenues of sports bookmakers, based on the to return to the health finance committee, Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), volume of gross receipts. which Bradley chairs, before going to the awaits committee action. Kahn said Minnesotans spend an estimated House floor or being included in an omnibus $2 billion annually on sports gaming, either finance bill. through traditional means or online. Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) spon- Examples of Internet sports gambling were sors the bill. He equated compulsive gambling ★ GAME & FISH presented to the committee, including a site that to drug, alcohol, and caffeine addictions and allows an individual to bet on games all over the said it is especially important to reach teenag- Designating fair game and fish world simply by registering a credit card. ers before they begin to gamble. He said un- An omnibus game and fish bill that would “This would give an outlet for someone to claimed lottery winnings were an appropriate get duck hunters out of bed earlier on open- go someplace local,” Kahn said. HF830 would source of funding for such a program. ing day, would allow certain hunting tech- have allowed gaming at any facility that offers niques, and targets species that have been state lottery games. outlawed for several decades was approved by George Anderson, director of the Minnesota the House Environment and Natural Re- State Lottery, said several states have legalized sources Policy Committee April 1. sports gaming, citing Oregon as an example. Also, HF789, sponsored by Rep. Joe Hoppe “Europeans do it a great deal,” he explained. (R-Chaska), also attempts to get tougher on Rep. Steve Strachan (R-Farmington) asked scofflaws who fail to show up in court or pay how many problem gamblers use sports bet- court-ordered fines for game and fish viola- ting as the main form of gaming. tions. Under the bill, those transgressions In a later interview, Don Feeney, research and could result in the three-year revocation of planning director of the Minnesota State Lot- game and fish license privileges. tery, said that a study done by the University of In response to what the Department of Natu- Minnesota involving 944 participants surveyed ral Resources (DNR) said was constituent input at various treatment facilities across the state that fish size was declining and a desire to “in- showed that 2 percent of compulsive gamblers crease the awareness of larger fish,” another pro- use sports gaming as their preferred form. vision would permit anglers to keep only one “Would a casino be able to offer (sports bet- walleye longer than 20 inches and one northern ting), as well?” asked Rep. Jim Knoblach (R- pike longer than 24 inches daily. Current law St. Cloud). Anderson said because of the way In- places those selective harvest limits at 24 inches dian compacts are set up, a tribe would have to and 30 inches, respectively. request to reopen them. Once that request is “Our goal is to try to ratchet a little more made, the state could ask for additional terms. toward providing a bigger fish for our anglers,” Other highlights of the bill include the cre- DNR Fisheries Director Ron Payer told the ation of a Minnesota active recreation fund to committee March 26. be used for children’s sports programs, ama- These new restrictions would not apply to teur sports facilities, and hiking and biking border waters, and Lake of the Woods has trails. Net proceeds from the sports games are separate rules. Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker) to be deposited into this account. successfully amended the bill to also exclude The bill has no Senate companion. spearfishing from the new lengths. “The fish won’t wait there for you to get a tape measure,” Betty George, CEO of North American Training, he said. testifies before the House Health and Human Ser- Howes also added an amendment to the bill Prevention programs vices Finance Committee April 1 in support of a that would allow bear hunters to use hounds, if Saying it needed more information about bill that would provide funding for compulsive the DNR decides to authorize such a season. how state dollars would be spent, the House gambling prevention and education in St. Louis The technique was not prohibited in the County. Health and Human Services Finance Commit- state until bears were protected in the 1970s,

16 April 4, 2003 said Ed Boggess, assistant director of the DNR changes the report deadline to November 30 Wildlife Division, but a growing bear popula- of each even numbered year. ★ GREATER MINNESOTA tion has the potential to cause a lot of trouble Another amendment was offered by Rep. Paul Increasing rural speed limits for people. Thissen (DFL-Mpls) that would have eliminated The bill would add mourning doves to the 50 positions in the executive branch. Thissen The House Transportation Policy Commit- statutory list of game birds and authorize a explained the amendment reflects “what’s hap- tee approved a bill April 1 that would increase mourning dove hunting season, which has pening in the private sector.” the daytime speed limit on paved highways been prohibited in the state since 1947. Rhodes responded he didn’t want to change outside urban districts that are not freeways Several bill provisions are aimed at young to bill since all parties affected were not present or expressways to 65 miles per hour. hunters. The bill would allow turkey hunters at the late-evening meeting. The amendment The bill (HF1071), sponsored by Rep. Marty under the age of 16 to be accompanied by unli- was not successful. Seifert (R-Marshall), now moves to the House censed, unarmed adults. Minnesota residents The bill now goes to the House floor. Transportation Finance Committee. Night- under age 18 would be sanctioned to take up to A Senate companion (SF997), sponsored by time speed limits would remain at 55 miles 25 turtles for nonprofit turtle racing, as long as Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina), awaits commit- per hour under the bill. It does not specifi- the turtles are returned to their natural habitat tee action. cally define nighttime hours. after the race. And the bill clarifies that $5.50 Calling it a bill that better reflects the real- youth deer licenses without tags are available for ity of Minnesota drivers, Seifert listed three reasons to support the bill: archery as well as firearm hunting. Fiscal impact notes • the actual flow of traffic is faster than 55 mph, The bill is headed for the House floor. A bill that would permit local units of gov- • faster speed limits would raise more gas tax A Senate companion (SF887), sponsored by ernment to better understand how a rule pro- revenue as vehicles consume more fuel, and Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids), has posed by a state agency would financially affect • vehicles are safer today than they were 30 been referred to the Senate Environment and them cleared another committee April 1. years ago when the speed limits were Natural Resources Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Marty Seifert (R-Marshall), established. HF624 was approved by the House State Gov- “I think what we need to do is acknowledge ernment Finance Committee and referred to the the reality of our citizens,” Seifert said. “A ma- House Ways and Means Committee. jority of our residents are blatant violators of GOVERNMENT According to the bill, “The elected govern- ★ the law every day.” ing body of a city, township, county, school In addition, violations of the 65 mph speed Finance department changes district, or sanitary district may request the limit that are within 10 miles per hour above A bill that would, among other things, trans- commissioner of finance to prepare a local fis- would not be entered on a motorists driving fer the duties of the former state treasurer posi- cal impact and fiscal benefit note on a rule record. That exception is currently allowed for tion to the Department of Finance was approved proposed by a state agency.” Such rules have the state’s 55 mph speed limits. April 2 by the House Governmental Operations the full effect of law. According to information Seifert provided and Veterans Affairs Policy Committee. The bill also requires agencies to determine if to the committee from the Insurance Institute The office was officially abolished in Janu- the anticipated costs of complying with the pro- for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data ary, and the duties have already been adjusted posed rule would exceed $10,000 annually for Institute, only North Dakota and Montana per an executive reorganization order. one person or one entity. If the cost would ex- have different day and night speed limits on With the potential shifts of treasurer duties ceed that mark, the rules cannot take effect until the same types of highways as those covered to the finance department, Rep. Eric Lipman legislative approval occurs. This is not applicable in the bill. In addition, 19 states have speed (R-Lake Elmo) voiced concerns that the areas if the Legislature has appropriated money suffi- limits on the roads of higher than 55 mph. “are not separated enough.” No changes were cient to fund the expected rule cost or if the rule Several committee members questioned made to HF943 to reflect the concerns. was prompted by federal mandate. Seifert’s logic that because motorists are al- Sponsored by Rep. Jim Rhodes (R-St. Louis During the meeting the bill was amended ready traveling above the speed limit, the limit Park), the bill also clarifies what the duties are to allow the Finance Department to charge the should be raised. and makes several other changes to the De- requesting entity a $35 hourly fee for time Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul) said she partment of Finance. spent preparing the note. “The department found it an interesting concept that because The bill strikes language mandating a de- says that this would cover their costs,” Seifert people are breaking the law, the law should be partment report showing the state’s earnings said. “Members have said they want this (bill) changed. through fees and fee expenditures. to be cost-neutral.” Echoing her concerns, was Rep. Peter Nelson Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand Rapids) The amendment also says that once a re- (R-Lindstrom). He wondered what happened raised the concern in a previous House Ways quest has been received by the department, the to the notions of speed killing and the con- and Means Committee because of a deadline requesting entity must be given an estimate of cepts of energy conservation that led to lower for the information by the end of January. what the total charge would be and the op- speed limits. He also suggested that the in- Solberg asked how the Legislature is to know portunity to drop the request once the cost is creased speed limits might not be appropriate “which (fees) should be raised, and which known. A fiscal note states that the department statewide. should be lowered” if there isn’t a report. estimates “a typical local impact note will re- “Our topography is a whole lot different “My decision was based on staffing issues,” quire 21 hours to complete.” than either of the Dakotas,” Nelson said. said State Budget Director Peggy Ingison. She A companion bill (SF1070), sponsored by Seifert acknowledged that some areas do not added that a survey had been done among leg- Sen. David Senjem (R-Rochester), awaits ac- have the same kinds of wide, straight roads as islative staff and found the report “doesn’t give tion in the Senate State and Local Government there are in the western part of the state. the most meaningful information.” Operations Committee. An amendment was successfully added that Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake) said he

Session Weekly 17 supported the bill because speed limits should more information to women about how to have “It is a legitimate exercise of the government be set according to what’s comfortable for mo- a safe and healthy pregnancy. to make sure that the programs it subsidizes torists on the road. Hers was one of several DFL amendments of- with taxpayers’ money are limited to the uses During discussion, Rep. Joe Opatz (DFL- fered during the two-hour floor debate, all of for which they were established,” said Andrea St. Cloud) unsuccessfully proposed raising the which were defeated by a significant margin. Rau, legislative associate for Minnesota Citi- rural interstate speed limit from 70 mph to Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Mpls) proposed al- zens Concerned for Life. 75 mph. lowing women, in consultation with their phy- Sarah Stoesz, president and CEO of Planned The bill’s Senate companion (SF1248), sicians, to waive their right to the information Parenthood of Minnesota and South Dakota, sponsored by Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL- required under the bill. said the bill severely discriminates against poor Chisholm), awaits action in the Senate Finance Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul) said it women by only imposing restrictions on doc- Committee. would be “humiliating” to make victims of sexual tors providing state subsidized services, “but assault hear information about the responsibili- women who do not rely on subsidized services ties of the father if the child is born. He proposed will receive all the counseling that they request ★ HEALTH an amendment to exempt rape and incest vic- and are entitled to.” In addition, she said, de- tims from the information requirements. creased access to family planning services for Abortion legislation “While certainly a woman is under great the poor will likely lead to more unintended The House passed a bill March 31 that stress if she is a victim of sexual assault,” pregnancies and more abortions. would require abortion providers to provide Holberg said, “it should not negate her ability Stoesz said her organization and similar women with certain specific information at to get complete information prior to making groups might be forced to shut their doors or least 24 hours before performing an abortion. this decision.” turn people away if state funds are withdrawn. By a 91-41 vote that crossed party lines, law- The bill would also define an “unborn child” Rau told committee members that abortion makers adopted HF668 and passed it along to as a human from fertilization until birth. Re- has become “big business” in Minnesota and the Senate where a companion bill has not yet sponding to criticism that the definition set a that the bill would not prohibit Planned Par- received a committee hearing. precedent not based on medical science, enthood from providing any of its services. It Sponsored by Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Holberg said the definition applied only to her could simply not provide them with taxpayer (R-Lakeville), the bill would require that bill and would have no effect on other state dollars. women seeking an abortion receive informa- laws or practices. Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester) said court tion from a physician about risks associated Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy) sponsors rulings require that the state continue to cover with the procedure, the probable age of the the Senate companion (SF695). abortion services under its subsidized health fetus at the time of the abortion, and the medi- A procedural move on the House floor care programs, but it is reasonable for the Leg- cal risks associated with carrying a child to April 2 stalled an attempt to attach the bill as islature to decide what restrictions to put on term. The information could be conveyed in an amendment to a different measure that had grant money allocated to other organizations. person or over the phone. already passed the Senate. A Senate companion bill (SF431), spon- Additionally, the bill would require women sored by Sen. Thomas Neuville (R-Northfield), be told about the father’s obligation to sup- awaits committee action. port a child carried to term and about any state Medical Assistance benefits that might be Family planning grants available for prenatal, childbirth, and neona- A bill that would limit the use of state fam- tal care. Women would also be given the op- ily planning grants to groups unaffiliated with Immunization requirements portunity to review printed information about abortion services was approved by the House The commissioner of health would need to the probable physical and physiological devel- Health and Human Services Policy Commit- consult with more people and groups when opment of a fetus. tee March 31 and now goes to the full House. deciding whether to change Minnesota immu- Women would be required to certify in writ- Sponsored by Rep. Mary Liz Holberg nization requirements, under a bill approved ing before the abortion that they received the (R-Lakeville), HF436 would prohibit state by the House Health and Human Services required pieces of information and physicians family planning funds from going to organi- Policy Committee March 27. would have to report their compliance with zations that provide abortions or consider The health commissioner has authority, the law to the state. abortions part of a continuum of family plan- granted in a 2001 law, to change immuniza- Supporters say the bill is about giving ning services. Under the bill, grant recipients tion requirements as long as those changes are women valuable information to help them could not refer patients to abortion provid- recommended by three national physicians’ make a very important decision. ers, display information about the legality or organizations. Opponents criticized it as unnecessary since accessibility of abortion services, or mention Under the law, the commissioner must also the state already requires women to give in- abortion as an option to pregnant women. consult with the commissioners of human ser- formed consent prior to getting an abortion. Organizations could also not be affiliated with vices and children, families and learning, the Some said the $488,000 estimated biennial any group that provides abortions. president of the University of Minnesota, and price tag was too high given the looming bud- The bill would require groups applying for the chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges get deficit. grant money to submit independent audits and Universities system. Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) said the bill certifying their compliance with the bill’s HF887, sponsored by Rep. Jim Abeler was not about information but about censorship, requirements. (R-Anoka), would add six more groups to that “because it is only certain information that we The family planning grants at issue are part list, including the Minnesota Natural Health will give women. Not all information, just cer- of maternal and child health block grants the Coalition, Vaccine Awareness Minnesota, Bio- tain information.” She unsuccessfully offered an state gives for distribution by counties. Grants logical Treatment for Autism Treatment, the amendment that would require providing even to eliminate health disparities would also be Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, the affected.

18 April 4, 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics-Minnesota The average age of a state worker is 46, said administering the immunizations would have Chapter, and the Minnesota Nurses Association. Brian Bergson, legislative affairs director for to do so under agreement with a licensed Abeler said the Health Department is al- the Minnesota Association of Professional physician. ready communicating with the groups, and Employees, which represents about 19,000 Liz Carpenter, director of pharmacy and leg- does not oppose requiring their input. “This state professional workers. They “are getting islative affairs for the Minnesota Pharmacists is going to move the whole discussion along close to retirement” and changing the health Association, said pharmacists have long been in a positive way,” he said. care coverage puts them farther behind the involved in promoting and educating people Rep. Joe Opatz (DFL-St. Cloud) said he private sector, he said. about the value of immunizations. She said 36 thought the bill was resolving a problem that Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL-Mpls) asked how other states currently allow pharmacists to does not actually exist. Rep. Thomas Huntley much of a pay cut workers would be getting immunize patients. (DFL-Duluth) also opposed the bill, saying it with the potential pay freezes and the change “In other states where pharmacists are immu- “puts groups that don’t believe in the scien- in health benefits. Johnson said the total would nizing there have been increases in immuniza- tific method on the same level with experts be about 23 percent. tion rates,” Carpenter said. “In these states the who do.” The bill now moves to House State Govern- number of vaccines administered have increased Abeler proposed an amendment removing ment Finance Committee. in both primary care clinics and in pharmacies language from the bill requiring a “vaccine A companion bill, (SF1047), sponsored by because of increased access and awareness.” safety checklist” be given to people getting vac- Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (IP-Rochester), awaits New pharmacists are already trained in ad- cinations. The checklist would have started committee action. ministering vaccinations as part of graduate with the words, “Sometimes a child should school curriculum, she said, while many of wait before getting certain vaccines, or should those same schools offer continuing education not get them at all. …” The committee ap- programs to train current pharmacists. proved the amendment. Giving vaccines The bill would require pharmacists to re- The bill next goes before the full House. A Minnesota pharmacists would be allowed port the vaccinations to a patient’s primary Senate companion (SF1078), sponsored by to administer two common immunizations physician. Sen. Sean Nienow (R-Cambridge), awaits under a bill passed by the House Health and Rep. Duke Powell (R-Burnsville) asked if committee action. Human Services Policy Committee March 31. distributing flu vaccines to more locations Sponsored by Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka), could result in a shortage in certain areas. HF692 permits pharmacists with proper per- A Department of Health official said that mission and training to give influenza and Paying more for care should not be a problem. “When we have a pneumococcal vaccines to adults. Pharmacists State workers, legislators, and constitutional situation where vaccine is in short supply, we officers may have to pay more for health care, have criteria for high risk groups, when they according to a bill approved March 31 with- COMMUNICATING NEED can get vaccine and who should be providing out recommendation by the House Govern- them with vaccines,” said Kris Ehresmann, mental Operations and Veterans Affairs Policy manager of the Immunization, Tuberculosis, Committee. and International Health Section at the Currently the state pays for 100 percent of department. state employees’ health insurance premiums, The bill next heads to the House floor. if they do not carry a spouse or dependent on A companion bill (SF574), sponsored by their plans. HF1099 would change that to Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls), awaits com- 80 percent. mittee action. Rep. Paul Kohls (R-Victoria), the bill spon- sor, said the state needs to cut costs and “this is one proposal to address the state budget.” HIGHER EDUCATION Very few employers are paying 100 percent for ★ coverage, he added. Student fees Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand Rapids) Some fees paid by college students would said the legislation is an attack on family and need legislative approval, under a bill that may attack on working people, and Health Main- become part of the House Higher Education tenance Organizations should be the ones to Finance Committee’s omnibus bill. attack. Rep. Tim Wilkin (R-Eagan), the sponsor of Kohls responded that the bill represents the HF742, told the committee March 31 that the “reality of the increasing cost of insurance.” issue was brought to his attention by parents He said the money saved by the difference concerned about the general increase in fees equates to 3,000 state jobs. and a constituent’s concern about the appro- Representing Teamsters Local 120, Rob PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK priateness of uses of some fees. Johnson said the state is going down a slip- Stacie Leeper of Bemidji testifies before the As an example, he referred to a University pery slope when it negotiates benefits. He ex- House Health and Human Services Policy of Minnesota event called the Sex Workers’ Art plained that state employees are paid less than Committee March 31 in support of a bill that Show. The show, designed to contradict the their counterparts in the private sector, and would regulate insurance coverage for com- stereotypes that surround work in the sex in- munication aids or devices. Leeper’s good health care coverage is partly why em- 21-month-old son, Kade, was born hearing dustry, was sponsored by the university’s ployees continue to work for the state. impaired and requires hearing aid devices. Women’s Student Activist Collective.

Session Weekly 19 The bill would require that the Minnesota Sponsored by Rep. Marty Seifert (R- Summer grants State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Board Marshall), HF862 will be considered for in- As the House Higher Education Finance of Trustees and University of Minnesota Board clusion in the committee’s omnibus bill. Committee looks to make changes within the of Regents receive legislative approval of all man- Examples of such institutions are Duluth state grant program, a number of options will datory fees paid by students as a condition of Business University, National American Uni- be considered. enrollment. “I would imagine most fees would versity at the Mall of America, and Rasmussen “Let’s lay it all out so we can clearly define be non-controversial,” Wilkin said. Currently the College in Eagan, Mankato, Minnetonka, and what a student can expect for the next two boards have final say in student fees. St. Cloud. years,” said Rep. Doug Stang (R-Cold Spring), He said if a fee were not mandatory, stu- According to numbers from the Minnesota the committee chair. dents would have to opt-in to pay the fee. If Career College Association, approximately One option examined by the committee such a fee rises to the need of mandatory, then 15 percent of students receiving a state grant April 2 was HF1242, sponsored by Stang. It the schools can come to the Legislature to attend a private, for-profit college, and receive calls for the elimination of state grants for stu- make it mandatory, Wilkin said. “This puts 18 percent of state grant dollars awarded. dents attending classes during summer terms. students in the driver’s seat for what their Seifert said that programs offered by many “This is not being done easily,” Stang said. money is used for.” private, for-profit institutions meet many “This is something I pushed for in the past.” Total fees can easily reach into the hundreds needs for the people of the state, but “this deals The program was approved in 1995, but fund- of dollars per semester for each student. with the prioritization of dollars. I want to ing was not authorized until 1997. At the university’s Twin Cities campus, stu- bring this forward so we can think about where Stang said the bill is one proposal to address dents registered for six or more credits pay we want to go with state grant dollars.” the potential higher education funding shortfall $280.22 per semester in student services fees, with Any post-secondary educational institution and may help to partially offset projected higher money going to 28 organizations ranging from is currently eligible to participate in the state tuition rates. He said the grants would be more 16 cents for the Students for Family Values to grant program if the Higher Education Ser- focused on students during a traditional school $90.14 for the Boynton Health Services to help vices Office, which administers the program, year; meaning amounts could be higher for those promote public health activities. These fees are determines that the institution “maintains aca- students. “This plan minimizes the number of in addition to tuition, and they do not include demic standards substantially equivalent to students affected,” he said. course, technology and collegiate fees, and a uni- those of comparable institutions operated in Not surprisingly, student groups are against versity fee, which helps cover infrastructure and this state.” the plan. administrative support costs. Philosophically, Seifert said, the committee “Eliminating these grants will prevent many Richard Pfutzenreuter, chief financial officer needs to decide if tax dollars should be put students from attending school and will in- and treasurer at the university, opposes the bill. into for-profit institutions and how to mea- crease the length of time it takes others to “I think we have a good process now for what sure what the state gets back for the dollars it graduate,” said Yorgun Marcel, chair of the the fees are,” he said, warning that if the bill be- puts in. Minnesota State University Student Associa- comes law many fees will just be rolled into “We’re not condemning money to the tion. He said that the organization would pre- tuition. schools, but you need to prioritize to state in- fer that a student grant be prorated throughout However, Dan Nelson, a member of the stitutions first, especially in hard times,” said the year. Brent Glass, executive director of the university’s student fees committee, said the Yorgun Marcel, chair of the Minnesota State Minnesota State College Student Association, Board of Regents does not always follow its or- University Student Association. said his group echoes that sentiment. ganizational funding recommendations. He said Rep. Ray Cox (R-Northfield) expressed con- Also speaking against the proposal was Mike it’s “fairly common” for the board to reverse the cern about hurting students “that are getting Lopez, Minnesota State Colleges and Universi- decisions of the committee. Pfutzenreuter said good educations at these schools.” ties (MnSCU) associate vice chancellor for stu- changes are “not that frequent.” Deana Cavaliere, an interior design student dent affairs. “Those taking classes in the summer Sam Edmunds, student body president at at The Art Institutes International Minnesota are some of our most serious, goal-oriented stu- Metropolitan State University and a member in Minneapolis, said that her husband is also dents,” he said. “They want to get done quickly of the Minnesota State University Student As- a full-time student in an electrical program at and no longer drain family funds.” sociation, is also against the bill. “We see this Dunwoody Institute. They have a 9-year-old The bill, which will be considered for pos- as micromanaging what works well for us,” he daughter and their family income last year was sible inclusion in the committee’s omnibus said. “It’s not feasible for students to come to $18,000. Cavaliere said without the state grant finance bill, has no Senate companion. the Capitol to fight for fees.” program, “We would not be able to improve Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL-Robbinsdale) ourselves.” She said their goal is to eventually expressed concern that the bill would make the go into business for themselves. Volunteering for a grant Legislature the ruling body for the institutions. Jeanne Herrmann, director of Globe Col- A companion bill (SF1257), sponsored by lege, said that many of these schools serve Some college students may have to work to get money from the state if a bill heard in a Sen. Mike McGinn (R-Eagan), awaits commit- lower income Minnesotans, noting that tee action. 48 percent of students attending an associa- House committee becomes law. Sponsored by Rep. Marty Seifert tion institution have family incomes of less than $40,000. “Our students need to be given (R-Marshall), HF843 would require five hours of volunteer service from students that receive State grant eligibility the same choices and funding opportunities as other students.” more than $2,000 per semester in state grants. Students attending a private, for-profit in- If the volunteer requirement is not met, the stitution may not receive a dime from the state A companion bill (SF529), sponsored by Sen. Sharon Marko (DFL-Cottage Grove), grant would be capped at $2,000. grant program, under a bill heard April 2 by Heard by the House Higher Education Fi- awaits committee action. the House Higher Education Finance nance Committee March 27, the bill will be Committee.

20 April 4, 2003 considered for inclusion in the committee’s Sponsored by Rep. Bill Kuisle (R-Rochester), omnibus bill. HF449 would reduce the time period of eligi- ★ INSURANCE “Minnesota is one of the most generous bility for the state grant award to an equiva- Restricting state sales states in what we give without getting anything lent to eight semesters of full-time credits. A bill aimed at stopping the North Dakota from the student,” Seifert said. “There needs Currently, the maximum time period for eli- state government from selling workers’ com- to be some personal responsibility for the high gibility is 10 full-time semesters. State statute pensation insurance to North Dakota busi- grant amounts.” considers a full-time student as one taking 15 nesses to cover workplace injuries among their Under the bill, students would be required credits per semester, so in essence the bill employees working in Minnesota was ap- to volunteer at a nonprofit or community or- would drop credits for student aid eligibility proved April 2. ganization. Students with disabilities would be from 150 credits to 120. HF971, sponsored by Rep. Chris Gerlach (R- exempt from the requirement. Kuisle told the House Higher Education Fi- Apple Valley), prohibits insurance companies Students would be responsible for provid- nance Committee March 27 that an eligibility controlled or owned in whole or part by any ing proof that the requirement has been met, increase from eight semesters to 10 occurred government from transacting insurance deals and the institution must then notify the two years ago, but “the amount of state grants in Minnesota. Higher Education Services Office, which to go around is now more scarce.” The bill does The bill was amended by the House Com- awards the grants. not take money from the state grant program. merce, Jobs, and Economic Development At a time when the state is likely to provide The bill, which has no Senate companion, Policy Committee, however, to allow the North less money to higher education, Rep. Ron Latz will be considered for inclusion in the Dakota state government to open a small in- (DFL-St. Louis Park) asked what the financial committee’s omnibus bill. surance company in Minnesota to continue cost would be to the institutions to process the Rep. Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) ex- selling insurance to North Dakota businesses paperwork. Seifert said no fiscal note has been pressed concern that those students who want whose employees work in Minnesota, but only prepared, but he is willing to work with the to take more credits to make themselves more if the employees are in Minnesota for no more schools to “make this work.” well-rounded would be hurt by this bill. than 30 consecutive days. Seifert called the $2,000 amount and hours Conversely, Rep. Jeff Anderson (R-Austin) According to the nonpartisan House Research required somewhat arbitrary, but said “if you said that when he was attending a state uni- Department, an amendment to the bill exempts think about this as a concept you need to start versity he made sure to “stay the course and from the ban the Minnesota Department of Ad- with baby steps.” finish in the least time possible. We should ministration, which sells some insurance to lo- “We’re open to seeing how this works and expect the same when the state is paying.” cal government units, from the ban. getting feedback from the students,” said Frank Mike Lopez, Minnesota State Colleges and The bill originated after the Minnesota in- Viggiano, executive director of the Minnesota Universities (MnSCU) associate vice-chancel- surance industry protested the neighboring State University Student Association. lor for student affairs, said college is a time of state’s selling of insurance, according to House Rep. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) said she career exploration and students oftentimes research staff. agrees with the concept of personal responsi- change their majors, meaning it takes longer The history behind the situation is lengthy, bility, but was concerned about balance. If too to get through school. according to Brent Edison, executive director little voluntarism is required it puts a burden Others, including Rep. John Dorn (DFL- of North Dakota Workers’ Compensation, the on the institutions, she said, but if too much Mankato), said that some majors take more exclusive provider of workers’ compensation is required it could distract students from their than 120 credits to complete. insurance in North Dakota. studies. Craig Swan, vice provost for undergradu- To protect North Dakota employers need- Seifert admitted there are other issues with ate education at the University of Minnesota, ing insurance to cover workplace injuries the bill, including that it disproportionately said that most degrees on the university’s Twin among their employees working in other would affect private college students. Cities campus require 120 credits, although states, the North Dakota Legislature proposed According to numbers provided by the non- some require 128, most notably nursing and reciprocity agreements with other states in partisan House Research Department, 4,931 engineering. Lopez said all state universities 1968. Agreements were successfully negotiated students attending four-year private institu- except, Metropolitan State and St. Cloud State, in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, South tions, and 589 attending two-year private require 128 credits for a bachelor’s degree. Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. But Min- schools received the targeted amount of grants Missi McLaren, president of the Minnesota nesota rejected any agreement. for this school year. By comparison 1,396 pub- State College Student Association, said stu- As a result, North Dakota businesses were lic school students surpassed the $2,000 per dents need credit flexibility. For example, she penalized as uninsured and were unable to semester mark. More than 71,000 students re- said some students must attend full-time to obtain competitive Minnesota coverage for ceived state grants this year. stay on their parent’s health insurance plan. incidental exposures, according to information A companion bill (SF1105), sponsored by “If classes aren’t offered, cutting back credits provided by Edison. Sen. Sharon Marko (DFL-Cottage Grove), is not an option,” she said. Sometimes they may After numerous attempts to broker a reci- awaits committee action. have to take a remedial class, such as math or procity deal with the Minnesota Department English before entering a program, she said, of Labor and Industry, the North Dakota Leg- or extra classes to meet a foreign language re- islature authorized developing its own insur- quirement. Reduced credit aid ance carrier, which began insuring relevant Students who need to take more than 120 businesses in 2002. It did so, according to credits to achieve their collegiate degree may Edison, upon the recommendation of the not receive a state grant throughout their en- Minnesota Department of Commerce. tire educational career, under a bill heard in a A Senate companion bill (SF1298), sponsored House committee. by Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin), awaits action.

Session Weekly 21 toy pistols, sparklers, snakes and glow worms, ★ LAW ★ LOCAL GOVERNMENT smoke devices, trick noisemakers, and string poppers. Closing guardianship loopholes Fireworks retailer fees Under the bill, cities also may not impose By a 121-9 vote, the House approved a bill Fireworks retailers would no longer be sub- upon fireworks sellers any financial guaran- April 2 that makes changes to state laws gov- ject to high inspection and licensing fees from tee requirements — including bonding or in- erning guardianship of children and incapaci- cities when selling sparklers and other legal surance provisions — that are not imposed on tated adults. fireworks under a bill receiving committee a similar basis to other licensed businesses. Recommended by a committee of the Min- approval March 27. Testifying in support of the bill were numer- nesota Bar Association that spent two years re- Proponents of HF800 testified that cities ous pastors whose churches and youth groups viewing the laws, HF166/SF112* would repeal throughout Minnesota have been circumvent- sold fireworks last summer as fundraisers. and replace dozens of sections of current state ing a 2002 state law allowing the sale of spar- They said cities were imposing inspection and law. klers and small fireworks by imposing licensing fees as high as $1,100 in an effort to The bill’s House sponsor, Rep. Paul Thissen excessive licensing, application, and licensing keep fireworks from being sold. (DFL-Mpls), said the bill would leave most state fees, as well as requiring background checks Sellers did not anticipate that local govern- law on the subject intact, but it would close loop- of sellers and high-premium insurance ment units would impose fees and other re- holes and clarify some legal processes. policies. strictions, said Buzz Anderson, president of the Among other things, the bill would more Sponsored by Rep. Tom Hackbarth Minnesota Retailers Association. “It took some clearly define the roles of a “guardian” and (R-Cedar), the bill was approved by the House legislators by surprise as well,” he added. “conservator” as someone to act on behalf of Commerce, Jobs, and Economic Development Testifying against the proposal were the a person and someone to manage a person’s Policy Committee. League of Minnesota Cities and the Minne- estate, respectively. At the bill’s next stop, on April 2 before the apolis fire marshal’s office. The latter charges In the area of guardianship for minors, the House Local Government and Metropolitan a $500 annual fee, which includes a two- to bill would allow a court to appoint a guardian Affairs Committee, the bill was amended to four-hour inspection of the selling point, and for a child with the parents’ consent, if the delineate annual license fees that municipali- three to four hours of education to the seller’s parents’ rights have been terminated, or if they ties may charge. Those selling only fireworks staff, as well as literature for distribution to are unable or unwilling to exercise their rights. could not be charged more than $350. Retail- customers. It specifies who may apply to be a child’s ers selling fireworks in addition to other items “If not used appropriately and supervised guardian and how that application should be could not be charged more than $100. appropriately, they’re dangerous,” said Minne- made. Guardians would be specifically allowed The bill also states that no local unit of gov- apolis Fire Marshal Tom Deegan, of fireworks. to apply for state benefits and services, be en- ernment may prohibit the sale of fireworks The bill now moves to the House floor. A titled to “reasonable compensation,” and be legalized by state law in 2002, which include Senate companion bill (SF672), sponsored by liable for injury to the child caused by a third Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), party to the same extent a parent would be. awaits action in the Senate. For incapacitated individuals, the bill would allow parents or spouses to appoint a guard- ian for someone they believe to be incapaci- tated in the event the parent or spouse is Mandate debate unable to care for the person. They would be In a late-night meeting April 2 involving rig- given the ability to limit the powers of the orous debate, a bill that would allow local gov- guardians they appoint. ernments a process for opting out of nearly Another aspect of the bill would create a list every sort of state mandate was tabled by the of priorities for judges to use when appoint- House Local Government and Metropolitan ing a guardian for an incapacitated person. In Affairs Committee. order, those priorities would be the current The future is now uncertain for HF473, active guardian; someone appointed under a sponsored by Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake), health care directive; a spouse or someone because all bills have to clear all policy com- identified by the spouse in a will; an adult mittees in their house of origin by April 4 to child; a parent or someone identified by a par- be considered further. ent in a will; or an adult with whom the per- The committee voted to table the bill after son has resided for six months. Rep. Jerry Dempsey (R-Red Wing), the com- The bill would also specify that an incapaci- mittee chair, called for a recess to allow the tated person would not lose their right to vote Republicans to caucus regarding an issue. unless the court expressly takes it away. Prior to the caucus, Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL- Because it was amended in the House, the Mpls) offered an amendment that would have bill now returns to the Senate where it previ- disallowed local government units from opt- ously passed 66-0 on Feb. 20. Sen. Don Betzold ing out of the state Human Rights Act. (DFL-Fridley) is the Senate sponsor. “I think that certain things should not be a Eric Robbins of TNT Fireworks tells the House Com- matter of debate, and that (includes) human merce, Jobs and Economic Development rights,” Ellison said. Committtee March 27 of the high fees some cities Olson said he was willing to follow the are requiring for tents that sell sparklers and foun- committee’s lead, but that he intentionally left tain type fireworks.

22 April 4, 2003 to a minimum the mandates that local gov- submittal of long-range plans, low-income associated with that — roads to handle com- ernments could opt out of. The state govern- housing reports, and other paperwork for a muter traffic being one of them. Yet, ment could eventually improve upon laws, he small portion of the city. Lenczewski added, Bloomington and Ply- said, by seeing what changes are debated at the The City of Rockford supported the bill. mouth have to give money to other cities un- local level. Sen. Mark Ourada (R-Buffalo) is the Senate der the program. “I don’t think the human rights act is per- sponsor. “Where is the job base?” she said. “Where is fected,” he added. The bill was presented to the governor the hard-core growth for jobs in the metro area?” After debate between Ellison and Olson, April 1. It awaits his signature. But the Citizens League of Minnesota, ac- Rep. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) moved to cording to President Lyle Wray, is against pro- table the bill. With only Nelson and Dempsey gram abolishment. voting for the motion, the bill remained open “This achieves a major public purpose of for discussion and action. ★ METRO AFFAIRS equalizing tax base at a very low cost,” Wray said. A few minutes later, Dempsey called for the HF514 lacks a Senate companion bill. The caucus recess and members returned and Stopping disparities Senate companion bill to HF495 is SF635, tabled the bill. Two nearly identical bills that would have sponsored by Sen. William Belanger HF473 would allow cities, counties, school abolished a metropolitan area property tax (R-Bloomington). It awaits action. districts, and townships to adopt a resolution, sharing program may not go anywhere this following a public hearing, to opt out of any session, despite a pair of committee hearings. state mandate, save for those pertaining to HF514, sponsored by Rep. Ann Lenczewski Opening up HOV lanes election law, property tax laws, and account- (DFL-Bloomington), and HF495, sponsored ing and financial management procedures and by Rep. Jeff Johnson (R-Plymouth), would A bill that would open up high-occupancy audit requirements. abolish the metropolitan area fiscal dispari- vehicle lanes to single-occupant vehicles if they The bill defines a mandate as any state law ties program. Both were heard by the House pay a fee to use the lanes was approved by the or rule related to local government structure, Taxes Committee March 27 and April 1, but House Transportation Policy Committee operation, services, programs, or financing neither was acted upon. April 2. that: Rep. Ron Abrams (R-Minnetonka), chair of Sponsored by Rep. Chris DeLaForest • imposes a cost or authorizes imposition of a the taxes committee, said the bills are “dead (R-Andover), the bill would authorize the de- tax or fee to cover that cost; for this year.” In doing so he implied that the partment to allow increased use of the lanes, • decreases revenue without a commensurate state budget crisis would not allow the bills, upon receiving federal approval for such uses. decrease in services required by law; either one of which are estimated by the De- Single-occupant vehicles using the lanes would • establishes mandates goals or practices; partment of Revenue to cost $6.9 million have a transponder located in the vehicle that • imposes criminal or civil liability for failure through fiscal year 2007. Officials anticipate is recognized by electronic readers upon en- to follow or enforce the law or rule; the changes would lead to greater property tax tering the lanes. Car pools and other multiple- • restricts the ability to establish or finance ser- refunds for filers. occupant vehicles could still use the lanes free vices, programs, or plans; or Under the program, in place since 1975, cit- of charge. • implements or interprets federal law, and ies contribute 40 percent of their growth in Motorists would be charged different rates thereby changes service levels beyond those commercial and industrial tax base since 1971 depending on where they enter the lanes and required by federal law. to a distribution pool. The money is then ap- the level of congestion in the regular lanes. A Senate companion bill (SF700), spon- propriated to contributing cities based on a These express lanes are proposed for relieving sored by Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple formula accounting for population and prop- congestion on Interstate 394 west of down- Grove), awaits action. erty values. town Minneapolis. When viewed from a county standpoint, Other specifics of the plan were not included only Hennepin County has given more than it in the bill, DeLaForest said, to allow the state has gained, according to the nonpartisan Department of Transportation flexibility. Agency withdrawal House research staff. The top gainer in the However, additional revenue raised by the plan A bill allowing the City of Rockford to with- 2003 program was St. Paul, receiving would be deposited in an account and those draw from the Metropolitan Council was $21.9 million. The top contributor was funds would be divided between paying for passed by the House 127-1, March 27. Bloomington, giving $14 million. administrative costs and improving transit and On March 24 it passed the Senate 64-0. Redistribution of wealth is one thing, carpool options in the corridor. The Metropolitan Council is a regional Lenczewski said, but she and Johnson believe The plan would maximize existing infra- planning agency that serves the seven- the current program does this unfairly. structure on I-394 that is currently being country metropolitan area, save for three cit- The current distribution formula does not underutilized, DeLaForest said. ies. Removed in 1978 was New Prague; 1980, account for local fiscal conditions, unmet Said Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL- Northfield; and 1983, Hanover. needs, or economic pressures, Lenczewski Mpls), a co-sponsor on the bill, “This is not In sponsoring the bill (HF415/SF512*), Rep. added. While Minneapolis and St. Paul have about building more lanes. This is about maxi- Dick Borrell (R-Waverly) said that Rockford long served populations larger than those that mizing capacity … and moving traffic has 1,100 homes in Wright County, which does live within their borders, the corridor between efficiently.” not fall under the Metropolitan Council pur- her Bloomington-based district and Johnson’s In addition supporters say this idea is one view, and 84 homes in Hennepin County, Plymouth-based district has more jobs than that not everyone would have to pay for, un- which is in the council’s jurisdiction. It’s un- Minneapolis. like a gas tax. Information provided to the necessary, said Borrell, for the city to follow Both Bloomington and Plymouth are large committee showed that opening up the HOV Metropolitan Council policies requiring economic driving forces and have large costs lanes allow drivers the option of paying to

Session Weekly 23 move along the road more quickly. In addi- Council member, said the bill sets a bad pre- by the governor — serve four-year staggered tion, those drivers would free up space in the cedent. Though the city is supportive of the terms, as well as having them serve at the plea- regular lanes of travel that would further alle- new design, Benson said he doesn’t think the sure of the governor. This would allow the viate congestion. process should be bypassed. governor to make new appointments to main- In addition, the option places a specific cost “Whenever those two projects meet, are we tain philosophical alignments, Buesgens said. of traveling alone, which helps transportation going to divert to the lowest standard of mu- Current law has the commissioners’ terms planners measure the true costs of commut- nicipal consent?” he asked. ending with the governor’s terms. ing alone, according to the information. Parker said that because there’s no way to pre- When filling unexpected vacancies, the gov- The bill now moves to the House Governmen- dict how the cities will react, even though they ernor could consider applicants from nomi- tal Operations and Veterans Affairs Policy Com- are part of the planning process, it’s important nating rounds within the last 12 months, mittee. Its Senate companion (SF1061), the commissioner have discretion to construct under the bill. sponsored by Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), significant projects of regional import. The Metropolitan Council is a regional gov- awaits action in the Senate Finance Committee. Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R-Lakeville) agreed erning and rulemaking body that oversees in part, saying one or two cities should not be waste management, metropolitan transit, and allowed to highjack significant regional regional planning for the seven-county Twin Municipal consent requirements projects. Cities metropolitan area. The 2001 Legislature placed a moratorium Sponsored by Sen. Claire Robling (R-Jordan), A Senate companion bill has not been on construction in the Highway 62 Crosstown the bill’s Senate companion (SF1122) awaits ac- introduced. Commons, where the road meets Interstate tion in the Senate Finance Committee. 35W along the Richfield-Minneapolis border. Concerns from both local and state officials Expanding Interstate 494 Met Council changes regarding the impact construction of the Members of the House Transportation Fi- The boundaries delineating districts in the project would have on congestion, as a result nance Committee are considering a proposal Metropolitan Council’s jurisdiction would of proposed lane closures, prompted the re- to appropriate $620 million in bond proceeds change, as would the commissioners’ term quirement that the state Department of Trans- to expand Interstate 494 in the southern Twin lengths, under a bill approved April 1 by the portation take another look at the project and Cities metropolitan area. House Local Government and Metropolitan come up with a better solution. The bill (HF484), sponsored by Rep. Paul Affairs Committee. Betsy Parker, associate department director Thissen (DFL-Mpls), was heard by the com- The redistricting map, presented as part of of governmental relations, said the department mittee on April 1 and 2. It will be considered HF1228, sponsored Rep. Mark Buesgens has studied the project and developed an al- for inclusion in the committee’s omnibus (R-Jordan), drew concern from several legis- ternative plan with the services of a consult- transportation finance package. lators. ant. As it now stands, project bids will be let in Specifically, the bill would provide for four Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul), a mem- September 2005, which means municipal con- lanes of traffic in each direction on I-494 from ber of the 2002 House Redistricting Commit- sent for the project must be achieved between its intersection with Cedar Avenue in Richfield tee, said redistricting is often political and November 2003 and March 2004, she said. and Bloomington to its intersection with divisive. And, there are purely technical mat- As a result, the department has proposed a Highway 100. ters to consider in redrawing boundaries. It’s bill (HF1007), sponsored by Rep. Ron Erhardt Transportation Department officials testi- difficult to determine if the proposed Metro- (R-Edina), which would allow the project to fied that the road reached its capacity in the politan Council redistricting map is good or be deemed an interstate project for the pur- late 1980s. It now carries 175,000 vehicles per bad within the 10 or 15 minutes a bill is be- poses of the municipal consent law. The bill day, but its congestion forces another 17,000 fore a committee, he added. was approved by the House Transportation vehicles per day onto the local roads along the “I feel actually pretty uninformed,” Mariani Policy Committee April 2 and forwarded to interstate, said Tom O’Keefe, planning direc- said. the House floor. tor with the department. Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Mpls) said the State highways and interstate highways un- The project would also provide for bus proposed map creates a slight loss in repre- dergo different municipal consent procedures, shoulders and high-occupancy vehicle by- sentation by forming one district for both Parker said. While both allow for appeals pro- passes on the entrance ramps. In addition, as Minneapolis and St. Paul. In addition, he said, cesses if a community vetoes a project, the the project is currently planned, it would re- it would be a tall order for any commissioner appeal is not binding on an interstate project serve right-of-way for future expansion if to represent both cities. and the commissioner of transportation has necessary. Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn the discretion to move forward, based on find- Steve Elkins, Bloomington City Council Center) said one district in particular would be ings that the project is necessary. member, said congestion along I-494 is the required to work with three counties, a challeng- Because both the state and interstate high- single most important quality of life issue in ing task. Buesgens replied that the commissioner way share the same roadway through parts of his area, as traffic spills over onto the local who represents the district encompassing his city the project, Parker said, it should be consid- streets. He said that the communities along the would be working with four counties. ered an interstate project. road have been making their own commit- Buesgens agreed to work with members to Tom Foley, transportation engineer for ments to expanding the road by acquiring right alleviate their concerns before the bill’s next Richfield, said the revised project is much bet- of way. presentation at the House Governmental Op- ter than the previous one and that the city does The project is not currently in the Trans- erations and Veterans Affairs Policy not object to the new concept plan. He said portation Department’s 10-year development Committee. the city does not think the bill undermines the plan. However, it is planned for an unnamed The bill would also have the 16 municipal consent process. date during the next 20 years. However, Scott Benson, a Minneapolis City commissioners — all of whom are appointed

24 April 4, 2003 Thissen noted that other projects in the 10- metropolitan area legislators disagreed, stat- year plan, such as expansion of U.S. Highway ing that airport noise and traffic affect their ★ RECREATION 212, would increase congestion on I-494, and communities more than others. the committee should consider increasing the Also under the bill, the governor’s commis- Off-highway vehicle trails capacity of the interstate at the same time as sion chair appointment would be subject to A recent legislative auditor’s report deter- the highway. Senate confirmation. mined that efforts by the Department of Natu- The bill currently has no Senate companion. A companion bill (SF602), sponsored by ral Resources (DNR) to develop a formal trail Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), was ap- system for off-highway vehicles, such as all- proved by the Senate State and Local Govern- terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and 4X4 trucks, have been inadequate. MAC oversight ment Operations Committee and awaits A bill that aims to break what off-highway The unelected body overseeing the Minne- further action. vehicle enthusiasts describe as “institutional apolis-St.Paul International Airport and six inertia” and get more designated trails in state regional airports throughout the Twin Cities forests was approved by the House Environ- metropolitan area would have to answer to a MILITARY ment and Natural Resources Policy Commit- legislative committee on a routine basis, un- ★ tee March 27. der a bill approved on a split vote April 1 by Pay differential Sponsored by Rep. Tom Hackbarth the House Local Government and Metropoli- The House passed a bill March 31 that (R-Cedar), the committee chair, the bill tan Affairs Committee. would give state and local government em- (HF1077) would exempt state forest motor- HF883, sponsored by Rep. Tim Wilkin ployees in the military reserves a salary differ- ized trails from the environmental review pro- (R-Eagan), contains provisions recommended ential payment when called to active duty. cess for three years. Under the bill, most state in an audit of the Metropolitan Airports Com- HF294, sponsored by Rep. Rob Eastlund (R- forest trails would be designated for motor- mission issued earlier this year by the Office Isanti), would require a state employer to pay ized recreational vehicle use by 2006. of the Legislative Auditor. Wilkin said the com- any net amount of salary lost to an employee Other provisions of the bill would require all mission fared well in the audit, but that legis- if called to service. off-highway vehicles to be registered with the lative oversight was recommended. As amended on the floor, the bill would ap- state and allow registration fees to be directed The governor appoints 13 of the ply to salary differential for active service on toward local law enforcement agencies for en- commission’s 15 members. The mayor of Min- or after the date of final enactment. The bill forcement and public education expenditures. neapolis and the mayor of St. Paul are each previously would have been retroactive to Sept. Currently, vehicles used on private lands and rac- allowed to make one appointment. 11, 2001. With budget concerns looming, ing vehicles are exempt from registration. Quali- None of the appointments is subject to legis- Eastlund explained that state agencies might fied clubs would also be eligible for safety and lative confirmation. Commission decisions do not be able to handle the costs if the bill were conservation education grant money. not require approval by elected officials, and in retroactive. And the bill would establish an adopt-a-trail recent years the governor has had little contact During committee testimony, Col. Dennis program to encourage individuals and busi- with the commission, according to the audit. Lord, executive director of the Minnesota Na- nesses to provide voluntary trail maintenance Under HF883, the Legislative Commission tional Guard, explained that lower ranking and monitoring in state forests. on Metropolitan Affairs would review the soldiers are paid less by the military than most The environmental review exemptions are commission’s proposed operating budgets, civilian jobs. Because of the salary difference, “brought to you and born out of our total frus- work programs, and capital improvement pro- some soldiers are suffering great financial tration at getting designated trails on the grams. The legislative commission is com- hardship in serving the country for periods of ground,” said Ray Bohn, a lobbyist for the All- prised of senators and representatives. time ranging 12 to 24 months. Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota. Airports commission chair Vicki Grunseth Minnesota has about 18,000 reservists, 500 “We’ve been stymied literally the last three or said she wouldn’t fight the bill’s provisions. of whom are state employees. Of those em- four years by people using the environmental However, she said, the commission currently ployees, he said many are of higher rank in the process to stop trails.” reports various components of its business to military so the salary differential wouldn’t ap- Bohn said the bill would create a disincen- four separate legislative committees, as well as ply to them. But for the lower ranking soldiers tive for people with environmental concerns the Metropolitan Council. paid less, the bill would help them significantly, to sue because the process would be slowed “I guess I just don’t have a high level of con- he said. and then the trails would open automatically. fidence with the Metropolitan Council over Eastlund told members a yes vote on the bill “It’s like we have no alternative at this point,” the years,” said Wilkin, explaining the legisla- would set aside differences on the war, and he said. tive commission oversight provision. “support the people who are over there pro- Opponents argued the bill ignores recommen- An amendment was successfully offered by viding the freedoms we enjoy here.” HF294 dations from the legislative auditor and a mo- Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan) to no longer passed 132-0. torized trail task force convened by the 2002 allow the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul A Senate companion (SF117), sponsored by Legislature consisting of both off-highway ve- to appoint members to the airport commis- Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley) awaits action hicle users and non-motorized forest interests. sion. The vote was 11-7. in a Senate committee. “The bill would let the DNR grandfather in Buesgens said current law dictating where and designate any and all of the existing 7,000 gubernatorial appointees must reside already miles of unplanned trails — the same un- allows for representation of Minneapolis and Moving? planned trails that have caused so much envi- St. Paul. Allowing the two mayors to each make Please help save postage costs by ronmental damage and public outcry — with appointments leads to over-representation on keeping us informed of address no environmental review,” according to the a body overseeing a statewide asset. Several changes. Call (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550. Minnesota Center for Environmental Advo- cacy (MCEA). Session Weekly 25 “It is an environmental nightmare and a Those teams are currently limited to assess- pen in Schmidt’s case and any future cases. lawyer’s dream,” said Matt Norton, MCEA for- ment and defensive duties related to protect- The bill specifies that if there is no surviv- estry advocate. “Minnesotans will be looking ing the surrounding area. They call in ing spouse, dependant children, or dependant at damage after the fact and running to the emergency response teams to deal directly with parents, the state would pay the money to the courts.” the chemical threat. officer’s estate. The effects of the bill would be The bill now moves to the House Envi- State Emergency Management Director Jerry retroactive to July 2002, in order to assure pay- ronment and Natural Resources Finance Rosendahl said the potential for long response ment to Schmidt’s family. Committee. times from the emergency response teams makes The bill next goes to the House Ways and The Senate Environment and Natural Re- it essential for the chemical assessment teams to Means Committee. A Senate companion bill sources Committee has reviewed a number of be able to take “aggressive proactive action to- (SF189), sponsored by Sen. Lawrence off-highway vehicle bills, including a Senate wards the material involved.” Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls), has been approved by companion to HF1077 (SF965), sponsored by Rosendahl said chemical assessment teams two committees and awaits action by the Sen- Sen. LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-Thief River Falls), have the same training and expertise in han- ate Finance Committee. but has not yet approved any of the measures. dling hazardous materials as emergency re- sponse teams. The bill would also expand the definition of Youth referees hazardous material to substances intentionally ★ TRANSPORTATION A bill that would allow youths between ages released in connection with a criminal or terror- Governor’s transportation proposal 11 and 14 to work as sports officials without ist act. Current statutes limit the definition to only Members of the House Transportation Fi- filing for a child labor law exemption was ap- accidentally released materials. The types of sub- nance Committee heard a presentation from proved by the House March 27. stances included in the definition would also Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau April 2 regarding the Sponsored by Rep. Lynn Wardlow expand to include chemical and biological sub- Pawlenty administration’s proposal for trans- (R-Eagan), HF446 passed 128-0 without ques- stances and toxic gasses, in addition to the ex- portation bonding. tions from or debate by representatives. plosive, corrosive, radioactive, and combustible The proposal is included in a bill (HF4), Under current law, no child younger than substances already included. sponsored by Rep. Andrew Westerberg 14 may be employed, save for as an actor or At the request of the Minnesota Professional (R-Blaine). It provides for $550 million in model, newspaper carrier, or in the agricul- Fire Fighters organization, Zellers successfully trunk highway bonding proceeds for acceler- tural field. Exemptions are allowed by the state offered an amendment removing a section of ated construction of road projects within the Department of Labor and Industry on an in- the bill that would eliminate the commissioner state Department of Transportation’s 10-year dividual basis, which has been done routinely of public safety’s obligation to implement a plan. for youth sports officials working at youth statewide hazardous materials incidence re- In addition, the bonding funds would le- sports events, Wardlow said. sponse plan. verage up to $550 million through 2009 in About 2,000 exemptions are processed by The bill now goes before the full House. advance construction funding authorized by the state each year for youth sports officials. A Senate companion bill (SF941), spon- the federal government. Eliminating the exemption filing “will save the sored by Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin), awaits Of the appropriation, $50 million could be department time and money,” Wardlow said. a committee hearing. used for transit-related capital improvements to The department and numerous Minnesota highways, under the bill. It would also authorize youth soccer and hockey organizations sup- the department to spend up to $5 million in fed- ported the bill. Survivor benefits eral funds through 2008 for capital investments “With the growth of hockey within Minne- When Minneapolis Police Officer Melissa for Greater Minnesota transit systems. sota the local organizations rely on this age Schmidt was killed in the line of duty last Au- In order to finance the additional bonding, level to officiate for their younger games,” said gust, her family did not qualify to receive Molnau said, the department reduced expendi- Bill Leslie, chief referee for Minnkota Hockey, money from the state’s public safety officer’s tures by $84 million for the 2004-05 biennium. a division of USA Hockey. benefit account. The greatest share of the savings (39 per- The bill’s Senate companion (SF745), spon- Under state law, when a Minnesota police of- cent) comes from proposed reductions to ad- sored by Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls), ficer or firefighter is killed in the line of duty, the ministration and overhead in the department. awaits action on the Senate floor. state must pay the surviving family $100,000. The Next, at 24 percent, are reductions to infor- law specifies that money must go to a spouse, mation technology-related spending in the any dependant children, or dependant parents. department. Other areas facing proposed re- If none of those family members exist, the state ★ SAFETY ductions include road maintenance, reducing will not make a payment. assigned vehicles to employees, research, snow Handling hazardous material Schmidt’s parents and fellow Minneapolis and ice removal, rest areas, road striping, and In response to increased worries about do- police officials would like to see a change in landscaping, according to documents pro- mestic terror attacks, a bill approved by the the law. vided by the department. House Judiciary Policy and Finance Commit- Minneapolis Police Cpl. Lyall Delaney told The key to the plan, Westerberg said, is that tee April 1 would expand the authority of haz- members of the House Judiciary Policy and it’s a beginning to help solve the congestion ardous materials teams in Minnesota. Finance Committee April 1 that Schmidt’s problems in the state. He said that due to the Under HF1066, sponsored by Rep. Kurt family would like to start a scholarship fund budget constraints, now is not the time to con- Zellers (R-Maple Grove), chemical assessment in her name, using the state benefit money. sider long-term options such as increasing the teams would be authorized to deal directly The committee approved a bill (HF7), spon- gas tax, tab fees, and other local taxing options. with the hazardous materials they encounter. sored by committee chair Rep. Steve Smith “This can all be done without raising taxes (R-Mound), which would allow that to hap- to Minnesotans,” he said of the governor’s 26 April 4, 2003 HF1372, sponsored by Rep. Michael Beard the coalition has supported a gas tax in the (R-Shakopee), will be discussed further the past, but with the political realities this year, week of April 7 and then considered for pos- they think HF1372 is a reasonable solution. sible inclusion in the committee’s omnibus fi- “We’re frustrated that a bill hasn’t passed for nance bill. a number of years,” he said. “We’re interested In 2000 as part of a budget compromise, in getting something passed.” Gov. Jesse Ventura chose to reduce license tab The bill’s Senate companion (SF1372), and registration fees. Currently, the tax is based sponsored by Sen. Dean Johnson (DFL- on its full value the first year of a vehicle’s life. Willmar), awaits committee action. It shall not exceed $189 in the next year, and is limited to $99 in each of the following years. The bill would raise those limits to $200 in the second year of a vehicle’s life, $175 in the Upgrading Highway 14 third year, $125 in the fourth, and would main- Owatonna resident Linda Maher blames tain the $99 limit for the fifth and subsequent U.S. Highway 14 for nearly taking her life. years of the vehicle. Two years ago, she was on her way to work In addition, the bill would reduce the per- in Waseca when a truck crossed the median centage of motor vehicle sales taxes dedicated and hit her head-on in the height of rush hour. to the highway user tax distribution fund from Her left lung collapsed, her pelvis was broken the current level of 32 percent to 27.46 per- in two places, her left elbow was shattered, her cent. It also proposes that a constitutional left shoulder was in pieces, and her left arm amendment be placed on the 2004 general was significantly damaged. After six months election ballot to dedicate 100 percent of mo- of surgeries, rehabilitation, and a stay in a nurs- tor vehicle sales taxes for highway and public ing home, she returned to work, but would transit purposes, beginning in fiscal year 2008. require additional surgery later to adjust some If voters pass such an amendment, three of the pins in her arm. things would happen: vehicle license tab fees She receives a daily reminder of the accident would revert to 2003 levels, 32 percent of the when she passes the spot on her way to work. motor vehicle sales tax would be dedicated to She testified before the House Transportation Lt. Gov. and Transportation Commissioner Carol the highway user tax distribution fund, and Finance Committee April 1 to implore members Molnau answers a question during a April 2 hear- the rest of the sales tax revenue would be used to fund improvements to the road, which is no- ing of the House Transportation Finance Commit- for transit property tax replacement, transit table for a high occurrence of fatal accidents. tee. The committee was hearing a bill that would assistance in the Twin Cities metropolitan area A bill that would provide $164.6 million for appropriate money and issue bonds for trunk improvements to Highway 14 that crosses south- highway improvements. and Greater Minnesota, and to major trunk highway projects. ern Minnesota will be considered for possible plan. Motor vehicle sales taxes are currently dis- inclusion in an omnibus transportation finance Rep. Ron Erhardt (R-Edina) asked tributed as follows: package to be compiled by the committee. Westerberg why the Legislature shouldn’t con- • 32 percent to the highway user tax distribu- HF1324, sponsored by Rep. Connie Ruth sider those options. tion fund, (R-Owatonna), calls for the reconstruction “There’s no future in this,” Erhardt said of • 20.5 percent to the metropolitan area transit and improvement of Highway 14 from its in- the bill. “All this is doing is piddling away and fund, tersection with state Highway 60 near Eagle taking little bites out of it.” • 1.25 percent to the Greater Minnesota tran- Lake in Blue Earth County, just east of Molnau responded that raising the gas tax is sit fund, and Mankato, to the highway’s intersection with not in itself a solution to future funding options. • 46.25 percent to the general fund. Interstate 35 on the south edge of Owatonna. “It’s not going to be the workhorse that it In addition, a metropolitan area transit ap- Officials from cities along the road testified used to be,” she said. propriation account is set to begin in 2004, in favor of the proposal, saying they are con- The committee will consider the bill for its reducing the contribution to the general fund cerned about the safety of motorists and for omnibus finance plan. An amendment was by 2 percent. economic development reasons. The road is a accepted by the committee to split the bond- According to the bill, the additional revenue significant link for commerce in the area, said ing proceeds between projects in the Twin Cit- would be available to help fund the $1.5 bil- Waseca Mayor Tom Hagen, even though the ies metropolitan area and Greater Minnesota. lion in trunk highway bonds authorized from proposal would redirect the road away from The Senate companion (SF288), sponsored 2004 to 2010. downtown Waseca. He noted that the road by Sen. Mark Ourada (R-Buffalo), awaits ac- Beard said that the bill builds on Gov. Tim cannot accommodate the large trucks that use tion in a Senate committee. Pawlenty’s plan that provides for additional the roads, it carries more cars than it was in- bonding to support transportation projects. He tended to, and the conditions of the road make License fee revenue said it also attempts to address the long-term the 55 miles per hour speeds dangerous. A bill that would increase license tab fees to concerns of additional funding streams for trans- According to a brochure provided to the raise additional revenue for transportation portation, without raising the gas tax, which the committee about the proposed improvements, projects was considered by the House Trans- governor has said he doesn’t support. the project is slated for construction through portation Finance Committee April 2, though David Olson, president of the Minnesota 2014. If funding were granted for the entire the committee did not make a decision regard- Chamber of Commerce speaking on behalf of project, it could be completed by 2009. ing its future. the Minnesota Transportation Coalition, said The bill currently has no Senate companion.

Session Weekly 27 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

cared about education,” she said. The other top concern is the environment. Otto said the Second time’s a charm St. Croix Valley area is one of the most beauti- ful in the state with lakes, trout streams, and After losing in the general election, Otto replaces her initial the river. Property taxes were also a concern opponent in the House of Representatives for her constituents, because of the small tax base, she explained. Passionate about the environment, Otto and BY PATTY JANOVEC and environmental science teacher. After five her husband built a renewable energy home. Rep. Rebecca Otto (DFL-Marine on St. years she stopped teaching to stay home with A wind generator provides 80 percent of the Croix) campaigned for six months last year their son, and she quickly got involved with the home’s power, and has been featured in local only to lose her bid for the District 52B House parent-teacher board and volunteering in the and national publications. She said they’ve seat. classroom. “saved a lot of money and it was a great in- However, any disap- That’s how she began her pursuit of public vestment.” They use the home to educate pointment was erased office. people around the state and from other coun- three months later She ran a successful campaign for her local tries by letting them tour the house. when she won the seat school board. She also said she chaired the lo- Otto admits that her schedule is a busy one in a Feb. 11 special elec- cal levy referendum campaign while running as she serves on four House committees: Ag- tion, which was needed for the board. That experience helped her rec- riculture and Rural Development Finance, after former Rep. Mark ognize a “lack of communication and trust be- Agriculture Policy, Environment and Natural Holsten (R-Stillwater) tween the community and this district,” she Resources Policy, and Local Government and Rep. Rebecca Otto was named deputy said. Metropolitan Affairs. “I certainly want to do commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources. Most people agree that a democracy is “Sometimes when the public institutions are in the worst about healthy debate, explained Otto, some- shape and have the biggest problems, people need to be thing that she says many people believed had been lost on a state and national level after creative, and step forward and work on it.” the 2002 campaigns. “People, including a lot — Rep. Rebecca Otto of Republicans, staunch Republicans who would have never voted for a Democrat, were passionate about getting me elected because Lynn Steenblock, superintendent for the For- my share,” she admits. Otto said that House they felt there was no balance left,” she said. est Lake Area School District, describes Otto Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon) said he Otto said she hopes to improve that bal- as “an individual who cares about all children.” assigned her to the agriculture committees ance and focus on issues rather than In working with Otto as she ran for the school because her family owns a hobby farm, com- partisanism. board, Steenblock said Otto’s love for children plete with horses and her family bails their own “A lot of people say ‘I don’t belong to a was clearly apparent. He says she has concerns hay. party, I look at the individual’ and I think they with the quality of education and “wants the Otto doesn’t mind the fast pace that comes are savvy enough to make their own deci- same things for all children in Minnesota.” with being a legislator, saying she has the per- sions,” Otto said. Those very same instincts that nudged her fect job. “I love to learn, I learn a lot everyday.” As for the additional three weeks of special to become active in the school district, are the same skills “that have brought me to this point election campaigning, Otto said, “It felt re- DISTRICT 52B ally good, it was really nice, I worked hard.” in my life,” said Otto. Telephoning people and walking the neigh- A graduate of Macalester College, she said she was inspired to run by a quote from Kofi 2002 population: 36,813 borhoods allowed constituents to ask her Largest city: Stillwater questions, she said. “I think the personal con- Annan, the secretary-general of the United Nations. She paraphrased him, saying, “Some- County: Washington tact was very important, people really appre- Location: eastern Twin Cities ciated it, and they could ask me whatever they times when the public institutions are in the worst shape and have the biggest problems, metropolitan area wanted to.” She defeated her closest challenger Top Concern: “Education drives every- people need to be creative, and step forward in the special election by 10.8 percent of the thing. It’s one of the soundest economic and work on it.” Otto said, “I feel like I’m walk- vote. investments we can make as a state. It Otto and her husband, Shawn, have been ing into a really tough situation, and there’s a determines our future.” small business owners in property manage- lot of hard decisions.” — Rep. Rebecca Otto ment for several years. She moved away from Two distinct concerns became apparent dur- the business to become a seventh grade life ing the campaign, she said. First, “people really

28 April 4, 2003 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

Health and Human Services Policy, Judiciary Policy and Finance, and Regulated Industries. A tall order “Whatever impact I can make there to cut spending and (ensure) the core services are From paramedic to politician, Powell fills seat formerly repre- funded is something I will be working on,” said sented by two top state officials: Ken Wolf and Dan McElroy Powell. He explained that the committee assign- ments fit his experiences well. For one, he BY PATTY JANOVEC Powell said his constituents’ main concern worked closely with Wolf, whose interests as a Residents in District 40A went from having is solving the budget deficit. “That was the plat- legislator involved the topics under the juris- two representatives in the past year, to one, and form I ran on,” he said. diction of the House Regulated Industries then none shortly after the calendar turned to What he is hearing from constituents is that Committee. As a paramedic, he said he has 2003. they want the budget problem solved “with- firsthand knowledge of the issues affecting the Last year’s redistricting out raising taxes,” he said. “The tax climate has health care field. That job also gives him a first- plans put a pair of been fairly poisonous.” hand perspective on the issues of public safety, former representatives, As an example, he said that the biggest em- he said, which are covered by the House Judi- Ken Wolf and Dan ployer in his district recently moved 1,000 jobs ciary Policy and Finance Committee. McElroy, into the same out of state because “we’re not competitive.” Like many freshman legislators, Powell is district, but Wolf then Other states neighboring Minnesota, includ- slowly learning the ropes. chose not to seek re- ing South Dakota, are in the position to ad- He joked about his early days as a House election when he was vertise that they have a more friendly business member. “How am I going to be able to find Rep. Duke Powell named to a top position climate, he described. He said he’d like Min- my office, which turn do I make when I come in the state Commerce Department. McElroy nesota to be able to be in that position, but out of the elevator… although I’m getting won the seat in November, but resigned Jan. 6 to become the state’s finance commissioner. “I decided on pretty short notice that I “We have a city that’s largely made up of people who commute would run for this seat,” said Rep. Duke Powell out of the city to other suburbs and inner cities. . . . If we’re able (R-Burnsville). He and his wife, Julie, have to move goods and services around in a more efficient manner” three children. A paramedic in the Twin Cities metropoli- (that could also help the economy). tan area since 1980, Powell’s been a Burnsville — Rep. Duke Powell resident and health care activist for 30 years. He had worked as Wolf’s campaign manager can’t. “We can’t do that now,” he said. “We’re better at it,” he said. Sometimes he says he has for years, and says the leap to running for leg- just scrambling to hold onto what we’ve got.” to wonder if he was able to get anything done islator wasn’t a big one. He’s been involved over Powell also explained that the state can in a day because of the fast-moving pace of the years with policy, and was active with lo- “grow revenues by strengthening the legislative activity. “I can’t believe how quickly cal and state Republican parties, he said. economy.” There are a lot of things that gov- the day goes, suddenly I haven’t eaten all day Elected Feb. 3 and having to dive right into ernment does that gets in the way of businesses and it’s 6 o’clock.” the process, Powell said, “I’m trying to keep conducting commerce, he said. up with the pace of the place.” Laughing, he Also important to the district are transpor- said, “I haven’t dropped too many balls.” DISTRICT 40A tation issues. He said he’s already hearing from his con- “We have a city that’s largely made up of stituents regarding such issues as the bill that 2002 population: 36,882 people who commute out of the city to other Largest city: Burnsville would change requirements for granting con- suburbs and inner cities,” he said. The district Counties: Dakota, Scott cealed weapons permits and a proposed wage houses a large manufacturing base, and he said Location: southern Twin Cities metropoli- freeze on public employees. Those who know the interest is in building higher capacity roads tan area him well say he’s well-suited to handle those and making better use of transit. “If we’re able Top concern: “The economy, take care of concerns. to move goods and services around in a more the budget deficit, and grow revenues by Charles G. Erickson, a Republican activist efficient manner” that could also help the strengthening the economy. There’s a lot and Burnsville resident for 25 years, worked economy, Powell said. He explained that it of things that government does that gets on Powell’s campaign and described him as “shouldn’t be done through taxes, it should be in the way of businesses conducting having “a great savvy for politics.” He said the done through production.” commerce.” representative “has a thorough understanding — Rep. Duke Powell He serves on three House committees: of what is needed in our district.”

Session Weekly 29 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

He serves on three House committees: Capi- tal Investment, Taxes, and Education Policy. Out front Education was one of the key issues he talked about during his campaign. “My wife is As newest member of the House, Zellers moves from behind a public school teacher along with a few cous- the scenes advisor to role as decision maker ins,” said Zellers, who is one semester of col- lege away from being able to teach. He also said he requested a seat on the House Capital In- BY PATTY JANOVEC ago, Zellers said he realized all of the things he vestment Committee because it will possibly Becoming a state representative means that would get to see in life that his brother be addressing transportation bonding this Rep. Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) still has the wouldn’t. “I promised myself that if any op- year, a big issue in his district. same drive to work each day. It’s just that his portunity ever came along, that I wouldn’t be As for the projected budget deficit legisla- office has changed. afraid of it, too lazy to do it, or make an ex- tors must answer within the next seven weeks, Zellers, who was the cuse,” he said. “I would never live with an ‘what Zellers added he doesn’t think “people realize director of public affairs if’ or ‘but’ ever again.” how many different ways their state, local, and for House Speaker Steve That was especially true when the opportu- federal government touch their lives every Sviggum (R-Kenyon), is nity to seek a legislative seat arose. Zellers, who single day. I mean that from a law, a service, the newest member of had been working for Coleman, chose not to from a provider standpoint.” He explained that the Minnesota House of follow the senator to Washington D.C., instead now is the time for state government to “de- Representatives. taking a job with the House Republican cau- fine how it is that we deliver services.” Whether Zellers earned that seat cus. Additionally, Zellers said he was trying to it’s the arts, the historical society, or paving the Rep. Kurt Zellers when he won a Feb. 25 settle down after tying the knot with wife Kim roads to make sure people get to work to keep special election in District 32B. He replaces in December. jobs coming in, he said, “Now is a tremendous former Rep. Rich Stanek, who was named the state’s public safety commissioner in January. Zellers calls himself a seasoned political “I promised myself that if any opportunity ever came along, activist. that I wouldn’t be afraid of it, too lazy to do it, or make an In addition to working with Sviggum, excuse. I would never live with an ‘what if’ or ‘but’ ever again.” Zellers has worked with former U.S. Sen. Rod — Rep. Kurt Zellers Grams, and current U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman. If there’s one thing he’s learned, he said, it’s “that everything you do or have experience Sviggum describes the new representative as opportunity.” with, affects every single person (in Minne- a “very outgoing, personable, caring There are areas where the state isn’t going sota). I think that’s one thing people miss individual.” to be able to be as generous as it has been in about politics, that’s why it gets a bad rap.” Those traits were necessary as Zellers did a the past, he said. Additionally, he said the fo- His grandmother encouraged him “to be a lot of door knocking during the campaign. He cus should be on practicality, focusing on the contributor to your community…bring some- said residents told him they are concerned state’s needs rather than merely its wants. thing back or do something good for those about making sure they have transportation around you.” As a child growing up in Devil’s options to get to and from the urban areas for Lake, N.D., Zellers said his grandmother en- their jobs, but that they enjoy having all the DISTRICT 32B couraged him to read all the time. “When I other services they need right in their local community. “We’ve got everything we need was in fifth or sixth grade, I read biographies 2002 population: 36,525 here, and we love it,” he said of their comments. on the former presidents Lincoln, Washing- Largest city: Maple Grove ton, Jefferson. Those were the big ones,” he “Don’t change anything.” He describes the dis- County: Hennepin said. trict as “relatively safe” and said the people Location: northwest Twin Cities metro- He said she didn’t expect him to devise the don’t want their taxes raised. School equity is politan area next great widget or car, but to be a good per- an issue, as well as transportation. Top concern: “Balancing the budget with- son. In his teens, Zellers took the advice to Like his predecessor, Zellers says, “public out raising taxes. With the time I spent heart, in part, as a student-coach for sports in safety is a big priority.” One of the first bills he with the federal government and the time high school and college. While at the Univer- sponsored, HF1066, would give locally based I’ve spent down here, it’s fairly obvious sity of North Dakota, he helped another stu- chemical assessment teams more authority to there’s always room for improvement. dent successfully run for the state legislature, address situations such as chemical spills, in We’re spending more money. There are beating an incumbent of six years. the same manner as statewide emergency re- some areas where we aren’t going to be Family continues to direct his path. sponse teams. Under current law only certain able to be as generous as we have been When his younger brother died at age 17 functions may be performed by emergency in the past.” — Rep. Kurt Zellers from a congenital heart defect nearly two years teams.

30 April 4, 2003 ILL INTRODUCTIONS M ARCH 31 - APRIL 3, 2003 B ★ ★ ★ HOUSE FILES 1302 - 1468

Monday, March 31 HF1312—Mullery (DFL) HF1322—Rhodes (R) HF1332—Abeler (R) Judiciary Policy and Finance Governmental Operations & Health & Human Services Policy HF1302—Lipman (R) Predatory offender law; level III of- Veterans Affairs Policy Social work licenses and fees regulated. fenders residence locations limited. Governmental Operations & Campaign finance terms clarified, reporting requirements modified, HF1333—Westrom (R) Veterans Affairs Policy HF1313—Murphy (DFL) additional civil penalties provided, Agriculture & Rural Corporate political contribution law Governmental Operations & and obsolete rules repealed. administration provided, activities Development Finance permitted expanded, penalties modi- Veterans Affairs Policy Small wind energy conversion sys- HF1323—Seifert (R) fied, and labor organizations required Minnesota State Colleges and Uni- tem ownership and location require- to notify employees of political use of versities early separation incentive Governmental Operations & ments clarified relating to the funds. program authorized. Veterans Affairs Policy renewable energy production incen- State Board of Investment stocks in tive, incentive funding provided from HF1303—Knoblach (R) HF1314—Murphy (DFL) corporations doing business in France electric utility assessment, and mega- watts limit increased. Transportation Policy Governmental Operations & disposed of upon determination of international weapons sale violations. Cartway required where landowner’s Veterans Affairs Policy HF1334—Smith (R) access is limited to navigable waterway. Minnesota State Colleges and Uni- versities individual retirement ac- HF1324—Ruth (R) Governmental Operations & HF1304—Penas (R) count plan included in the combined Transportation Finance Veterans Affairs Policy Transportation Finance service annuity portability provision. Trunk Highway 14 between Eagle Minneapolis firefighters relief asso- Local road improvement fund bonds Lake and Owatonna reconstruction ciation refund of member contribu- funding provided, bonds issued, and tions provided upon death. issued, and money appropriated. HF1315—Murphy (DFL) Governmental Operations & money appropriated. HF1305—Kuisle (R) Veterans Affairs Policy HF1335—Thao (DFL) HF1325—Erickson (R) Governmental Operations & Environment & Natural Minnesota State Colleges and Uni- Environment & Natural Resources Policy versities individual retirement ac- Veterans Affairs Policy count plan revision in prior Resources Finance Hmong veterans of the war in Laos Wetland replacement requirements for public transportation projects retirement benefit coverage elections Digital elevation and flood plain man- during the Vietnam War commemo- permitted. agement mapping pilot project fund- rative statue provided. modified. ing provided, and money HF1316—Abeler (R) appropriated. HF1336—Seagren (R) HF1306—Westrom (R) Civil Law Health & Human Services Policy Education Policy Long-term care family loan program HF1326—Latz (DFL) Qualified teachers and paraprofes- Breath alcohol testing devices in li- pilot project established, bonds is- Civil Law sionals requirements established. quor establishments immunity from liability provisions modified. sued, and sunset provided. Civil actions against the state in fed- eral court provisions clarified. HF1337—Marquart (DFL) HF1307—Westrom (R) HF1317—Hornstein (DFL) Agriculture & Rural Governmental Operations & HF1327—Wagenius (DFL) Judiciary Policy & Finance Development Finance Environment & Natural Corrections commissioner autho- Veterans Affairs Policy Farm wrap network and rural help rized to contract with private agen- Governor’s Residence Council exist- Resources Policy network grants provided, and money cies, and requests for proposals ence extended. Mercury emissions from electric gen- appropriated. relating to privatizing state prison erating facilities capped, emissions system required. HF1318—Greiling (DFL) increase prohibited, and reduction of HF1338—Penas (R) Education Finance emissions in the future required. Education Policy HF1308—Hornstein (DFL) Cooperative community education levy Teaching license rules required grant- Health & Human Services Finance authorized for jointly operated recre- HF1328—Wagenius (DFL) ing a license to chemistry, physics, Cemetery markers funding provided ational or senior citizens programs. Taxes and biology teachers, and science for regional treatment centers, and Individual sewage treatment system teachers with continuing license al- money appropriated. HF1319—Smith (R) improvements property tax valuation lowed to be certified to teach other Transportation Policy exclusion provided. subjects after qualifying. HF1309—Abeler (R) American classic car licensing and Education Finance registration provided. HF1329—Ozment (R) HF1339—Erickson (R) Minnesota economic opportunity Governmental Operations & Education Policy grants provided, and money HF1320—Smith (R) Veterans Affairs Policy Parental access to statewide educa- appropriated. Judiciary Policy & Finance State lottery annual reports required tion assessment tests codified, and Lifetime firearms possession prohi- on maximizing revenues to the envi- annual release of increasingly greater HF1310—Thissen (DFL) bition imposed for convicted violent ronmental trust fund. portions of statewide tests required. Education Finance felons, restoration provided, and HF1340—Howes (R) Independent School District No. 280, technical changes made to the defini- HF1330—Westerberg (R) Richfield, airport runway impact zone tion of crime of violence. Regulated Industries Taxes aid program implementation delayed. Liquor retailer payment delinquency Homestead classification provided for HF1321—Howes (R) posting requirement modified. certain resorts owned by a limited HF1311—Erickson (R) Commerce, Jobs & liability company. Education Policy Economic Development Policy HF1331—Wagenius (DFL) HF1341—Rhodes (R) School districts authorized to not Cigarette manufacturers and retail- Regulated Industries comply with mandates unless rev- ers trade practices regulated. Emergency 911 telephone service fee Taxes enue to comply is identified. increased to fund the third phase of Tax petition dismissal 60-day rule the public safety radio communica- modified. tions system, bonds authorized, and money appropriated.

Session Weekly 31 HF1342—Clark (DFL) HF1352—Wagenius (DFL) HF1363—Adolphson (R) HF1373—Rhodes (R) Judiciary Policy & Finance Environment & Natural Education Finance Local Government & Prostitution data collection and re- Resources Policy Bus transportation required for stu- Metropolitan Affairs porting required, and penalty assess- Water quality testing compliance pro- dents living more than one mile from Metropolitan Radio Board expiration ments appropriated to the vided, and money appropriated. school, and school boards authorized date extended. commissioner of public safety. to charge fee to all students riding HF1353—Clark (DFL) buses. HF1374—Urdahl (R) HF1343—Powell (R) Education Policy Agriculture Policy Governmental Operations & Limited English proficiency students HF1364—Kielkucki (R) Agriculture Department headquar- Veterans Affairs Policy enrolled in a Minnesota school district Transportation Policy ters named the Orville L. Freeman Teacher retirement association ser- for three or fewer school years allowed Community identification signs dis- building. vice credit purchase authorized for a to complete alternative English assess- tance provision modified. specified former employee of Inde- ment and to complete other assess- HF1375—Klinzing (R) pendent School District No. 191, ments in the student’s primary HF1365—Nelson, P. (R) Education Finance Burnsville-Eagan-Savage. language. Transportation Policy Equity revenue funding increased, Government agencies authorized to and compensatory revenue limited HF1344—Vandeveer (R) HF1354—Fuller (R) act as commercial driver training to $1,500 per pupil. Transportation Policy Judiciary Policy & Finance schools. License plates; special veteran contri- Probation sanctions conference pro- HF1376—Klinzing (R) bution license plates authorized for cedure established, and forms and HF1366—Beard (R) Education Finance motorcycles. procedures required. Judiciary Policy & Finance Alternative teacher compensation Court revenue disposition provided awards program funding increased, HF1345—Klinzing (R) HF1355—Anderson, B. (R) after state takeover, and state aid loss and money appropriated. Local Government & Governmental Operations & to court administration costs prorat- Metropolitan Affairs Veterans Affairs Policy ing required. HF1377—Blaine (R) Lieutenant governor added to the Campaign signs permitted in high- Governmental Operations & membership of the Legislative Com- way rights-of-way in state general HF1367—Ozment (R) Veterans Affairs Policy mission on Metropolitan Govern- election year. Environment & Natural Service credit purchase authorized for ment, and legislative approval Resources Policy a specified corrections employee. required for Metropolitan Council HF1356—Anderson, B. (R) Aquatic plant management funding operating levies. Transportation Finance provided, watercraft surcharge in- HF1378—Kuisle (R) Trunk highway corridor-protection creased, apportionment of gasoline Education Finance HF1346—Goodwin (DFL) revolving loan account established, fuel tax for motorboats modified, and Regional library basic system support Education Finance and money appropriated. money appropriated. grants limitation removed. Enrollment options compensatory revenue established allowing com- HF1357—Koenen (DFL) HF1368—Clark (DFL) HF1379—Kuisle (R) pensatory revenue amounts to follow Environment & Natural Commerce, Jobs & Taxes a student to a nonresident school dis- Resources Policy Economic Development Policy Rental housing property tax valua- trict, and money appropriated. Bird Island temporary exception to Minnesota Housing Finance Agency tion provided. sewer extension permit requirements advisory consultation with urban HF1347—Hoppe (R) authorized. Indian organizations required. HF1380—Buesgens (R) Environment & Natural Governmental Operations & Resources Finance HF1358—Mullery (DFL) HF1369—Clark (DFL) Veterans Affairs Policy State park fund established, state park Environment & Natural Health & Human Services Policy Public employment contracts finan- management and operations provisions Resources Policy Health and human services commis- cial parameters established. established, self-sufficiency required of Game and fish licensing agents prohib- sioner consultation with urban certain state parks and recreation areas, ited from charging a fee on specified Indian organizations required. HF1381—Smith (R) and money appropriated. licenses. Transportation Policy HF1370—Knoblach (R) Classic car license designation HF1348—Hoppe (R) HF1359—Anderson, B. (R) Ways & Means provisions modified. Education Finance Local Government & Revenue targets and departmental School district financial reporting Metropolitan Affairs earnings reports legislative submis- HF1382—Davnie (DFL) dates adjusted, notification process Buffalo; Highway 55 reconstruction sion dates modified. Governmental Operations & created for operating referenda and and upgrading city bonds authorized. Veterans Affairs Policy debt elections, and school district HF1371—Eken (DFL) Fair and clean elections act increas- elections for obligations regulated. HF1360—Walz (R) State Government Finance ing campaign contribution disclo- Judiciary Policy & Finance Rural-urban migration impact study sure, limiting contributions and HF1349—Paymar (DFL) State agencies and local government required for certain budget proposals. expenditures, increasing public sub- Health & Human Services Policy prohibited from spending money on sidies for candidates who agree to Tobacco use prohibited in certain CriMNet until reviews are complete HF1372—Beard (R) limit their contributions, and appro- public treatment institutions. and a risk response plan is imple- Transportation Finance priating money. mented, and financial audit of Major highway projects account es- HF1350—Smith (R) CriMNet required. tablished, maximum license taxes on Education Finance automobiles increased, trunk high- Tuesday, April 1 Independent School District No. 277, HF1361—Finstad (R) way fund budget base reduced, mo- Westonka, permanent fund transfer Health & Human Services Finance tor vehicle sales tax dedicated, bonds HF1383—Boudreau (R) authorized. County human services initiatives issued, money appropriated, and con- Health & Human Services Policy implemented. stitutional amendment proposed. HF1351—DeLaForest (R) Radiation therapy facilities construc- Education Policy HF1362—Anderson, B. (R) tion restricted to existing licensed hospitals. Charter school requirements modified. Taxes Clearwater sales tax authorized to fund a regional community and rec- reation center. 32 April 4, 2003 HF1384—Powell (R) HF1395—Hausman (DFL) HF1405—Huntley (DFL) HF1415—Gerlach (R) Health & Human Services Policy Transportation Finance Environment & Natural Governmental Operations & Cremation definition modified to Motor vehicle registration tax depre- Resources Policy Veterans Affairs Policy include alkaline hydrolysis process. ciation schedule modified and maxi- Boundary Waters Canoe Area school State council, commission, advisory mum taxes removed, motor fuel taxes trust land management options analy- committee, and board expiration HF1385—Lenczewski (DFL) increased, highway funds distributed, sis required, and trust land disposal dates provided. Transportation Finance one-half cent transportation sales tax temporarily suspended. Metropolitan fiscal disparities pro- imposed, bonds issued, and money HF1416—Urdahl (R) gram adjustment for operating sub- appropriated. HF1406—Howes (R) Transportation Policy sidies of light rail transit system Local Government & Littering offense surcharge imposed provided. HF1396—Smith (R) Metropolitan Affairs for throwing cigarettes from a motor Local Government & County commissioner vacancies filled vehicle. HF1386—Krinkie (R) Metropolitan Affairs by appointment until the next gen- Governmental Operations & Municipal housing code reinspection eral election. HF1417—Peterson (DFL) Veterans Affairs Policy special assessments authorized. Taxes Local public employees phased re- HF1407—Hornstein (DFL) Camp fees tax exemption modified. tirement and voluntary unpaid leave HF1397—Hilty (DFL) Health & Human Services Policy options provided. Civil Law Alcohol and drug counselor tempo- HF1418—Sviggum (R) Constitutional amendment propos- rary practice requirements modified. Health & Human Services Finance HF1387—Kielkucki (R) ing that all references to the word Polio patient hospital services reim- Education Policy person mean natural person in the HF1408—Abrams (R) bursement rate modified. Nonpublic school site preference state constitution. Taxes given for instruction for children with Tax lien sales authorized. HF1419—Jaros (DFL) a disability who attend the non- HF1398—Hilty (DFL) Taxes public school. Health & Human Services Policy HF1409—Blaine (R) Income tax exemptions and deductions Immunization requirements modi- Judiciary Policy & Finance modified, rates adjusted, gasoline and HF1388—Otto (DFL) fied relating to conscientious beliefs, Privacy intrusions felony penalties fuel excise tax rates modified, sales taxes Transportation Finance newborn medical records, and notice imposed for repeat convictions, vio- imposed on certain services, sales tax Local road improvement funding to child care providers. lations against a minor, and engaging and motor vehicle sales tax reduced, provided, bonds issued, and money in a pattern of conduct involving and exemptions abolished. appropriated. HF1399—Lenczewski (DFL) interference with privacy. Governmental Operations & HF1420—Lesch (DFL) HF1389—Abeler (R) Veterans Affairs Policy HF1410—Kelliher (DFL) Commerce, Jobs & Health & Human Services Policy Economic interest disclosure state- Regulated Industries Economic Development Policy Human services commissioner re- ment for public officials and candi- Energy conversion grants to schools Large retail stores use permit mora- quired to develop a plan to secure dates modified to include information provided. torium provided, and report required. medical assistance for mental health regarding the individual and each services provided in out-of-home immediate family member. HF1411—Walker (DFL) HF1421—Zellers (R) placement settings. Health & Human Services Policy Transportation Finance HF1400—Lieder (DFL) Universal health care system working Osseo; Central Avenue and Jefferson HF1390—Lindgren (R) Education Finance group established; program require- Highway project funding provided, Taxes Independent School District No. 628, ments provided including focus on bonds issued, and money appropriated. Park Rapids sales and use tax autho- Plummer, permanent fund transfer preventive care, early intervention, rized and fund uses specified. authorized. and elimination of bureaucratic costs; HF1422—Carlson (DFL) and plan required to be implemented Higher Education Finance HF1391—Anderson, I. (DFL) HF1401—Cox (R) by 2010. Post-secondary student financial aid Regulated Industries Environment & Natural modified, and money appropriated. Electricity board executive secretary Resources Finance HF1412—Hornstein (DFL) appointed by the governor. Phosphorous and other cleaning Governmental Operations & HF1423—Eken (DFL) agents regulated. Veterans Affairs Policy Environment & Natural HF1392—Vandeveer (R) Teachers retirement association au- Resources Finance Local Government & HF1402—Hornstein (DFL) thorized to use a salary for pension Mahnomen County; Marsh Creek Metropolitan Affairs Governmental Operations & purposes for a certain teacher who is flood mitigation project in the Wild City charters allowed to prohibit Veterans Affairs Policy in excess of actual earnings. Rice River Watershed District fund- members of the governing body of Minneapolis teachers retirement as- ing provided, bonds issued, and the city from serving on the charter sociation refund repayment without HF1413—Otto (DFL) money appropriated. commission. interest authorized for a specified Education Policy employee. Student instruction and staff devel- HF1424—Murphy (DFL) HF1393—Magnus (R) opment training three additional days Taxes Taxes HF1403—Atkins (DFL) mandate repealed. Hermantown local sales tax uses ex- Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, Regulated Industries panded to fund additional capital Inc.; corporate status clarified for Power line construction prohibited projects. purposes of federal tax law. in Sunfish Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Wednesday, April 2 Mendota Heights, and South St. Paul HF1425—Holberg (R) HF1394—Fuller (R) until environmental impact state- Civil Law ments have been completed. Judiciary Policy & Finance HF1414—Beard (R) Money judgment stays of execution Methamphetamine labs; grant pro- Transportation Policy regulated. HF1404—Seagren (R) gram established for cities to contain, Highway rest area lease agreements clean up, and preserve evidence at Education Finance authorized, lease funds deposited in clandestine meth labs; local match General education revenue obsolete special revenue fund, and money required; and money appropriated. language repealed. appropriated.

Session Weekly 33 HF1426—Dorman (R) HF1436—Jacobson (R) HF1447—Bernardy (DFL) HF1458—Severson (R) Commerce, Jobs & Taxes Transportation Policy Agriculture Policy Economic Development Policy Ramsey County library levies stated World War I and II veterans entitled Farmed cervidae harvest permitted Workers’ compensation technical separately on tax statements and truth to the same parking privileges as on licensed shooting preserves, and changes provided, medical fee sched- in taxation notices. physically disabled persons. money appropriated. ule conversion factor frozen for one year, and surcharge rate established. HF1437—Cornish (R) HF1448—Dill (DFL) HF1459—Cornish (R) Governmental Operations & Regulated Industries Transportation Policy HF1427—Bernardy (DFL) Veterans Affairs Policy Minnesota rural communications Highway 14 reconstruction design- Taxes Polling disclosure requirements infrastructure fund established, wire- build method considered, bonds Anoka County public safety radio provided. less telephone service fee imposed, issued, and money appropriated. improvements bonds validated. 10-year sunset provided, and money HF1438—Ozment (R) appropriated. HF1460—Dorman (R) HF1428—Goodwin (DFL) Taxes Agriculture Policy Health & Human Services Finance Electric generation facility personal HF1449—Harder (R) Ethanol producer business Foodshelf programs funding pro- property exempted from taxation. Transportation Finance association’s shareholder rights clari- vided, and money appropriated. Transit assistance provisions modi- fied, and ethanol producer payments HF1439—Ozment (R) fied for annually appropriating prohibited for associations not in HF1429—Borrell (R) Taxes money for transit operations, and compliance. Local Government & Electric generation facility personal property tax replacement aid program Metropolitan Affairs property exempted from taxation. abolished. HF1461—Lanning (R) Local government prohibited from Taxes providing services or goods that are HF1440—Johnson, S. (DFL) HF1450—Lenczewski (DFL) Moorhead tax levy extended. provided by private business, munici- Health & Human Services Policy Transportation Finance pal liquor stores authority repealed, Compassionate use act adopted pro- Bloomington trunk highway project HF1462—Hoppe (R) and study required. tecting seriously ill patients from funding provided, bonds issued, and Judiciary Policy & Finance prosecution and prison for using money appropriated. Bureau of Criminal Apprehension HF1430—Smith (R) medicinal marijuana under a required to establish and maintain a Governmental Operations & physician’s supervision, and impos- HF1451—Kahn (DFL) Web site containing public criminal Veterans Affairs Policy ing criminal penalties. Health & Human Services Policy history data. Retirement provisions modified for Smoking in the workplace prohib- Minnesota State Retirement System HF1441—Bernardy (DFL) ited, and smoke-free areas provided HF1463—Latz (DFL) general plan, correctional plan, legis- Governmental Operations & in multi-tenant buildings. Taxes lators plan, state patrol plan, judges Veterans Affairs Policy Sales and use tax provisions modified plan, and other plans. Lawful gambling revenue deposited HF1452—Urdahl (R) to conform to streamlined sales tax into lawful gambling revenue fund, Agriculture Policy project. HF1431—Stang (R) and money appropriated. Feedlot regulation pasture definition Higher Education Finance clarified. HF1464—Pugh (DFL) Minnesota State Colleges and Uni- HF1442—Krinkie (R) Environment & Natural versities clarifying and conforming Taxes HF1453—Sertich (DFL) Resources Policy changes provided, benefit provisions Local government aids reduced to Taxes Stormwater pollution prevention modified, purchasing and contract- specified cities. Hibbing tax increment financing dis- program plan grants provided for fed- ing authority expanded, and trustees trict extension authorized. erally mandated municipalities. authorized to accept and manage HF1443—Hilty (DFL) federal money. Governmental Operations & HF1454—Sertich (DFL) HF1465—Finstad (R) Veterans Affairs Policy Governmental Operations & Education Finance HF1432—Ozment (R) Precinct caucuses moved to the third Veterans Affairs Policy School boards authorized to use rev- Governmental Operations & Tuesday in February. Political party units prohibited from enue other than state aids to recog- Veterans Affairs Policy accepting contributions indirectly nize volunteers for extracurricular State employee voluntary unpaid HF1444—Bradley (R) that they could not accept directly. activities. leave options and early retirement Health & Human Services Policy incentives provided. Medical assistance coverage autho- HF1455—Nelson, P. (R) HF1466—Smith (R) rized for some over-the-counter Taxes Governmental Operations & HF1433—Wasiluk (DFL) drugs. Taylors Falls and Franconia border Veterans Affairs Policy Governmental Operations & city development zones authorized. Teacher retirement plan restructur- Veterans Affairs Policy ing actuarial study required. Teachers retirement association Rule Thursday, April 3 HF1456—Slawik (DFL) of 85 authorized. Education Finance HF1467—Clark (DFL) Head Start program transferred to Transportation Policy HF1445—Westerberg (R) HF1434—Goodwin (DFL) the Department of Human Services. Contractors required to take measures Transportation Finance Health & Human Services Policy for hiring women and minorities for Trunk Highway 65 improvements Automatic external defibrillator ac- HF1457—Gunther (R) highway projects. funding provided, bonds issued, and quisition and distribution program Commerce, Jobs & money appropriated. established, and money appropriated. Economic Development Policy HF1468—Peterson (DFL) Cigarette delivery sales regulated, and Agriculture Policy HF1446—Osterman (R) HF1435—Demmer (R) penalties provided. Seed reservation mechanism pro- Transportation Policy Governmental Operations & vided for farmers for purposes of Highway safety rest area leasing Veterans Affairs Policy planting seeds in subsequent crop provided. Public Employees Retirement Asso- years, and fee authorized. ciation police and fire plan survivor benefit authorized for the survivor of a specified deceased member.

34 April 4, 2003 ESOURCES R ★ ★ ★ Minnesota State and Federal Offices U.S. Senators Senator 222 Main Street, Suite 200 Senator Mark Dayton (DFL) P.O. Box 937 Norm Coleman (R) SR-346, Russell Senate Office Building Biwabik, MN 55708 B-3 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (218)-865-4480 Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3244 Fax: (218) 865-4667 (202) 224-5641 Fax: (202) 228-2186 Fax: (202) 224-1152 2017 Highway 59 SE, Suite 24 Bishop Henry Whipple Thief River Falls, MN 56701 Court International Building Federal Building, Suite 298 (218) 681-2166 2550 University Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55111 (218) 681-2169 Suite 100 North (612) 727-5220 St. Paul, MN 55114 1-888-224-9043 E-mail: dayton.senate.gov/webform.html (651) 645-0323 Fax: (612) 727-5223 Web site: http://www.senate.gov/~dayton

U.S. Representatives

First District Fourth District 22 Wilson Ave. N.E., Suite 104 Eighth District Gil Gutknecht (R) Betty McCollum (DFL) St. Cloud, MN 56302 James L. Oberstar (DFL) 425 Cannon House 1029 Longworth House (320) 259-0099 2365 Rayburn House Office Building Office Building Fax: (320) 259-0786 Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2472 (202) 225-6631 E-mail: (202) 225-6211 Fax: (202) 225-3246 Fax: (202) 225-1968 [email protected] Fax: (202) 225-0699 Web site: http:// Suite 108 165 Western Ave. N., Suite 17 markkennedy.house.gov 231 Federal Building 1530 Greenview Drive S.W. St. Paul, MN 55102 Duluth, MN 55802 Rochester, MN 55902 (651) 224-9191 Seventh District (218) 727-7474 Fax: (651) 224-3056 Fax: (218) 727-8270 (507) 252-9841 Collin Peterson (DFL) 1-800-862-8632 2159 Rayburn House Chisholm City Hall Fax: (507) 252-9915 Web site: http://www.house.gov/ Office Building 316 Lake St. mccollum Washington, D.C. 20515 Chisholm, MN 55719 E-mail: [email protected] (202) 225-2165 (218) 254-5761 Web site: http://www.house.gov/ Fifth District Fax: (202) 225-1593 Fax: (218) 254-5132 gutknecht/ Martin Olav Sabo (DFL) 2336 Rayburn House Minn. Wheat Growers Bldg. Brainerd City Hall Second District Office Building 2603 Wheat Drive 501 Laurel St. John Kline (R) Washington, D.C. 20515 Red Lake Falls, MN 56750 Brainerd, MN 56401 1429 Longworth House (202) 225-4755 (218) 253-4356 (218) 828-4400 Office Building Fax: (202) 225-4886 Fax: (218) 253-4373 Fax: (218) 828-1412 Washington, D.C. 20515 286 Commerce at the Crossings Suite 107 Elk River City Hall (202) 225-2271 250 Second Ave. S. 714 Lake Ave. 13065 Orono Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55401 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Elk River, MN 55330 101 E. Burnsville Pkwy. (612) 664-8000 (218) 847-5056 (763) 241-0188 Suite 201 Fax: (612) 664-8004 Fax: (218) 847-5109 Fax: (763) 241-0233 Burnsville, MN 55337 E-mail: [email protected] 320 S.W. Fourth St. (952) 808-1213 38625 14th Ave., Suite 300B Web site: http://www.house.gov/sabo/ Centre Point Mall North Branch, MN 55056 Third District Willmar, MN 56201 Third District Sixth District (651) 277-1234 Jim Ramstad (R) (320) 235-1061 Jim Ramstad (R) Mark Kennedy (R) Fax: (651) 277-1235 103 Cannon House Fax: (320) 235-2651 1415 Longworth House E-mail: Office Building Office Building Access to e-mail through Web site. Washington, D.C. 20515 E-mail: Washington, D.C. 20515 Web site: http:// (202) 225-2871 [email protected] (202) 225-2331 www.house.gov/oberstar/ Fax: (202) 225-6351 Web site: http://www.house.gov/ Fax: (202) 225-6475 collinpeterson/ 1809 Plymouth Rd. S. 1111 Highway 25 North Suite 300 Suite 204 Minnetonka, MN 55305 Buffalo, MN 55313 (952) 738-8200 (763) 684-1600 Fax: (952) 738-9362 1-800-453-9392 Fax: (763) 684-1730 E-mail:[email protected] Unofficial list as of 1/15/03 Web site: http://www.house.gov/ramstad/ Session Weekly 35 OMMITTEE SCHEDULE A PRIL 7 - 11, 2003 C ★ ★ ★

MONDAY, April 7 information on asset diversion required, senior HF1255 (Erhardt) County state-aid highway linkage line information expanded, excess home fund apportionment provided, motor fuel tax 12:30 PM equity applied to long-term care costs, and increased to fund trunk highways, transportation income transfers prohibition extended. sales tax authorized for certain counties, major Taxes HF632 (Abeler) Long-term care insurance local projects account created, bonds issued, Room: 200 State Office Building availability and quality expanded, and legislative and money appropriated. Chair: Rep. Ron Abrams task force established. HF1286 (Westerberg) Hazard elimination safety Agenda: HF126 (Jaros) State convention center More bills may be added. account created in the local road improvement tax exemption clarified. If necessary, this meeting will continue one hour fund, local bridge replacement and rehabilitation HF598 (Jaros) Aircraft repair facility after session in Room 5 of the State Office and local road improvement program bonds construction materials and equipment sales tax Building. authorized, standards provided, and money exemption provided. appropriated. HF954 (Abrams) Public safety radio 3:00 PM HF1395 (Hausman) Motor vehicle registration communication system sales and use tax tax depreciation schedule modified and exemptions provided. THE HOUSE MEETS IN SESSION maximum taxes removed, motor fuel taxes HF1057 (Dempsey) Indian reservation tax increased, highway funds distributed, one-half revenue state sharing with counties required. 6:30 PM cent transportation sales tax imposed, bonds HF1417 (Peterson) Camp fees tax exemption issued, and money appropriated. modified. Meeting Time Note: The meeting will be after the floor session which may extend within 30 Education Policy Education Finance minutes of or past the stated time; in that case the Chair will announce the starting time from Room: 200 State Office Building Room: 5 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Barb Sykora Chair: Rep. Alice Seagren the House floor. Ethics Agenda: HF829 (Urdahl) Probationary teacher Agenda: Continuation of Thursday, April 3 Room: 10 State Office Building evaluation requirements provided. agenda. HF1136 (Abeler) Performance bonds provided HF206 (Seagren) January 15 teacher contract Chair: Rep. Sondra Erickson Agenda: Hearing of complainants and for certain school district contracts relating to deadline date repealed. computer, information, and network systems. HF1295 (Marquart) Education excellence respondent regarding complaint filed about Rep. Arlon Lindner; deliberation of probable cause. revenue established as a funding mechanism for Health and Human Services Finance rewarding education results. Introductions and explanation of procedure. Presentation by complainants (30 minutes). Room: 10 State Office Building Questions of complainants by respondent Chair: Rep. Fran Bradley Health and Human Services Finance Agenda: HF904 (Bradley) Public assistance, Room: 10 State Office Building (15 minutes). Questions of complainants by committee health care, continuing care, and children’s Chair: Rep. Fran Bradley services provisions modified; community Agenda: HF29 (Bradley) MinnesotaCare (15 minutes). Presentation by respondent (30 minutes). services act adopted; medical assistance estate provider taxes repealed, pass-through of savings recovery provisions and local public health grants required, and cigarette and tobacco tax increases Questions of respondent by committee (15 minutes). modified, and money appropriated. provided. HF905 (Bradley) Child-care programs, HF858 (Howes) Hubbard County facility Closing statement by complainants (15 minutes). Minnesota economic opportunity grants, and nursing home bed moratorium exception food shelves funding provided; and money provided. Closing statement by respondent (15 minutes). Close hearing. appropriated. HF1155 (Dempsey) Goodhue County existing HF1361 (Finstad) County human services ICF/MR licensing change authorized. Committee deliberation to determine probable cause. initiatives implemented. HF590 (Haas) Child-care assistance fraud More bills will be added. prevention provisions adopted. This meeting may continue one hour after session HF1001 (Boudreau) Adverse health care events in Room 10 of the State Office Building. reporting act of 2003 adopted establishing an TUESDAY, April 8 adverse health care events reporting system, Environment and Natural Resources 8:15 AM classifying certain health data, and appropriating Finance money. Transportation Finance Room: 5 State Office Building HF491 (Samuelson) Nursing facility regulatory Room: 500S State Office Building Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment requirements and standards modified. Chair: Rep. William Kuisle Agenda: To be announced. HF326 (Samuelson) Dental practice provisions Agenda: HF1048 (Penas) Trade and economic modified relating to student loan forgiveness, development, housing finance agency, natural Jobs and Economic Development Finance dental hygeinist requirements modified, donated resources, and transportation funding provided, Room: Basement Hearing Room dental services program required, and dental bonds issued, and money appropriated. Chair: Rep. Bob Gunther assistance coverage contracting and metro urgent HF1372 (Beard) Major highway projects account Agenda: HF728 (Clark) HIV/AIDS in the care clinic provided. established, maximum license taxes on workplace education provided and money HF1139 (Samuelson) Human services technical automobiles increased, trunk highway fund appropriated. changes provided, and long-term care report budget base reduced, motor vehicle sales tax HF55 (Mahoney) St. Paul; Phalen corridor required. dedicated, bonds issued, money appropriated, contamination remediation grant provided, HF1269 (Samuelson) Human services biennial and constitutional amendment proposed. bonds issued, and money appropriated.

36 April 4, 2003 HF237 (Dempsey) Mississippi River Parkway code revisions enacted. Regulated Industries Commission funding provided to promote More bills to be added. Room: 10 State Office Building tourism and economic development along the Chair: Rep. Torrey Westrom Great River Road. 2:30 PM Agenda: HF938 (Sykora)/SF 914 (Scheid) Wine HF748 (Gunther) Economic development, off-sale licenses authorized for supermarkets. housing, jobs, and state government finance Civil Law funding provided, and money appropriated. Room: 10 State Office Building 4:00 PM Testimony: Minnesota Film & TV Board. Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Agenda: HF1114 (Kohls) Purchase-money Meeting Time Note: One hour after the last 10:15 AM mortgage conveyance by spouses provisions body adjourns modified. Legislative Commission on Pensions and Taxes HF961 (Smith) Human services program hearing Retirement Room: 200 State Office Building procedures established. Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Ron Abrams HF973 (Brod) Veterans Affairs commissioner Chair: Rep. Steve Smith Agenda: HF1250 (Dorn) Electric generation authorized to access taxpayer identification Agenda: HF253 (Johnson, J.)/SFXXXX facility personal property tax exemption information to notify veterans of health hazards Plymouth volunteer firefighter relief association provided. that might affect them. ancillary benefits subjected to general law. HF1438 (Ozment) Electric generation facility HF1122 (Adolphson) Public notice and HF427 (Strachan)/SF731 (Marko) Fire state aid personal property exempted from taxation. proceedings publication alternative methods apportionment formula modification. HF1439 (Ozment) Electric generation facility provided. HF489 (Rhodes)/SF449 (Johnson, D.E.) personal property exempted from taxation. HF760 (Abrams) Income, property, estate, sales Statewide volunteer firefighter retirement plan HF11 (Mullery) Limited market value phase- and use, cigarette and tobacco product, and study. out repealed, and sunset provided. other taxation policy and administrative changes HF1224 (Meslow)/SF1332 (Reiter) Volunteer HF241 (Paymar) Limited market value phase- made, Internal Revenue Code conformity firefighter relief associations monthly benefit out extended. provided, civil and criminal penalties provided. and monthly benefit/lump sum options support HF405 (Erhardt) Limited market value phase- levels revised. out extended. State Government Finance HF191 (Gerlach)/SF206 (Knutson) MSRS; Room: 500N State Office Building Authorize refunds for certain employees on Judiciary Policy and Finance Chair: Rep. Bill Haas medical leaves of absence. Room: Basement Hearing Room Agenda: HF1006 (Boudreau) Help America Vote HF284 (Vandeveer)/SF594 (Bachmann) Chair: Rep. Steve Smith Act conformity provided, complaint process Providing additional methods for retired state Agenda: HF1123 (Smith) Criminal and traffic created, and penalty imposed. employees to pay for insurance benefits. offenders surcharge increased, public defender HF873 (Dorman) County records examination HF997 (Mullery)/SF847 (Langseth) Authorizing applicants required to pay certain co-payments, by private accountants authorized and state audit plumbers and pipefitters local pension fund collection authorized through the Revenue mandate by state auditor removed. exception to restriction on public fund Recapture Act, and money appropriated. HF1133 (Kielkucki) Political subdivision contributions. HF1229 (Smith) Criminal and traffic offenses compensation limit exception duties transferred, HF1313 (Murphy)/SF1156 (Pogemiller) reclassified, and statutory reporting and case and state auditor fee authorized. MnSCU; Early separation incentive program. processing standards removed. HF975 (Jacobson) Local government pay equity HF282 (Beard)/SF213 (Larson) TRA; Ad hoc Overview of proposed court revenue responsibilities transferred to the state auditor, post-retirement adjustment for certain pre-1969 enhancements and rulemaking and fees authorized. teachers. Additional bills may be added and hearing may Other items as designated by the chair. Education Finance be continued. Room: 10 State Office Building 5:00 PM Chair: Rep. Alice Seagren Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Agenda: To be announced. Room: 200 State Office Building Legislative Commission on Minnesota Chair: Rep. Jerry Dempsey Resources Executive Committee 12:30 PM Agenda: HF433 (Strachan) State and other Room: 300S State Office Building governmental agency response deadline Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment Agriculture and Rural Development provisions modified relating to zoning. Agenda: Follow-up and discussion from Finance HF1003 (Strachan) Political subdivision 4/1/03 LCMR Executive Committee meeting 5 State Office Building compensation limit exclusion provided. regarding funding. Chr. Rep. Elaine Harder HF1373 (Rhodes) Metropolitan Radio Board Follow-up and discussion from 4/1/03 LCMR Agenda: To be announced. expiration date extended. Executive Committee meeting regarding possible HF1042 (Wardlow) Metropolitan Sports parks study. Transportation Policy Facilities Commission name changed to Room: 200 State Office Building Minnesota sports and entertainment WEDNESDAY, April 9 Chair: Rep. Ron Erhardt commission, and commission membership Agenda: To be announced. modified. 8:15 AM SF174/HF204 (Murphy) St. Louis County; Commerce, Jobs and Transportation Finance political activity restrictions modified for certain Economic Development Room: 200 State Office Building officers and employees in the classified service. Room: 10 State Office Building Chair: Rep. William Kuisle Chair: Rep. Greg Davids Agenda: HF1129 (Kuisle) Utility relocations Agenda: HF155 (Kohls) Uniform commercial necessitated by design-build transportation projects regulated.

Session Weekly 37 HF1172 (Kuisle) Archaeologist involvement Education Finance HF622 (Strachan)/SF653 (Sams) Emergency 911 limited to known archaeological or historic sites. Room: 10 State Office Building telephone system modified to require multiline HF1219 (DeLaForest) County exemption from Chair: Rep. Alice Seagren systems to provide caller location; and special permit requirements when reconstructing Agenda: To be announced. county, city, and school district levies provided. highway in existing right-of-way provided. HF1056 (Abrams) Metropolitan area transit and 12:30 PM Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs paratransit capital expenditure financing Room: 200 State Office Building provided and bond issuance authorized. Transportation Policy Chair: Rep. Jerry Dempsey HF1385 (Lenczewski) Metropolitan fiscal Room: 200 State Office Building Agenda: To be announced. disparities program adjustment for operating Chair: Rep. Ron Erhardt subsidies of light-rail transit system provided. Agenda: To be announced. 5:00 PM HF353 (Lieder) Safe routes to school program development and implementation grants Agriculture Policy Legislative Commission on provided. Room: 5 State Office Building Minnesota Resources Chair: Rep. Howard Swenson Room: 500N State Office Building Health and Human Services Policy Agenda: HF 967 (Swenson) Feedlot upgrade Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment Room: 10 State Office Building expenditure limits modified. Agenda: Follow-up and discussion from Chair: Rep. Lynda Boudreau Additional Bills to be added. 4/1/03 LCMR Executive Committee meeting Agenda: To be announced. regarding funding. Commerce, Jobs and Economic Follow-up and discussion from 4/1/03 LCMR Environment and Natural Resources Development Policy Executive Committee meeting regarding possible Finance Room: 10 State Office Building parks study. Room: 5 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Greg Davids Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment Agenda: To be announced. Agenda: To be announced. THURSDAY, April 10 2:30 PM 8:00 AM Jobs and Economic Development Finance Civil Law Room: Basement Hearing Room Room: 10 State Office Building Legislative Audit Commission Chair: Rep. Bob Gunther Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Room: 316 State Capitol Agenda: HF1184 (Osterman) Minnesota Agenda: HF933 (Borrell) County local welfare Chair: Sen. Ann H. Rest employment center for people who are deaf or agency reporting of at-risk newborns provided, Agenda: Election of Legislative Audit hard-of-hearing funding provided, and money and Hennepin County mental health services Commission Officers: Election of Chair; appropriated. data sharing authorized in certain circumstances. Election of Vice-Chair. HF1252 (Gunther) Barber examiners board fee HF1087 (Osterman) Wage and employment data Appointment of members to Program provisions modified, and money appropriated. use authorized by agency designated as the Evaluation Topic Selection Subcommittee; HF748 (Gunther) Economic development, performance accountability and consumer Remarks by James Nobles, Legislative Auditor. housing, jobs, and state government finance information agency. funding provided, and money appropriated. HF468 (Davnie) Social security number use and 8:15 AM Testimony: MN Housing Partnership, Housing display restricted. Minnesota, Coalition for the Homeless. HF1191 (Bernardy) National Night Out event Jobs and Economic Development Finance HF831 (Gunther) Unemployment insurance location classified as public data. Room: Basement Hearing Room trust fund solvency provisions increased. HF634 (Holberg) Health data released to county Chair: Rep. Bob Gunther HF1283 (Clark) WomenVenture and the human and social services departments in order Agenda: HF1101 (Walz) Tourism office Metropolitan Economic Development to coordinate benefits and services. performance-based revolving account Association grants provided, and money HF464 (Biernat) Consumer privacy, established, and money appropriated. appropriated. confidentiality, and secrecy of financial records HF623 (Hackbarth) Vapor recovery equipment protection provided, and consumer required for gasoline deliveries in the 10:15 AM authorization required for disclosure of financial metropolitan area and penalties provided. HF748 (Gunther) Economic development, Judiciary Policy and Finance information. HF739 (Borrell) Data practices omnibus bill. housing, jobs, and state government finance Room: Basement Hearing Room funding provided, and money appropriated. Chair: Rep. Steve Smith Agenda: HF1354 (Fuller) Probation sanctions State Government Finance Room: 500N State Office Building Transportation Finance conference procedure established, and forms Room: 500N State Office Building and procedures required. Chair: Rep. Bill Haas Agenda: To be announced. Chair: Rep. William Kuisle HF1225 (Meslow) Prostitution offenses Agenda: To be announced. aggregation of prosecutions allowed. Regulated Industries HF808 (Dill) Radio equipment capable of Environment and Natural receiving police emergency transmissions use Room: 10 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Torrey Westrom Resources Finance and possession requirements clarified. Room: 5 State Office Building HF374 (Sieben) Crib safety definitions provided, Agenda: HF1333 (Westrom)/SFXXXX Small wind energy conversion system ownership and Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment sale and commercial use of certain cribs Agenda: To be announced. prohibited, and penalties provided. location requirements clarified relating to the renewable energy production incentive, incentive funding provided from electric utility assessment, and megawatts limit increased.

38 April 4, 2003 Health and Human Services Finance Room: 10 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Fran Bradley Agenda: To be announced.

10:15 AM Given the way Minnesota’s boundaries establish a new territory named Minnesota. Judiciary Policy and Finance have evolved over the years, it’s obvious its The bill was referred to the territories com- Room: Basement Hearing Room form was never specifically conceived as it mittee chaired by Stephen A. Douglas. Af- Chair: Rep. Steve Smith now appears today. In fact, Minnesota re- ter much discussion on whether the name Agenda: To be announced. sulted from the movement of two territo- should be Itasca, as suggested by Douglas, rial regions, and was actually part of nine or Chippewa, Jackson, or Washington, the Taxes Room: 200 State Office Building different territories before it became a ter- name Minnesota remained. The bill was Chair: Rep. Ron Abrams ritory of its own. tabled until the 1848 session when it failed Agenda: HF78 (Kahn) Dairy mixed cocktail The land that makes up the state of Min- because some congressmen felt the popu- separate excise tax provided. nesota was actually part of the Louisiana lation out on the frontier was too sparse. HF331 (Howes) Homestead resort valuation Purchase land and the Northwest Territory. Things were also changing to the south and deferment of property taxes provided. What ultimately became the north and and west of what would become HF364 (Fuller) Tax deadline date on certain east part of the state, referred to by histo- Minnesota. resort property delayed. rian J.A.A. Burnquist as “No Man’s Land,” In 1803, France sold all land west of the HF372 (Howes) Reduced property tax class rate belonged to Great Mississippi out to provided for property bordering public waters. Britain and was the Rocky Moun- HF815 (Thissen) Property tax payment ceded to the United tains, then along the compensation required for lost property tax States in 1783. It was Arkansas River base when real property is acquired by a east of the Missis- down to the Gulf of governmental entity and becomes tax exempt. sippi River at Lake Mexico. The Louisi- Itasca, and north to ana Purchase be- 12:30 PM the present Canadian came for the United Agriculture and Rural Development border. It later be- States, the best prop- Finance came part of the Photo courtesy of the University of Washington Web site. erty transaction for 5 State Office Building Northwest Territory that included land years to come – it bought thousands of Chr. Rep. Elaine Harder west of Pennsylvania, north of the Ohio miles of land for 4 cents an acre. Agenda: To be announced. River, around the Great Lakes, and across By 1812, the northern part of the Loui- the present Canadian boundary to Oregon. siana Territory became the Missouri Ter- Commerce, Jobs and Economic When statehood came to Ohio in 1803, ritory. When the Iowa Territory was carved Development Policy Minnesota land east of the Mississippi be- out of that area in 1838, present-day Min- Room: 10 State Office Building came a part of the Indiana Territory. Two nesota was divided once again. Much of the Chair: Rep. Greg Davids years later the land became the Michigan Louisiana land west of the Mississippi and Agenda: To be announced. Territory. When the Illinois Territory was north of the Missouri rivers became Iowa separated from Indiana in 1809, northeast Territory. Land to the east remained with Minnesota and Wisconsin land became a Wisconsin. When Iowa became a state in part of that area. In 1834, settlers wanted 1846, the Congressional Territories Com- to establish a new territory as Minnesota, mittee, created its present boundaries. Where to find having begun to settle on the western Now that more land was available and information banks of the Mississippi River. That land squatters were already beginning to settle was all part of the Michigan Territory. to the west, some prominent men in the House Public Information Services The area known as “No Man’s Land” area held a convention at Stillwater in Au- 175 State Office Building once again came under different control gust 1848 to once again petition the presi- (651) 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 House Public Information Services is a when it became a part of St. Croix County, dent and Congress to create a new territory. nonpartisan office that provides committee Wis. Boundaries had been set for a Wis- Henry H. Sibley, who was elected as a meeting schedules; legislator information; consin Territory that included the present delegate to Congress from the Wisconsin and publications, including the Session Weekly city of Stillwater, Minn., as a county seat, Territory, and Douglas, through persever- newsmagazine, educational brochures for all and later, a provisional seat of government. ance, helped to get the bill passed. St. Paul ages, and member directories. All informa- But before Wisconsin became a state in was named the capital city of the new Ter- tion is available at no charge. 1848, boundaries were set to exclude St. ritory of Minnesota that included the land Most of what this office publishes can be Croix County. “No Man’s Land” settlers that is now North Dakota and South Da- viewed on the Legislature’s World Wide Web were abandoned one more time while kota. When news reached St. Paul, one pio- page. To connect, point your web browser at: thinking they would be incorporated into neer exclaimed, “Thank the Lord. We live http://www.leg.mn the new state of Wisconsin. in the United States again.” In 1847, a Wisconsin delegate intro- — LECLAIR GRIER LAMBERT duced a bill to Congress that would

Session Weekly 39 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55155-1298

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: STEVE SVIGGUM MAJORITY LEADER: ERIK PAULSEN MINORITY LEADER: MATT ENTENZA INNESOTA M INDEX FOR MORE INFORMATION

Powering up For general information, call: House Information Office Investor-owned utilities in Minnesota, 2002 ...... 6 (651) 296-2146 or Rural electric cooperative associations, 2002...... 50 1-800-657-3550 Municipal utilities in Minnesota, 2002 ...... 157 Electric distribution utilities ...... 126 To obtain a copy of a bill, call: Gas distribution utilities ...... 31 Chief Clerk’s Office Coal-based fuels used to generate electricity in Minnesota, 2000, as percent...... 75 (651) 296-2314 Nuclear based fuels, as percent ...... 17 Percentage of electric energy consumption by investor-owned utilities ...... 66 To find out about bill introductions or Total gigawatt hours of electricity consumed in Minnesota, 2000 ...... 62,533 the status of a specific bill, call: In 1990 ...... 49,355 House Index Office (651) 296-6646 Gigawatt hours consumed in 2000 by residential customers ...... 15,078 Gigawatt hours consumed by commercial customers ...... 12,358 For an up-to-date recorded message By industrial customers ...... 31,480 giving committee meeting times and Total electric customers in Minnesota, 2000, in millions ...... 2.3 agendas, call: Residential customers, in millions ...... 1.9 Committee Hotline Farm customers ...... 171,664 (651) 296-9283 Commercial customers...... 230,334 Industrial customers ...... 11,524 Total electric sales revenue in Minnesota, 2000, in billions ...... $3.5 The House of Representatives can be In 1985, in billions ...... $2.1 reached on the World Wide Web at: Total natural gas consumption in Minnesota, 2000, in cubic feet ...... 332,400 http://www.house.mn In 1990, in cubic feet ...... 283,800 Total residential use in 2002, in cubic feet ...... 128,300 Teletypewriter for the hearing Commercial use in 2002 ...... 95,900 impaired. Industrial use in 2002 ...... 41,300 To ask questions or leave messages, Total natural gas customers in Minnesota, 2000, in millions ...... 1.4 call: Residential customers, in millions ...... 1.2 TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or Commercial customers...... 118,188 1-800-657-3550 Industrial customers ...... 1,557 Total natural gas revenue in Minnesota, 2000, in billions ...... $1.6 Check your local listings to watch Estimated amount by which Minnesota electric power generation House committee and floor sessions capacity will fall below needs, 2010, in megawatts ...... 2,000 on TV. As percent of needs ...... 15 Potential for biogas electricity production in Minnesota, in millions of kilowatts per hour ...... 816 Senate Information Wind-generated electricity in Minnesota, in mega-watt hours ...... 800,000 (651) 296-0504 1-888-234-1112 Consumer complaints handled by the Public Utilities Commission, 2002 ...... 4,000 Value of ratepayer credits resulting from resolved complaints, in 2002 ...... $284,000 Senate Index (651) 296-5560 Sources: 2002 Annual Report, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, January 2003; The Minne- sota Utility Data Book, Minnesota Department of Commerce, June 2002; Powering Up Minnesota’s This document can be made available in alternative Energy Future, Citizens League, December 2002; Minnesota’s Potential for Electricity Production formats to individuals with disabilities by calling Using Biogas Resources, Minnesota Department of Commerce, January 2002; Minnesota Depart- (651) 296-2146 voice, (651) 296-9896 TTY, or ment of Commerce Web site, www.commerce.state.mn.us. (800) 657-3550 toll free voice and TTY.

40 April 4, 2003