FEBRUARY 4, 2005 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 5

INSIDE: METH IS TAKING ITS TOLL, BILLS THAT SIZZLE, CAPITOL ON ICE, MORE

This Week’s Bill Introductions HF565-HF784 ESSION S Weekly Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offi ce. During the 2005-2006 Legis- lative Session, each issue reports daily House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions, and provides other information. No fee. ONTENT To subscribe, contact: C S Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services 175 State Offi ce Building HIGHLIGHTS 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Agriculture • 5 Game and Fish • 7 Local Government • 9 (651) 296-2146 or Crime • 5 Government • 8 Military • 10 1-800-657-3550 Development • 6 Health • 8 Safety • 10 TTY (651) 296-9896 http://www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Education • 6 Higher Education • 9 Taxes • 11 Elections • 7 Human Services • 9 Technology • 11 Director Barry LaGrave Editor/Assistant Director BILL INTRODUCTIONS (HF565-HF784) • 18-23 Lee Ann Schutz Assistant Editor Mike Cook FEATURES

Art & Production Coordinator FIRST READING: High consequences of rising meth use • 3 Paul Battaglia Writers CAPITOL ON ICE: Sculptors carve away • 4 Ruth Dunn, Patty Janovec, FINDING A COMPANION: House and Senate need to fi nd common ground • 12 Brett Martin, Matt Wetzel, Nicole Wood NEW MEMBER PROFILES: Charron, Garofalo, Hortman and Scalze • 14 - 15 Chief Photographer SOCIAL CLUB: Getting together to share concerns • 16 Tom Olmscheid Photographers HOTLIST: Bills that sizzle • 17 Andrew VonBank, Sarah Stacke SPEAKING OF THE HOUSE: All for one, one for all • 23 Staff Assistants Christy Novak, Laura Noe

Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is pub- DEPARTMENTS/RESOURCES lished weekly during the legislative session by Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offi ce, 175 State Offi ce Members Directory available • 6 Minnesota Index: Methamphetamine use • 24 Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., A guide to following bills online • 13 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage paid at Minneapolis, Minn. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, Public Information Services offi ce, Minnesota House of Representatives, 175 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298.

Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, On the cover: A 40-foot ice block replica of the State Capitol was erected in Rice Park in downtown 30% post-consumer content. St. Paul as a tribute to the Capitol’s 100-year birthday celebration. The St. Paul Winter Carnival sponsored the tribute.

—Photo by: Tom Olmscheid

2 February 4, 2005 IRST READING F★ ★ ★

Estimated Annual Public Costs Related to Methamphetamine in 2004 (in millions) Taking its toll Child Welfare Rising meth use results in higher costs for everyone $15.7 Treatment 12% $14.1 Law Enforcement 11% 30% $39.3 Environmental 3% $3.5 33% 11% BY RUTH DUNN adults and we were the children,” said Lenae, Prosecution Corrections $14.8 enae Clark started smoking marijuana once a healthy 135 pounds on a 5-foot-9-inch $42.6

when she was 18, and, within a few years, frame, who dropped to 95 pounds. Total Estimated Annual Cost $130 million was growing 100 marijuana plants at her The Clarks described their painful plunge L Source: Statistical Analysis Center, Minnesota Department of Public Safety home. She and her husband, Jim, switched into drug addiction to members of the House to methamphetamine about three years ago Public Safety Policy and Finance Committee drug including health care, domestic abuse, and soon began to manufacture the drug in a Jan. 27. Their story added a human dimension identify theft, burglary and assaults. “The cornfi eld near their home in Mantorville. to other information the committee heard on meth problem is having a huge impact on all They isolated themselves and their children the impact of methamphetamine and alcohol our support systems,” said Ellison. Last sum- — the children couldn’t have friends over on the justice system. mer she traveled around the state talking with or even go to birthday parties. “If they said An estimated 5,000 methamphetamine- law enforcement offi cials, court employees something wrong, we could get busted,” said related incidents come to the attention of and county commissioners. “Every place we Lenae. police in Minnesota each year. The annual visited everyone was really, really concerned The children had been good students but estimated costs related to methamphetamine about meth.” their grades dropped to Ds and Fs. One sum- in 2004 topped $130 million, according to The average total public cost of a typical mer the children could not even play outside Mary Ellison, deputy commissioner of the arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) because the parents were sure that they were Minnesota Department of Public Safety. That amounts to $6,000 to $9,000, while metham- being watched by drug task force members. fi gure includes costs for law enforcement, phetamine cases can cost upward of $150,000 The children were worried and scared while corrections, prosecution, child welfare, treat- — “a very daunting fi gure,” said Ellison. the parents were absorbed in their addiction. ment and environmental cleanup. It does not Initially the cost is shared 50-50 by state “Our roles were reversed, they were the include additional costs related to abuse of the and local governments, with the federal First Reading continued on page 4

Treatment center proposed Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar) is sponsoring HF361 that would appropri- ate $7.9 million for redevelopment of the Willmar Regional Treatment Center to provide treatment for methamphet- amine users, and also specialized treatment for aging veterans. Juhnke said there is nowhere to send fi rst-time methamphetamine users who break the law, except jail. “We need facilities for treatment,” he said. “Judges are looking for a home for these folks.” Juhnke said the campus, which has pri- marily been used as a treatment facility, now has six empty buildings, costing the state $1 million annually to maintain. The House Health Policy and Finance Committee included the bill in its bond- ing recommendations that it sent to the House Capital Investment Committee. PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK A companion bill (SF403), sponsored Lenae and Jim Clark of Mantorville give emotional testimony Jan. 27 before the House Public by Sen. Dean Johnson (DFL-Willmar), was Safety Policy and Finance Committee about their battle with methamphetamine addiction and their included in the Senate bonding bill (SF1). success with the drug court.

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 3 First Reading continued from page 3 “For the fi rst time in my life I that effective treatment can result in happier government paying about 3 percent. Then the am a registered voter and a endings with families being reunited. The Clarks are an example of that. cost shifts with the state paying 64 percent. tax-paying citizen.” Methamphetamine cases are more costly Both went through drug court, a nation- — Jim Clark, former meth user than drunken driving ones for several wide program that was started in Florida to reasons, explained Ellison. Methamphet- integrate treatment with the court system. amine offenders tend to serve longer sentences still the worst drug problem in Hennepin and “Drug court was the answer to our prayers, in state correctional institutions, while DWI Ramsey counties, but methamphetamine use without it we would not have 18 months of offenders are given shorter sentences, mostly is increasing, especially in fringe counties like sobriety,” said Lenae. “We would be dead, in served in county jails which are less costly. Anoka, Washington and Dakota. prison or committed to an asylum.” In addition, the scope of methamphetamine One of the most alarming trends that Both have full-time jobs and have completed investigations is more complex. Other costs Ramsey County Court Judge Joanne Smith their GED. Lenae just got a new job at the Mayo stem from the cleanup of hazardous materials has seen is the use of methamphetamine by Clinic and would like to train as a licensed involved in methamphetamine cases because teenagers who “are gravitating to it for weight practical nurse. Their daughters can always have special equipment and trained technicians are loss and for staying up late to study for exams.” friends over and they never go hungry. “Our lives required. Social services involving children, They quickly become addicted which leads to are great since we stopped using,” said Lenae. like foster care placement and medical care, other risky behavior, she said. “For the fi rst time in my life I am a registered also boost the cost. Smith said that 90 percent of cases on her voter and a tax-paying citizen,” said Jim. Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Center) court’s calendar on any given day relate directly Because of a growing alarm about the suggested that the educational cost should be to alcohol or drug abuse or have chemical de- impact of drugs and alcohol, the state Supreme added to the total because of the effect drug use pendency as an underlying issue. She now sees Court-approved task force on chemical de- is having on special education costs. the grandchildren of people she served as public pendency and its impact on the justice system “The Twin Cites have not yet felt the full defender 21 years ago. “Chemical dependency will begin meeting in March, according to impact of the meth epidemic that is sweep- is a family disease that is passed along from Smith. ing the state,” said Ellison. Crack cocaine is generation to generation.” But, she has also seen

Capitol on ice The 2005 St. Paul Win- technical college system,” he said. “The Jan. 22 and the last block was in place by the ter Carnival is com- quality of what we do is obvious.” morning of Jan. 26, Fischer said. The sculp- memorating the Capitol The ice harvest from Lake Phalen began tors worked from detailed photographs of Centennial with the Capitol façade to achieve the a State Capitol ice proper scale. sculpture. Barring a meltdown, the The replica sculpture will be on display in was fashioned by the southeast corner of Rice Park a team of sculptors led by St. Paul through Feb. 6, the conclusion College Culinary Arts Instructor of the carnival. However, the Larry Fischer. temperature in St. Paul could Fischer, who has been carving reach 50 degrees before then. competitively since 1973, is this “The fact that the work is year’s Winter Carnival master short-lived gives it a little more carver. His team learned their of a mystique,” Fischer said. unique skill through culinary arts Lawmakers might be inter- programs. ested to know the ice replica has “We are products of the state’s no House chamber.

PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID A 40-foot ice block replica of the State Capitol was erected in Rice Park in downtown St. Paul as a tribute to the Capitol’s 100-year birthday celebration. The St. Paul Winter Carnival sponsored the tribute. State Capitol Capitol Ice Sculpture Height, in feet, from ground to For more information about upcoming Height, in feet ...... 15 top of dome ...... 223 Capitol Centennial Celebration events: Length, in feet ...... 40 Length of building, in feet ...... 434 Minnesota Historical Society State Capitol Weight, in tons ...... 30 Approximate weight, in tons, of each of the Site, (651) 296-2881 or Base building materials ...... 212 ice blocks eight columns in the open spaces between www.mnhs.org/places/sites/msc from Lake Phalen piers on the second fl oor ...... 9.5 Minnesota State Capitol Centennial Cel- Structural building materials ...... 100 Exterior building materials ....White Georgia ebration, (651) 203-7246 or specialty ice blocks from Sculpture Ice marble, St. Cloud granite www.ourhouse100.com of Shakopee Quadriga ...... steel and copper horses and Quadriga ..... toy horses spray-painted gold fi gures in gold-leaf Workers killed in course of construction ...0 Workers killed in course of construction .....6

4 Session Weekly February 4, 2005 IGHLIGHTS J ANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 3, 2005 H★ ★ ★

Rep. Diane Loeffl er (DFL-Mpls) unsuccess- ★ AGRICULTURE ★ BUSINESS fully offered an amendment to stagger the terms. Increasing ethanol content For information about the city of Aurora’s The board would consist of: the commis- Since 1997, motor vehicle gasoline sold request to the state to help with funding sioner of corrections and commissioner of in Minnesota has been required to contain for a new wastewater treatment plant, go human services or appointed persons by the 10 percent agriculturally derived ethanol by to the Session Weekly EXTRA page at: commissioners, a retired judge appointed by http://www.house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp volume. The mandate is commonly referred the governor, a treatment professional specifi - to as “E10.” cally not employed by corrections or human The House Agriculture and Rural Develop- services and appointed by the governor, and ment Committee began reviewing Feb. 1 a a public person appointed by the governor. bill (HF223), sponsored by Committee Chair CRIME Loeffler pointed to potential data pri- Rep. Gregory M. Davids (R-Preston), that ★ vacy issues with the board reviewing offender would raise the required ethanol/gasoline Sex off ender review board information. blend to 20/80 by the year 2010 or sooner, if at A proposal to create a sex offender review Committee Chair Rep. Kathy Tingelstad least 50 percent of the new automobiles for sale board is included in a bill that would, if signed (R-Andover) said the privacy issues could be in the state are under warranty at that level. into law, toughen the state’s sentencing guide- examined in the House Civil Law and Elec- Not everyone agrees on the possible ef- lines for sex offenders. tions Committee, where the approved bill fects the mandate may have on consumers, That portion of HF1, sponsored by Rep. moves next. agribusiness and the environment. Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove), was reviewed Types of information the board would have “The dealers in Minnesota are certainly not Feb. 2 by the House Governmental Operations access to include: a risk assessment report, a anti-ethanol,” said Alyssa Schlander, govern- and Veterans Affairs Committee. community investigation report, an inmate’s ment affairs director with the Minnesota Auto Under the plan, board members would serve criminal offense history, behavior while incar- Dealers Association. “When the farmers are four-year terms and review inmates’ cases cerated, participation or completion of treat- happy, the dealers are happy.” before making decisions regarding sentencing ment, need for additional treatment and danger But manufacturers have indicated to the auto and whether an inmate should be released. the inmate poses to the public if released. dealers that they do not intend to honor war- Several members raised concern over the ranties on vehicles that run on E20, she said. board’s responsibility of releasing sex offend- ATRIOTIC SINGERS “Minnesota is only about 1.5 percent of the total P ers because of the involvement of a board in U.S. vehicle market and so they are not likely to the Dru Sjodin abduction case. Rep. Marty be making a special vehicle for Minnesotans that Seifert (R-Marshall) said there should be have to put E20 in their gas tanks.” “some secondary accountability” to prevent Decreased gas mileage could cost Minneso- another potential tragedy. ta consumers an extra $130 million annually, “I agree … I was looking at locking up the according to Flint Hills Resources Director of offender,” Zellers said, adding that the board Public Affairs Diane Koebele. is “another layer” to prevent something really “The opponents of E20 are using many of egregious from occurring like in the Sjodin the same arguments that they used to argue case. against E10,” said Bill Lee, general manager of A Senate companion (SF609), sponsored by the Chippewa Valley Ethanol Plant in Benson. Sen. Dave Kleis (R-St. Cloud), awaits action The debate over mileage and value to the in the Senate Crime Prevention and Public consumer is “completely missing the mark,” Safety Committee. he said. “Why are we worried about the cost impact of 20 percent of our fuel coming from in-state resources by 2012? Why are we not more concerned about what is the 80 percent Prison expansion of petroleum going to cost us in another seven Three state correctional facilities would be years?” expanded under bonding bills recommended No action was taken. to the House Capital Investment Committee A Senate companion bill (SF4), sponsored by the House Public Safety Policy and Finance by Sen. Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples), awaits Committee Feb. 3. All were included in the action in the Senate Environment and Natural bonding bill last year that passed the House, Resources Committee. but not the Senate. PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID “The proposals are absolutely critical to Amanda Kinney, front, and the rest of her ensure public safety and the safety of staff,” fourth grade classmates from Snail Lake If you have Internet access, visit the Elementary School in Shoreview wave their said Joan Fabian, corrections commissioner. Legislature’s Web page at: fl ags as they sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” Inmates are crammed into every possible space, http://www.leg.mn during a Feb. 2 patriotic performance in the she said, “We desperately need more room.” Capitol Rotunda. HF452 sponsored by Rep. Laura Brod

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 5 (R-New Prague), calls for $84.8 million to add the city of Blue Earth to acquire land and to 1,060 beds and nearly double the size of the design, construct, furnish and equip a new “The Green Book” correctional facility at Faribault. Staff would be fi re and police station to replace the current increased by 50 percent also. The facility would facility constructed in the 1950s. be fi lled immediately when it’s completed. Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Cen- A similar bill (HF107), sponsored by Rep. ter) said that most cities raise money locally Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault), will not move on, through property taxes for projects like this. but Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown) “Why does this rise to the level of state fund- and Rep. Steve Smith (R-Mound) said they ing rather than local?” would talk to the sponsors about having Fritz Gunther said the request is being made join the list of sponsors for HF452. because the area is economically depressed A companion measure (SF512), sponsored and has a shrinking population. “The need Members Directory by Sen. Thomas Neuville (R-Northfield), is greater than the funding they can raise lo- now available was included in the Senate bonding bill cally.” In addition, he said, the departments Budget constraints again limit (SF1), sponsored by Sen. Keith Langseth provide assistance to a 122-square mile area distribution to two green books per (DFL-Glyndon). However, the amount is only so it has regional impact. individual. $71.37 million. A new 150-bed high security segregation House Public Information Services has unit is proposed for the state correctional fa- publications in a variety of formats to cility in Stillwater under HF469, sponsored by DEVELOPMENT meet your needs, such as: Rep. Mike Charron (R-Woodbury), at a cost ★ House and Senate Member Rosters of nearly $20.85 million. The two-story unit Iron Range lakes A listing of legislators, and their room and would serve as a prison within a prison for The open pits left by mining companies after phone numbers. those who have committed serious offenses iron ore has been extracted could be a commer- while in prison. cial bonanza to northern Minnesota, according Legislative Information Packets The bill has no companion, nor was it to the Central Iron Range Initiative. The “green book alternative,” which con- included in the Senate bonding bill. A proposal calls for lakes to be designed tains the member roster, committee The committee also put its stamp of and built on the sites, then stocked with listing, information about visiting the Capitol, and navigating the House approval on a request from the Department freshwater fi sh. The hope is individuals look- Web site. of Corrections for a new dormitory with ing for lakeshore property would snap up the 24 beds at the Challenge Incarceration Pro- land, currently owned by the state and federal Committee Information gram, a six-month boot camp near Willow government. A 4-page, up-to-date list of all commit- River that features education, chemical de- HF359, sponsored by Rep. Tony Sertich tees, their members and staff , and their pendency treatment and rigorous physical (DFL-Chisholm), would provide $1.7 million meeting time and location. exercise for non-dangerous male offenders. to support the project. That would include Women attend a similar program called implementation of a sewer district and land The Green Book is available at House Public Information Services, State Offi ce Thistledew Camp in northern Minnesota. and lake design. There is already a natural Building room 175, or at the Chief Clerk’s The committee also approved an amend- aquifer there. Front Offi ce, Capitol 211. ment submitted by Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL- The bill was heard Feb. 1 by the House Mpls) that gives the department fl exibility to Jobs and Economic Opportunity Policy and Most publications are also available add an additional 75 beds if funds are avail- Finance Committee, and held over for possible online as high-quality, printable PDFs at able. Ellison said there are now 186 on the inclusion in the committee’s bonding resolu- www.house.mn. waiting list. tion. Also being recommended is the depart- “We have an exciting opportunity to make ment’s request for $11 million for repairs at some new land for Minnesota,” said John Fedo, several other correctional institutions. economic development director for the initia- ★ EDUCATION Two other proposals will move forward tive, a grassroots organization that works to plan without recommendation. HF484, sponsored future economic development in the area. School funding by Rep. Randy Demmer (R-Hayfi eld), would “Once you get the development down, I The House Education Finance Commit- provide $627,000 for a fi ve-story live burn envision the private side taking over,” Sertich tee recommended $9.42 million in bonding training simulator adjacent to the existing said, adding that lakeshore property is gener- requests to the House Capital Investment National Guard facility in Rochester. ally valuable. Committee Feb. 2. Similar to a facility near Camp Ripley And once there are lots, private builders “We know everything won’t be funded,” in central Minnesota, the proposed facil- often assume development costs, said Rep. said Rep. Barb Sykora (R-Excelsior), the com- ity would be used by police and fi re depart- Paul Gazelka (R-Brainerd). mittee chair. “We kept the list short so our ments in southeastern Minnesota and by the The bill has no Senate companion, yet the priorities would get through.” National Guard. “This would decentralize dollars are included in the approved Senate Projects being recommended are: training,” explained Demmer. “Departments bonding bill (SF1), sponsored by Sen. Keith • $3 million to fund library capital improve- can’t afford to send teams across the state for Langseth (DFL-Glyndon). ment grants to improve handicapped training and pay for room and board.” accessibility, or for renovation or new Sponsored by Rep. Bob Gunther construction; (R-Fairmont), HF208 calls for $642,000 for

6 Session Weekly February 4, 2005 legislative gridlock … the senators would feel more compelled to take action and also to be more responsive potentially to constituents.” “I think this is one way that we can improve the process of getting things done here in the state of Minnesota.” It will also increase ac- countability to voters and more deliberation among legislators, Brod said. Rather than increase the rapidity of law- making through deliberation, Rep. Tim Ma- honey (DFL-St. Paul) said that “government is designed to move rather slowly, because what we do has immense consequences for people…it’s designed to move at a snail’s pace.” The difference between the bills is in the wording of a question that would be asked of voters. Slawik said her version is at a “level where everyone can understand,” while Brod said her version is “a little bit more technical versus a

PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK little more colloquial on the other side.” Former Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge, left, former Deputy Commissioner Joe Graba, center, and former The committee approved the bills without Assistant Education Commissioner Dan Loritz, right, give a presentation to the Jan. 27 meeting of recommendation because several legislators said the House Education Policy and Reform Committee entitled, “Changing Times, Changing Needs Part deciphering the wording on the ballot should be II: A Systematic View of Public Education in Minnesota.” left to the House Civil Law and Elections Com- • $4.26 million for repair of old buildings at Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan) said money mittee. the state academies for the deaf and blind should fi rst be sought locally, as it is with other A pair of companion bills (SF5 and SF425), in Faribault; school districts, before a request is made for sponsored by Sen. Charles Wiger (DFL-North • $1.08 million to repair aging buildings and state funding. He suggested the school district St. Paul) and Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina), to raze a building at the Perpich Center for approach a nearby casino, the largest employer respectively, await action by the Senate Arts Education, a state-owned arts high in the area. Elections Committee. school located in Golden Valley; and Because the district is located entirely within • $1.08 million to complete the purchase of 37 a reservation, federal law prohibits it from rais- acres in Woodbury needed for the Cross- ing funds locally through property taxes. winds Arts and Science Middle School. ★ GAME & FISH The money would repay a loan from the St. Paul School District that was used to Translating game and fi sh laws settle a land purchase dispute that began ★ ELECTIONS Many hunters and anglers within the state’s in the late-1990s. The money was in last Hmong, Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian year’s bonding bill passed by the House, Staggered terms immigrant communities have a steep learning but not the Senate. Two House members are proposing the curve when it comes to Minnesota game and The committee did not recommend these terms that senators serve be staggered, and fi sh laws, according to Josee Cung, program projects: this change, they say, would lead to more manager for the Department of Natural Re- • $3.33 million for additional asset preserva- accountability. sources Southeast Asian Outreach Program. tion at the state academies, Under current law, House members are “When we came, we came with a strong • $2.86 million for additional improvements at elected every two years and senators are cultural connection to hunting and fi shing,” the Perpich Center for Arts Education, elected to four-year terms in years ending with Cung told the House Environment and Natu- • $1.07 million for the Grant Magnet School 2 and 6, such as 2002 and 2006, and two-year ral Resources Committee Feb. 1. But there is in Duluth, and terms in years ending in 0, such as 2000. no Department of Natural Resources equiva- • $600,000 for a geothermal heating system in Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague), sponsor lent in their native countries, she explained. the Onamia School District. of HF333, and Rep. Nora Slawik (DFL-Maple- The goal of the program, she said, is to A $24 million request from the Red Lake wood), sponsor of HF350, testifi ed together reach out to Minnesota’s Southeast Asian School District for new school buildings before the House Governmental Operations community groups through game and fi sh law is in limbo. The committee voted to send and Veterans Affairs Committee Jan. 27. Each workshops, fi rearm safety classes and other the proposal forward without a specific bill proposes a constitutional amendment environmental education efforts. recommendation. asking for staggered terms for senators. If ap- Blia Xa Lee, a volunteer firearm safety Rep. Randy Demmer (R-Hayfi eld) said the proved, the question would go to voters in 2006, training instructor with the program, shared committee needs more information about and if passed, implemented in 2012, following his concerns about hunter harassment with the district before approving the request. redistricting based on the 2010 census. the committee. Lee said he has encountered “There’s an awful lot of money going out to Minnesota is one of 11 states that does not hostile hunters on both public and private the district, I’d like to see what we’re getting have staggered terms. lands. for our money, what the results are,” he said. Slawik said the bills attempt “to help prevent

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 7 “We need you to provide more, hire more HF9, sponsored by Rep. Tim Wilkin Asian conservation offi cers because they know (R-Eagan), and HF135, sponsored by both languages, they know both cultures,” he Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-St. Cloud), seek to said. “Another thing is … to provide more conform Minnesota’s income tax treatment education. Not just for Asians but I think of health savings accounts (HSAs) to federal pretty much for the public, for every hunter income tax laws. in Minnesota, so everybody can understand Under federal law, account contributions each other.” are tax-free as are account earnings and with- “Hopefully we can get more officers,” drawals to pay medical expenses. The nearly said Committee Chair Rep. Tom Hackbarth identical bills would give the accounts the (R-Cedar). same tax advantages under state law that they have under federal law. Each is also retroactive to tax year 2004. “We need to adopt state conformity to what ★ GOVERNMENT the federal has done,” Knoblach told the House Health Policy and Finance Committee on Coordinating districts Feb. 2. Legislative districts could be realigned by “This is a really promising way to hold down 2013, and the size of the Legislature could costs while still providing quality care.” decrease, under a bill approved by the House Both bills were referred to the House Com- Governmental Operations and Veterans merce and Financial Institutions Committee. Affairs Committee Feb. 2. An HSA, when paired with a high deduct- Currently, some legislators have more than ible health plan, forms a consumer-driven one congressional boundary running through health plan. Wilkin said the accounts encour- their district. HF515, sponsored by Rep. Mary age people to buy health plans that best suit Liz Holberg (R-Lakeville), would prevent their needs. Individuals own the accounts, congressional districts from crossing Senate so they can be carried from job to job until districts. retirement. Holberg said the change would create less “It’s a powerful tool to help contain health confusion for constituents. Rep. Denny Mc- costs,” Wilkin said. He added that nearly one- Namara (R-Hastings) said constituents have PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID third of current accountholders were formerly questioned him on who their congressional Walter Klaus, who served in the Minnesota House uninsured. representative is because several boundaries of Representatives from 1957-73, listens to a Wilkin said if Minnesota does not adopt run through his district. question from a member of the House Govern- federal conformity, it would increase the cost mental Operations and Veterans Aff airs Com- The bill would also reduce the number of mittee Feb. 2 about a bill that would reduce the of doing business in Minnesota relative to senators from 67 to no fewer than 60 and no size of the Legislature and alter the way Senate the 31 states that have. Nine states don’t need more than 64, and House members from 134 boundaries are drawn. conformity because they don’t tax income. to no fewer than 120 and no more than 128. Wayne Nelson, president of Communicat- Under the bill, the number of senators must be Rep. Ruth Johnson (DFL-St. Peter) said the ing for Agriculture & The Self Employed, Inc., evenly divisible by the number of Minnesota change would create an “increase in popula- said the accounts would help farmers and representatives in Congress. tion and whole lot of more miles on the car” small business owners keep their insurance Voters would be asked in 2006 if they want making “face-to-face” contact even more and help the unemployed afford insurance. to change the Legislature’s size, and if so, the challenging. “By increasing the deductible, there are Legislature would determine its size by 2008; “Having some type of order and continu- defi nitely premium savings,” Nelson said. therefore, redistricting following the 2010 census ity between congressional districts and the The Senate companion bill to Knoblach’s would be done based on the new numbers. organization of House and Senate districts … bill (SF194), sponsored by Sen. Mady Reiter Holberg noted that Minnesota’s Senate I fi nd that far more rational,” Holberg said. (R-Shoreview), has been referred to the Senate is the largest in the nation, and the change The bill now moves to the House Civil Health and Family Security Committee. The would produce a $1.9 million savings per year Law and Elections Committee. A companion companion to Wilkin’s bill (SF99), sponsored in salaries, staffi ng and offi ce space. bill (SF291), sponsored by Sen. Pat Pariseau by Sen. Brian LeClair (R-Woodbury), was Several committee members represent- (R-Farmington), awaits action on the Senate approved by one committee and awaits action ing Greater Minnesota districts expressed fl oor. in the Senate Tax Committee. opposition to the bill. Rep. Aaron Peterson (DFL-Madison) said constituents’ confusion is their own respon- sibility and changing boundaries makes rural ★ HEALTH For information on a proposed members’ districts larger and more diffi cult methamphetamine treatment facility, go to the Session Weekly EXTRA page to campaign. “A piece of Minneapolis or a Choices and savings off ered at: http://www.house.mn/hinfo/swx. piece of Lakeville that gets carved out into Minnesotans could see more choices and asp somebody else’s territory … you’re talking potentially more savings in their health plans meters and feet in some cases, but we’re talk- under a pair of bills encouraging consumer- ing square miles and townships,” he added. driven health plans.

8 Session Weekly February 4, 2005 vitality of this community and the state,” ★ HIGHER EDUCATION Pawlenty wrote in his budget message. For information on a proposed forensic facility in Walker, go to the Session Weekly EXTRA page at: http://www. Governor recommendations house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp In his biennial budget request, Gov. Tim For information on the budget squeeze Pawlenty is recommending increases to the at private colleges and universities, go University of Minnesota and Minnesota State to the Session Weekly EXTRA page at: Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system, http://www.house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp but not what offi cials hoped for. ★ LOCAL GOVERNMENT Susan Heegaard, director of the Higher Education Services Offi ce (HESO), told the Stop the fl ooding House Higher Education Finance Commit- HUMAN SERVICES Nearly a foot of rain fell on and around tee Jan. 31 that the dollars amount to an ★ Austin in 24 hours on Sept. 15, 2004. This 8.4 percent increase versus fiscal years resulted in the Cedar River rising 21 feet, 2004-05, while the entire state budget is Bonding priorities forwarded and fl ooding streets, shopping areas and the increasing 5.8 percent. The committee took The addition of 150 new beds for the Min- surrounding rural areas. no action. nesota Sex Offender Program at the St. Peter But that’s not the fi rst time that happened in The total amount allocated to higher educa- Regional Treatment Center leads the list of Austin. “We’ve had a number of fl oods in the tion is $2.77 billion, with the largest amounts bonding priorities for the House Health Policy last 25 years,” said City Engineer Jon Erichson, allocated to the university ($1.22 billion) and and Finance Committee. referring to storms in 1978, 1993 and 2000. MnSCU ($1.20 billion). The $3.3 million project is part of the So, local units of government in the affected The university allocation is $113 mil- overall $57.3 million the committee is recom- areas are asking the state for $2 million to lion greater than the previous biennium, or mending be allocated to 14 projects. replace and renovate storm sewers and other 10.3 percent. Included in the amount is a Other priorities in the $27 million request infrastructure damaged in the most recent $36 million bioscience investment in areas that for the Department of Human Services fl oods. The money would also help the city the state and university have demonstrated include $12.6 million for a 50-bed skilled buy property damaged in the fl ooding. The leadership, such as medical devices and food forensic nursing facility for aged or ill sex of- property would be cleared and houses possibly production. Funds will be used, in part, to fenders receiving state care; $6.2 million for moved elsewhere, Erichson said. recruit faculty and support research. Heegaard system-wide campus redevelopment, reuse HF603, sponsored by Rep. Dan Dorman said that the dollars are designed to leverage and demolition costs at the state’s regional (R-Albert Lea), would provide that money. outside funding in these areas. treatment centers; $4 million to fi nance asset Heard Feb. 2 by the House Jobs and Economic Other university areas include $35 million preservation projects at regional treatment Opportunity Policy and Finance Committee, for research support and $15 million for com- centers; and $1 million for system-wide roof it was held over for possible inclusion in the pensation increases to retain top professors repair at campuses. The governor recom- committee’s bonding resolution. and researchers at the university. mended all human services requests. Committee Chair Rep. Bob Gunther MnSCU is budgeted for an 8.5 percent The remaining $30 million would go to the (R-Fairmont) called the fl ood “devastating,” increase of $107.5 million. Included is Veterans Homes Board. Its projects include and Rep. Tim Mahoney (DFL-St. Paul) said, $50 million to fully implement a funding mod- $7.9 million for the reuse of the Willmar “That’s what this committee does is deal with el that the board uses to allocate state resources Regional Treatment Center for methamphet- natural disasters. I will place it high on my list to institutions, $20 million to create centers amine treatment and specialized treatment of priorities.” of excellence in six fi elds and $10 million to for aging veterans; $7.2 million for fi ve capital A companion bill (SF557), sponsored by increase capacity for training nurses. projects; and $6 million for asset preservation Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin), was included Two years ago the university and MnSCU of veteran’s homes. Only the asset preservation in the Senate bonding bill (SF1), sponsored each received about a 15 percent funding re- was in the governor’s bonding proposal. by Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyndon). duction. Students subsequently were hit with “Our fi rst priority is public safety,” said double digit tuition increases. Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester), chair of the “We hope that any funding shortfall will committee. “The protection of the public is Arena funding not be put on students in the form of a tuition our top concern.” Mayor Herb Bergson says the Duluth increase,” Heegaard said. Bradley said asset preservation and taking Entertainment and Convention Center is a Also in the governor’s plan is $3.2 million care of current facilities are also important, centerpiece for downtown Duluth, a gather- to establish an independent postsecondary and is refl ected in the committee’s priorities. ing place that has hosted the Eagles and Cher institution in Rochester. Some of the committee’s priorities were in the past year, and is the longtime home for The University Center — a partnership be- included in the Senate bonding bill (SF1), college and high school hockey. tween the university, Winona State University sponsored by Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL- “It is desperately in need of replacement,” and Rochester Community and Technical Glyndon), that was approved Jan. 24. Bergson said. “A new arena will benefi t the College — has existed since 1994, with more The committee sent its list of priorities to city, state and region for years to come.” than 150 areas of study. “The community said the House Capital Investment Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Thomas Huntley that what’s there is not enough,” Heegaard (DFL-Duluth), HF102 would allocate said. “This is an exciting opportunity to $1.5 million to help design and prepare con- create a unique institution with high quality If you have Internet access, visit the struction documents for construction of a programs focused on the academic disciplines Legislature’s Web page at: new arena. that support and complement the economic http://www.leg.mn The bill was heard Jan. 31 by the House

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 9 Jobs and Economic Opportunity Policy and situations, he is sponsoring HF229, which Finance Committee and held over for possible would create an additional check-off box on inclusion in its bonding resolution. Minnesota tax forms to assist National Guard A new arena “would expand the convention and Reserve members and their families capabilities of the Duluth Entertainment and affected by federal active duty service since Convention Center and provide an updated Sept. 11, 2001. facility for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Beginning in taxable year 2005, taxpayers men’s and women’s hockey programs,” said would be able to pledge any amount, and Huntley, who noted that the university is willing soldiers could receive up to $2,000 “for a to sign a long-term commitment to play there. fi nancial need as a result of that service.” The hockey arena is the oldest in the The Department of Military Affairs would Western Collegiate Hockey Association, and manage the fund by distributing the money the ice sheet is the smallest. Its seating capacity to individual soldiers or qualifying nonprofi t of 5,333 ranks eighth in the 10-team league. organizations that could also distribute the “It’s an old facility that has served us well,” monies. said Dan Russell, executive director of the center. “When you couple the separation with the He said the former Met Center in Bloomington fi nancial hardship, it really is having a direct and former St. Paul Civic Center were built after effect on the families in Minnesota,” Newman the DECC was constructed in 1964. told the House Governmental Operations and A companion measure (SF29), sponsored Veterans Affairs Committee Jan. 27 by Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), Newman said that passing a law for every is included in the approved Senate bonding fi nancial hardship would be impossible, so he bill (SF1), sponsored by Sen. Keith Langseth decided to “create a fund that would address

(DFL-Glyndon). PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID a wide variety of situations.” Anna Dvorak, left, chair, and Tara Johnson, Rep. Tim Mahoney (DFL-St. Paul) said that administrative director of the McKinley Com- although he supports what the bill is trying to Urban renewal continues munity, testify Jan. 31 before the House Jobs do, the language is not strong enough in pro- and Economic Opportunity Policy and Finance Hennepin County is looking to help the tecting the money for its intended use. “The Committee for the issuance of state bonds for the track record is out there that that wording Hawthorne, McKinley and Folwell neighbor- Lowry Avenue Corridor in Minneapolis. hoods in northeast Minneapolis by rehabili- doesn’t mean anything” because the governor tating the Lowry Avenue Corridor. she said. has shifted other like monies to fi ll the budget A way to do that is to demolish dilapidated Hennepin County Commissioner Mark defi cit, he said. properties, expand the roads and put in bus Stenglein said the corridor has always been Newman responded he would revisit the shelters along the corridor, which runs from well traveled. “The reality of the Lowry Hill issue of funding to ensure the donations are Girard Avenue North to Interstate 94. Then, area is that it has declined. Lowry Avenue has used for their intended purposes. supporters say, the area may be ripe for new great potential,” he said. The bill now goes to the House State Gov- development. Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls) sponsored ernment Finance Committee. It has no Senate Hennepin County is undertaking Phase I a companion bill (SF517) in the Senate. In companion. of the $13.8 million project, and is asking for that body, $1.5 million of the request was $5 million from the state to help. included in the approved Senate bonding A bill (HF425) to allocate the funds, spon- bill (SF1), sponsored by Sen. Keith Langseth ★ SAFETY sored by Rep. Joe Mullery (DFL-Mpls) was (DFL-Glyndon). heard Jan. 31 in the House Jobs and Economic Motor vehicle fi res Opportunity Policy and Finance Committee, The cost of putting out vehicle fires on and was held over for possible inclusion in the For information on other requests highways is growing for cities, according to committee’s bonding resolution. that may be included in the House Vadnais Heights Fire Chief Ed Leier. It is an That area is now a high crime area, suffer- bonding bill, go to the Session Weekly expenditure that cities like his can’t afford. ing from all the symptoms of urban decay, EXTRA page at: http://www.house. Many drivers involved in incidents carry mn/hinfo/swx.asp including poverty, unemployment, drug use no car insurance or are not from this state, and assaults. The primary victims of those making it hard to collect any kind of money neighborhoods are children, said Anna to recover the costs, he said. Dvorak, chair of the McKinley Community MILITARY Rep. Greg Blaine (R-Little Falls) is sponsor- organization, a neighborhood group. ★ ing HF210 that would allow for the reimburse- “Kids in the neighborhood don’t have the Family assistance ment of $300 per fi re call to cities through a choice of moving to another neighborhood,” A young mother whose husband was de- motor vehicle fi re revolving account in the she said. “We’ve seen what redevelopment has ployed to Iraq couldn’t afford to pay her home state’s General Fund. done in the south area of Minneapolis, it has insurance deductible after a storm damaged He told the House Local Government caused the crime to come to us.” her house. Committee Feb. 2 that the costs “add up over Tara Johnson, a mother of four children and She called Rep. Scott Newman (R-Hutchin- time.” administrative director of the organization, son) for help. The bill would also allow the transporta- agrees. “I don’t feel completely safe in the After receiving other calls from soldiers’ tion commissioner to receive any monies neighborhood. We pretty much stay indoors,” families in a variety of fi nancial hardship collected for costs of extinguishing a fi re in 10 Session Weekly February 4, 2005 a trunk highway right-of-way. That money Since then, relief money has poured in from science and the medical industry. would in turn go into the revolving fund to all over the world. Mahoney’s bill would provide the trans- be reimbursed to local fi re departments. Ordinarily, people who make donations be- portation and infrastructure to support Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul) asked ginning Jan. 1, 2005, would not be permitted development of the bioscience industry in how widespread the problem is and the costs to deduct those donations until they complete Minnesota. associated to fi res. their 2005 tax form next year. The law applies Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester and rural Leier said in the past decade Vadnais only to donations for tsunami relief. Minnesota would each receive $8 million, Heights has responded to 540 calls on 7.5 miles The effect of the law is expected to be fi nan- according to the bill. “This is the fi rst step of interstate in the city, including 53 vehicle cially negligible. According to estimates from we will have to take for a number of years to fi res. On average, it costs $350 per hour to re- the Department of Revenue, the law will shift build this industry,” Mahoney said. “This is a spond to fi res, he said. The city would request approximately $35,000 from fi scal year 2005 wide-ranging industry that can provide many the Legislature also look into crash and rescue to 2006. That will vary, depending on how high-paying jobs.” reimbursements as well, he added. many people make donations and how much “This could be a defi ning moment for pro- The bill was approved and now moves to the they donate. viding jobs, and providing jobs is what this House Transportation Finance Committee. Rep. Ron Abrams (R-Minnetonka) and committee should be about,” said Committee A Senate companion (SF344), sponsored by Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) sponsored Chair Rep. Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont). Sen. LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-Plummer), awaits the law, which is effective Jan. 28, 2005. There is no companion bill in the Senate, action in the State and Local Government HF166/SF218*/CH1 but in the approved Senate bonding bill (SF1), Operations Committee. sponsored by Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyn- don), is $5 million for St. Paul to support the TECHNOLOGY infrastructure and development of biosciences TAXES ★ business in that city. ★ Boost for bioscience Tsunami tax break Bioscience could mean thousands of jobs Taxpayers who made contribu- in Minnesota, paying between $40,000 and Room for genomics Signed tions in January 2005 to tsunami $60,000, so Rep. Tim Mahoney (DFL-St. The University of Minnesota and the Mayo by relief in Asia will be permitted Paul) believes government investment is Clinic are looking to form a partnership that the to deduct those contributions governor appropriate. could be a key to Minnesota’s economic future. ★ ★ ★ on their 2004 state income tax He is sponsoring HF510, which would invest HF689, sponsored by Rep. Bob Gunther (R- returns, under a new law signed $32 million in the industry statewide. The Fairmont), would support that partnership. Jan. 27 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. bill was heard Feb. 1 by the House Jobs and It was heard Feb. 2 by the House Jobs and The signing came 20 days after President Economic Opportunity Policy and Finance Economic Opportunity Policy and Finance Bush signed a similar federal law. Committee and held over for possible inclu- Committee and held over for possible inclu- A Dec. 26 earthquake in the Indian Ocean sion in the committee’s bonding resolution. sion in the committee’s bonding resolution. touched off a tsunami that heavily damaged Bioscience uses the properties of cells, The bill would provide $24.3 million to the coastal areas from Indonesia to Africa and such as their manufacturing capabilities and university to purchase three fl oors of the Sta- killed more than 150,000 people with thou- biological molecules, to solve problems. It can bile Building at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. sands more still missing and presumed dead. be used in many areas, including agriculture, The new space would be used to accommodate the collaborative research efforts into genom- ics between the two entities. The fl oors would be owned by the university and operated by the Mayo Clinic. “This is a very inexpensive way of getting the space that’s needed,” Gunther said. Genomics pinpoints the normal and abnor- mal functions of individual genes and uses the information to diagnose and treat disease. Supporters believe that together, the university and the Mayo Clinic could come up with better ideas than they could on their own, so what better reason to provide additional space. A total of $21.7 million is included for the project in the Senate bonding bill (SF1), spon- sored by Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyndon). The money was part of last session’s bond- ing proposal, which was approved by the House, but not the Senate. At that time the amount was $20 million, but has increased due to infl ation. PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID Surrounded by legislators, Gov. Tim Pawlenty signs the tsunami tax relief bill in his reception room Jan. 27.

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 11 ROCESS P ★ ★ ★

then assigned a House fi le number by the chief clerk. This identifi es the bill as it travels Finding a companion through committees and onto the fl oor. House From bill to law, House and Senate need to fi nd common ground bills go through the necessary policy commit- tees and if they have fi nancial implications, they go to a fi nance committee. The process in the Senate is somewhat BY BRETT MARTIN into law by the governor. This means the spon- different. Bills and resolutions are given a hen Rep. Ann Lenczewski (DFL- sor of each House bill must fi nd someone to number by the Secretary of the Senate’s Offi ce Bloomington) opposed a casino pro- sponsor a companion bill in the Senate, and and assigned to a committee by the Senate W posed for her city, she didn’t have to vice versa. president. look far to fi nd an ally in the Senate. “It’s a cumbersome process, but it’s to ben- House bills are identifi ed with an “HF” and “When it comes to Bloomington, we throw efi t the public,” Belanger said. Senate bills with an “SF.” Each bill receives three politics aside,” said Sen. William Belanger Patrick Murphy, fi rst assistant chief clerk for readings on the respective fl oor before members (R-Bloomington). the House, said the companion bill method debate its merits and a fi nal vote is taken. Despite belonging to opposite parties and requires collaboration between the House and Once the House and Senate versions of the serving in opposite chambers, Lenczewski and Senate, which speeds along the bill process. bill are passed, if the wording is the same, the Belanger share common ground. They both “Members of both bodies work all the time bill goes to the governor. If the wording is dif- represent Bloomington, they both served on together. That’s the whole idea. That’s what ferent, a conference committee, composed of the Bloomington City Council, and Lencze- gets the same idea moving,” he said. “There three to fi ve members from both the House wski went to school with Belanger’s son. is a lot of cooperation because they all need and Senate, is assigned to work out language “Between us, we have a multi-generational companion bills [to become law].” differences. understanding of the city,” Lenczewski said. Rep. Mike Jaros (DFL-Duluth) said fi nding “The wording has to be identical in both “We defi nitely don’t agree on everything, but a companion bill sponsor who shares a similar bodies to become law,” Murphy said. “That’s it doesn’t affect us working together. We both ideology and is passionate about the issue is why compromise is diffi cult. feel our job is to represent our community.” often key to the bill’s success. As an example, Murphy cites the drunken Belanger agrees, “You have to work together. “It’s important that you have an author who driving law passed last year in which the legal You look for the things that you agree on.” really believes in it and is enthusiastic so they limit for blood alcohol content was lowered from For the second year in a row, they’re work- will push it,” Jaros said. “You want someone 0.10 to 0.08. In the original House version, the ing together on legislation to keep a casino out who will fi ght for it.” law would have taken effect Aug. 1, 2007. The of Bloomington. Working across party lines, as Lenczewski Senate version called for an Aug. 1, 2004, effec- This cooperation is crucial since a bill needs and Belanger do, can be a factor in generating tive date. The conference committee compro- to be approved in both the House and the majority support. mised, and the bill becomes law Aug. 1, 2005. Senate, in identical form, before being signed “If you can speak from both parties and both Bills can originate in either body, except for houses, it comes across bills for raising revenue, which must be fi rst as a united voice and introduced in the House. That requirement helps your position,” is called for in the state constitution, which Lenczewski said. “I is based on a federal law going back nearly think the best legis- 200 years when U.S. senators were appointed lators don’t strictly by the state Legislature rather than elected by work on one side of the the people. In 1913, the 17th amendment to aisle.” the U.S. Constitution changed the election of Although compan- senators. ion bills are identical Not all bills, however, end up with a com- when fi rst introduced, panion bill. A legislator may introduce a bill the wording often knowing it will never have a companion and changes in commit- never become law that session. tees or on the floor “Sometimes someone introduces a bill just as items are added or to get the idea out there,” Murphy said. deleted. Technically, bills are alive over the course of In the House, the a biennium, so a bill introduced in 2005 that PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID speaker assigns each doesn’t pass could still be discussed until fi nal St. Paul Police Offi cer David Titus explains a portion of a bill that would al- bill and numbered adjournment in 2006. low offi cers to wear an American fl ag on their uniforms. Behind him at the Jan. 13 press conference are the Senate and House sponsors, Sen. Mady resolution to a stand- Reiter and Rep. Ray Vandeveer. ing committee. It is

12 Session Weekly February 4, 2005 All on the World Wide Web A how-to guide for following bills online

hroughout the course of a legislative session, thousands of bills are introduced and discussed. That doesn’t mean you should be discouraged while trying to keep up with all that is happening at the Capitol, whether you’re T closely following a number of bills or casually following a few. And you don’t have to physically be at the Capitol to track legislation. Through the Legislature’s Web site (www.leg.mn), following a bill from your computer is easy. Where to begin - the basics proceed, scroll down to “How to follow a • House Action Search: this link offers doz- The best place to begin is the Legisla- bill”. The page features an explanation of ens of possible status actions for bills in the ture’s main page. Click the words “Bill how to fi nd a bill and its status. House. This may also be handy if you are Search, Status and MyBills,” which will take Near the top of the page are four links trying to determine whether a committee has you to a page where you can select either to four different searches. reported on a certain bill or if you think a bill the House or Senate bill link. There, you • House Topic Search: this search allows was acted upon on a certain day, but you’re can enter a House or Senate fi le not sure of any other information. number, which is used to identify The Legislature’s Web site also a bill in the House or Senate, the lists the bills that both the House name of the chief author in either and Senate introduce each day. body, a statutory citation if you know it, a keyword description Gubernatorial action or selected search topic. When a bill is sent to the gov- The MyBills service provides ernor for approval, it is recorded personalized bill tracking for cur- on the legislative log, which can rent legislation. Or, bills can be be found at http://www.governor. tracked on the Web site as far back state.mn.us/LegCoord/LegCoor_ as the 1993-94 biennium by using list.asp. The log contains a brief the drop-down menu next to the description of each bill, its House “Previous years’ bills” heading. and Senate fi le numbers and the Once you enter search criteria, date of gubernatorial action. the “bill status summary” page There are several guidelines gives a short version of what the regarding when the governor must bill is about, and provides links to act on a bill. Generally, he or she the status, full text or the House has three days to sign or veto a bill Research Department summary during the course of the legislative of a bill. The status area shows the The Legislature’s Web site includes an easy-to-use bill tracking session. process of a bill from its introduc- function. A history of vetoed bills since tion, through the committee and 1939 is available through the Leg- fl oor process, to gubernatorial action. you to fi nd bills according to the major islative Reference Library at http://www. topic area that it falls into. In some cases, leg.mn/leg/vetoes/vetoes.asp. Finding the tools to search a bill deals with several topics, and the You don’t have to know a bill’s number topic you are interested in will be a part Information by phone or even the chief author to fi nd informa- of another larger bill. For those who do not have access to a tion on legislation you are interested in. • House Author Search: this option allows computer, bill information is just a phone There are several features on the Legisla- you to see all the bills a particular author call away. Contact the House Index De- ture’s Web site to help you determine what has sponsored. It is handy when you know partment at (651) 296-6646 or the Senate a bill’s number is and who has sponsored a certain representative has sponsored a Information Offi ce at (651) 296-2887 or a specifi c piece of legislation in both the bill, but you’re not sure what its number 1-888-234-1112. House and the Senate. or status is. Also, if you’re looking for information on On the main bill tracking search page, • House Committee Search: sometimes the Internet site, and you’re not sure where there is a section at the top for House bills all you might know about a bill is that a to fi nd it, you can contact the House Public and Senate bills. Choose either link and particular House committee is hearing the Information Services Offi ce at (651) 296- you will be directed to an Internet form bill. This search option allows you to see 2146 or 1-800-657-3550. with a number of options. all the bills that a particular committee has If you are unsure about the best way to possession of.

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 13 EOPLE P ★ ★ ★

Performing on a new stage DISTRICT 56A Charron merges love of arts and politics in the House 2002 Population: 36,812 Largest city: Woodbury County: Washington Top concern: Controlling development BY PATTY JANOVEC insights into things, passion for things, that When thinking about the nuances of being a fuel the fi re for me here.” “The more things are subsidized by freshman House member, Rep. Mike Charron People have asked Charron how he balances government, the more the govern- (R-Woodbury) said he feels the same sense of his arts interest and political affi liation. child-like wonder as on “A lot of the biggest arts supporters I know are ment is going to have a say. … Christmas Eve. Republican, but they support the arts with their I don’t want the government “This is my fi rst new job own money,” he explained. “The more things are having a lot of say in art.” in 22 years,” he joked. subsidized by government, the more the govern- — Rep. Mike Charron A professor and chair ment is going to have a say. … I don’t want the of the theatre department government having a lot of say in art.” an interest-earning medical account to pay for at Concordia University A major issue he wants to address is who their expenses. Small businesses that cannot in St. Paul, Charron said should control local development – the state, afford to offer health care insurance to their many educators are pub- Metropolitan Council or local governments employees would be able to do so under the Rep. Mike Charron lic service oriented. He is – an especially important issue in his rapidly proposal, he said. no different and has been actively involved in his growing district. He said growth needs to be Charron, who has biked across Iowa home community. “Almost on a whim someone done simply, while “balancing the needs for five times and considers himself a Lance said, ‘You should really run for city council’,” he conserving natural resources, open space, and Armstrong wannabe, is determined to main- said. And he did, and won. respecting the rights of landowners to both tain his integrity. “In all of my discussions and With his years of teaching and council develop or not develop.” dealings with my colleagues and constituents service, Charron said he has gained valuable He’s a co-sponsor of one of the session’s I want to be known as a man of my word.” experience understanding the issues he is early bills, HF2, relating to health savings facing as a legislator. “It brought me some accounts that would allow people to establish From behind the scenes DISTRICT 36B Garofalo looks to move out of legislative gridlock 2002 population: 36,713 Largest city: Lakeville Counties: Dakota, Goodhue Top concerns: Education funding, traffi c congestion BY MIKE COOK Garofalo represents a district that is an Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) has come almost even mix of rural and suburban. “It’s from behind the political scenes to a seat in a great district to represent because of that. “Traffi c is such a huge problem in the the House chamber. During the campaign I had the chance to south metro, and the busway is a trans- “I’m super-excited to go out and visit some farms in action, and a portation solution that can last for gen- get started,” he said before couple of times I brought my wife and kids session began. “I think with and that was a great experience. To have erations. It’s a signifi cant investment we’re going to surprise one of the few districts that is split down the but it will reap rewards long term.” some people this year middle gives me a very balanced view of how — Rep. Pat Garofalo with how much work we both sides see an issue.” are going to get done.” That is especially true in education and and telling them what to do when they know Garofalo replaces transportation – two areas of concern for their community best.” Rep. Pat Garofalo Steve Strachan who left district residents, he said. If he could have offered the fi rst bill of 2005, the House after being named Lakeville’s police “In the rural areas, it’s not as focused on traf- Garofalo said it would have been funding for chief last spring. fi c congestion as it is road safety where you have the Cedar Avenue busway to help alleviate “Two years ago I was his campaign man- large traffi c volumes on single-lane roads. congestion on a freeway that many of his ager,” he said. “Steve has just been a fantastic “As for education, in the metro it’s more of constituents take on a daily basis. mentor. One of the things he said to me was a focus on education funding and education “Traffi c is such a huge problem in the south that there is a lot of pressure to be partisan accountability; where in the rural areas, such metro, and the busway is a transportation and not work with others across the aisle, but as the Randolph School District, the issue is solution that can last for generations,” he said. by working with them you’ll be much more more local control. They are very concerned “It’s a signifi cant investment but it will reap effective and get more things done.” about federal and state politicians coming in rewards long term.”

14 Session Weekly February 4, 2005 EOPLE P ★ ★ ★

Bound and determined DISTRICT 47B Hortman says issue, not the party is important 2002 Population: 36,543 Largest city: Brooklyn Park Counties: Anoka, Hennepin Top concern: School funding BY PATTY JANOVEC To help on the transportation issue, Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Hortman is a co-sponsor on Northstar “Our job is to take a wide variety of Park) insists on helping break the partisan commuter rail legislation. She said that the complicated information and simplify gridlock that some say has plagued the 35 sponsors come from both parties, an in- it and get to the heart of the issue, and Legislature over the past tentional united political voice. several sessions. A lawyer by profession, Hortman described propose a resolution.” Building relation- her background as very similar to that of a — Rep. Melissa Hortman ships and not treating legislator. “Our job is to take a wide variety people as though they of complicated information and simplify it If that wasn’t enough to convince her, a are in “two different and get to the heart of the issue, and propose quote in the newspaper from Wayne Gretzky camps can do it,” she a resolution.” helped. Gretzky said, “You miss 100 percent said. “I will see people After unsuccessful House campaigns in of the shots you don’t take.” When Sen. as people and not as 1998 and 2002, she was hesitant about trying a Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley) agreed to be her Rep. Melissa Hortman Republicans and Demo- third time. “You’re really an absent parent and campaign manager, that sealed the deal. crats.” She said she would never vote down a an absent spouse for about nine months.” Hortman said she would rather spend time bill simply because of the sponsor’s party. Hortman’s father encouraged her by saying, with her kids than do anything else. She said Major issues in her district include “You know there are going to be about 10 times her kids know she is more like a “large child,” transportation and education. in your life where it seems like opportunity not a “real” grownup. For example, she can In the past few years the state hasn’t been knocks on your door, and you don’t want to hold her own with the second grade Brownie funding road maintenance and construction look back and say that was one of the times troop she leads. “I’m right there with them enough, and is also declining in its commit- that opportunity knocked and you didn’t talking about glitter makeup and smelly gel ment to public schools, she explained. “We answer the door.” pens,” she added with a laugh. want better schools and better roads.”

Framing the issues DISTRICT 54B Scalze brings years of art and government experience to House 2002 Population: 36,759 Largest city: Roseville County: Ramsey Top concern: Education funding

BY BRETT MARTIN husband, Bob, own and operate a heating and The framed wildlife pictures in the offi ce air conditioning company. Her background is “You do a lot of things for your kids, of Rep. Bev Scalze (DFL-Little Canada) bril- well-suited for the Environment and Natural but you’d go to the wall for your liantly capture the Min- Resources and Local Government committees grandkids. I want to leave them with nesota outdoors, but on which she sits. something they can be proud of.” what’s really impressive “I have fi rsthand knowledge of how state — Rep. Bev Scalze is that Scalze painted decisions impact local governments,” she them herself. One is of a said, noting that because of budget problems, Health care is another issue she’d like to see brook trout that she cre- the state often withheld local monies, forcing addressed. ated for the Department the city to build reserves by raising taxes. Her “The cost of health care impacts everything of Natural Resources’ frustration with state government led her to else,” she said. “We’re going to have to, at one 1991 trout and salmon seek a House seat. point, negotiate these drug prices. ” Rep. Bev Scalze habitat stamp. “We need more local representatives in the Scalze said her legislative decisions are “The brook trout is indicative of House,” she said. guided by how laws will impact her four Minnesota,” Scalze said. “They only live in An advocate for public education, Scalze granddaughters. very cold, clean water.” also wants to ensure that schools are ad- “You do a lot of things for your kids, but In addition to 25 years as a wildlife artist, equately funded. you’d go to the wall for your grandkids,” she Scalze brings to the House six terms on the “My district has very good school systems, said. “I want to leave them with something Little Canada City Council, and experience yet they’re struggling due to a lack of funds,” they can be proud of.” as a small business owner — she and her she said.

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 15 EATURE F ★ ★ ★

going to be disagreements. But you can dis- agree without being disagreeable,” Simon Social club said. Freshmen legislators get together to share concerns Simon said the gathering reminded him of the December new member orientation. “It was a good way to continue the process of getting to know each other. We all got together at orienta- BY MATT WETZEL Louis Park), both in their fi rst term, kicked tion, and regardless of where we’re from, a lot irst-year legislators are trying to make off their new social group with dinner Jan. 19 of us liked each other,” Simon said. changes in how the Legislature works, at a St. Paul restaurant. They’re looking at inviting all House mem- F and they hope it leads to a more successful “We just got to know each other and share bers to the next new member gathering. legislative session. some concerns,” Garofalo said. “People trust Two of them have organized a freshmen others with whom they have working relation- Workshop helps members social group, which they hope to have meet ships. If we can get to know each other and periodically throughout the session. understand each other it will make for a more get off on right foot Also, more than 60 state legislators attended effective working relationship.” The idea of working together, disagreeing a conference last month, learning the methods He hopes the fi rst-year legislators can build constructively and getting the work done is of effective negotiation and working together. on their commonality of being new on the job. what moved Rochester Sen. Sheila Kiscaden, These were two examples of a new collegial- “We can share our frustrations. ... A lot of what the lone Independence Party legislator at the Capitol, to think about organizing a conference ity in the House during the fi rst weeks of the we’re experiencing, we’re experiencing for the to encourage lawmakers in that direction. 2005 session, and members hope it will lead fi rst time. We’re beginning to understand the “We did this in 1996 and it was successful. to some productive work. awesome responsibility of being the voice for We’ve had a lot of turnover, and we’ve had two “If there’s gridlock this session, and we 37,000 people,” he said. years where we had a great deal of diffi culty don’t get things done, everyone’s going to get Twenty of 26 fi rst-year legislators made an accomplishing anything,” Kiscaden said. “Our behavior the last two years indicated to me it thrown out,” said Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farm- appearance at the gathering. House Speaker was time to do this again.” ington). “I haven’t seen a member who wants Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon) and House Minor- The workshop on Jan. 6-7 was sponsored to lose (their bid for re-election). The purpose ity Leader Matt Entenza (DFL-St. Paul) also by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public is not to get us to agree, rather to disagree in showed up, and Simon said he and Garofalo Aff airs and the National Conference of State a constructive and civil manner.” were grateful. Legislatures, and included small group sessions Garofalo and Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-St. “I think we all understand that there are in which legislators talked about why they ran for offi ce. “That was a way for many of them to fi nd common ground,” said Cindy Orbovich, as- sociate director of the Institute’s policy forum. Other topics included barriers encountered in the Legislature, confl ict management tools and negotiating skills. Legislative leaders from Utah and Kansas talked about how they had tackled tough issues. Rep. Kathy Tingelstad (R-Andover) worked with Kiscaden to organize the conference. She believes the most important part of the seminar was the opportunity for people to get to know one another. “It’s a good start,” she said. Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake), chair of the House Local Government Committee, is trying to implement some of what he learned about collegiality. For instance, each week, when the list of bills for discussion is set before the com- mittee, members rank them. The bill with the highest ranking is heard fi rst. “Last year, we couldn’t get hearings on some bills, and I didn’t think it was right that one member could make that decision. Regardless of what the bill is, there needs to be a process that is more representative as to what bills get a hearing,” he said. Traditionally, bills are heard at the discretion PHOTO BY SARAH STACKE of the chair. His goal is to “empower” committee In hopes of getting to know each other better, Reps. Pat Garofalo, left, and Steve Simon have orga- members. nized a social group for freshmen members.

16 Session Weekly February 4, 2005 EATURE F ★ ★ ★

Hotlist bills really sizzle The fi rst dozen Number of reasons can make a bill one to watch bills plucked for Hotlist 2005 •HF352: Bonding, capital improvements; •HF14: Intimidation and bullying model BY RUTH DUNN You should know policy; he most talked about bills of each •HF18: Cell phone use in motor vehicle legislative session earn a spot on the To see what’s hot go to www.house.mn restrictions; Hotlist compiled by employees in the •HF47: City aid base calculation correction; T and click on Hotlist 2005 - “well-known •HF57: Defi ciency funding for state Index department of the House Chief Clerk’s agencies; Offi ce. The list is an unoffi cial selection of bills.” Copies are also available from •HF290: Grandparent visitation rights; bills that have buzz – they’re in the news, they House Index in room 211 of the State •HF6: Marriage defi ned as union of one may be controversial, people are talking about Capitol. man and one woman; them. They’re hot! •HF48: Minimum wage increase; The fi rst Hotlist of the 2005 session was that has become big,” says Ball. “It’s taken off, •HF369: Minnesota Common Interest available Jan. 21 and department personnel mushroomed.” Ownership Act modifi cations; had been getting calls about when it would ap- There are several ways bills get on the Hot- •HF246 Northstar commuter rail funding; pear. The new list usually shows up the third list, said Ball. For example, if House Index gets •HF13: Stem cell research state policy, and week of each session since it takes a while for lots of phone calls and questions about a bill. •HF166: Tsunami relief donations income the fi rst hot bills to rise to the top. “Commit- “Another way is if we think a bill will become tax deductions. tees start slowly with lots of overviews and a big thing and will be in the news,” said Ball. testimonies and not a lot of bill movement Northstar commuter rail is an example. Some at the start of the session,” says Heather Ball, topics seem to make the Hotlist every year, must be moving forward,” said Ball. In 2004, assistant index clerk, who is responsible for like abortion, grandparent visitation rights, more than 140 bills were on the list at the end creating the Hotlist. cosmetology requirements and acupuncture of the session. The Hotlist began in 1994 as an internal ref- licensing. Ball has never been approached about erence guide for House Index employees. Bills Bills are also added to the list if they’re top- having a bill taken off the Hotlist, although that generated a lot of phone calls and questions ics that would be good research subjects for she has received calls from people who want were put on a list because employees needed a students, like smoking bans, seat belt usage certain bills to be added. If people feel that quick way to get information about them. David and minimum wage. When teachers give an strongly about a bill, it usually goes on the Surdez, now index offi ce supervisor, saw the assignment to write about something at the list. list back then and knew it would be of interest Legislature, students can go to the Hotlist and Rep. Mike Jaros (DFL-Duluth) is pleased to others. “We’ve got to publish it,” he thought. easily fi nd a topic of interest to them, accord- his bill requiring cell phone use in cars to “This is something people will want to see.” He ing to Ball. be hands-free is on the Hotlist. “The listing expanded the list to include more information Ball puts a lot of thought into which bills might draw attention to the bill and that’s a about each bill, including its Senate companion make the Hotlist. She consults with others in good thing.” When more people are aware of bill and its current status. “We hope the Hotlist her offi ce. She strives to be nonpartisan and a proposed bill, its chances of being heard in is fun and informative,” he said. objective in the suggestions. “I take myself committee might improve, he explained. The Hotlist was once called the Hit List. out of it.” Sometimes she may not personally Rep. Kathy Tingelstad (R-Andover) under- “We thought that was cute but when the understand why a bill is hot, but it is. She stands why two of her bills (Northstar com- Columbine school shootings took place, it updates the Hotlist every Friday afternoon muter rail and a bullying policy) were selected wasn’t cute anymore,” said Ball. That’s when during the session. for the Hotlist. “They’re easily understood, the name was changed to Hotlist. Bills may also be dropped from the Hotlist controversial and seem to generate strong Now the list itself is hot. “It’s a little idea if they lose momentum. “Bills on the Hotlist opinions.”

Frequently called numbers (Area code 651) Information Services, House Public TTY, House ...... 296-9896 Secretary of the Senate 175 State Offi ce Building ...... 296-2146 Toll free ...... 1-800-657-3550 231 Capitol ...... 296-2344 Chief Clerk of the House Information, Senate Voice mail/order bills ...... 296-2343 211 Capitol ...... 296-2314 231 Capitol ...... 296-0504 Index, Senate Index, House TTY, Senate ...... 296-0250 110 Capitol ...... 296-5560 211 Capitol ...... 296-6646 Toll free ...... 1-888-234-1112

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 17 ILL INTRODUCTIONS J ANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3 B ★ ★ ★ HOUSE FILES 565 - 784

Monday, January 31 HF577—Holberg (R) HF589—Rukavina (DFL) Transportation Regulated Industries HF565—Gazelka (R) Freeway and expressway shoulder use by transit Virginia and Hibbing municipal utilities joint Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs buses provisions modifi ed, and metro mobility biomass energy venture authorized. Global War on Terrorism; veterans bonus paid buses authorized to use shoulders. for through bonding proceeds and constitutional HF590—Samuelson (R) amendment proposed. HF578—Dempsey (R) Environment & Natural Resources Taxes Lifejackets required for children aboard watercraft. HF566—Cox (R) Electric generation facility personal property tax Higher Education Finance exemption provided. HF591—Samuelson (R) In-state tuition rate regulations provided for Health Policy & Finance students attending state universities and college, HF579—Penas (R) Senior citizens program funding provided and including the University of Minnesota. Education Finance money appropriated. School bus replacement financing system HF567—Demmer (R) established and money appropriated. HF592—Samuelson (R) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Transportation Military service credit purchase sunset repealed. HF580—Dittrich (DFL) Counties and cities authorized to impose Higher Education Finance administrative penalties on certain speed limit HF568—Marquart (DFL) Anoka-Ramsey Community College capital im- law violators. Local Government provements provided for the Cambridge campus Cities under a specifi ed population allowed an and the main campus, bonds issued and money HF593—Seifert (R) additional 30 days to approve or deny certain appropriated. State Government Finance regulatory actions. Nonprofi t organizations receiving state funding HF581—Nelson, P. (R) subjected to specifi ed conditions. HF569—Marquart (DFL) Agriculture, Environment & Civil Law & Elections Natural Resources Finance HF594—Bernardy (DFL) Persons who are 17 years of age but will be 18 years Rush Creek Dam removal and restoration funding Education Policy & Reform old at the time of the general election authorized provided and money appropriated. Gifted and talented student program guidelines to vote in the primary election. established, and permanent gifted and talented HF582—Vandeveer (R) program funding made a component of general HF570—Marquart (DFL) Transportation Finance education revenue. Transportation I-35 and County State Aid Highway 23 interchange Vehicle combinations up to 105,000 pounds autho- funding provided, bonds issued and money HF595—Gunther (R) rized on certain highways with permit and permit appropriated. Jobs & Economic fee prescribed. Opportunity Policy & Finance HF583—Westrom (R) Employment and economic development funds HF571—Marquart (DFL) Education Finance provided for transfer to the redevelopment account, Taxes Independent School District No. 771, Chokio- bonds issued and money appropriated. Military pension income tax deduction authorized. Alberta, fund transfer authorized. HF596—Wilkin (R) HF572—Johnson, J. (R) HF584—Urdahl (R) Transportation Civil Law & Elections Agriculture, Environment & Driver’s license suspension based on insurance Methamphetamine precursor drug sales regulated, Natural Resources Finance sampling provisions modifi ed. civil immunity provided for reporting of suspicious Manure digester loans interest-free status transactions, criminal penalties and property re- extended. HF597—Ruth (R) strictions imposed, methamphetamine lab cleanup Transportation Finance fund established and money appropriated. HF585—Thao (DFL) Local road improvement program funding pro- Commerce & Financial Institutions vided, program loan authority abolished, rural HF573—Johnson, J. (R) Gift certifi cates and gift cards expiration dates and road safety program established, bonds issued and Education Policy & Reform service fees prohibited. money appropriated. Internet fi ltering and blocking software required on school and library computers with access to HF586—Abeler (R) HF598—Peppin (R) students. Health Policy & Finance Commerce & Financial Institutions Long-term care partnership program authorized, Standard industrial classifi cation list rulemaking HF574—Soderstrom (R) medical assistance eligibility requirements modi- provisions modifi ed. Higher Education Finance fi ed, approved long-term care policies defi ned, Pine Technical College; land and building funding medical assistance estate recovery limited. HF599—Dill (DFL) provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. Agriculture, Environment & HF587—Buesgens (R) Natural Resources Finance HF575—Charron (R) Civil Law & Elections L a ke Super ior a nd L a ke C ou nt y s a fe ha rbors f u nd i ng Health Policy & Finance Quarterly Election Day Act of 2005 established, pro- provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. Physical therapist reciprocal licensure provided viding for election days for state and local elections upon proof of previous practice. other than special elections to fi ll a vacancy. HF600—Beard (R) Taxes HF576—Meslow (R) HF588—Wilkin (R) Electric generation facility personal property tax Civil Law & Elections Commerce & Financial Institutions exemption provided. Paternity presumption provisions modifi ed. Small employer group health coverage fl exible benefi ts plans authorized.

18 Session Weekly February 4, 2005 HF601—Dill (DFL) HF614—Lieder (DFL) HF628—Kelliher (DFL) State Government Finance Transportation Higher Education Finance Silver Bay Veterans Home renovation and addi- Slow-moving vehicle sign display at night provisions Minneapolis Community and Technical College tion funding provided, bonds issued and money modifi ed. health sciences center bonds issued and money appropriated. appropriated. HF615—Klinzing (R) HF602—Carlson (DFL) Education Policy & Reform HF629—Kelliher (DFL) Higher Education Finance Nonprescription pain relief possession by secondary Higher Education Finance University of Minnesota and Minnesota State students permitted. University of Minnesota health professional pro- Colleges and Universities funding provided, bonds grams funding provided and money appropriated. issued and money appropriated. HF616—Klinzing (R) Education Finance HF630—Wilkin (R) HF603—Dorman (R) Regular instruction funding by at least 65 percent Taxes Jobs & Economic of school district operating revenue required. Special assessment and property tax deferment pro- Opportunity Policy & Finance visions on certain qualifi ed property modifi ed. Austin fl ood disaster repair and renovation funding HF617—Greiling (DFL) provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. Education Finance HF631—Pelowski (DFL) Contract alternative education program students Taxes HF604—Peterson, S. (DFL) over the age of 21 allowed to continue to receive Winona sales and use tax imposition and bond Health Policy & Finance instruction until graduation. issue authorized. Zero-depth public swimming pool use without a lifeguard authorized if access is limited to persons HF618—Cornish (R) HF632—Urdahl (R) 18 years of age or older. Public Safety Policy & Finance Taxes Providing false information to police prohibited. Employer income tax credit for creation and HF605—Hoppe (R) retention of certain rural county jobs authorized. Regulated Industries HF619—Bradley (R) Brewers manufacturing beer on the premises Health Policy & Finance HF633—Dempsey (R) where the brewer also holds an on-sale liquor li- Parental contributions for the cost of services for Jobs & Economic cense authorized to use wort produced outside of children with mental retardation modifi ed. Opportunity Policy & Finance Minnesota under certain circumstances. Mississippi River Parkway Commission money HF620—Hackbarth (R) appropriated. HF606—Solberg (DFL) Jobs & Economic Public Safety Policy & Finance Opportunity Policy & Finance HF634—Hackbarth (R) Part-time peace officers appointment and Oliver Kelley Farm money appropriated. Environment & Natural Resources employment restrictions repealed. Off-highway vehicle safety and conservation grant HF621—Ruth (R) program created. HF607—Ellison (DFL) Transportation Finance Civil Law & Elections Bridge replacement, rehabilitation, and repair grants HF635—Hackbarth (R) Citizenship rights and eligibility to vote restored for provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. Environment & Natural Resources certain convicted felons who are not incarcerated. Un-refunded gasoline tax study required. HF622—DeLaForest (R) HF608—Dill (DFL) Civil Law & Elections HF636—Jaros (DFL) Agriculture, Environment & Equal treatment of voters provided. Jobs & Economic Natural Resources Finance Opportunity Policy & Finance Two Harbors wastewater treatment plant equal- HF623—Bernardy (DFL) Duluth; Peterson Arena reconstruction bonds ization basin and chlorine-contact tank funding Education Finance issued and money appropriated. provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. Community education program facility utility cost levy authorized. HF637—Abeler (R) HF609—Dill (DFL) Health Policy & Finance Jobs & Economic HF624—Ellison (DFL) Licensed professional counselor provisions Opportunity Policy & Finance Jobs & Economic modifi ed. Ely maintenance facility funding provided, bonds Opportunity Policy & Finance issued and money appropriated. Minneapolis empowerment zone subproject bonds HF638—Hortman (DFL) issued and money appropriated. Transportation Finance HF610—Dill (DFL) Northstar commuter rail corridor bonds issued Environment & Natural Resources HF625—Sykora (R) and money appropriated. Snowmobile trails and enforcement disposition Jobs & Economic modifi ed. Opportunity Policy & Finance HF639—Davids (R) Big Island Veterans Camp bonds issued and money Jobs & Economic HF611—Dill (DFL) appropriated. Opportunity Policy & Finance Transportation Finance Rushford Institute for Nanotechnology, Inc., money Lake County Forest Highway 11 repair funding HF626—Moe (DFL) appropriated. provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. Transportation Cass County Highway 6; Bradley Waage Memorial HF640—Nornes (R) HF612—Dill (DFL) Bridge designated. Taxes Transportation Finance Cruelty to animals prevention city appropriation Tower; East Two Rivers project funding provided, HF627—Kelliher (DFL) limit increased and property tax levy exemption bonds issued and money appropriated. Health Policy and Finance provided. Do not resuscitate/do not intubate orders for HF613—Kelliher (DFL) patients and liability protection for certain health HF641—Hortman (DFL) Agriculture, Environment & professionals provided. Education Finance Natural Resources Finance Basic formula allowance increased. Hennepin County; Cedar Lake Trail completion fund- ing provided, bonds issued and money appropriated.

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 19 HF642—Hortman (DFL) HF655—Clark (DFL) HF669—Mariani (DFL) Education Finance Jobs & Economic Higher Education Finance Early childhood education program funding Opportunity Policy & Finance United family medicine residency program grant restored. WIC coupons authorized for purchase of organic provided and money appropriated. foods. HF643—Hortman (DFL) HF670—Abeler (R) Education Finance HF656—Samuelson (R) Higher Education Finance Elementary school pupil transportation state Local Government Minnesota State Colleges and Universities tuition requirement modifi ed and levy authorized. Anoka County laws repealed and recodifi ed. freeze funding provided and money appropriated.

HF644—Johnson, S. (DFL) HF657—Krinkie (R) HF671—Samuelson (R) Public Safety Policy & Finance Taxes Health Policy & Finance Probation offi cer information access about persons State and local government fi nancing and opera- Ramsey County nursing facility rate increase de- who have a permit to carry weapons authorized. tions bill making technical, policy, clarifying and termination provided. administrative changes to certain taxes and tax- HF645—Urdahl (R) related provisions. HF672—Holberg (R) Jobs & Economic Civil Law & Elections Opportunity Policy & Finance HF658—Seifert (R) Department of Commerce comprehensive law Historic preservation grant bonds issued and money State Government Finance enforcement data regulated. appropriated. Public purchase of used goods consideration required. HF673—Atkins (DFL) HF646—Sieben (DFL) Agriculture, Environment & Health Policy & Finance HF659—Tingelstad (R) Natural Resources Finance Family planning services access increased, preg- Civil Law & Elections Inver Grove Heights fl ood hazard mitigation bonds nancy education expanded, wholesome after-school Adoption records access and services provided. issued and money appropriated. youth activities increased, comprehensive family life and sexuality education plan required and HF660—Krinkie (R) HF674—Knoblach (R) money appropriated. Taxes Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Income, franchise, withholding, sales and use, State Board of Investment data classifi ed. HF647—Peterson, A. (DFL) gross revenue, insurance, property, and solid waste Local Government management taxes modifi ed; cigarette and liquor HF675—Samuelson (R) Exception to ban on public offi cers having interest in taxes provided; city aid payments modifi ed and Health Policy & Finance a volunteer ambulance service contract provided. money appropriated. Hospice care bill of rights modified, hospice provider survey completion required and death HF648—Nornes (R) HF661—Walker (DFL) report requirements for recipients of hospice care Local Government Health Policy & Finance modifi ed. Cost liability for inappropriate removal of children Dental mercury removal before cremation and assigned to counties. installation of amalgam separators required. HF676—Hamilton (R) Jobs & Economic HF649—Marquart (DFL) HF662—Abrams (R) Opportunity Policy & Finance Education Finance Jobs & Economic Worthington; soil remediation grants provided, School district funding increased for those with Opportunity Policy & Finance bonds issued and money appropriated. declining enrollment. Hennepin County; Colin Powell Youth Center construction provided, bonds issued and money HF677—Hamilton (R) appropriated. Taxes Thursday, February 3 Worthington; local sales and use tax authorized. HF663—Koenen (DFL) HF650—Buesgens (R) Health Policy & Finance HF678—Hamilton (R) Education Finance Nursing facility moratorium exception project Education Policy & Reform Online learning funded at same rate for certain deadline extended. Independent School District No. 518, Worthington, students. facility lease for residential program authorized. HF664—Peppin (R) HF651—Powell (R) Health Policy & Finance HF679—Hamilton (R) Health Policy & Finance Critical access hospital provisions modifi ed. Jobs & Economic Ambulance service licensee non-government Opportunity Policy & Finance liability limits provided. HF665—Meslow (R) Worthington; storm damage infrastructure re- Public Safety Policy & Finance placement and repair bonds issued and money HF652—Bradley (R) Sunday service of legal process authorized. appropriated. Health Policy & Finance Provider tax paid by federally qualifi ed health cen- HF666—Dittrich (DFL) HF680—DeLaForest (R) ters and rural health clinics modifi ed and money Transportation Finance Civil Law & Elections appropriated. Northstar rail corridor funding provided, bonds Utility metering and billing provisions relating to issued and money appropriated. landlord and tenant regulations clarifi ed. HF653—DeLaForest (R) Civil Law & Elections HF667—Gazelka (R) HF681—Westrom (R) Actions against health care providers regulated. Commerce & Financial Institutions Health Policy & Finance Minnesota FAIR plan property and liability cover- Hospital accrediting organization for presumptive HF654—Clark (DFL) age regulated. licensure purposes authorized. Commerce & Financial Institutions Occupational safety and health coverage for stu- HF668—Solberg (DFL) dents within the Minnesota State Colleges and Jobs & Economic Universities system provided. Opportunity Policy & Finance Grand Rapids; museum funding provided and money appropriated.

20 Session Weekly February 4, 2005 HF682—Severson (R) HF696—Solberg (DFL) HF709—Hausman (DFL) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Jobs & Economic Transportation Finance Special “Support Our Troops” vehicle license plates Opportunity Policy & Finance Central Corridor transitway funding provided provided, National Guard incentive program fund- Grand Rapids Forest History Center funding pro- between St. Paul and Minneapolis, bonds issued ing, World War II veteran’s memorial, veteran home vided and money appropriated. and money appropriated. maintenance and income tax benefi ts provided, and money appropriated. HF697—Buesgens (R) HF710—Sykora (R) Education Policy & Reform Education Finance HF683—Hackbarth (R) General education access grants authorized for Basic community education program funding Environment & Natural Resources students. restored and money appropriated. Scientifi c and natural area acquisition and use provisions modifi ed. HF698—Seifert (R) HF711—Abrams (R) Jobs & Economic Taxes HF684—Hackbarth (R) Opportunity Policy & Finance Alternative minimum taxable income modifi ed. Environment & Natural Resources Historical sites reopened and money appropriated. Recreational vehicle temporary permit provisions HF712—Clark (DFL) modifi ed, refunds allowed, and critical habitat HF699—Magnus (R) Education Policy and Reform license plates availability extended. Education Finance Self-defense and confl ict resolution training au- Independent School District No. 584, Ruthton, thorized for sixth through eighth grade students HF685—Severson (R) fund transfer authorized. and model curriculum required. Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs State employment veteran’s preference restriction HF700—Hilty (DFL) HF713—Slawik (DFL) eliminated. Taxes Agriculture, Environment & Cloquet sales tax authorized and fund use specifi ed. Natural Resources Finance HF686—Severson (R) Ramsey County; Lower Afton Road Trail funding Civil Law & Elections HF701—Blaine (R) provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. Residency clarifi ed for voting purposes. Local Government Regional development commission’s power to get HF714—Ellison (DFL) HF687—Bernardy (DFL) and use real or personal property expanded. Civil Law & Elections Regulated Industries News media access to polling places increased. Alcohol sales to underage persons minimum ad- HF702—Gazelka (R) ministrative penalties imposed. Local Government HF715—Ellison (DFL) Crow Wing County; sewer district and commis- Civil Law & Elections HF688—Latz (DFL) sion authorized. Eviction records expungement required after one Transportation Finance year. Golden Valley; railroad bridge crossing reconstruc- HF703—Hilty (DFL) tion funding provided, bonds issued and money Civil Law & Elections HF716—Ellison (DFL) appropriated. Campaign fi nance and public disclosure provisions Public Safety Policy & Finance modifi ed, electronic fi ling provided, contribution Civil rights deprivation and pattern of offi cial HF689—Gunther (R) provisions equalized, assessments limited and misconduct crimes established, racial profi ling by Higher Education Finance obsolete rules repealed. law enforcement prohibited, racial profi ling data University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic collab- collection and policies required and law enforce- orative research facility funding provided, bonds HF704—Koenen (DFL) ment training provided. issued and money appropriated. Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs RenVilla Nursing Home Public Employees Retire- HF717—Juhnke (DFL) HF690—Penas (R) ment Association privatization special law approval Education Finance Higher Education Finance fi ling date extended. Independent School District No. 345, New London- University of Minnesota turf grass research funding Spicer, fund transfer authorized. provided and money appropriated. HF705—Lenczewski (DFL) Taxes HF718—Juhnke (DFL) HF691—Newman (R) Corporate franchise and income tax sales weighting Education Finance Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs of the apportionment formula increased. Independent School District No. 345, New London- Public bodies contract performance bond require- Spicer, capital levy authority established. ment removed. HF706—Lenczewski (DFL) Civil Law & Elections HF719—Urdahl (R) HF692—Newman (R) Candidate statements of economic interest required Taxes Education Finance to contain disclosures concerning immediate family Dairy operation investments income and corporate Independent School District No. 2859, Glencoe- members and certain contracts and other specifi ed franchise tax credit provided. Silver Lake, levy authorized. arrangements. HF720—Olson (R) HF693—Jaros (DFL) HF707—Sailer (DFL) Transportation Finance Taxes Taxes Trunk Highway 10 construction funding provided, St. Mary’s Duluth Clinic Health System construc- Park Rapids sales and use tax authorized and fund bonds issued and money appropriated. tion materials sales tax exemption provided. use specifi ed. HF721—Meslow (R) HF694—Kahn (DFL) HF708—Slawik (DFL) Education Policy & Reform Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Transportation Student support services advisory committee State Offi ce Building renamed the Coya Knutson Speed-detection devices effectiveness on drivers in established and school districts required to adopt State Offi ce Building. school zones pilot project established. support services plan.

HF695—Meslow (R) Public Safety Policy & Finance Audiovisual recording device use prohibited in motion picture theaters.

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 21 HF722—Peterson, A. (DFL) HF735—Moe (DFL) HF748—Sailer (DFL) Commerce & Financial Institutions Higher Education Finance Public Safety Policy & Finance Ethanol content increased in gasoline and manu- Bemidji State University hockey arena funding Amateur radio operations protected and use of facturers’ warranties required to ex tend to vehicles provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. operations encouraged in public safety and emer- using certain fuels. gency situations. HF736—Howes (R) HF723—Lillie (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources HF749—Dill (DFL) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Local recreation grants authorized for public Agriculture, Environment & National Guard and other reserves reimbursed schools. Natural Resources Finance for certain life insurance premiums and money Septic system tank installation fees limited. appropriated. HF737—Fritz (DFL) Transportation Finance HF750—Dill (DFL) HF724—Urdahl (R) Faribault; Trunk Highway 60 improvements Taxes Education Policy & Reform funding provided, bonds issued and money Beaver Bay sales and use tax authorized and pro- Health and physical education course requirements appropriated. ceeds use specifi ed. provided. HF738—Hamilton (R) HF751—Vandeveer (R) HF725—Tingelstad (R) Taxes Commerce & Financial Institutions Agriculture, Environment & Property tax classifi cation as both homestead and Electronic real estate recording task force estab- Natural Resources Finance non-homestead provided for purposes of class rates lished and money appropriated. Metropolitan regional park acquisition and better- and the homestead market value credit. ment funding provided, bonds issued and money HF752—Severson (R) appropriated. HF739—Rukavina (DFL) Transportation Finance Regulated Industries St. Cloud Regional Airport land acquisition funding HF726—Bernardy (DFL) Cold weather protection established for consumers provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. Taxes of delivered fuels. Mounds View tax increment fi nancing district HF753—Nelson, P. (R) requirements modifi ed. HF740—Moe (DFL) Transportation Finance Higher Education Finance Trunk Highway 95 bridge construction funding HF727—Abrams (R) Bemidji State University property acquisition provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. Health Policy & Finance funding provided, bonds issued and money Hennepin County Medical Center acute psychiatric appropriated. HF754—Rukavina (DFL) service renovation and expansion funding pro- Taxes vided, bonds issued and money appropriated. HF741—Meslow (R) City formula aid modifi ed. Public Safety Policy & Finance HF728—Vandeveer (R) Child abuse resulting in death crime expanded. HF755—Wilkin (R) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Higher Education Finance Salaries decreased for legislators and constitutional HF742—Simpson (R) Higher education student fee charging method offi cers. Commerce & Financial Institutions modifi ed. Employment agency licensing requirement HF729—Vandeveer (R) exemptions provided and certain fee payments HF756—Hortman (DFL) Local Government prohibited. Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Gov- National Guard member tuition reimbursement ernment additional oversight responsibilities HF743—Clark (DFL) grant time period extended. provided. Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance HF757—Abeler (R) HF730—Hansen (DFL) Minneapolis; cultural and community center Health Policy & Finance Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs funding provided, bonds issued and money Language interpreter services health care cover- State agencies required to post fi scal information appropriated. age required. on their websites. HF744—Samuelson (R) HF758—Mahoney (DFL) HF731—Cox (R) Health Policy & Finance Commerce & Financial Institutions Environment & Natural Resources Nursing facility and community services payment Manufactured home park sale notices required. Individual sewage treatment system inspection re- rates increased and money appropriated. quirements modifi ed to avoid confl icts of interest. HF759—Mahoney (DFL) HF745—Cox (R) Commerce & Financial Institutions HF732—Meslow (R) Health Policy & Finance Crane operator certifi cation and regulation re- Local Government Rice County; nursing facilities designated as quired and civil penalties authorized. Electric or utility special assessments exceeding stan- metro for purposes of determining reimburse- dards authorized on petition of all affected owners. ment rates. HF760—Abrams (R) Taxes HF733—Klinzing (R) HF746—Demmer (R) Single sales apportionment adopted relating to Commerce & Financial Institutions Education Finance corporate franchise taxation. Homeowners’ protection act adopted requiring High school league administrative regions allowed continuing education for municipal building of- to contract with private auditors. HF761—Smith (R) fi cials, requiring reporting, requiring pre-license Civil Law & Elections education of building contractors and providing HF747—Lesch (DFL) Child residence removal procedures modifi ed. information access to homebuyers. Public Safety Policy & Finance City attorneys included in the eviction process HF762—Kelliher (DFL) HF734—Meslow (R) relating to forfeiture of contraband or controlled Jobs & Economic Public Safety Policy & Finance substance on rental property. Opportunity Policy & Finance Collateral sanctions defi ned, and table of collateral sanctions cross-references required. Truant children parental notice inclusion of possible availability of mental health screening provided.

22 Session Weekly February 4, 2005 HF763—Goodwin (DFL) HF770—Abeler (R) HF778—Ellison (DFL) Jobs & Economic Taxes Civil Law & Elections Opportunity Policy & Finance Educator expense income tax deductions federal Voting eligibility notice provision to certain Collaborative services for at-risk children program conformity required. offenders required. funding required. HF771—Abeler (R) HF779—Mahoney (DFL) HF764—Meslow (R) Health Policy & Finance Civil Law & Elections Public Safety Policy & Finance Evidence-based health care guidelines provided. Joint physical custody presumption provided. Ramsey County criminal surcharge modifi ed. HF772—Davnie (DFL) HF780—Ruud (DFL) HF765—Meslow (R) Education Finance Taxes Public Safety Policy & Finance Staff development funding for school districts Educator expense income tax deduction federal Motor vehicle license plate, title, and registration with schools not making adequate yearly progress conformity required. regulation exemptions provided for law enforce- authorized and money appropriated. ment agency vehicles involved in impaired driv- HF781—Bernardy (DFL) ing offenses and chemical test result certifi cation HF773—Peppin (R) Education Finance procedures modifi ed. Education Finance Compensatory revenue mechanism established to Independent School District No. 883, Rockford, allow funding to follow a student to a nonresident HF766—Meslow (R) fund transfer authorized. school district and money appropriated. Public Safety Policy & Finance Retired court commissioner district court appoint- HF774—Dempsey (R) HF782—Atkins (DFL) ment authorized. Education Finance Health Policy & Finance General education basic formula allowance Prescription drug discount program obtaining HF767—Vandeveer (R) increased. drugs through Canadian pharmacies required, Web Regulated Industries site for ordering drugs established and discounted Pull-tab purchase by employees of licensed orga- HF775—Bradley (R) prescription drug access provided. nization lessors permitted. Health Policy & Finance Long-term care provider infl ation adjustments HF783—Tingelstad (R) HF768—Gunther (R) provided. Civil Law & Elections Jobs & Economic Adoption record access provided and data clas- Opportunity Policy & Finance HF776—McNamara (R) sifi cation modifi ed. Redevelopment account fund transfer authorized, Commerce & Financial Institutions bonds issued and money appropriated. Medicare supplement coverage purchase rights HF784—Walker (DFL) broadened. Health Policy & Finance HF769—Gunther (R) Universal health care system establishment, fo- Higher Education Finance HF777—Johnson, S. (DFL) cus on preventive care and early prevention and Fairmont educational campus funding provided, Education Finance implementation of plan by 2010 required. bonds issued and money appropriated. Limited English profi ciency program funding restored.

PEAKING OF THE HOUSE S ★ ★ ★

Exactly one month after 12-year-old the day for Dillon was meeting former Vice go through, “you go through together.” Dillon permanently joined her family, President Walter Mondale, who spoke to the The candy bar signifi es the camaraderie of Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn DFL caucus before the fl oor session. the three musketeers. “It’s all for one, and one Center) invited legislators to a reception in for all,” he said in support of all those who are the House Retiring Room Feb. 3. Each House Governmental Operations part of the National Guard. Dillon is the son of Hilstrom’s close high and Veterans Affairs Committee mem- school friend who died several years ago. Since ber arrived to fi nd a 3Musketeer candy Rep. Kathy Tingelstad (R-Andover) last session, the Hilstrom family worked to bar awaiting them on Feb. 3. reminded members of attending orga- gain full custody of Dillon. “So many people Rep. Lloyd Cybart (R-Apple Valley), a nized discussion groups she has cre- here helped us and so many gave us moral freshman legislator, presented a bill regarding ated for a variety of topics the Governmental support through this long process,” she said. Minnesota National Guard tuition reimburse- Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee “I wanted to introduce my legislative ‘family’ ment (HF455). In keeping with tradition, will eventually address. to my family.” freshmen legislators are required to present Jokingly she added, “Yesterday I asked the Hilstrom and her husband, Joel, have two members with treats upon the presentation three groups to each huddle in the corner, other children, Stephanie, 15, and Jeremy, 11. of their fi rst bill. and one of the members pointed out that he The fi rst day that Dillon was a member of the “Most people know I did 20 years in the thought I said ‘hug’ in the corner … we’ll Hilstrom family, he accompanied Hilstrom to military,” and when you move around, the leave it up to your group, but huddle is a little the opening day of the session, sitting next to unit is your family, he said. Everything you better.” her on the House fl oor. But the highlight of

February 4, 2005 Session Weekly 23 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. P AUL, MN 55155-1298

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

INNESOTA M INDEX FOR MORE INFORMATION

For general information, call: Methamphetamine use House Public Information Services offi ce Estimated annual public costs related to methamphetamine in 2004, in millions ...... $130 (651) 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 Percent that is corrections or law enforcement ...... 63 Percent that is treatment ...... 11 To subscribe to Session Weekly online: Percent of public cost responsibility for methamphetamine intervention in http://www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp 2004 borne by the state ...... 50 Percent by local government ...... 47 To obtain a copy of a bill, call: Percent by federal government ...... 3 Chief Clerk’s Offi ce Percent of long-term public cost responsibility for methamphetamine (651) 296-2314 intervention borne by the state ...... 64 Percent by local government ...... 34 To fi nd out about bill introductions or Percent by federal government ...... 2 the status of a specifi c bill, call: Minnesota counties, as of January 2005, that had a methamphetamine House Index Offi ce (651) 296-6646 lab ordinance ...... 36 Counties in September 2003 ...... 6 For an after hours recorded message Counties in January 2005 with no plans for an ordinance ...... 3 giving committee meeting times and Counties in September 2003 ...... 19 agendas, call: Approximate number of clandestine drug labs where meth was made and Committee Hotline other meth-related events were discovered in the state in 2003 ...... 500 (651) 296-9283 Percent increase in lab seizures between 1995 and 2002 ...... 600 Percent of labs discovered in the state in 2003 that were located in rural or The House of Representatives can be found semi-rural areas ...... 75 on the Web at: http://www.house.mn Percent more likely that 12- to 14-year-olds living in smaller towns nationwide will use methamphetamine than those living in larger cities ...... 104 Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired. According to a March 2004 report, at the time of seizure, labs in Minnesota To ask questions or leave messages, call: TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or where children are living, as percent ...... 50 1-800-657-3550 Percent nationwide ...... 30 Percent of children removed from meth sites in state that test positive for Check your local listings to watch televi- meth drugs ...... 50 sion coverage of House committees and Percent nationwide ...... 35 fl oor sessions. Percent increase in drug task force meth arrests from 1999 to 2003 ...... 179 Percent increase in drug task force meth lab seizures from 2000 to 2003 ...... 185 Senate Information Increase in methamphetamine prison population, as percent, between (651) 296-0504 2001 and 2004 ...... 525 1-888-234-1112 Drug cases sentenced in 2003 that involved methamphetamine, as percent ...... 45 Percent increase over 2002 ...... 32 Senate Index (651) 296-5560 Percent increase between 2001 and 2002 ...... 49 This document can be made available in alternative Sources: Minnesota Department of Health, Statistical Analysis Center at Minnesota Department formats to individuals with disabilities by calling of Public Safety, Association of Minnesota Counties, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, (651) 296-2146 voice, (651) 296-9896 TTY, or Offi ce of National Drug Control Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (800) 657-3550 toll free voice and TTY.