A Nonpartisan Publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives ♦ February 26, 1999 ♦ Volume 16, Number 8

HF876-HF1148 Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Office. During the 1999-2000 Legislative Minnesota House of Representatives • February 26, 1999 • Volume 16, Number 8 Session, each issue reports daily House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions and upcoming committee meeting schedules, and pro- vides other information. The publication Reflections is a service of the Minnesota House. There is something to be said for the adage “history repeats itself.” No fee. So far, 1148 House bills have been filed since opening day of the 81st Legislature. This time 10 years ago, close to the same number were in the hopper. To subscribe, contact: Of this year’s just-introduced bills, many bear similarities to others filed within the Minnesota House of Representatives past decade. Some would require major changes in existing laws or repeal them altogther, Public Information Office while others seek a refinement in state statute. 175 State Office Building Some examples are proposals dealing with ethanol development and promotion, elk St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 breeding, firearm usage, school breakfasts, and even the anointing of a reptile — the (651) 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 Blanding’s turtle — to join ranks as a state symbol. TTY (651) 296-9896 And some bills that don’t pass in one session may get reintroduced during the next biennium. Three proposals that crop up repeatedly seek to enact initiative and referen- Director dum, place term limits on public offices, or make the Legislature unicameral (one body). LeClair G. Lambert But the Capitol isn’t the only place where history repeats itself. In downtown St. Paul on Feb. 20, for example, the whistle of the ill-fated Titanic was blown for the first time Acting Assistant Director/Editor since the ship sank during its maiden voyage in 1912. The whistle appears in an exhibit Nick Healy with other artifacts rescued from the ocean depths. This past week, the Legislature introduced some innovative concepts and also tweaked Acting Assistant Editor Sandy Donovan a few old bills to make them new again. Later, outside and high above the Capitol dome, two celestial planets also repeated history. Not since 1900 have the planets Venus and Art & Production Coordinator Jupiter aligned themselves so closely. This conjunction of planets was even closer Paul Battaglia together some 2,000 years ago, and is said to be the Christmas star seen then over Bethlehem. Writers Jon Fure, Sarah Hallonquist, On the national political scene, history will repeat itself if, as expected, a person named Grant Martin, Paul Wahl George Bush campaigns for U.S. president, and another president’s relative becomes a New York resident to run for the U.S. Senate from that state. Chief Photographer Government aside, within the past year, movies about World War II returned and Tom Olmscheid were nominated for Academy Awards. Broadway featured revivals including “Twelfth Night” and the musicals “Oklahoma” and “Cabaret.” A new and sleeker Volkswagen Photographers Gina Dabrowski, Laura Phillips, Beetle cruises the highways, and the old Rolling Stones are once again on tour! Andrew Von Bank Although musical trends often repeat themselves, noteworthy this year is the come- back of dancing to swing music now played by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy or listening to the Office Manager singer from Squirrel Nut Zippers who sounds so hauntingly like the late great Billie Nicole Wood Holiday. And even though lawmakers this year are seeing proposals for funding items like Staff Assistants Ivan Weiss Jr., Jennifer Ridgeway windmills that generate electricity instead of pumping water, some things never change. Taxes, rebates, and education issues are still the hot topics in the Legislature. As history Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is pub- continues to repeat itself, everything old seems new again. lished weekly during the legislative session by —LeClair Grier Lambert the Minnesota House of Representatives Pub- lic Information Office, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes INSIDE to Session Weekly, Public Information Office, Highlights ...... 5 Minnesota House of Representatives, 175 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., Feature: Korean War Veterans Memorial ...... 17 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Capitol Forum: Jackson Bain...... 18

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P r e r On the cover: The Korean War Veterans Memorial, located on the southern Capitol grounds, c e y p c a l e d p frames the Capitol’s dome. —Photo by Andrew Von Bank

2 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 Initiative and Referendum . . . Plan would let voters have lawmaking powers By Jon Fure Some see it as giving power to the people, others see it as a distortion of representative democracy, and nobody disputes that it is a politically charged and controversial issue. The power of initiative and referendum would give citizens direct authority to place on the ballot proposed changes in state law or in the Minnesota Constitution. Under current law, only the Legislature can change laws or put a constitutional amend- ment question on the ballot, but a bill under consideration this year could give that right and others to Minnesota voters through a petition process. Of course, such a change would require that an amendment to the constitution be approved by voters. In three previous elections — 1913, 1915, and 1980 — Minnesota voters have failed to amend the constitution to allow for initiative A bill advancing in the House calls for voters to decide on a constitutional amendment that would allow and referendum. Each time, “yes” votes out- initiative and referendum in Minnesota. Photo illustration by Tom Olmscheid numbered “no” votes among the people who voted on the ballot question, but each mea- higher in states that have initiative and refer- organization studied the initiative and refer- sure failed because those who did not vote on endum, Paulsen said. And lawmakers are held endum issue about 15 years ago, she said, and the question counted as “no” votes. more accountable because the laws allow vot- nothing has happened since then to change This year’s proposal (HF484) would place a ers to approve measures that have popular the league’s position. constitutional amendment on the ballot for support but are unpopular with lawmakers, “(The League of Women Voters) believes the 2000 general election that would allow such as term-limit restrictions. that consideration and enactment of complex people to enact an initiative law, repeal an Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul) said public policy is most appropriately done in existing law, or put constitutional amend- he once lived in California and that initiative the legislative arena,” she said. ment questions on future ballots by filing a and referendum proposals in that state are McWilliams also said the league has con- petition. heavily influenced by organizations that have cerns about the possibility of undue influence Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Eden Prairie), the bill’s the most money. by groups that have a lot of money. sponsor, said other states have similar initia- “The concept sounds wonderful, but I view But well-funded causes already influence tive and referendum laws, and he said those this as a special interest bill,” he said. the Legislature, said Rep. Mike Osskopp laws promote higher voter turnout and in- But Rep. Tony Kielkucki (R-Lester Prairie) (R-Lake City). Contributions to the party cau- creased accountability of lawmakers. said many good laws have been passed through cuses may influence decisions made by law- The bill was approved Feb. 24 by the House initiatives and referendums, including makers, Osskopp said. Governmental Operations and Veterans women’s suffrage and minimum wage laws. Osskopp also said it seems ironic that the Affairs Policy Committee. “I look at it as empowering people,” he said. League of Women Voters doesn’t support ini- Under Paulsen’s plan, an initiative would One common argument against initiative tiative and referendum laws, considering that go on the ballot if a petition is signed by and referendum laws is that many measures Susan B. Anthony traveled the country and 5 percent of the number of voters who voted are too complex to be simply stated on an gathered signatures that led to women being for governor in the previous election in three- election ballot and voted on without the ex- given the right to vote. quarters of the state’s congressional districts. tensive information, deliberation, and debate McWilliams said she had not considered And a constitutional amendment question that help legislators make decisions. that argument, but that she considers that would go on the ballot if a petition is signed by Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL-Roseville) said giving women the right to vote is more basic 8 percent of those voters. the cost of communicating ideas through mass law than those the Legislature deals with The requirement regarding congressional media creates a distinct advantage to well- today. districts is designed to make it difficult for an funded causes. Dane Waters, president and founder of the initiative to be placed on the ballot without Similar concerns were expressed by Jane Initiative & Referendum Institute, said some support from different areas in the state. McWilliams, who testified against the bill on form of initiative or referendum is available in Voter turnout is 5 percent to 7 percent behalf of the League of Women Voters. The 27 states. The main variations in those laws are

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 3 in the percentage of voters required to sign a petition, the requirements concerning what Failed hopes for a capital across the river parts of the state those people must live in, and the amount of time allowed for gathering Given the long-standing ri- members voted against the amendment. signatures. valry between Minnesota’s If those Minneapolis lawmakers had sup- The amount of money spent on campaigns most famous sibling cities, ported it, the bill would have gone back to for initiative or referendum also varies. Wa- it’s hard to believe that a the Council with the Nicollet Island ters said one important question to ask is why proposal to move the capi- amendment. it is necessary to spend so much money on the tal from St. Paul to Minne- The original St. Peter bill passed the campaigns. apolis would be offered by a Council by only one vote, with two Min- “The more difficult the process (to get some- legislator from St. Paul. neapolis members voting for the bill. If the thing on the ballot), the more you limit it to Even harder to believe, the plan failed amended bill had gone back to the Coun- those interests that have a lot of money,” because Minneapolis representatives voted cil, it probably would have passed. And Waters said. against it. Minneapolis The process as proposed in Paulsen’s bill The brief debate would have been seemed reasonable to several people who tes- surfaced in 1857 Minnesota’s tified in support of the bill. Cedric Scofield, while Minnesota capital city. was still a territory These votes chair of the Reform Party’s government af- Territorial lawmakers briefly considered Nicollet fairs committee, said his party doesn’t sup- on its way to state- Island in Minneapolis, pictured here in 1857, as a site soon caught the port the issue blindly, but it does support hood. St. Paul for Minnesota’s capital. eye of Minnea- people’s right to petition their government. served as the terri- politans, who at “This is a tool for good public policy,” he torial capital, and the city of Minneapolis a local meeting passed a resolution censur- said. “It’s just a matter of getting it right.” consisted of two small towns, St. Anthony ing their elected officials for voting against Marc Asch, of the government watchdog and Minneapolis, on opposite sides of St. the amendment and for the group Common Cause, said his organization Anthony Falls. St. Peter bill. does not have a formal position, but that he In 1849, the Territorial Legislature was While the combined efforts of the Minne- believes campaign finance laws that apply to charged by the U. S. Congress to designate apolis and St. Paul delegations could not kill political candidates should also apply to ballot a capital for the new state. Eight years later, the plan to move the capital, the actions of initiatives or referendums. when the Legislature finally got around to Council member Joe Rolette did. He said he has considerable experience gath- the task, St. Peter emerged as the most As chair of the Council’s enrollment ering signatures as a volunteer, and the same popular site. committee, Rolette was given the approved challenges apply whether the cause is well- In February 1857, a bill to move the bill on Feb. 27 and decided to play a prank funded or not. capital from St. Paul to St. Peter passed the on the supporters of the St. Peter plan. “You have to be able to deal with a lot of Council, the territorial version of the state Rolette dropped the bill off at a bank, rejection,” he said. Senate. The bill was then sent to the House changed rooms at his hotel, and told the Steven Anderson, spokesman for another for consideration. manager to tell everyone he had left town. watchdog group called Citizens Lobby, said he Territorial Gov. Willis Gorman, who had When word got back to him of all the has tried to encourage support for this type of actively campaigned for the St. Peter site, excitement he was causing, he decided to legislation for about four years, but until now vowed to sign the bill after it was approved do some real damage. He remained in he has not seen a proposal receive a committee by the House. hiding — with the bill — until after the hearing. But Rep. William Pitt Murray and others Council had adjourned, effectively killing He said he has consistently heard the same in the St. Paul House delegation didn’t the plan. arguments against initiative and referendum want to see their city lose the capital. On Gorman signed a copy of the bill that laws, and he feels this bill addresses those Feb. 17, 1857, sensing his cause was lost, was forwarded to him, but a judge later arguments. Murray offered an amendment to the bill ruled that bill to be invalid. Rolette, the The bill now moves to the House Crime that would have deleted “St. Peter” and hero of St. Paul, was given a torchlight Prevention Committee. added “Nicollet Island, between Minne- parade through the city. apolis and St. Anthony.” There were no parades in Minneapolis. Murray probably made the effort in good A second attempt to move the capital to faith, figuring that if St. Paul couldn’t have Minneapolis occurred in 1881, the year the capital, it should at least remain in the the St. Paul statehouse burned to the To find out who represents you neighborhood. ground. Following the disaster several at the Capitol . . . Maybe he thought it would be nice to Minneapolis lawmakers proposed build- Call the House Public Information have a grand Minnesota capitol building ing the new capitol building in the city’s Office at (651) 296-2146 overlooking roaring St. Anthony Falls. Loring Park. Whatever the reason, the amendment was But the plan fizzled out. Some histori- rejected on a 19-18 vote. All five St. Paul ans speculate that the proposal failed be- representatives supported the amendment. cause it didn’t have the support of The Minneapolis delegation, however, then-Gov. John Pillsbury. Pillsbury was couldn’t maintain a united front, and four from Minneapolis. Photo from Twin Cities/A Pictoral History; Lucile M. Kane and Alan Ominsky; 1983.

4 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 Week in Review . . . Feb. 18 - 25, 1999

AGRICULTURE BONDING Urban ag school proposed New scrutiny for local requests Ask a Twin Cities teen-ager where milk A proposal to send local bonding requests comes from and you’re likely to hear the reply, to the Minnesota Department of Finance be- “from a carton.” fore they come before the Legislature won And because many of the state’s young initial approval Feb. 23 in the House Capital people live in urban areas, that lack of appar- Investment Committee. ent interest in farming has some educators Under the bill (HF726), the department concerned for the future of Minnesota’s agri- would review each request and submit its rec- culture industry. ommendations to the Legislature for consid- Their concern has initiated an interest in an eration in the bonding bill. urban agricultural high school near the Uni- Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-St. Cloud), sponsor versity of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus and the of the bill, said that his proposal would give state fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. the Legislature a tool to better evaluate the Supporters laid out an informal request local bonding requests. Feb. 23 for $350,000 before the House Agri- “It is a concern of mine that we are passing culture and Rural Development Finance Com- appropriations for these local governments mittee to study all facets of the idea. without adequately weighing all the facts,” he A bill that would provide funding for the said. planning phase of the school has been drafted The bill outlines a set of nine criteria that but has yet to be introduced. the finance department should use in evaluat- Dr. Roland L. Peterson, director of the Di- ing each proposal. Those include consider vision of Agricultural Education at the U of M, whether each project: Dr. Roland L. Peterson, director of the Division of said a visit to a similar school in Chicago Agricultural Education at the University of • has additional local, private, and user convinced him there should be one in Minnesota, speaks in favor of a proposal to fund financing; Minnesota. an urban agriculture high school on the state • helps fulfill an important state mission; “What I saw blew me away,” he told fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. • is of regional or statewide importance; lawmakers. • will not require additional state funding for Peterson said he sees firsthand that there’s a U of M’s St. Paul campus, which is home to the operation; shortage of workers to fill spots in agricultural university’s agriculture-related programs. • does not expand the state’s role into a new areas of business, education, and production. Plonski said organizers are looking at pro- policy area; “Rural Minnesota can’t continue to pro- posals to establish either a charter school or a • does not create serious inequities among vide all the workers for agriculture,” he said. magnet school with its own autonomous local jurisdictions; Pat Plonski, executive director of the Min- board. The institution would also have an • has a credible plan for ongoing maintenance nesota Agricultural Education Leadership advisory board, consisting of farmers and oth- and funding throughout the life of the Council, said there are already 18 urban areas ers interested in agriculture. project; in the country that have similar schools. He Part of the grant money would be used to • does not compete with other local facilities; said there is virtually no opportunity for the conduct a market study to determine exactly and roughly 38,000 students in grades seven how many students would be interested in • has resolutions of support from all governing through twelve in Minneapolis and St. Paul to attending the school. bodies immediately affected by the project. participate in agricultural education. However, Plonski said that if Chicago is a While the bill would encourage local gov- “This needs to change if Minnesota is to good indicator, the challenge will be finding ernments to submit their requests to the de- continue in its role as one of the greatest and slots in the school for all the students who wish partment, it also states that neither the most diversified agricultural states in this na- to attend. Legislature nor the governor would be bound tion,” Plonski said. The school would also contain a museum by the recommendations of the department Supporters are eyeing the long-time head- dedicated to documenting the history of Har- and that legislators and the governor could quarters of Harvest States Cooperative at the vest States, the history of the cooperative move- introduce projects for consideration that have corner of Snelling and Larpenteur avenues in ment in Minnesota, and the history of not been reviewed by the department. Falcon Heights as the potential site for the agriculture in general. Knoblach’s bill, which would apply to re- school. The location is immediately adjacent The committee may consider a bill on the quests for the 2000 bonding bill, would re- to the fairgrounds and is just east of the matter later this session. quire local governments to submit their proposals to the finance department by June 1, 1999.

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 5 David Strom, from the Taxpayers League of Pawlenty said it is only fair that prosecutors “As my father always said, and as we’ve all Minnesota, testified in support of the bill. He who have the heavy burden of proving the case heard before, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said that last year’s $1 billion bonding law be allowed to go last. He said that Minnesota said. shows that funding for local projects is out of is the only criminal system in the nation that Pawlenty’s bill now goes to the House floor. control. allows the defense to go last. “This is a process that is badly in need of “We should not have a Minnesota-unique reform,” he said. style of justice when it comes to criminal Concealed handgun debate Andy Kirn, from the Citizens for Fiscal justice,” he said. Responsibility, also testified in support of the Prosecutors said that current law allowing a Do more permissive concealed handgun bill. He said that the people of Minnesota response to the defense’s argument is awk- laws reduce crime? voted against “politics as usual” in the 1998 ward for both prosecutors and judges. Two nationally recognized researchers pre- elections. Paul Scoggins, assistant county attorney for sented their views on that issue to lawmakers “Nothing represents politics as usual in this Hennepin County, said that when prosecu- before a joint meeting of the House and Senate state more than the process for determining tors can only address misstatements of fact or Crime Prevention committees Feb. 21. bonding proposals,” he said. law, juries might assume that the prosecutor Professor John Lott of the University of But some legislators expressed concern that agrees with the rest of the defense attorney’s Chicago and Professor Jens Ludwig of Knoblach’s bill would take power away from arguments. Georgetown University have both done ex- the Legislature. He also said that it sends a signal to the jury tensive research on the issue. And they have Rep. Irv Anderson (DFL-Int’l Falls) said that something is not routine, and that reflects come to very different conclusions. this bill would move power from the legisla- badly on the prosecutor. Lott studied county crime data from all 50 tive branch to the executive branch. He said “All of a sudden the prosecutor is popping states between 1977 and 1992. He found that the proposal would put so-called “politics as back up like a bad piece of cork,” he said. more permissive concealed handgun laws de- usual” in the hands of bureaucrats who are not John Stanoch, former Hennepin County ter violent crime such as assault, murder, and accountable to voters. judge and current lawyer with the attorney rape. Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown) general’s office, said judges fear that giving Specifically, Lott found that on average states said she is also concerned about the bill. She prosecutors a response to the defense’s argu- that passed the permissive laws saw an said it amounts to the committee giving up its ments opens up a greater possibility that the 8.5 percent reduction in murders, a 5 percent power. case can be appealed. reduction in rapes, and a 7 percent reduction “I just don’t think we’re ready for this yet,” “You are very hesitant in the ninth inning to in aggravated assaults. she said. “I think we should keep the power in say, ‘I’m going to give you a chance to respond “The passage of concealed handgun laws the elected officials on this committee.” to the rebuttal,’” he said. saves many more lives than it loses,” he told The bill now goes to the House Local Gov- Laurie Beyer-Kropuenske, acting director lawmakers. ernment and Metropolitan Affairs of the Minnesota Center for Crime Victim Lott, however, found increases in crimes Committee. Services, also testified in support of the bill. where the offender does not confront the vic- She said that sometimes the last thing that tim, such as auto theft. And he found that victims’ families hear in the courtroom are violent crime rates increased in border areas CRIME disparaging remarks from the defense about of states that enacted permissive laws. the victim. He said that these results show that the laws force criminals to alter their behavior away Last word for prosecutors She said that while the entire trial is about searching for the truth, final arguments are from violent acts in areas that have passed Following two days of arguments by pros- sometimes very different. these laws. ecutors and public defenders, a bill that would “Sometimes, it is just slinging the mud to Lott said that in every state that considered give prosecutors the last word in criminal see how much of it sticks,” she said. these laws opponents argued that people car- courts appears to be headed to trial on the State Public Defender John Stuart testified rying concealed handguns would misuse the House floor. against the bill. He said that defense attorneys weapons. He said that that almost never Under current law, the prosecutor goes first don’t attack victims because that reflects badly happens. in final arguments and is followed by the on their clients, and that Minnesota juries are “The people who are willing to go through defense attorney. The law allows the judge to smart enough not to reward that behavior. the permitting process are almost always law- give the prosecutor a response to the defense’s “They’re not going to give the advantage to abiding citizens,” he said. final arguments only to address misstatements a client of a lawyer who does that,” he said. Lott said that his study is the most compre- of fact or law, or if the defense’s argument is Stuart said Minnesota established its crimi- hensive study that has been done on this issue prejudicial or inflammatory. nal justice process 124 years ago, and that it so far. He said follow-up studies have con- The bill (HF197), sponsored by Majority has worked well since then. firmed his results. Leader Tim Pawlenty (R-Eagan), would guar- “Nothing that I’ve seen or heard has con- “Nobody has found significant evidence of antee the prosecutors a right to respond fol- vinced me that this was a mistake,” he said. a cost associated with these laws, and most lowing the defense’s final arguments. The William McGee, chief public defender for have found a benefit,” he said. response could only address issues brought up Hennepin County, also spoke against the bill. Ludwig studied murder rates in one state by the defense’s argument. He said that the defense attorney should go between 1982 and 1991. He found that no The bill was approved Feb. 20 by the House last because his or her client risks “the ulti- relationship exists between the concealed Crime Prevention Committee, following tes- mate loss of his liberty.” He said the existing handgun laws and the murder rate. timony that day and on Feb. 16. system is working well. He disagreed with Lott’s findings about these laws.

6 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 since 1994, and Principal Sherre Walsted told lawmakers she has seen results including in- creased attendance, higher test scores, and fewer discipline problems. “Having a full stomach makes all the differ- ence in kids and how they learn,” she said. She noted that although schools need to qualify for the program by having one-third of their students eligible for the free or reduced- price lunches, family economics aren’t the only reason children miss breakfast. “Tight morning schedules can mean kids are either skipping breakfast or making their own,” she said. “And on their own, they’ll probably reach for the sugar, which only lasts an hour. At school they’re getting protein, fats, everything they need.” A third provision in Kielkucki’s bill aims to ensure that all students have access to a healthy breakfast by extending current state funding John Lott, professor of economics at the University of Chicago, uses a graph to illustrate the merits of for school breakfast programs. Although the permissive concealed handgun laws. Jens Ludwig, seated, assistant professor of public policy at targeted breakfast program is only available to Georgetown University, took the other side of the debate during a Feb. 20 hearing on the matter. certain elementary schools, Kielkucki said all public schools would benefit from breakfast “We can’t be sure that they cause crime certain elementary schools where more than funding, which enables schools to offer inex- rates to go down,” he said. “And they’re at 33 percent of the students qualify for free or pensive, nutritious meals to all students. least as likely to go up.” reduced-price lunches. The program began in Lawmakers agreed that breakfast is an es- Ludwig said that these laws may have nega- 1994 as a pilot project in six elementary schools sential meal for children. Rep. Alice Johnson tive consequences. and was expanded in 1997 to include 41 schools (DFL-Spring Lake Park) said she considers “It is important to realize that there are throughout the state. breakfast funding a “no-brainer.” other possibilities, that the passage of these Oak Grove Elementary School in “It’s the cheapest way to increase learning laws may create an undesirable change in the Bloomington has participated in the program and raise test scores,” she said. behavior of criminals,” he said. But Rep. Ken Wolf (R-Burnsville) ques- For example, criminals may be more likely tioned the need for state funding. to use deadly force when committing crimes “I don’t think anybody questions the value to make sure that they don’t have to deal with of a good breakfast for children,” he said. “The an armed victim, he said. question comes in what the role the govern- ment should play in feeding everyone’s children.” SCHOOL EDUCATION The bill would provide $11.6 million for school lunches in fiscal year 2000, and nearly Schools need lunch money $12 million for lunches in 2001. It would also provide $3.7 million for targeted breakfast A bill that would increase the state’s share of grants and $456,000 in school breakfast fund- school lunch funding and extend school break- ing for each year of the 2000-01 biennium. fast programs was considered Feb. 24 by the The committee took no action on the bill House K-12 Education Finance Committee. but may include it in this year’s omnibus K-12 The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tony Kielkucki finance bill. (R-Lester Prairie), would increase state fund- ing for lunches from 6.5 cents to 10 cents per lunch. Districts facing tuition bills The state has paid school districts at the rate of 6.5 cents per lunch since 1991, but school Beginning this May, school districts whose officials say that amount doesn’t go nearly as students end up having to take remedial far today as it did eight years ago. Kielkucki courses in reading, writing, or math during said districts are having to dip into their gen- their freshman year of college can be charged eral fund money to keep up with rising food tuition by the post-secondary institution. and labor costs. But a bill sponsored by Rep. Elaine Harder Kielkucki’s bill (HF720) would also pro- Al Bushman, a third-grade teacher at Lincoln (R-Jackson) would change that. Center Elementary School in South St. Paul, The House Education Policy committee vide funding to extend the state’s current tar- vouches for the importance of breakfast for geted breakfast program. That program schoolchildren during testimony on a bill that approved the bill (HF473) Feb. 23. provides free breakfasts for all students at would increase funding for school food programs. Harder’s proposal bill would repeal a 1997

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 7 law that established the policy. The law was But others testified in support of the bill, Some lawmakers questioned whether an intended as diploma warranty coverage for saying a system of accountability needs to be 18-year-old should be allowed to run for school high school graduates. in place so that schools having trouble can board. Rep. Tony Kielkucki (R-Lester Prairie) But Harder said some of her constituents have the opportunity to improve and help said he believes an 18-year-old high school made her aware of certain examples in which students who fall behind. student serving on a school board could be a the law could conceivably penalize a school “Your kids and mine are hanging in the “huge conflict of interest.” A student would district that acted in good faith. balance,” said Yusef Mgeni, president of the conceivably be participating in decisions such For instance, students can refuse to repeat a Urban Coalition. “We don’t have the luxury as discipline policies for fellow students, hir- grade even if a school district recommends of failure.” ing and firing of teachers, and salary they do so. Under the law, the district would Although the bill is not currently under negotiations. have to pay tuition for any remedial instruc- consideration, the issue may be revived before But Rukavina said voters would be able to tion such a student might need in college. lawmakers put together this year’s omnibus decide if a situation presents such a conflict. In addition, a district would be charged for K-12 education bill. He added that the first elected office he held remedial college courses for students who was as a school board member in Virginia moved into the district near the end of their when he was 21. high school careers. ELECTIONS Minimum age requirements for holding Bob Meeks, a lobbyist for the Minnesota public office vary in other states. In 17 states, School Board Association, told committee Allowing 18-year-olds to run 18-year-olds can run for legislative seats. members the law sends the wrong message to Twenty-five states have no minimum age re- students and school districts. Minnesotans would be able to decide if quirement for attorney general or secretary of “This whole thing just deserves a lot more 18-year-olds could run for public office, un- state races. consideration than it received (in 1997),” he der a bill approved Feb. 23 by the House “I see this as an excellent way of engaging said. Governmental Operations and Veterans this great group of voters,” said Rep. Ann H. HF473 moves to the House K-12 Education Affairs Policy Committee’s Subcommittee on Rest (DFL-New Hope). Finance Committee. Elections and Rules. The bill now moves to the full Governmental The bill (HF122), sponsored by Rep. Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia), would put the School standards bill stalls question on the ballot in the 2000 general election. A plan to set statewide expectation levels for Current state law requires Minnesotans to ENVIRONMENT school districts met a setback Feb. 25 in the be 21 or older to seek any state or local office House Education Policy Committee. except governor. Gubernatorial candidates Boundary Waters controversy Rep. Joe Opatz (DFL-St. Cloud) withdrew must be age 25 or older. A resolution that would ask President his bill (HF320) after two days of debate re- The bill would not change the age require- Clinton and Congress to intervene in the on- vealed that lawmakers want more time to con- ment for governor, but it would reduce the going battle between Minnesota and the fed- sider the issue. minimum age for candidates for other consti- eral government over land rights in the Setting statewide standards for school dis- tutional offices and for legislative, municipal, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness tricts has been a subject of contentious delib- and school board openings. erations at the Capitol for many years. Last year, Opatz sponsored a similar bill that pro- posed state monitoring of schools and laid out Education rally a plan for the state to take over failing schools. That measure failed after encountering oppo- sition from teachers, school districts, and lawmakers. This year, however, Opatz’s bill contains no plans for state takeovers. His bill simply pro- poses a measuring system based on standard- ized test scores. It would also recognize factors that could cause schools to tend to have low overall scores. Those factors include having high percentages of students on free or reduced-price lunch programs, special education students, or stu- dents who participate in English-as-a-second- language programs. Those schools would be allowed extra time to bring up low scores. Officials from Education Minnesota — the state’s major teachers union — told the com- mittee they do not support the plan because the dust has not yet settled on the state’s High school students from Red Wing, along with parents and community members, rally in the Graduation Standards. Capitol rotunda Feb. 24 to press for increased K-12 education funding.

8 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 (BWCAW) is one step closer to landing on desks in Washington, D.C. Student voters The BWCAW consists of just more than 1 million acres of federally protected land within the Superior National Forest in north- eastern Minnesota. Most of the land is owned by the federal government and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, but the state still owns roughly 100,000 acres of land within the wilderness preserve. The House Environment and Natural Re- sources Policy Committee approved a resolu- tion Feb. 23 that would request a federal law authorizing an exchange of state-owned land within the BWCAW for federal land outside the preserve but within the Superior National Forest. The proposal (HF426), sponsored by Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia), notes that Minnesota is unable to earn any money from leases, sales, or natural resource management Katie Cowhey, a sophomore at Prior Lake Senior High School, votes in a mock election on a bill of the state-owned land within the BWCAW that would limit the rights of 16- and 17-year-olds to refuse chemical dependency treatment. because access is restricted. Cowhey participated in the Minnesota Youth Legislative Summit on Feb. 25. “We are locked out of 100,000 acres,” said Rep. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook). “The federal said he now sees it as a value-added practice That wasn’t enough to stop opposition from government has essentially stolen this land for farmers who raise elk and deer. Tom Meyers, representing Minnesota Con- from us.” “How an animal ends up in your freezer servation Federation. Recently, the state of Utah successfully ne- shouldn’t matter,” Holsten told the “It will still be perceived as hunting by the gotiated a similar land-for-land and cash ex- committee. nonhunting public,” Meyers said. “It shouldn’t change with the federal government, Rukavina The bill would allow the establishment of 10 matter, but it does. The animal rights people told the committee. preserves ranging from 240 to 960 acres. All are going to attack this, and the hunters will Patty Burke, legislative director for the Min- wild deer would have to be removed from an take the flak.” nesota Department of Natural Resources, said area before a preserve would be created. Holsten’s bill moves to the House Govern- her agency supports the intent of the resolu- The measure would also establish a season mental Operations and Veterans Affairs Policy tion. The problem, Burke said, is getting the for harvesting animals, from Aug. 15 to March Committee. U.S. Forest Service and the federal govern- 31. No hunting license would be required in ment to the negotiating table. the preserves, but weapons used would have “We are looking for a congressional solu- to comply with those authorized to take wild HEALTH tion because the forest service has no reason to deer and elk in the same region. negotiate,” Rukavina said. Rep. Doug Peterson (DFL-Madison), who Encouraging organ donation The resolution is headed for a vote on the is sponsoring an identical bill (HF715), said House floor. he supports the idea because he has constitu- Rep. Darlene Luther (DFL-Brooklyn Park) ents who raise elk who have had to refuse and Norma Bradow of Fergus Falls have people the opportunity to hunt because the formed a close bond in recent months. Be- GAME & FISH law does not allow it. cause of the gift of a liver from Bradow’s late He said the preserves would be ideal for the husband, Luther is alive today. Shooting deer in a barrel? elderly, people who have never shot an elk, or The two appeared together Feb. 19 before disabled hunters. the House Health and Human Services Fi- A bill permitting the taking of farmed deer Several speakers fired rounds at Holsten’s nance Committee. On the agenda was a bill and elk on licensed shooting preserves was bill. (HF127), which is sponsored by Luther, to approved Feb. 24 by the House Agriculture “It’s like shooting fish in a barrel,” said Rep. appropriate $2 million over the next bien- Policy Committee. Bob Ness (R-Dassel), who also had questions nium to begin the proposed “Minnesota do- Farmed cervidae — a family of animals about whether the license fees proposed for nor decision campaign.” including deer, elk, and others — were granted the preserves would be enough to cover the The campaign would include research and status as agricultural products in 1993. The Department of Agriculture’s costs. public opinion surveys to assess attitudes to- bill (HF710) would expand permitted uses of Other concerns were raised over the per- ward organ, tissue, and eye donations and to the farmed animals to include stocking them ception the preserves would create. evaluate public awareness efforts. It would on licensed shooting preserves. To clarify that what is being proposed is not also include advertising and public education Rep. Mark Holsten (R-Stillwater), the bill’s technically hunting, Rep. Leslie Schumacher programs aimed at raising awareness about sponsor, said he was not a supporter of the (DFL-Princeton) offered, and the committee organ donation and encouraging people to idea when it was first broached because it accepted, an amendment to strike any men- become donors. seemed to be a hunting issue. However, he tion of “hunt” or “hunting” from the bill. The largest portion of the proposed funding

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 9 Alternative medicine plan If your physician offers you herbal medi- cine, he or she can be accused of practicing outside “acceptable and prevailing” conven- tional standards of care. And if an unlicensed herbalist offers you herbal medicine, he or she can be prosecuted for “practicing medicine without a license.” So just how do you get herbal medicine, if that’s your preferred method of treatment? It’s not easy in Minnesota. A bill (HF537) debated by the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee Feb. 25 would change that. The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Lynda Boudreau (R-Faribault), would allow comple- mentary and alternative health care to be prac- ticed if a patient is informed about the benefits Rep. Darlene Luther, right, consoles Norma Bradow, Fergus Falls, who tells lawmakers how her husband, and potential harm from the treatment. The Gary, felt it important to be able to donate his organs. Luther said it was Gary’s liver that saved her life when she had a liver transplant in 1998. Bradow testified before a House committee Feb. 19 in favor of bill also contains examples of forms which a bill that would fund a campaign to boost organ donation. patients would be required to read and sign. The bill covers such practices as homeopa- — about $800,000 — would be spent on me- The committee took no action on the mat- thy, naturopathy, massage therapy and body dia activities, including television and radio ter but will consider the bill for inclusion in work, holistic and integrative therapies, and commercials. this year’s omnibus health and human ser- culturally traditional healing practices, among Luther told the committee there is a critical vices funding bill. others. shortage of donors and that across the country Another section of the bill would address 10 people die each day waiting for transplants. Bed rail bill passed consumer complaints against licensed and More than 1,300 Minnesotans currently unlicensed practitioners, but would not change await a lifesaving organ transplant. The wait- The House passed a bill Feb. 23 that would criminal laws for fraud or for personal injury ing list grows 12 to 15 percent annually, but give nursing home patients and their families civil actions. the number of donors remains essentially greater input on whether side rails can legally In some cases, Boudreau said, legal actions unchanged. be used on beds in nursing facilities. The vote have been taken against unlicensed providers Susan Gunderson, executive director of was 132-0. of alternative medical services, even though LifeSource, a regional organ donation coordi- “This is a bill about grandpas and grand- there was no consumer harmed and the re- nation organization, said most Minnesotans mas, moms and dads and loved ones,” said the cipient of the care was pleased. support organ donation, but they simply don’t bill’s sponsor, Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Roches- Boudreau told the committee her proposal know how to assure that they become donors. ter). “It’s about real seniors suffering real fear.” was not a licensing initiative, but more of a Under the bill, LifeSource is the lone entity In 1998, the Minnesota Department of deregulatory approach. that would qualify for the one-time state Health began fining nursing homes that they “It updates the law so it is in sync with funding. believed were improperly using restraints. A present health care reality,” she added. Gunderson said she’s most excited about federal law severely restricts the legal use of Studies show 70 percent of all Americans creating a mobile classroom that would tour bed rails and other restraints. and 47 percent of all physicians are using at the state and provide accurate information on Proponents of limiting rail use said patients least one form of complementary or alterna- organ donation in an interactive format. could injure or even kill themselves if they tive methods for their personal health care. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” became entangled in the restraints, and the The bill is slated to come before a Health Gunderson said, noting that even the medical state health department began requiring a Care Directive Subcommittee of the full health profession isn’t well-versed on the topic. physician’s prescription to use rails. and human services policy committee. She said one of the keys to assuring that Soon many nursing homes stopped using your organs are donated is to tell your family bed rails, but family members complained when you’re healthy so your wishes are well- that they were more concerned for the safety Changes for ambulance services known. of patients without rails. Two bills designed to address the changing In emotional testimony, Bradow told the Bradley’s bill (HF40) would include a committee how she and her husband had dis- face of ambulance services in Minnesota were patient’s physical safety as a medical condi- approved Feb. 23 by the House Health and cussed the matter in the 1970s, never thinking tion sufficient to warrant a prescription for the opportunity to be an organ donor would Human Services Policy Committee. bed rails. The first bill (HF302) would allow ambu- arise as soon as it did. The bill moves to the Senate. Gary Bradow was a victim of a stroke in lance services to participate in shared service 1998 at age 56. His wife said he had been purchasing arrangements for supplies, mate- extremely healthy until then, making him an rials, and equipment. ideal candidate for organ donation. The second (HF463) would place ambu-

10 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 lance providers under peer review protection. 20 percent of Minnesota’s workforce, and the Both bills are sponsored by Rep. Greg Davids HIGHER EDUCATION schools offer more than 3,500 educational (R-Preston). programs. Davids told the committee that ambulance Taylor-funded plan approved Much of the presentation focused on the services need more flexibility in approaching institution’s goals and past accomplishments, The House Higher Education Finance Com- purchases, particularly of expensive items such which some lawmakers said are difficult to mittee approved a bill Feb. 22 that would as vehicles. He said pending changes in the link directly with the budget issues. authorize construction of the Taylor Center, a way federal programs reimburse ambulance Many legislators said they wanted a more privately-funded building on the campus of services may leave services with less money. in-depth presentation listing dollar amounts Minnesota State University, Mankato. Existing law requires government-owned along with campus and administrative costs. The bill (HF492) is sponsored by Rep. ambulance services to take bids on equipment Rep. Gene Pelowski (DFL-Winona) grilled John Dorn (DFL-Mankato). purchases over $25,000. HF302 would allow Anderson on which specific programs would Because the campus is part of the Minne- co-ops to purchase ambulances, the most costly benefit from state money, but said he was not sota State Colleges and Universities system, expenditure an ambulance provider faces. receiving satisfactory answers. and therefore a state entity, the Legislature is Davids said one small ambulance service “Behind that screen, there’s nothing,” he required to approve the new building’s buying one new vehicle every five years doesn’t said. “Today from MnSCU, we have had no construction. have as much bargaining power as a group of substantive answer to any question we’ve Formerly known as Mankato State Univer- services purchasing a fleet. asked.” sity, the school raised $16.5 million in private Davids said HF463 aims to shield ambu- Rep. Peggy Leppik (R-Golden Valley), the donations to pay for the center. It is named in lance providers in certain legal situations. committee chair, also showed her frustration. honor of alumnus Glen Taylor, chief execu- Without peer review protection, he said, “We are trying to look at numbers,” she tive officer and chair of the Taylor Corpora- any in-house discussion of how cases were said. “And you have given us the reasons for tion and owner of the Minnesota handled is public record and subject to and the overall picture of what you’re trying to Timberwolves basketball team. discovery, should a legal challenge arise. do. Now, please attach it to some numbers.” Taylor donated $9.2 million toward the O.J. Doyle, an emergency medical services In his biennial budget, Gov. Jesse Ventura project, which consists of a 5,000-seat arena, consultant from Apple Valley, said the lack of has recommended funding $121.3 million of athletic programs and facilities, and a student protection has made ambulance service medi- MnSCU’s request, or about 53 percent. welcome center. cal directors — required to be physicians — MnSCU officials will return to the commit- Minnesota State University President skittish about the liability issue. tee Feb. 26 to continue their budget Richard Rush estimated that the center’s con- He said many of them are volunteers and presentation. struction will take about 18 months and should the ambulance services cannot exist without be completed by the end of 2000 or early 2001. them. Rush said the Taylor Center will serve as a Both bills move to the House floor. HUMAN SERVICES new entrance to campus because it will link a major road with the campus. Waiting lists for services Caring for spouses “We think it will be a showcase not only for MSU, but also for the entire region,” Rush Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester) knows The House passed a bill (HF60) Feb. 23 that said. first-hand the challenges faced by those with would allow certain qualified medical profes- HF492 moves to the House Capital Invest- developmental disabilities and their caregivers. sionals to be paid to care for their spouses. The ment Committee. He told the House Health and Human Ser- vote was 129-3. vices Policy Committee Feb. 23 that he has a The measure would apply only to licensed brother who is developmentally disabled. For nurses employed by Medicare-certified home Lawmakers seek hard numbers years, the brother lived with his parents, but as health agencies. Those eligible could be paid Officials from the Minnesota State Colleges his parents grew older, the arrangement needed to care for a disabled spouse who receives and Universities system (MnSCU) got off to a to be changed. government-financed home health care. somewhat rocky start with legislators during a Bradley said when it came time to find a new Rep. Bill Haas (R-Champlin), sponsor of budget presentation before the House Higher place for his brother to live, he encountered a the bill, said that under existing law payment Education Finance Committee. roadblock that thousands are facing across the is not possible in certain instances, and that A team of MnSCU officials, led by state — a waiting list caused by a critical has caused a hardship for a family in his Chancellor Morrie Anderson, appeared be- shortage of funds to provide support services. district. fore the committee Feb. 24 to detail a request Bradley is sponsoring a bill (HF345), which The bill moves to the Senate. for a $230.6 million increase over the system’s was approved by the committee, that would biennial budget. infuse state money into programs to provide Where to find Anderson said the proposal targets several services such as in-home support services, information key areas for improvement, including student respite care, housing modifications, residen- success, technology training, faculty salaries, tial services, employment services, and cash Chief Clerk’s Office and partnerships linking students and grants. 211 State Capitol (651) 296-2314 workforce development in high-demand Those services are often called “waivered” The Chief Clerk’s Office provides copies of industries. services because they are provided outside of bills at no charge, all agendas for House ses- The 53-campus system consists of 36 state traditional programs funded by the federal sions, and the Journal of the House. universities, community colleges, and techni- government. About 4,700 Minnesotans are cal colleges. MnSCU graduates comprise about believed to be waiting for help.

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 11 be needed and how it could be used to leverage State Colleges and Universities. Special em- federal dollars were expressed. phasis in the area of medical interpreting would Bradley’s bill would phase in funding over be offered. two biennia, and he suggested $30 million Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) said would be needed. that in one recent week Hennepin County However, officials from the Minnesota De- Medical Center reported needing translations partment of Human Services have said the for 50 different languages. cost would be closer to $140 million and Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba (DFL-Long pointed out that only a small portion is cov- Prairie) said even in rural Minnesota the quest ered in Gov. Jesse Ventura’s proposed budget. for interpreters had reached feverish pitch. Further discussion of financial details of the She said her community has established a task bill are expected when it reaches its next stop, force to help find interpreters. the House Health and Human Services Another report referenced by Clark reveals Finance Committee. that as many as 200,000 Minnesotans do not speak English well enough to communicate in a medical emergency. Certifying interpreters Both bills are slated to receive a second If you’re deaf or can’t speak or understand hearing before a Health Care Directive Sub- English, having confidence in the person in- committee of the full policy committee. Dorothy Ecklund of Moorhead speaks in support terpreting for you is essential. of a bill that would provide more state money to Assuring the competence of those inter- help people with developmental disabilities. INSURANCE Ecklund testified Feb. 23 before the House Health preters is the aim of two bills considered & Human Services Policy Committee. Feb. 25 by the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee. Regulating payment deals The first bill (HF206) would require certifi- The list developed over the past several People who receive structured settlement cation and registration for those who provide decades as the state concentrated on payments from an insurance company would American Sign Language interpretation. Spon- downsizing regional treatment centers, ac- be guaranteed legal and financial advice be- sored by Rep. Matt Entenza (DFL-St. Paul), cording to Robert Brick, executive director of fore selling the rights to those payments under the proposal would establish standards and Arc Minnesota, an advocacy group for people a bill approved Feb. 23 by the House Com- encourage the Minnesota State Colleges and with developmental disabilities. merce Committee. Unversities System to establish programs to Brick told the committee that it is now time The bill (HF478) would require companies help train interpreters. to concentrate on those families who have that buy a person’s rights to payments due as The bill would also provide $75,000 to es- sacrificed and cared for loved ones at home. a result of a personal injury or workers’ com- tablish mentorship programs to assist new He said that when funding is not available pensation claim to disclose detailed financial graduates of interpreter training programs in for developmentally disabled individuals to information about the transaction. Rep. Bill obtaining certification. receive services, counties are often forced to Haas (R-Champlin), sponsor of the bill, said Entenza said incapable interpreters cause use family foster care, funded by local prop- those transactions, known as “factoring trans- hardships for the hearing impaired, and in erty taxes. actions,” are not currently regulated. some instances, problems with interpreters The committee also heard testimony from Under the bill, the company buying the can put the deaf or hearing impaired at risk. parents who said they waited as long as rights to the payments would have to disclose The second bill (HF568) would provide for 14 years to find homes for their disabled chil- how the present value of the cash compares to voluntary licensing of spoken language dren. Parents also expressed concerns about the money the claimant is scheduled to receive interpreters. what would happen as they age and become over time. Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls), who is spon- less able to provide care themselves. The transaction could be done only if the soring the proposal, said many new immi- Cindy Johnson of St. Paul said her daugh- court determines it to be necessary for the grants coming to Minnesota require social ter, Jenna, has been on a waiting list for claimant to avoid an “imminent financial hard- services and access to other programs to help 11 years. ship” and it would not cause undue financial them succeed. Interpretation services are of- “I was told unless our family had a crisis, hardship in the future. ten taken where and when they can be found such that we throw Jenna out so she becomes The bill would require a factoring transac- with little regard to quality. homeless, or I died, there was little hope of tion to be approved by a court, and all of the Clark pointed out that the courts require getting a waiver to meet her needs,” Johnson interested parties would have to approve. certification for spoken language interpreters testified. “I refuse to do either of these Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) said if the and said it would be a good idea to begin with options.” insurance company is considered an “inter- a voluntary program for other endeavors. Johnson has not been able to work for many ested party,” then the bill seems to allow the Making it voluntary would help begin the years, thereby sacrificing her shot at a retire- insurance company to veto any factoring assessment process to determine the languages, ment income, Rep. Betty McCollum (DFL- transaction. level of skill, and level of education that should North St. Paul) pointed out. Haas said the court would have the final be required for interpreters. While no one on the committee disputed authority, not the insurance company. But the The bill would also establish a pilot training the need to fund the programs addressed in insurance company’s role would be to make program for interpreters to be operated by the the bill, concerns over how much money would sure all of the interested parties are notified. University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Beneficiaries of the structured settlement are

12 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 not limited to the claimant, Haas said. Chil- Y2K bill advances It now goes to the House Governmental dren, a former spouse, or an estate could all be Operations and Veterans Affairs Policy involved, he said. A bill that aims to stomp on problems stem- Committee. The bill now moves to the House Judiciary ming from the so-called Y2K bug was ap- Finance Committee. proved Feb. 24 by the House Civil Law Committee. LOCAL GOVERNMENT The bill (HF73) provides several measures LAW to address potential problems that may arise Funds for storm recovery when computers make the switch from 1999 House passes malpractice bill to 2000. When a natural disaster strikes a commu- Before approving the bill, the committee nity, help often pours in from everywhere. A bill that seeks to give victims of medical added an amendment that seeks to address the Other cities send crews, other agencies help malpractice their day in court was approved possible effects the Y2K bug may have on the out where they can, and volunteers assist with Feb. 23 by the full House. The vote was 130-2. state’s courts. cleanup. Current law requires that lawsuits dealing The amendment, offered by Rep. But eventually someone has to pay the bill. with medical malpractice must be initiated Dave Bishop (R-Rochester), would create a If a federal disaster has been declared, most of within two years of the occurrence of the special panel of district court judges to hear all the costs are reimbursed from the federal gov- malpractice. The bill (HF56) would extend Y2K court cases, and it would place limits on ernment. But if there’s no federal disaster the time allowed to file a medical malpractice how those cases could proceed. declaration, a storm or similar event can be case, allowing up to four years for a victim to Bishop said that the courts should be given devastating to city or county coffers. take legal action. an opportunity to respond to the large num- Easing that burden is the aim of a bill “This bill is about real people,” said Rep. ber of cases that may result from the Y2K (HF294) approved Feb. 22 by the House Local Betty Folliard (DFL-Hopkins). “It’s about problem. Government and Metropolitan Affairs people who needed the law to change so they Initially, Bishop’s amendment would have Committee. could see some justice. It’s about truth and allowed courts to award only damages stem- The proposal calls for the establishment of fairness.” ming from economic loss. Plaintiffs would a state aid fund to which cities could apply for Bill sponsor Rep. Henry Todd Van Dellen not have been allowed to collect punitive dam- help once unreimbursed costs exceed 5 per- (R-Plymouth) said his plan would not make it ages. cent of their gross tax levy. easier for a plaintiff to win a medical malprac- But Rep. Phil Carruthers (DFL-Brooklyn Rep. Sherry Broecker (R-Vadnais Heights), tice suit. It would simply give people a reason- Center) said that those provisions made who is sponsoring the bill, said many Minne- able amount of time to discover that Bishop’s amendment a “whopper,” and that sota cities experienced damage from storms malpractice has occurred and to file a case, he the amendment would have greatly expanded during the summer of 1998. And while much said. the original bill. of the damage was paid for through federal Initially, Van Dellen’s bill would have set Responding to Carruthers concerns, Bishop reimbursement, the point was made clear that the deadline to file a case at two years from the removed those sections from his amendment. the state doesn’t have a streamlined method discovery of the malpractice, not from the “I don’t want to have any whopper prob- for lending assistance. occurrence of the malpractice as with the cur- lems in this amendment,” he said. “It’s a safety net for cities,” said Broecker, rent law. The bill would have placed a six-year The bill, sponsored by Rep. Peg Larsen former city councilor in Vadnais Heights. limit from the occurrence of the malpractice. (R-Lakeland), would protect some types of Shoreview Mayor Sandy Martin said a tor- But when the bill was first discussed by the Y2K information from civil liability and would nado that swept through her community House Civil Law Committee in early Febru- authorize the governor to declare a state of brought with it a $600,000 cleanup bill. Had ary, Rep. Dave Bishop (R-Rochester) offered, emergency based on problems associated with the city been forced to bear the entire cost, it and the committee accepted, a compromise the glitch. would have had to raise its tax levy an addi- amendment that would simply extend the The measure would also allow cities to in- tional 7 percent, a figure she said would have current two-year limit to four years. cur debt for spending to address year 2000 been devastating to the community. Several medical organizations that initially problems without voter approval, and it would In Shoreview, expenditures for straight-time opposed the bill said that they could live with appropriate money for a local government personnel costs and a reforestation program the compromise. Y2K loan fund. were not covered by the federal government. Bishop said Van Dellen’s bill would be “a The Y2K bug is a problem that may occur in The city lost nearly 5,000 trees. major advance in law for medical malprac- many computers that were not programmed “This would be a way for the state to be tice.” to handle the switch to the year 2000. Many more proactive in assisting with disasters,” Last year, two bills to extend the malprac- older programs use only the last two digits to Martin told the committee. tice deadline were approved by the House track the year, and at the end of 1999, those Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) ques- Judiciary Committee, but both stalled before programs will roll to 00. That means some tioned the need for such a program, noting reaching the House floor. Van Dellen and computers will think it’s 1900, which could that when catastrophies have occurred in the Folliard were at the forefront of last year’s cause major technical malfunctions and cre- past, the Legislature has been more than will- efforts. ate troubles in industries such as airline travel, ing to help. Van Dellen’s bill now waits for action by the banking, and utilities. Bill proponents told Rukavina that not all Senate. The bill, initially rejected Feb. 8 by the House disasters happen when the Legislature is meet- Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs ing. If a disaster occurs in September, for Committee, was later resurrected by that com- instance, a political subdivision is often forced mittee and approved Feb. 18.

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 13 to wait until the following spring for reim- bursement. Capitol time Broecker’s bill would provide $10 million to establish the aid program. The bill moves to the House Judiciary Finance Committee.

SPORTS Reprieve for stud users The House gave final passage to a bill Feb. 25 that would repeal the upcoming state- wide ban on metal traction devices, or studs, for snowmobiles. The vote was 105-23. The House had passed an earlier version of the bill (HF6) Jan. 21, but the measure had since been amended by the Senate to include graduated fines for snowmobilers caught us- ing studs on state-owned paved trails. Stud use would remain illegal on paved trails. It was damage by illegal studs to those Ashley Davis, left, and Kiara Teris leave the Capitol rotunda arm-in-arm Feb. 22. The girls, part trails that prompted the 1998 law banning of a group from the Pratt Community Center in Minneapolis, participated in the Women Come studs on all public lands as of July 1, 1999. to the Capitol Day, where they got a closer look at the operation of state government. HF6 would repeal that law, which also re- quires snowmobilers to buy a $50 sticker to Bill would repeal PWC fee because they have to register twice,” said use studs until the ban takes effect. Rep. Bob Westfall (R-Rothsay). Rep. Tom Hackbarth (R-Cedar), sponsor The debate over personal watercraft is mak- Gov. Jesse Ventura, who owns a handful of of the bill, said the special fee and pending ban ing waves for the third time in as many years. the machines, strongly supports the repeal. have caused parts of the state to suffer from A bill that would repeal the three-year, $50 Rep. Kris Hasskamp (DFL-Crosby), who spon- lost tourism revenue, and his plan would help surcharge on personal watercraft that was au- sored last year’s personal watercraft legisla- bring some tourism dollars back to the state. thorized by the 1998 Legislature was approved tion, expressed disappointment that a governor Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul) urged Feb. 23 by the House Environment and who advocates personal responsibility at ev- colleagues on the House floor to vote against Natural Resources Policy Committee. ery turn would want to see the cost of personal the bill because, she said, cost estimates for Proceeds from the surcharge are to be di- watercraft enforcement shifted to all other stud damage to paved trails continue to vided between the state and counties for law boaters and local property taxpayers. increase. enforcement and education efforts. “We need to have the enforcement for the The Minnesota Department of Natural The Department of Natural Resources people of Minnesota who enjoy simple peace Resources had estimated the total damage to (DNR) estimated that with 27,000 registered and quiet on their lakes,” said Rep. Tom state, county, and local trails at $3 million. But personal watercraft in Minnesota, the sur- Osthoff (DFL-St. Paul). “There are far more of Hausman said Minnesota counties have esti- charge would generate $450,000 annually. them than one governor.” mated the damage is more than $7 million. The bill (HF54) is sponsored by Rep. Hasskamp also argued that with all of the “To pass the repeal today without dealing Tim Finseth (R-Angus), who has been a vocal media attention directed toward personal with this huge amount of damage would be a opponent of restrictions on personal water- watercraft issues last year, the so-called “bad mistake,” she said. craft and snowmobile use. operators” knew law enforcement efforts Hackbarth is also sponsoring a separate bill Finseth said he supports a repeal because would be beefed up and that in turn led to an (HF928) that would address the issue of re- personal watercraft accident rates have improvement in behavior. pairing the paved trails. A special task force dropped, even though the programs the sur- “I am fearing what is going to happen on met and provided recommendations that charge is meant to support are not yet in place. our waters this summer,” Hasskamp said. “A formed the basis of that measure. The House “Things go in cycles, just like they did with repeal sends the wrong public message to the Environment and Natural Resources Policy snowmobiles back in the ’70s,” he said. “I worst operators.” Committee debated that bill Feb. 25, but did think we’re headed in the right direction.” The bill moves to the House Environment not vote on it. The panel is slated to further Education and enforcement efforts would and Natural Resources Finance Committee. consider the measure. not suffer if the surcharge were repealed, DNR HF6 now goes to the governor. Boat and Water Safety Coordinator Kim If you will be visiting the Capitol in Elverum told the committee. the near future, call the Currently, personal watercraft owners must If you have Internet access, visit the Capitol Historic Site Program pay the $50 surcharge in addition to a $12 Legislature’s web page at: at (651) 296-2881 registration fee, Elverum explained. http://www.leg.state.mn.us to schedule a tour. “So they are being discriminated against

14 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 Westerberg told the House Taxes Commit- Resorts seek tax change TAXES tee Feb. 25 that he believes families are the building blocks of society and deserve a fair A bill that would allow Minnesota’s resorts Super-majority bill passes shake when it comes to taxes. to stay open for more days and still qualify for His bill (HF267) would increase the width a reduced property tax rate faced tough sled- How difficult should it be for the Legisla- of the income tax brackets for married joint ding before the Property Tax Division of the ture to raise taxes? filers to twice the brackets for single filers. House Taxes Committee Feb. 24. The House answered that question Feb. 25, Under current law, two single taxpayers Rep. Kris Hasskamp (DFL-Crosby), the voting 81 to 49 after three hours of debate to who marry will pay higher Minnesota income proposal’s sponsor, said her plan would give pass a bill (HF5) that would propose a consti- taxes than they would have paid as two single resorts one more “tool to succeed.” She said tutional amendment to require a three-fifths filers. raising the number of occupancy days from vote (rather than a simple majority) to pass That means a single woman and a single 250 to 275 would allow resort owners to ben- tax hikes. man earning $20,000 each will pay combined efit from their investment in improved facili- The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Tim Wilkin income tax of $2,510. A married couple earn- ties and better marketing. (R-Eagan), would let voters decide if they ing $40,000 would pay $2,695. She pointed out that resorters are doing a want the super-majority requirement for the Although the bill sounds like a simple fix, better job of selling off-peak and winter sea- Legislature to pass an increase in existing tax it’s not, according to Rep. Jim Knoblach son packages; however, if they exceed the speci- or to impose a new tax. (R-St. Cloud), who has sponsored legislation fied number of occupancy days, their tax rate The proposed amendment would also ask to undo the marriage penalty in previous jumps from resort to commercial, a three-fold voters to accept a three-fifths requirement for sessions. hike for some property owners. raising certain state-imposed fees and He said no matter what action is taken, Several committee members expressed con- surcharges. someone is going to be treated unfairly. How- cerns that the bill would give an unfair advan- Wilkin said the measure was designed to ever, he noted that that is no reason for gov- tage to some lodging businesses and questioned protect taxpayers. He noted that 11 states ernment to be relaying the message that where the definition of “seasonal” would be require an even stronger “super-majority.” In marriage is a bad thing. obsolete, given the increased number of days Minnesota, it would likely mean that raising “We shouldn’t be penalizing married of operation requested in the bill. taxes would require bipartisan or tripartisan people,” Knoblach added. Rep. Loren Jennings (DFL-Harris) said he support. Committee chair Rep. Ron Abrams supports a longer operating span for small “Government has an obligation to properly (R-Minnetonka) said while the bill would not operations, but not for larger ones. He ques- and adequately fund necessary programs, but eliminate the penalty entirely for all filers, it is tioned why the state should favor resorts over there comes a point where government itself a good first step. He suggested that only a flat- motels. has to be reigned in,” said Majority Leader tax structure would remove the penalty in one Hasskamp said that resorts are unique be- Tim Pawlenty (R-Eagan). “We need to draw stroke of the pen. cause they are located on lakefront property. the line and say, ‘no more.’” Abrams said one-earner families would ac- “If they can’t survive, they’ll sell and divide Although the final vote reflected strong sup- tually get a bonus under the proposal, which the property and it will be lost,” Hasskamp port from Wilkins’ fellow Republicans, not all he believes would properly recognize the con- said. “Once the resorts are gone, they’re not of them were in favor. tribution of stay-at-home spouses. coming back.” Rep. Dave Bishop (R-Rochester) said he Some lawmakers questioned if the bill Dutch Cragun, owner of a well-known re- didn’t like the bill and the “trap it puts us in.” wouldn’t lead to a “singles penalty.” sort on Gull Lake, told the committee the Rep. Myron Orfield (DFL-Mpls) invoked Westerberg said his bill would not raise steep increases in valuation for shoreline prop- the founding fathers in arguing that majori- taxes on singles “a dime,” but he admitted that erty is further evidence of the need to help the ties should control the power to tax. in some instances, there could be disadvan- resorts stay in business. “We shouldn’t do the lazy, sloppy, gim- tages for singles. He said resorts are similar to family farms micky way of taxing,” Orfield said. “We Tom Prichard, president of the Minnesota and require a great deal of investment. The shouldn’t have government by well-financed Family Council, called the marriage penalty number of resorts has fallen from a high of minorities.” “totally inappropriate” and said that his group 4,000 in the mid-60s to 1,200 today, the bulk The bill goes to the Senate. represents the 660,000 families that would pay of which are tiny “ma and pa” operations. less tax were this bill passed. Cragun noted that if a year with ideal con- Eliminating the marriage penalty “Frankly, families are due some tax relief,” ditions should come for state resorts, many he added. would be able to exceed the 250-day require- One plus one equals two. Correct? Westerberg’s bill carries a $330 million price ment but would be punished for their good Yes, but not if you’re referring to tag over the next biennium, a figure Abrams fortune. Minnesota’s income tax. said would require considerable stretching to Rep. Larry Howes (R-Hackensack), a co- In the case of the tax code, one individual fit within targets that will eventually be estab- sponsor of the bill, said if the resorts are open marrying another results in a higher tax liabil- lished for the committee. longer, more benefits accrue to the state. ity than two individuals living together out- The bill may be considered later for inclu- “Thousands of tourists buy gas, groceries, side of marriage. sion in the omnibus tax bill. and entertainment, to the benefit of the people Bridging that gap — often referred to as the of the county,” Howes said. “marriage penalty” — is the intent of a bill The committee took no action on the bill, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Westerberg but lawmakers may reconsider it for inclusion (R-Blaine). in this year’s omnibus tax bill.

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 15 Taxed to smoke and to quit The bill would add pollution control equip- amount of time banks are allowed to release a ment to the definition of capital equipment in title after a car is paid off to seven days. Under The state is preparing to spend a great deal of state statute. Most purchasers of capital equip- current law, banks have 15 days to do so. money to convince people to quit smoking. Yet, ment may file for a tax refund. However, car dealers have only 10 days to if smokers decide to quit and purchase a nicotine Solar energy systems would be exempted transfer titles to buyers after a vehicle is sold. patch or nicotine gum, they pay sales tax. categorically, independent of the capital equip- This can present a problem when dealers need Some lawmakers find that incongruous. ment program, making the savings available to obtain titles from a bank. If the bank takes Rep. Richard Mulder (R-Ivanhoe) is spon- at the time of purchase. Purchases by electric longer than 10 days, the dealer’s deadline has soring a bill (HF168) that would stub out the utilities would not be included. not been met and they break the law. sales tax for items to be used exclusively to To be exempt under the bill, a solar system Sherry Munyon, director of government assist individuals to refrain from smoking would have to be used in a commercial or affairs for the Minnesota Automobile Dealers tobacco. industrial application and generate a certain Association, said dealerships are starting to be Mulder told the House Taxes Committee minimum amount of energy. warned by law enforcement officials for their Feb. 23 that the bill would not extend protec- The committee took no action, but may violations. tion to everything touted as a smoking cure, reconsider the proposal for inclusion in its “We do have a concern because they’re out such as copper bracelets. But several commit- omnibus tax bill. of compliance by no fault of their own,” tee members questioned whether the distinc- Munyon said. tion was drawn carefully enough in the bill. The bill originally proposed a five-day limit Rep. William Kuisle (R-Rochester) said he TRANSPORTATION for banks, but was changed after a request for envisions a lot of “voodoo products” coming more time from bankers. to market as a result of the state’s influx of Jenny Engh, director of government rela- tobacco settlement money. Bill allows minivan TVs tions for the Minnesota Bankers Association, Mulder said he is also concerned by that Minnesota consumers who want to pur- said banks need time to verify information on prospect, but noted that to be sold legitimately chase Oldsmobile Silhouette minivans would titles and to make sure checks clear. for smoking cessation, products would have have the state’s permission, under a bill ap- HF790 moves to the House Commerce to be approved by the U. S. Food and Drug proved Feb. 23 by the House Transportation Committee. Administration (FDA). FDA approval, he said, Policy Committee. would qualify items for his proposed The bill (HF745) would clarify the state’s exemption. restrictions on the installation of television Metric sytem unnecessary Studies by the Centers for Disease Control sets in motor vehicles. Even though the United States stated its and Prevention estimate that 20 percent of The Silhouette comes equipped with a televi- intent to convert to the metric system of mea- Minnesota adults smoke tobacco. Other stud- sion. The van cannot be sold in Minnesota be- surement in 1969, the implementation has ies indicate that about a third of the smoking cause the mounting of the screen is not completely not been on a fast track. population attempts to quit each year. behind the driver, although the driver of the van In the last three decades, a few federal man- The bill would carry a price tag of is still unable to see the screen. dates were created to get the country inching $1.3 million for the coming biennium. Sherry Munyon, director of government in the direction of the metric system, but The committee took no action on the bill, affairs for the Minnesota Automobile Dealers exceptions have been made for the highway but may consider it later for inclusion in the Association, said Minnesota is the only state industry. omnibus tax bill. in the country where the van cannot be sold. A bill approved by the House Transporta- Current law states that televisions can be tion Policy Committee Feb. 25 would grant mounted only from the back of the driver’s Earth-friendly tax bill the Minnesota Department of Transportation seat and beyond. The bill would change the some of those exceptions for highway con- What color should Minnesota’s tax code law to allow screens to be mounted in any struction projects. be? place except where the driver can see the screen. The department started converting to the Rep. Ann H. Rest (DFL-New Hope) be- “I think the intent of the law still holds metric system in 1992, and by 1999 most state lieves it should be green. That’s why she is firm,” said Rep. Carol Molnau (R-Chaska), projects will be under the metric system. How- sponsoring a bill (HF86) that would exempt the bill’s sponsor. ever, Congress has made the conversion op- the purchase of pollution control equipment Exceptions to current law include television tional for highway construction. and solar energy systems from state sales tax. or video equipment used in law enforcement The bill (HF571) would allow the depart- Rest told the House Taxes Committee vehicles. ment to instead use the English system of Feb. 23 that while the state encourages the use The bill moves to the House floor. measurement strictly for highway construc- of solar energy with one hand, it taxes those tion projects, therefore making it easier for who purchase solar energy equipment with Speeding release of titles local governments and private contractors to the other. do business with the state. And although the state and federal govern- A bill that would close a legal loophole that If the bill becomes law, all projects initiated ment mandate that industries purchase pollu- can cause car dealerships to run afoul of the on or after July 1 would be required to use the tion control devices, the state punishes law was approved Feb. 25 by the House Trans- English system. businesses for complying by charging sales portation Policy Committee. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Torrey Westrom tax. The bill (HF790), sponsored by Rep. Bill (R-Elbow Lake), moves to the House Trans- Rest said her proposal represented a “green- Kuisle (R-Rochester), would decrease the portation Finance Committee. ing” of Minnesota tax policy.

16 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 Memorial honors Minnesotans who fought in Korea By Sarah Hallonquist Meanwhile, the Capitol Area Architectural Of the 94,000 Minnesota men and women and Planning Board held a design contest. who fought in the Korean War, 738 died and Arthur Norby’s “Body and Soul” won the 154 are still considered missing. board’s approval from five other submissions Last September, those Minnesotans received in late 1996. Four thousand people attended a tribute with the dedication of the Minnesota the Sept. 13, 1998, dedication ceremony. Korean War Veterans Memorial on the Capi- Although there isn’t an official list, many tol lawn. legislators past and present served during the The names of the dead are inscribed on seven Korean War. granite walls, and a sculpture depicts a lone Sens. Bill Belanger (R-Bloomington), Leo soldier walking toward a silhouette of another Foley (DFL-Coon Rapids), and Sam Solon soldier who represents those missing in action. (DFL-Duluth) are Korean War veterans. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, Former Rep. Joe Begich from Eveleth, who when communist North Korea invaded South served in the House from 1974 to 1992, also Korea in an attempt to reunite the country. fought in Korea, and was ordered there the The armistice was signed July 27, 1953, and same time as Belanger. Rep. Kathy Tingelstad’s Congress officially ended U.S. involvement in (R-Andover) father, who passed away in Janu- Korea on Jan. 31, 1955. ary, also was a Korean War veteran. The war is often referred to as the Korean Belanger spent a year in Korea, and remem- Conflict because Congress never actually de- bers a lengthy battle in November 1950 with clared war against North Korea. And it is often the Chinese army in the Chosin Reservoir. called the “Forgotten War” because it seldom However, Belanger was sent home in July receives much media attention. 1951 because he was in a reserve unit. Because But more than 54,000 Americans died in war hadn’t been declared, reserves technically the Korean War, compared with 58,000 who shouldn’t have been there, he said. died in the Vietnam War, which lasted five “I don’t think we were there legally,” years longer. Belanger said. In 1995, a national Korean War memorial Belanger was not involved in the planning At the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the was completed in Washington, D.C. Part of of the memorial, but he did correct the list of Capitol grounds, a lone soldier stands looking that structure, which is a field of soldiers and through a silhouette of a fellow soldier. The deceased veterans by adding a name of some- memorial walls, is made of granite from the silhouette represents the 154 Minnesotans who one he knew. He visited the memorial a few Cold Spring Granite Co. in Minnesota. are still considered missing in action from the war. days after the dedication ceremony The national monument spurred the Min- “I thought it was good,” Belanger said, add- effort by the Minnesota Korean Veterans Cha- nesota effort, and the 1995 Legislature appro- ing that he believes Minnesota’s memorial is pter 1 from Roseville. The group had the task priated $300,000 for the project. more authentic than the one in Washington. of raising $300,000 to match the state’s contri- Construction on the memorial began in bution to the project. April 1998, after a two-year fund-raising

Minnesota’s U.S. Senators Senator Senator P.O. Box 281 Rod Grams (R) Paul Wellstone (DFL) 105 S. Second Ave. 2013 Second Ave. N. 2550 University Ave. W. Virginia, MN 55792 Anoka, MN 55303 Suite 100 North (218) 741-1074 (612) 427-5921 St. Paul, MN 55114 Fax: (218) 741-8544 Fax: (612) 427-8872 (651) 645-0323 Fax: (651) 645-0704 136 Hart Senate Office Building 257 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-2303 Washington, D.C. 20510 417 W. Litchfield Ave. (202) 224-5641 (202) 224-3244 Willmar, MN 56201 Fax: (202) 224-8438 Fax: (202) 228-0956 (320) 231-0001 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (320) 231-0006 Web site: http://www.senate.gov/~wellstone Web site: http://www.senate.gov/~grams

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 17 Capitol Forum Series . . . Lawmakers urged to let biotechnology drive growth By Sarah Hallonquist After his speech, legislators asked Bain ques- Minnesota should find more tions on topics ranging from industrial hemp ways to accommodate the to biologically engineered farming products. biotechnology industry in the Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) asked why it coming years, veteran jour- seemed that medical advancements in bio- nalist Jackson Bain told an technology had progressed faster than agri- audience of about 100 law- cultural ones. makers and staff Feb. 24. Bain said that could be because food is a Bain’s speech, “Biotech- more familiar commodity that might not nology in Minnesota — The present as much of a perceived need for some Promise and the Challenge,” people as medical technology does. He re- was the last in this year’s Capi- minded the audience that people would not tol Forum Series, a program of lectures held at even drink pasteurized milk when it was first the Minnesota History Center. produced. Bain spoke about the issues surrounding Rep. Bob Ness (R-Dassel) said biotechnol- biotechnology, an industry in which biologi- ogy clearly has an impact for agriculture. cal processes are engineered to create prod- “The one message is that we are in a tech- ucts such as medicines, foods, and textiles. nology age and change will be at a faster pace,” Biologically engineered products can range Ness said. from Dolly, the famous cloned sheep, to spe- Ness is chair of the House Agriculture and cially designed seeds for farmers or even the Rural Development Finance Committee. He finish on the denim used to make blue jeans. said that as a legislator, he has an opportunity Bain said that biotechnology is a rapidly to make sure that necessary technological growing industry, and while its gains may not changes go smoothly. be easily predictable, current products suggest Jackson Bain, a former NBC journalist, impresses Bain is a former reporter for NBC News and it has a promising future. on lawmakers the importance of supporting the has won two Emmy Awards for producing “My strong recommendation is that you look growing industry of biotechnology. Bain spoke as television documentaries. He began covering at how you can attract more of it,” Bain said. part of this year’s Capitol Forum Series. biotechnology issues in 1977 at the First Na- Creating development-friendly environ- He used the example of a business in San tional Conference on Genetic Engineering. ments, strengthening technical education, and Mateo, Calif., that left the area because of high He now heads his own communications firm, supporting the biotechnology efforts already real estate prices, strict tax and regulatory Bain and Associates, of which the Biotechnol- in place throughout the state are some of the policies, and poor educational training facili- ogy Industry Organization is a client. ways Bain suggested policy-makers could in- ties. Business leaders also reported that the While predicting technological advance- vite more industry to Minnesota. area’s lawmakers did not understand the needs ments is not always a science, Bain’s message “If you do all of these things we’re talking of the biotechnology industry, which made it to legislators about biotechnology was to pay about, you may be creating biotechnology’s difficult for firms to deal with government. attention and understand. next generation of products and services,” he “There’s a lot of forecasting that has to be “All you can do is draw lessons from what said. done by you,” Bain told legislators. “You have you see and apply them to the future,” Bain Bain said Minnesota has some of the tough- to understand what they’re doing.” said. est controls on agricultural biotechnology test- Economics aside, however, biotechnology Further investigation of the policy dilem- ing, but it also has one the highest numbers of evokes both hope and fear, Bain said. mas of biotechnology will be the focus of next testing areas in the country. To illustrate his point, he told a story of a year’s Capitol Forum Series. The series are The industry’s firms are often small compa- 16-year-old boy, John, who was dying of dia- sponsored by the McKnight Foundation and nies that need a lot of start-up capital, and it betes and had rejected two types of insulin Minnesota Technology, Inc. can take up to 10 years for some of those before a doctor suggested a newly engineered companies to make significant profits from form of insulin that had recently been ap- their patents. Even so, Bain said, biotechnol- proved by the federal government. Where to find ogy is worth investing in because of its inevi- The boy’s father agreed to travel the un- information table success. charted territory and use the new insulin. Currently, there are 114 companies in Min- Today, John — Bain’s son — is 31 years old. House Index Department nesota that deal with some form of biotech- But just as biotechnology does a lot of good, 211 State Capitol (651) 296-6646 nology. Thirty-five of those businesses are Bain said it has negative consequences, too. The House Index Department, a part of the related to medicine and health care, and the Ethical quandaries, such as the race to map Chief Clerk’s Office, has a computerized in- dex available for public use. House Index lists rest are agricultural companies. the human gene structure, create new debates “With your resources in Minnesota, this is bills by committee, topic, author, file number, on patenting biological information about and other categories. The office can also give an economic sector that has a huge impact for humans. And those ethical dilemmas will con- you the current status of legislation. the state,” Bain said. tinue as long as science keeps up its pace.

18 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 New Members . . . Business owner aims to make Minnesota competitive By Jon Fure Dorman said. One of his goals as a new House has many small businesses and family farms. Rep. Dan Dorman (R-Albert Lea) says he member is to support legislation to improve “There is no 5,000-pound gorilla, so we feels lucky because serving in the House has Minnesota’s business climate. kind of have to fend for ourselves to create turned his avocation into his vocation. Most of Dorman’s efforts so far have been jobs,” he said. “We haven’t enjoyed the eco- “Having something you focused on reducing taxes. He’s sponsoring a nomic boom that other parts of the state have take an interest in — poli- bill (HF2) that would reduce income taxes, experienced.” tics has always been kind restructure property taxes, and phase out the That could change in the near future, of a hobby for me — and health care provider tax. Dorman said he is Dorman said, as an ethanol plant is in the all of a sudden you’re do- optimistic that the bill will become law, and planning stages for that area. Not only would ing it as a job, is like a that it will be the largest state tax cut in the plant create new jobs, it would enhance the dream come true,” he Minnesota’s history. state’s agriculture industry, he said. said. As sponsor of that bill, Dorman said he’s Dorman hopes to help secure funding for Rep. Dan Dorman Part of Dorman’s inter- worked closely with House staff to determine that project and for plans to clean up pollution est in politics comes from the projected financial impacts of proposed in Albert Lea Lake, which he believes would his other job, as owner of Hanson Tire Service tax cuts. bring more tourism into the district. in Albert Lea, which is just north of the Iowa “If you want to take an across-the-board He serves on the House Agriculture Policy, border. Minnesota’s higher taxes make it dif- half-percent increase in every classification, Jobs and Economic Development Policy, and ficult for many businesses in southern Minne- they develop a computer report that would tell Taxes committees as well as on the Property sota to compete with those in Iowa, South you the financial impacts in the future,” he Tax Division of the Taxes Committee. Dakota, or Wisconsin, he said. said. “You have to ask whether the state can He said the day-to-day challenges of his “Part of my business is selling farm tires, afford to do that.” new job haven’t diminished the thrill of serv- and I’m not competitive five miles south of my Getting the bill into its final form has in- ing in the House. business,” he said. volved repeating that process under different “I’m still very proud every time I drive Some businesses have adapted by relocating scenarios and deciding how each tax classifi- down the highway and see a sign that says or establishing additional offices in neighbor- cation would change. Dorman said he has had Freeborn County,” he said. “It’s a lot of ing states, thereby taking jobs away from Min- input from other House members, staff, and responsibility.” nesota, Dorman said. lobbyists, and he has been reading detailed Dorman has worked toward solutions to budget information and fiscal notes from the those problems as a member of the Minnesota Department of Revenue. District 27A Chamber of Commerce board. He said he has Dorman also said he is the only freshman 1995 population: 32,759 met with his local legislators many times in with a coach — former House member Largest city: Albert Lea County: Freeborn recent years to present ideas on economic Bob Haukoos, also of Albert Lea, who is now Location: southern Minnesota development issues such as workers’ compen- the official doorman for the House chamber. Top concern: “Hard working families in Minnesota deserve lower taxation. The more money we put sation reform and commercial/industrial Dorman represents District 27A, which cov- back in their hands, the better off we will be as a property tax reform. ers Freeborn County. He describes the district state.” That experience is especially helpful now as economically and culturally diverse. In- — Rep. Dan Dorman that he sits on the other side of the desk, stead of a dominant employer or industry, it

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February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 19 New Members . . . Wilkin working to deliver on tax-cutting initiatives By Sarah Hallonquist (R-St. Louis Park), who began his fourth term eliminate the motor-vehicle emissions inspec- One election night thrill for the Wilkin fam- this year. tion program. Emissions tests, he said, cause ily didn’t have anything to do with politics. He also chaired the House campaign for his cynicism and tend to undermine other envi- While Rep. Tim Wilkin (R-Eagan), 33, was predecessor, Commers, in 1994. Commers ronmental regulations. closing in on winning the stepped down in 1998 after serving three terms. Another cause for Wilkin is repealing the District 38A House seat, In addition, Wilkin served four years on the health care provider tax used to fund the his wife, Eileen, gave birth Dakota County Planning Commission and MinnesotaCare subsidized health insurance to Rebecca, the couple’s was vice chair of that group in 1997. That program. Wilkin said the tax only adds to the second child. Their son, experience gave him a good flavor for how high cost of health care. John, is 21 months old. suburban and rural communities work with “I don’t think we should be taxing sick “We didn’t even get to each other on property and development is- people,” he said. go to our own election sues. He said he favors local planning that is Wilkin came to Minnesota straight out of Rep. Tim Wilkin night party,” Wilkin said. supported by the residents and not dictated by college in the summer of 1988 to be an auditor Wilkin and his wife are the Metropolitan Council. for Norwest Banks. He earned a bachelor’s used to mixing life’s celebrations with politics, “I don’t think the Legislature should be degree in business administration from Iowa however. The couple started out by getting ceding authority to the Metropolitan Coun- State University, where he majored in finance. married during his unsuccessful 1996 bid for cil,” he said. He met Eileen, a former piano teacher, in the state Senate against incumbent Sen. Wilkin was a member of the Burnsville Eagan 1995. Deanna Wiener (DFL-Eagan). In fact, the Cable Commission, but stepped down be- The Freeport, Ill., native now works as an Wilkins had begun their courtship during his cause he said he thinks cable now has a num- insurance underwriter for Northland Insur- extensive early preparation for that race, which ber of effective competitors, compared to its ance Company in Mendota Heights. Outside he lost by only 1,247 votes. previous monopoly position. of work and politics, he spends the majority of “If that had worked out, all three legislators “I don’t believe in extending bureaucracies his time with his family. He said he’s not [from District 38] would have been named beyond their useful life,” he said. planning an extended career in the House. Tim,” he said. That philosophy has followed him into the He’d like to serve no more than four or five At that time, Reps. Tim Commers and House, where his goals include paring down terms, and then return to the private sector. Tim Pawlenty, also Republicans from Eagan, what he sees as a state government that’s too But for right now, the soft-spoken Wilkin held the district’s seats in the House. big. He said he would like to see the said he’s “lovin’ it” in the Legislature. Although he lost that race, Wilkin said his government’s ability to regulate be limited. door-knocking for the Senate campaign paid To fulfill his campaign promises, Wilkin is off two years later. sponsoring a bill (HF5) that seeks a constitu- District 38A 1995 population: 37,400 “That really laid a lot of groundwork that tional amendment to require a three-fifths Largest city: Eagan helped out this campaign,” he said. majority in the Legislature to raise taxes. If the County: Dakota The lifelong Republican is no stranger to bill passes, voters would have to approve the Location: Southeast metro Top concern: “Reducing taxes and spending, while political campaigns, having stumped for proposed amendment in order to put the improving educational performance, are the issues George Bush and Dan Quayle in 1992 as state- measure into practice. of greatest concern to my district.” wide chair of the Minnesota Young Republi- “It doesn’t prevent taxes from going up,” — Rep. Tim Wilkin cans. In a 1993 special election, he passed out Wilkin said. “It supports consensus.” campaign fliers for Rep. Jim Rhodes He is also a co-sponsor of a bill that would

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20 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 In the Hopper . . . Feb. 19 - 25, 1999

HF876-HF1148

Tuesday, Feb. 23 HF886—Erhardt (R) HF897—Stanek (R) HF907—Cassell (R) Taxes Crime Prevention K-12 Education Finance State agency libraries sales and use tax Firearm carry permit application pro- School administrators recruitment HF876—Mariani (DFL) exemption provided. cedure modified, permit issuance au- program established and money Family & Early Childhood thority granted to county sheriffs, and appropriated. Education Finance HF887—Gunther (R) criminal penalties imposed. African immigrant and refugee com- Taxes HF908—Dawkins (DFL) munity child care development grants Electric generation peaking facilities HF898—Leppik (R) Local Government & provided, and money appropriated. property tax exemption provided. Taxes Metropolitan Affairs Outpatient surgical center sales and County recorders authorized to re- HF877—Wolf (R) HF888—Erickson (R) use tax exemption provided. quire minimum deposits. Jobs & Economic K-12 Education Finance Development Policy Multicounty, multitype library sys- HF899—Dawkins (DFL) HF909—Paymar (DFL) Unemployment; reemployment in- tems and basic system support grants State Government Finance Transportation Policy surance procedure modifications and funded; and money appropriated. Spanish-American War corrective Additional billboards along roads and technical changes provided to con- historical information plaque com- highways prohibition expanded, and form with federal requirements. HF889—Van Dellen (R) missioned and displayed in the state maintenance restricted. Commerce Capitol; and money appropriated. HF878—Bishop (R) Noncommercial telephone solicita- HF910—Finseth (R) Ways & Means tion prohibited at certain times of the HF900—Rest (DFL) Health & Human Services Finance State governmental operations day. Taxes Rural mental health services grants supplemental funding provided and Working family income tax credit provided and money appropriated. money appropriated. HF890—Abrams (R) percentages modified. Taxes HF911—Sykora (R) HF879—Knoblach (R) Income tax rates and marriage pen- HF901—Huntley (DFL) Education Policy Local Government & alty reduced; sales, cigarettes, and li- Jobs & Economic School district and public school en- Metropolitan Affairs quor accelerated tax liability repealed; Development Policy tity wage payment method clarified. Local units of government regulatory motor vehicle registration tax modi- Western Lake Superior sanitary sewer relief provided. fied; agricultural assistance provided; district funding for water and sewer HF912—Jennings (DFL) and money appropriated. service extension to the Fond du Lac Health & Human Services Policy HF880—Mulder (R) area provided, and money Medical assistance reimbursement Family & Early Childhood HF891—Biernat (DFL) appropriated. geographic groups redefined, nurs- Education Finance Transportation Policy ing facility rate increase negotiations Child care and early childhood edu- Photographic evidence used for en- HF902—Winter (DFL) authorized, and money appropriated. cation programs consolidation plan forcement of traffic signal violations K-12 Education Finance developed. pilot project authorized and money General education formula allowance HF913—Stanek (R) appropriated. inflationary increase provided; spe- Judiciary Finance HF881—Dawkins (DFL) cial education, interactive television Local law enforcement agencies pro- Education Policy HF892—Stanek (R) program, bus purchase levy, and vided grants for high crime area over- Ramsey County; after-school enrich- Crime Prevention graduation rule implementation time officer assignments and money ment program role clarified. CODEFOR; Hennepin County or funded; declining pupil aid created, appropriated. Minneapolis coordinated criminal and additional days repealed. HF882—Tomassoni (DFL) justice strategies demonstration grant HF914—Krinkie (R) K-12 Education Finance program established; and money HF903—Winter (DFL) Governmental Operations & School district retired employee appropriated. K-12 Education Finance Veterans Affairs Policy health benefits levy extended. Independent School District No. 175, Charitable organization annual re- HF893—Dorman (R) Westbrook, high school student en- ports required to include government HF883—Nornes (R) Agriculture Policy trepreneurship program appropriated agency funding information. Family & Early Childhood Agricultural warehouse provisions money. Education Finance modified and clarified. HF915—Jennings (DFL) Chemical abuse prevention match- HF904—Folliard (DFL) Health & Human Services Finance ing grants provided to community HF894—Tingelstad (R) Transportation Policy Pine County; nursing home bed collaborative projects and money K-12 Education Finance Highway traffic noise barrier account moratorium exception provided. appropriated. School district facilities management established, bonds issued, and money funding authorized, local matches appropriated. HF916—Rifenberg (R) HF884—Tuma (R) required, and money appropriated. Health & Human Services Policy K-12 Education Finance HF905—Westerberg (R) Houston County; nursing facility rate Learn and earn graduation achieve- HF895—Tingelstad (R) Crime Prevention spend-up limit exemption created. ment program funding continued, K-12 Education Finance Concealing or transporting contra- and money appropriated. School district facilities maintenance band via motor vehicles with special HF917—Knoblach (R) management and housekeeping compartments provided criminal Environment & HF885—Mares (R) procedure created. penalties, and vehicle forfeiture Natural Resources Finance Governmental Operations & authorized. Water quality cost-benefit model de- Veterans Affairs Policy HF896—Larsen, P. (R) veloped and money appropriated. Minnesota State Retirement System Local Government & HF906—Jennings (DFL) (MSRS), Public Employees Retire- Metropolitan Affairs Commerce HF918—Kielkucki (R) ment Association (PERA), and Teach- County, city, and town ordinances Uninsured motorist recovery of non- Jobs & Economic ers Retirement Association (TRA) terminating lawful land uses by economic detriment damages limited. Development Finance provisions modified; and service amortization prohibited. Taconite mining grant program credit pilot program established. appropriated money.

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 21 HF919—Kuisle (R) HF930—Pelowski (DFL) HF942—Mariani (DFL) HF955—McCollum (DFL) Transportation Policy Jobs & Economic Health & Human Services Policy Environment & Right of first refusal extended to rail- Development Finance Minnesota Family Investment Pro- Natural Resources Policy road right-of-way property leasehold- Winona County Historical Society gram (MFIP) lifetime benefit limit Ramsey and Washington counties ers and interest notice required. technology upgrade grant provided exception provided for families with regional trail d evelopment around and money appropriated. incapacitated persons, work partici- Silver Lake funded, and money HF920—Koskinen (DFL) pation support program established, appropriated. Health & Human Services Policy HF931—Larsen, P. (R) and money appropriated. MinnesotaCare program single adults Local Government & HF956—McCollum (DFL) and households with no children eli- Metropolitan Affairs HF943—Jennings (DFL) Crime Prevention gibility extended, health care cover- Local units of government coopera- Health & Human Services Policy DWI; three-time offender felony pen- age requirement exemption created, tion and combination tax plan Minnesota Family Investment Pro- alties imposed. senior citizen drug program funded, provided. gram (MFIP) additional income and money appropriated. exclusion provided. HF957—McCollum (DFL) HF932—Holsten (R) Taxes HF921—Jaros (DFL) Environment & HF944—Mariani (DFL) Lawful gambling tax rates reduced. Jobs & Economic Natural Resources Finance Health & Human Services Policy Development Finance Fishery administrative costs and wall- Minnesota Family Investment Pro- HF958—Greenfield (DFL) Duluth; Aerial Lift Bridge repair and eye stocking improvements funded, gram (MFIP) sanctions modified. Health & Human Services Policy restoration provided, and money and money appropriated. Employers authorized to provide appropriated. HF945—Huntley (DFL) workers’ compensation benefits HF933—Holberg (R) Health & Human Services Policy through health insurance, nursing HF922—Solberg (DFL) Governmental Operations & Minnesota Family Investment Pro- facility 24-hour coverage contracts Environment & Veterans Affairs Policy gram (MFIP) employment and train- authorized, and money appropriated. Natural Resources Policy Legislative and congressional districts ing provisions modified, and money Itasca County private sale of tax-for- coordinated. appropriated. HF959—Goodno (R) feited land bordering public water Health & Human Services Policy authorized. HF934—Greenfield (DFL) HF946—Jennings (DFL) Supplemental aid recipients with spe- Health & Human Services Finance Commerce cial needs provisions modified. HF923—Seifert, J. (R) Hennepin County; nursing facility Financial institutions required to Education Policy medical assistance reimbursement debit checks in sequence by number. HF960—Seagren (R) School and libraries providing modified. Governmental Operations & Internet access required to restrict HF947—Howes (R) Veterans Affairs Policy harmful material from minors, and HF935—Olson (R) Health & Human Services Policy Human services commissioner au- school district Internet use policies Education Policy Occupational therapist and assistant thorized to sell surplus state land to adopted. School bus lap and shoulder belts licensing requirements established. the Bloomington housing and rede- authorized, student training and lo- velopment authority. HF924—Luther (DFL) cal funds match required, levy HF948—Huntley (DFL) Health & Human Services Policy allowed, and money appropriated. Health & Human Services Finance HF961—Pawlenty (R) Temporary Aid to Needy Families St. Louis County; statewide adoles- Family & Early Childhood (TANF) block grant excess funds HF936—Clark, K. (DFL) cent compulsive gambling prevention Education Finance transferred to the child care block Health & Human Services Policy and education project grant provided, Ramsey action program grant pro- grant program. Medical marijuana act adopted and and money appropriated. vided for the family asset program criminal penalties imposed. and money appropriated. HF925—Vandeveer (R) HF949—Abeler (R) Environment & HF937—Tunheim (DFL) Health & Human Services Policy HF962—Winter (DFL) Natural Resources Policy Governmental Operations & Midwifery practice and licensure Health & Human Services Finance Washington County sale of tax-for- Veterans Affairs Policy requirements clarified. Murray County; nursing facility feited land bordering public water Economically disadvantaged area medical assistance reimbursement authorized. small business state procurement HF950—Daggett (R) modified. preference awards increase Commerce HF926—Chaudhary (DFL) authorized. Telephone sales calls regulated, rem- HF963—Knoblach (R) Jobs & Economic edies provided, and money Civil Law Development Finance HF938—Dawkins (DFL) appropriated. Firefighter previous employment Fridley historical museum refurbish- Transportation Policy background investigations autho- ment grant provided and money Nonmetered parking space posted HF951—Abeler (R) rized, disclosure requirements and appropriated. time limit exception provided to ve- Health & Human Services Finance immunity provided, and civil and hicles of disabled persons. Area agencies on aging provided fund- criminal penalties imposed. HF927—Folliard (DFL) ing for support and planning services, Governmental Operations & HF939—Workman (R) and money appropriated. HF964—Bishop (R) Veterans Affairs Policy Transportation Policy Civil Law Voter address records updated. Trunk highway fund expenditures, HF952—Mulder (R) Y2K; contract and product liability traffic fines, and forfeited bail allo- Health & Human Services Finance damages limited, time of trial speci- HF928—Hackbarth (R) cated; union contractor preference Health care providers authorized to fied, and district court panel referral Environment & prohibited; prevailing wage rate designate credential verification provided. Natural Resources Policy modified; and transportation project entities. Snowmobile metal traction device use delivery task force created. HF965—Boudreau (R) on paved public trails prohibited, HF953—Gleason (DFL) Health & Human Services Policy sticker required, and money HF940—Kubly (DFL) Education Policy Minnesota state colleges and univer- appropriated. Taxes Nonresident truant student termina- sities (MNSCU) student hepatitis B Agricultural homestead first-tier tion from the enrollment options immunization required. HF929—Carlson (DFL) property tax valuation limit increased, program provided. Education Policy and state aid increased. HF966—Rhodes (R) School district calendar flexibility HF954—Buesgens (R) Family & Early Childhood provided for construction projects. HF941—Kubly (DFL) Education Policy Education Finance Taxes Substitute teacher licenses provided Perspectives, Inc. transitional hous- Agricultural property homestead and probationary period consecutive ing services funded and money ap- treatment extended. year provisions modified. propriated.

22 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 HF967—Seifert, M. (R) HF979—Lindner (R) HF992—Luther (DFL) HF1004—Goodno (R) Jobs & Economic Jobs & Economic Health & Human Services Policy Crime Prevention Development Finance Development Policy Minnesota utilization review act DWI; maximum allowable blood al- Centers of independent living Landlords authorized to apportion modified, and practice of medicine cohol level lowered for hunting, han- appropriated money. utility payments among units. definition expanded to include cer- dling explosives, criminal vehicular tain mental health and substance operation, and operating a motor ve- HF968—Tingelstad (R) HF980—Pugh (DFL) abuse determinations. hicle, recreational vehicle, or Health & Human Services Policy Transportation Policy watercraft. Plumbers required to give bond to Motor vehicle emissions inspection HF993—Boudreau (R) the state and provisions modified. program repealed. Commerce HF1005—Goodno (R) Electrician and plumber licensure re- Jobs & Economic HF969—Mulder (R) HF981—Holsten (R) quirements exemption provided for Development Policy Commerce Environment & volunteers. Job skills partnership board duties Board of Architecture, Engineering, Natural Resources Policy expanded, health care and human Land Surveying, Landscape Architec- Deer, bear, elk, and moose tag re- HF994—Skoe (DFL) services worker training and reten- ture, Geoscience, and Interior Design quirements modified. Taxes tion program established, short-term abolished. Political subdivision sales and use tax health care and human services course HF982—Mulder (R) exemption provided. offering required, and money appro- HF970—Daggett (R) Health & Human Services Policy priated. Taxes Board of Psychology enforcement HF995—Skoe (DFL) Undyed kerosene and racing gasoline provisions modified and psychologi- Jobs & Economic HF1006—Milbert (DFL) tax refund authorized. cal test security provided. Development Policy Local Government & Upper Red Lake business loan pro- Metropolitan Affairs HF971—Mulder (R) HF983—Entenza (DFL) gram created for businesses affected Inver Grove Heights tax increment Environment & Commerce by the decline of walleye fishing and financing district duration extended Natural Resources Policy St. Paul authorized to issue an on-sale money appropriated. and tax increment use specified. Rock County; private conveyance of liquor license to the Fitzgerald Theatre. surplus state land authorized. HF996—Juhnke (DFL) HF1007—Lindner (R) HF984—Mulder (R) Health & Human Services Finance K-12 Education Finance HF972—McCollum (DFL) Health & Human Services Policy Minnesota donor decision campaign Independent School District No. 728, Jobs & Economic Psychologist licensing provisions funding provided for organ, eye, and Elk River, year-round school/ex- Development Policy modified. tissue donation initiatives; and money tended week or day grant provided, Employee invention agreements appropriated. and money appropriated. regulated. HF985—Workman (R) Local Government & HF997—Osskopp (R) HF1008—Huntley (DFL) Metropolitan Affairs K-12 Education Finance Commerce Thursday, Feb. 25 Chanhassen tax increment financing Public school employee health care Roth IRA exemption from court or- district extended and requirements plan study provided and money ap- dered garnishment, attachment, or HF973—Tomassoni (DFL) modified. propriated. levy provided. Education Policy Lola and Rudy Perpich Minnesota HF986—Vandeveer (R) HF998—Nornes (R) HF1009—Broecker (R) Center for Arts Education name Commerce Crime Prevention Taxes changed to Perpich Center for Arts Chisago Lakes township detached Camp Ripley work program eligible Green acres property tax treatment Education. banking facility authorized. offender sentencing discretion pro- extended to certain dissected vided and judges greater use of local agricultural property. HF974—Workman (R) HF987—Davids (R) correctional resources authorized. Jobs & Economic Governmental Operations & HF1010—Tuma (R) Development Finance Veterans Affairs Policy HF999—Entenza (DFL) Education Policy Advantage Minnesota grant provided Intergovernmental advisory council K-12 Education Finance Behavioral intervention continuing and money appropriated. for technology established, Intergov- Geographic education excellence education credits required for K-12 ernmental Information Systems Ad- grant program established and money teachers renewing their licenses. HF975—Ness (R) visory Council abolished, funds appropriated. Jobs & Economic transferred, and money appropriated. HF1011—Abrams (R) Development Policy HF1000—Nornes (R) Taxes Prevailing wage calculation formula HF988—Jennings (DFL) Taxes Utility property tax class rate provided. Commerce Local units of government authorized modified. Public utility commissioners advisory to forgive deferred property tax pay- HF976—Ness (R) selection process created and ex parte ment interest and penalties, and pay- HF1012—Abrams (R) Jobs & Economic communication regulated. ment schedule required. Governmental Operations & Development Policy Veterans Affairs Policy Labor and industry commissioner and HF989—Mullery (DFL) HF1001—Peterson (DFL) Redistricting commission created to data services organizations coopera- Civil Law Agriculture Policy recommend legislative and congres- tion required in prevailing wage Uniform probate code provisions, and Commodity checkoff fee refund ad- sional district boundaries, and con- determinations. conservator and guardian nomina- ditional options provided. stitutional amendment proposed. tion provisions modified. HF977—Tunheim (DFL) HF1002—Workman (R) HF1013—Holsten (R) Agriculture Policy HF990—Mulder (R) Commerce Environment & Corporate farm land ownership re- Health & Human Services Finance Sign contractor voluntary registra- Natural Resources Policy strictions modified. Health care purchasing alliances de- tion provided. Dark house and fish house licensure velopment grants provided to local requirement exemption provided to HF978—Harder (R) organizations and money HF1003—McElroy (R) occupied shelters left on the ice less Agriculture Policy appropriated. Governmental Operations & than a day. Agricultural water quality and quan- Veterans Affairs Policy tity management initiative funded, HF991—Peterson (DFL) Legislative Audit Commission and and money appropriated. Agriculture Policy auditor powers and duties prescribed, Corporate farm land ownership re- and technical changes provided. stricted and constitutional amend- ment proposed.

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 23 HF1014—Lindner (R) HF1025—Murphy (DFL) HF1036—Seifert, M. (R) HF1048—Westerberg (R) Jobs & Economic Health & Human Services Finance Agriculture & Crime Prevention Development Policy Carlton County nursing facility mora- Rural Development Finance Sex offender release notification ex- Dayton wastewater infrastructure torium project deadline extended, Agricultural education expansion fea- panded to include additional county program grant provided, bond issu- medical assistance reimbursement sibility studied by Southwest State attorneys. ance authorized, and money rates modified, and money University and money appropriated. appropriated. appropriated. HF1049—Ozment (R) HF1037—Holberg (R) Local Government & HF1015—Abrams (R) HF1026—Lindner (R) Civil Law Metropolitan Affairs Local Government & Civil Law Revisor’s bill correcting erroneous, County administrative penalty order Metropolitan Affairs Housing discrimination status with re- ambiguous, and omitted text and issuance authority sunset repealed. Election redistricting provided and gard to public assistance definition obsolete references; and making mis- money appropriated. modified related to Section 8 cellaneous technical corrections. HF1050—Gunther (R) certificates. Jobs & Economic HF1016—Rifenberg (R) HF1038—Boudreau (R) Development Finance K-12 Education Finance HF1027—Molnau (R) Jobs & Economic Rural policy and development center Independent School District No. 300, Governmental Operations & Development Policy base funding continued, and money La Cresent-Hokah, city-county- Veterans Affairs Policy Employment and training data clas- appropriated. school district administration and Waconia Ridgeview Medical Center sification provisions modified. community education facility plan- employee privatization pension ben- HF1051—Gunther (R) ning grant provided, and money efit accomodation provided. HF1039—Rostberg (R) Jobs & Economic appropriated. Health & Human Services Policy Development Policy HF1028—Leppik (R) State health care program language Employment and training program HF1017—Howes (R) Health & Human Services Policy interpreter services coverage information collected by the com- Family & Early Childhood Rule 80; Golden Valley nursing facil- provided. missioner of economic security. Education Finance ity medical assistance reimbursement American Indian youth prevention rate modified for residential rehabili- HF1040—Trimble (DFL) HF1052—Molnau (R) program grants established and tation services. Jobs & Economic Agriculture Policy money appropriated. Development Finance Agricultural crop security interests HF1029—Bakk (DFL) Minnesota Technology, Inc.; Minne- regulated and collateral treatment HF1018—Jennings (DFL) Environment & sota council for quality grant pro- modified. Governmental Operations & Natural Resources Policy vided, and money appropriated. Veterans Affairs Policy Underwater video camera use for the HF1053—Opatz (DFL) Commission on culture and recre- purpose of taking fish prohibited. HF1041—Gleason (DFL) Transportation Policy ation established; arts, professional Commerce Disability parking regulatory provi- sports, and University of Minnesota HF1030—Seifert, M. (R) ATM; electronic financial terminal sions modified, certain vehicle regis- facilities construction and rehabilita- Health & Human Services Finance surcharges regulated. tration fee credits abolished, and local tion grants provided; bond issuance Canby nursing facility property ordinances regulating long-term authorized; and money appropriated. related per diem rate increased. HF1042—Finseth (R) parking authorized. Environment & HF1019—Bakk (DFL) HF1031—Broecker (R) Natural Resources Policy HF1054—Rostberg (R) Higher Education Finance Crime Prevention Red Lake County authorized to pri- Crime Prevention Vermillion Community College and County or municipal attorney autho- vately sell tax-forfeited land border- Local correctional fee collection Ely school district joint secondary and rized to prosecute domestic assault ing public water. provided. higher education environmental stud- misdemeanors in Ramsey County, ies magnet school feasibility studied, domestic assault and child abuse pro- HF1043—Haake (R) HF1055—Van Dellen (R) and money appropriated. tection unit funded, and money Crime Prevention Crime Prevention appropriated. DNA; sex offenders required to give Methamphetamine crime provisions HF1020—Knoblach (R) biological specimens for analysis upon expanded, booby trap criminal pen- Governmental Operations & HF1032—Rest (DFL) arrival at a correctional facility. alties imposed, child neglect and en- Veterans Affairs Policy Judiciary Finance dangerment conviction provisions Census; Congress memorialized to Northwest community law enforce- HF1044—Howes (R) clarified and consecutive sentencing ensure the 2000 decennial census is ment project in Hennepin County Environment & authorized, and money appropriated. conducted in a fair and legal manner. funded and money appropriated. Natural Resources Policy Cass County authorized to privately HF1056—Dawkins (DFL) HF1021—Erhardt (R) HF1033—Stanek (R) sell tax-forfeited land bordering Civil Law Environment & Crime Prevention public water. Child support determination to in- Natural Resources Finance Peace Officer Standards and Training clude mother’s lost wages as reason- Environment and natural resources Board (POST) new part-time peace HF1045—Stang (R) able expenses of pregnancy and appropriations bill. officer license issuance prohibited, Taxes confinement. training course completion required Social security individual state income HF1022—Abrams (R) for license renewal, agency employ- tax exemption provided. HF1057—Bakk (DFL) Health & Human Services Policy ment caps provided, and money ap- Governmental Operations & Health maintenance organizations propriated. HF1046—Workman (R) Veterans Affairs Policy regulatory authority transferred to Transportation Policy Voluntary service credit purchase in commissioner of commerce. HF1034—Abrams (R) Commercial motor vehicle operator the Teachers Retirement Association Health & Human Services Policy out-of-service order violator civil pen- (TRA) and first-class city teachers HF1023—Haas (R) Health care liability act adopted, alties and disqualifications imposed, retirement fund authorized. Health & Human Services Policy health care plan coverage and treat- and penalty proceeds allocated. Employer-subsidized health coverage ment classification regulated, and HF1058—Reuter (R) program established. remedies provided. HF1047—Wejcman (DFL) Education Policy Health & Human Services Policy Business, trade, and correspondence HF1024—Abrams (R) HF1035—Larsen, P. (R) Anorexia; medical assistance cover- schools legislative review required; Taxes Civil Law age of anorexics authorized. and training firms operation Tax-exempt bond allocation eligibil- Temporary restraining summons re- authorized. ity, scoring system, income and pur- quired to include alternative dispute chase price limits, and reservation of resolution process notice. authority provided.

24 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 HF1059—Dorman (R) HF1071—Rifenberg (R) HF1082—Clark, K. (DFL) HF1095—Tingelstad (R) Governmental Operations & Health & Human Services Finance Crime Prevention Transportation Policy Veterans Affairs Policy Persons with developmental disabili- Native American women re-entry Authorized newspaper delivery ve- Public defense employee prior ser- ties crisis intervention project pilot grant program established and hicles allowed to operate on left half vice credit purchase in the Public carryforward authorized. money appropriated. of roadway under certain Employees Retirement Association circumstances. (PERA) authorized. HF1072—Dawkins (DFL) HF1083—Swenson (R) Governmental Operations & Agriculture Policy HF1096—Seifert, M. (R) HF1060—Osskopp (R) Veterans Affairs Policy Crop or revenue insurance assistance, Higher Education Finance Crime Prevention Army school; President and Congress and feedlot manure processing and Assigned family responsibility defi- Second-degree murder scope ex- memorialized to close the United odor control technology development nition modified relating to student panded to include repeat criminal States Army School of the Americas assistance provided; and money grants-in-aid, and grant stipends pro- vehicular homicide offenders. located at Fort Benning, Georgia. appropriated. rated for part-time students.

HF1061—Boudreau (R) HF1073—Dawkins (DFL) HF1084—Davids (R) HF1097—Kuisle (R) Taxes Commerce Agriculture Policy Local Government & Income tax credit provided to em- Fire safety sprinkler installation in Crop owners compensated for crop Metropolitan Affairs ployers providing hepatitis A immu- existing high-rise buildings required. damage and destruction caused by Municipal bid minimum dollar nizations to employees. deer, and money appropriated. amount increased for public bid HF1074—Mares (R) solicitation. HF1062—Mulder (R) Governmental Operations & HF1085—Davids (R) Environment & Veterans Affairs Policy Agriculture Policy HF1098—Van Dellen (R) Natural Resources Policy Volunteer firefighter relief associa- Land owners and occupiers autho- Civil Law Lewis and Clark rural water system tion service pension maximums in- rized to take one deer causing damage Uniform statutory rule against joint powers board grant provided, creased. per year. perpetutities amended relating to and money appropriated. trusts. HF1075—Murphy (DFL) HF1086—Reuter (R) HF1063—Paymar (DFL) Governmental Operations & Governmental Operations & HF1099—Kuisle (R) Taxes Veterans Affairs Policy Veterans Affairs Policy Taxes Senior citizen’s property tax deferral Volunteer firefigher deferred service 800 Megahertz radio purchase au- Vehicles used by interstate carriers program maximum allowable house- pension provisions modified. thority cancelled. exempted from sales tax. hold income increased. HF1076—Rifenberg (R) HF1087—Harder (R) HF1100—Sykora (R) HF1064—Hackbarth (R) Governmental Operations & Taxes Jobs & Economic Taxes Veterans Affairs Policy Farmer income averaging authorized Development Policy Manufactured home parks property Volunteer firefighter supplemental for income tax purposes. Micro-enterprise technical assistance tax class rate modified, and home- retirement benefit maximum in- requirements modified, and money stead and agricultural credit aid creased. HF1088—Westfall (R) appropriated. adjustment provided. Agriculture & HF1077—Mares (R) Rural Development Finance HF1101—Mulder (R) HF1065—Mulder (R) Governmental Operations & University of Minnesota crop disease Environment & Transportation Policy Veterans Affairs Policy research funding provided and money Natural Resources Policy New Life Treatment Center direc- Minneapolis employees retirement appropriated. Owner notification required for tional signs erected along Pipestone fund death-while-active survivor, and drainage surveys, and petition signa- County state-aid highway No. 18. disability and long-service survivor HF1089—Rifenberg (R) ture requirement increased. provisions clarified and modified. Taxes HF1066—Seifert, M. (R) Agricultural property debt service and HF1102—Haas (R) Commerce HF1078—Hasskamp (DFL) referendum levy property tax credit Health & Human Services Policy Township mutual insurance company Jobs & Economic provided, and money appropriated. Certain hospitals and clinics autho- territories of operation regulated. Development Policy rized to bill county for services pro- Economic development authority HF1090—Bishop (R) vided to a resident. HF1067—Fuller (R) multi-year revenue bond levy pledges Crime Prevention Crime Prevention authorized. Probation officer caseload reduction HF1103—Goodno (R) Orders for protection service short program grants provided and money Higher Education Finance form notification authorized, domes- HF1079—Paulsen (R) appropriated. Moorhead State University capital tic assualt crime sentences modified, Commerce improvements provided, bond issu- cash bail increased, and criminal Tour boat liquor license season ex- HF1091—Westrom (R) ance authorized, and money appro- penalties imposed. tended. Agriculture Policy priated. Minnesota Marketplace grant pro- HF1068—Skoglund (DFL) HF1080—Boudreau (R) vided and money appropriated. HF1104—Pugh (DFL) Crime Prevention Governmental Operations & K-12 Education Finance Juvenile out-of-home placement re- Veterans Affairs Policy HF1092—Holsten (R) Special School District No. 6, South quirements and work groups estab- Rice County correctional employees Environment & St. Paul, full-day kindergarten pro- lished, and rule required. public employees police and fire plan Natural Resources Finance gram grant provided, and money ap- coverage ratified. Lottery ticket in-lieu tax deposit in propriated. HF1069—Anderson, I. (DFL) the game and fish fund provided. Local Government & HF1081—Skoglund (DFL) HF1105—Larsen, P. (R) Metropolitan Affairs Crime Prevention HF1093—Anderson, I. (DFL) Health & Human Services Policy Koochiching County authorized to Possessing and disseminating porno- Environment & Sexually transmitted infections pre- exercise power of eminent domain graphic work depicting minors crimi- Natural Resources Policy vention and treatment grants, and for trust fund land acquisition. nal penalties provided, and Koochiching County tax-forfeited HIV and substance use prevention computer-generated or altered im- land conveyance authorized. grants created; HIV case management HF1070—Howes (R) ages included in pornographic work medical assistance coverage provided; Environment & definition. HF1094—McElroy (R) and money appropriated. Natural Resources Policy Commerce Resident lifetime game and fish li- Intangible property definition pro- censes provided, trust fund estab- vided relating to unclaimed property. lished, fees imposed, and report required. February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 25 HF1106—Larsen, P. (R) HF1118—Stanek (R) HF1130—Hackbarth (R) HF1142—Rostberg (R) Commerce Crime Prevention Environment & Agriculture Policy Insurance underwriters limited in use Criminal and juvenile justice task Natural Resources Policy Animal cruelty provisions modified, of health information secured as part force membership increased, fund- Iron Range off-highway vehicle rec- and criminal penalties imposed. of HIV vaccine research. ing requests reviewed by task force, reation area expanded, advisory com- grants provided to develop integrated mittee expanded, management plan HF1143—Goodno (R) HF1107—Entenza (DFL) criminal justice information systems, provided, and money appropriated. Taxes K-12 Education Finance and money appropriated. Additional allocation for certain bor- HIV education training sites pro- HF1131—Broecker (R) der city enterprise zones authorized. vided, and money appropriated. HF1119—Osskopp (R) Civil Law Health & Human Services Policy Tax collection and payment procces HF1144—Lindner (R) HF1108—Gunther (R) Nursing assistants required to com- for action revised. Civil Law Commerce ply with educational requirements, Public nuisance definition and Lending limits on forward contracts and competency evaluations required. HF1132—Broecker (R) provisions modified, sale of grain provided. Civil Law HF1120—Stanek (R) Duplicate filing of documents elimi- HF1145—Clark, K. (DFL) HF1109—Munger (DFL) Crime Prevention nated relating to delinquent real es- Jobs & Economic Environment & Trespassing on railroad tracks pro- tate taxes, and court administrator Development Policy Natural Resources Policy vided criminal penalties. governing laws updated. Funding provided for education em- Fishing guide license required on St. ployers about HIV/AIDS in the work- Louis river estuary. HF1121—Greenfield (DFL) HF1133—Goodno (R) place, housing programs for Health & Human Services Policy Taxes individuals with HIV/AIDS coordi- HF1110—Munger (DFL) Grants provided to nonprofit com- Commissioner of revenue authorized nated, and money appropriated. Environment & munity dental clinics, dental hygien- to waive limitations on border city Natural Resources Policy ists permitted to perform certain tax reduction amounts. HF1146—Howes (R) Game fish health and residues re- services with limited supervision, Health & Human Services Finance search program implemented and medical assistance reimbursement HF1134—McGuire (DFL) Indian Child Welfare Defense Cor- extended to include lakes and rivers rate increased for certain dentists, and Civil Law poration provided grants to promote and toxic loadings to Lake Superior, money appropriated. Access to data on employees report- Indian Child Welfare Act compliance. and money appropriated. ing violations of the law clarified and HF1122—Gray (DFL) modified. HF1147—Greiling (DFL) HF1111—McGuire (DFL) Civil Law Health & Human Services Policy Taxes Mediated settlement agreements un- HF1135—McGuire (DFL) Medical assistance reimbursement for Alternative property tax refund for- der the Minnesota civil mediation act Civil Law special education services provisions mula based on percentage of house- considered binding when all parties Government data on elected officials modified. hold income provided. are represented by counsel. considered public information. HF1148—Buesgens (R) HF1112—Biernat (DFL) HF1123—McCollum (DFL) HF1136—Carlson (DFL) Local Government & Crime Prevention Jobs & Economic Education Policy Metropolitan Affairs Juvenile court jurisdiction over ha- Development Policy Higher education income tax credit Net proceeds received from sale or bitual truants extended to age 18. St. Paul flood mitigation holding pond provided. rental of forfeited lands available for grant provided. general purposes. HF1113—McGuire (DFL) HF1137—Greiling (DFL) Transportation Policy HF1124—Smith (R) K-12 Education Finance Drivers’ license issuance refusal pro- Civil Law Special education reciprocity agree- hibited for licensees or applicants Bleacher safety requirements pro- ments developed, special education wearing bioptic lenses. vided, penalties provided, and money funding provided, state revenue appropriated. source provided for court-placed E-mail schedules HF1114—Tomassoni (DFL) unreimbursed tuition, and money Anyone with e-mail can re- K-12 Education Finance HF1125—McGuire (DFL) appropriated. Independent School District No. 707, Crime Prevention ceive both House and Sen- Nett Lake, provided grants for insur- Local correctional agencies autho- HF1138—Kuisle (R) ate committee schedules. ance premiums, unemployment com- rized to impose local correctional fees K-12 Education Finance To receive the House pensation, maintenance costs, and a on offenders. Property tax equity provided for schedule, send a message to: media specialist. school districts, and money appro- HF1126—Abeler (R) priated. [email protected]. HF1115—Haas (R) Health & Human Services Policy state.mn.us Health & Human Services Policy Date restrictions removed on defini- HF1139—Mulder (R) Leave the subject line blank, Charity care equity fund established tions relating to day care licensing. Crime Prevention and in the body of the mes- providing health care services to cer- Sale of tobacco and tobacco-related tain low-income or uninsured per- HF1127—Abeler (R) devices prohibited to persons under sage, enter: sons, and money appropriated. Health & Human Services Policy 21 years of age, and criminal penalties subscribe h-schedules Noncertified boarding care homes provided. To receive the Senate sched- HF1116—Huntley (DFL) provisions, Medicaid reimburse- Health & Human Services Finance ments, and client records for assisted HF1140—Leighton (DFL) ule, send a message to: City of Duluth appropriated money living home care providers modified. Local Government & [email protected]. for a family practice residency pro- Metropolitan Affairs state.mn.us gram for northeastern Minnesota. HF1128—Carruthers (DFL) License fees on coin and currency acti- Leave the subject line blank, Crime Prevention vated amusement machines limited. HF1117—Seagren (R) Definition of day provided for pur- and in the body of the K-12 Education Finance poses of incarceration in a county jail HF1141—Mulder (R) message, enter: K-12 education bill providing fund- or workhouse. Health & Human Services Policy subscribe sen-schedules ing for general education, special pro- Physical examinations required for grams, lifework development, HF1129—Carruthers (DFL) certain high school athletes, and prac- facilities and technology, education Education Policy tice of medicine definition modified. excellence, nutrition, libraries, pre- School boards required to allow home vention, and lifelong learning. school students to fully participate in extracurricular activities.

26 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 Coming Up Next Week . . . March 1 - 5, 1999

10 a.m. HF864 (Howes) Hubbard County sheriff part- Schedule is subject to change. time peace officer positions authorized. For information updates, call CIVIL LAW HF875 (Bakk) Small business government House Calls at (651) 296-9283. Basement Hearing Room contract bid preference limited to two years. State Office Building All meetings are open to the public. Chr. Rep. Steve Smith 2:30 p.m. Sign language interpreter services: Agenda: HF650 (Hackbarth) Shooting range (651) 224-6548 v/tty servitudes provided and operator liability limited. The House meets in session. HF310 (Knoblach) Job reference information To have the daily and weekly schedules disclosure protection provided. 30 minutes after session delivered to your e-mail address, send a HF243 (Dawkins) Public building code violations message to: data classification provided. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & [email protected] HF680 (Jaros) Income calculation modified in VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY cases of split physical custody. 200 State Office Building In the body of the message type: Chr. Rep. Jim Rhodes ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES Agenda: HF441 (Knoblach) Campaign finance subscribe h-schedules FINANCE provisions modified. 10 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Mark Holsten Agenda: Department of Natural Resources TUESDAY, March 2 MONDAY, March 1 budget overview continued. 8 a.m. 8 a.m. HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCE 300S State Office Building GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS & Chr. Rep. Peggy Leppik HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES POLICY VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY Agenda: Higher Education Services Office budget 10 State Office Building 500S State Office Building presentation by Dr. Robert Poch. Chr. Rep. Fran Bradley Chr. Rep. Jim Rhodes Agenda: HF610 (Tingelstad) State safe drinking Agenda: HF272 (Abrams) State partisan primary K-12 EDUCATION FINANCE water act public water supply definition modified. name changed to state party nominating election; 5 State Office Building HF529 (Anderson, I.) Improving state employee date changed; party support of candidate required Chr. Rep. Alice Seagren access to medical claims. prior to ballot listing; and procedures, deadlines, Agenda: Deficiency bill presentation by Mark HF746 (Stang) Health maintenance organization and terms modified. Levinger, attorney general’s office. mental health provider geographic accessibility HF122 (Rukavina) Elective office age eligibility HF582 (Kielkucki) School finance system requirements modified. lowered. provided increased equity, general education HF598 (McCollum) Physician assistants and (Meeting continued at 2:30 p.m.) formula allowance increased, and money supervising physicians provided immunity from appropriated. civil liability for rendering care in disasters. HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES FINANCE HF269 (Ness) General education revenue equity HF615 (Bradley) Nursing facility provider 10 State Office Building aid created and money appropriated. training and education program established, and Chr. Rep. Kevin Goodno money appropriated. Agenda: Gov. Ventura’s budget book ***Canceled*** HF636 (Paymar) Tobacco manufacturers presentation by Department of Health. Property Tax Division/ required to report hazardous substances to assist TAXES in local ordinance enforcement. JOBS & ECONOMIC 200 State Office Building DEVELOPMENT FINANCE Chr. Rep. Ron Erhardt JOBS & ECONOMIC 200 State Office Building Agenda: Canceled. DEVELOPMENT POLICY Chr. Rep. Dan McElroy 200 State Office Building Agenda: Gov. Ventura’s recommendation for 12:30 p.m. Chr. Rep. Arlon Lindner sunset of certain Department of Trade and Agenda: HF689 (Lindner) Payment of wages Economic Development incentive grants: FAMILY & EARLY upon discharge provisions modified. Hennepin and Ramsey County CDC’s; Council CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FINANCE HF649 (Rostberg) Persons with mental illness on Asian Pacific Minnesotans; Advantage 5 State Office Building employment support services and programs Minnesota; city and district agricultural societies; Chr. Rep. Barb Sykora standards established, and money appropriated. community development corporations; Agenda: Head Start presentation by Connie Final affordable housing presentations by Pat community resources. Greer, Department of Children, Families and Gustafson, National Association of Housing and HF878, Sec. 5 (Bishop) Department of Economic Learning. Redevelopment Officials; Rosemarie Zipoy and Security, State Services for the Blind deficiency Community and systems collaboration accounts Barb Tomalla, Interfaith Action Organization. appropriation. presentations by Joyce Krupey, Department of Children, Families and Learning. JUDICIARY FINANCE TRANSPORTATION FINANCE 300S State Office Building 5 State Office Building LOCAL GOVERNMENT & Chr. Rep. Sherry Broecker Chr. Rep. Carol Molnau METROPOLITAN AFFAIRS Agenda: HF633 (Seagren) Cornerstone Advocacy Agenda: Presentations by Minnesota Highway 200 State Office Building Services, Inc. battered women shelter services Safety Center Director Prof. John Palmer and Chr. Rep. Peg Larsen grant provided and money appropriated. Department of Transportation Office of Agenda: HF196 (Anderson, B.) Drainage systems HF294 (Broecker) Extraordinary local disaster Alternative Transportation Financing Director transfer of access easements to storm sewer expense aid provided and money appropriated. Adeel Lari. improvement districts authorized. HF570 (Clark, K.) Intensive case management HF399 (Kielkucki) Home rule charter and statutory services provided for prostituted individuals and cities authorized to establish sidewalk utilities. money appropriated. HF742 (Howes) Right to practice forestry; local Department of Public Safety appropriation for government authority limited and irrebuttal state match for disaster relief payments (addition presumption created.

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 27 to appropriation in Minn. Laws 1997, ch. 239, HF55 (Tomassoni) Trained force of firefighters forfeited land bordering public water conveyance art. 1, sec. 7, subd. 2). maintained by the commissioner of natural authorized. Tax Court budget presentation. resources, and public employee definition HF843 (Anderson, B.) Sherburne County Department of Corrections budget presentation. expanded. authorized to convey tax-forfeited land bordering public water. TRANSPORTATION POLICY TAXES HF285 (Haake) Ramsey County tax-forfeited land 5 State Office Building 5 State Office Building conveyance authorized. Chr. Rep. Tom Workman Chr. Rep. Ron Abrams HF286 (Cassell) Douglas County tax-forfeited Agenda: Motorcycle Day. Agenda: To be announced. land bordering public water sale authorized. HF766 (Broecker) Motorcycle display of a blue HF306 (Workman) Hennepin County tax- light as part of the rear brake light authorized. 11:30 a.m. forfeited land bordering public water or wetlands HF858 (Workman) Motorcycle helmet use conveyance authorized. evidence admissibility prohibited in cases The House meets in session. HF368 (Reuter) Steele County land conveyances involving the operation of a motor vehicle. authorized in connection with a state land transfer. 12 noon HF373 (Ozment) Goodhue County private sales 8:30 a.m. of county land authorized. State of the State Address. HF398 (Howes) Hubbard County authorized to STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE sell tax-forfeited land bordering public water. 300N State Office Building 30 minutes after HF421 (Haas) Hennepin County authorized to Chr. Rep. Philip Krinkie State of the State Address convey tax-forfeited land bordering public water. Agenda: Budget presentations by State Board of HF502 (Osskopp) Wabasha County authorized Investment and governor’s office. AGRICULTURE & RURAL to sell tax-forfeited land bordering public water. DEVELOPMENT FINANCE HF567 (Hackbarth) Anoka County authorized 10 a.m. 10 State Office Building to convey or sell tax-forfeited land bordering Chr. Rep. Bob Ness public water or wetlands. CRIME PREVENTION Agenda: HF838 (Harder) Soybean diseases and Basement Hearing Room genetics additional research provided, and money 3 p.m. State Office Building appropriated. Chr. Rep. Rich Stanek HF755 (Wenzel) Ethanol development fund HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES FINANCE Agenda: HFXXXX (Goodno) Lowering per se balance retained and additional loan provided. 10 State Office Building level for alcohol impairment offenses from HF155 (Seifert, M.) Passing on the Farm Center Chr. Rep. Kevin Goodno .10 to .08. appropriated money. Agenda: HF670 (Goodno) Medical assistance HF621 (Fuller) Arson definition expanded to eligibility expanded to include employed persons include flammable and combustible gas, first 12:30 p.m. or immediately following State of with disabilities. degree arson plea agreements prohibited the State Address HF499 (Seifert, J.) Health care provider involving sprinklers, and juvenile fireball ignition reimbursement and nonadministrative staff pay penalties provided. ***Canceled*** increased, and money appropriated. HF172 (Skoglund) Substantial bodily harm CAPITAL INVESTMENT HF383 (Goodno) Nursing home employee definition expanded. 5 State Office Building compensation enhancement provided and money HF245 (Murphy) Furnishing alcohol to a person Chr. Rep. Jim Knoblach appropriated. under age 21 provided increased penalties if, as a Agenda: Canceled. HF345 (Bradley) Home and community-based result of intoxication, the person causes or suffers waivered services for persons with mental death or great bodily harm. COMMERCE retardation waiting list eliminated, unspent HF261 (Entenza) Furnishing alcohol to person 200 State Office Building resources reallocated, county partnerships under age 21 provided increased penalties if, as a Chr. Rep. Gregory M. Davids required, reserve account authorized, and money result of intoxication, the person causes or suffers Agenda: HF48 (Wolf) Performance-based gas appropriated. death or great bodily harm. purchasing plans sunset abolished. HF812 (Wolf) Legislative Electric Energy Task 3:45 p.m. EDUCATION POLICY Force house chairs modified. 200 State Office Building HF700 (Davids) Fire protection notification Child Care Workgroup/ Chr. Rep. Harry Mares required in contracts for the sale of newly FAMILY & EARLY CHILDHOOD Agenda: HF709 (Cassell) Educational facility constructed residential dwellings. EDUCATION FINANCE construction and remodeling prevailing wage HF62 (Rukavina) Automobile insurance 400N State Office Building provision repealed. nonrenewals regulated relating to physical Chr. Rep. Barb Sykora HF605 (Tuma) Mourning dove hunting season damage portion of policies. Agenda: Child care issues. authorized, and stamps and impact report required. HF564 (Ozment) Automatic landscape irrigation HF321 (Lindner) All school-age children system rain checks required. WEDNESDAY, March 3 authorized to participate in resident school HF595 (Holsten) Petrofund reimbursement district sponsored extracurricular activities. reductions standard of proof provided, above- HF911 (Sykora) School district and public school ground storage tank upgrade or closure 8 a.m. entity wage payment method clarified. reimbursed, and contaminated land cleanup regulated. ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS & RESOURCES POLICY 2:30 p.m. VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY 10 State Office Building Basement Hearing Room Chr. Rep. Dennis Ozment Subcommittee on Land/ State Office Building Agenda: HF513 (Mares) Ramsey and Washington ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL Chr. Rep. Jim Rhodes counties regional trail land acquisition and RESOURCES POLICY Agenda: HF879 (Knoblach) Providing for development around White Bear Lake provided, Basement Hearing Room regulatory relief for local units of government. and money appropriated. State Office Building HF801 (Knoblach) Minnesota Partnership for HF699 (Gunther) Blue Earth River basin initiative Chr. Rep. Mike Osskopp Action Against Tobacco not considered a state supported and money appropriated. Agenda: HF191 (Rifenberg) Houston County agency, and report required. HF645 (Tingelstad) Water supply and wastewater surplus state land sale authorized. treatment operator certification requirements HF195 (Howes) Hubbard County authorized to HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES FINANCE federal conformity provided, and advisory council sell tax-forfeited land bordering public waters. 10 State Office Building expiration date eliminated. HF276 (Leighton) Mower County tax-forfeited Chr. Rep. Kevin Goodno HF653 (Osskopp) Legal firearm requirements land bordering public water sale authorized. Agenda: Gov. Ventura’s budget book for taking big game modified. HF280 (Schumacher) Sherburne County tax- presentation by Department of Human Services.

28 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 JOBS & ECONOMIC Property Tax Division/ Subcommittee on Liquor/ DEVELOPMENT FINANCE TAXES COMMERCE 200 State Office Building 200 State Office Building Room to be announced Chr. Rep. Dan McElroy Chr. Rep. Ron Erhardt Chr. Rep. Erik Paulsen Agenda: Gov. Ventura’s recommendation for Agenda: To be announced. Agenda: Mark-up of omnibus liquor bill. sunset of certain Department of Trade and HFXXXX (Paulsen) Extending tour boat liquor Economic Development incentive grants: St. Paul 12:30 p.m. license season. Rehabilitation Center; Microenterprise - HF32 (Anderson, I.) International Falls authorized Technical Assistance; Women Venture; MEDA; AGRICULTURE POLICY to issue a temporary on-sale liquor license. and Rural Policy and Development Center. 10 State Office Building HF153 (Seifert, M.) Marshall authorized to issue Chr. Rep. Tim Finseth additional on-sale liquor licenses. Agenda: HF678 (Davids) Crop and revenue HF314 (Entenza) St. Paul authorized to issue TRANSPORTATION FINANCE insurance assistance, agricultural property tax temporary liquor licenses to Macalester College. 5 State Office Building relief and assistance, feedlot manure processing HF430 (Kahn) St. Paul authorized to issue a Chr. Rep. Carol Molnau and odor control technology development temporary license to sell beer on State Capitol Agenda: HF878 (Bishop) Governor’s deficiency assistance, and right-to-harvest provided; and grounds in connection with the Twin Cities bill. money appropriated. Marathon. HF487 (Storm) Foreign ownership of agricultural HF439 (Orfield) Minneapolis authorized to issue 10 a.m. land used for poultry production allowed. an on-sale liquor license to Dudley Riggs Theatre. HF479 (Westrom) Agricultural producer HF496 (Hilty) Farm winery sales regulations CIVIL LAW contract advisory task force established; livestock, modified. Basement Hearing Room agricultural commodity, and specialty crop HF603 (Murphy) Proctor authorized to issue an State Office Building contracts studied; and money appropriated. additional on-sale liquor license. Chr. Rep. Steve Smith HF816 (Peterson) Feedlot and manure Agenda: HF90 (Sviggum) Joint and several management advisory committee composition 3:30 p.m. liability apportionment regulated. modified. HF541 (Stanek) Tort liability relief provided to HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES POLICY 911 dispatchers giving prearrival medical advice. FAMILY & EARLY 10 State Office Building HF232 (Bishop) Petit juries provided in certain CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FINANCE Chr. Rep. Fran Bradley civil and criminal cases. 5 State Office Building Agenda: Tobacco prevention discussion. HF351 (Bishop) Court taxation of parties in a Chr. Rep. Barb Sykora civil action for juror hardship expenses Agenda: Adult Basic Education. 4 p.m. authorized. Self-sufficency accounts. HF836 (Goodno) Business corporations AGRICULTURE & RURAL regulated and uniform partnership act LOCAL GOVERNMENT & DEVELOPMENT POLICY conforming changes provided. METROPOLITAN AFFAIRS 5 State Office Building HF377 (Goodno) Abortion notification data 200 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Tim Finseth reporting required and civil penalties imposed. Chr. Rep. Peg Larsen Agenda: HF678 (Davids) Crop and revenue HFXXXX (Broecker) Eliminating filing of Agenda: HF849 (Haake) Minor and intermediate insurance assistance, agricultural property tax duplicate documents; updating the law governing use airports defined for metro expansion and relief and assistance, feedlot manure processing court administrators. upgrade purposes, and reliever airport sound and odor control technology development HFXXXX (Broecker) Revising the process for abatement council established. assistance, and right-to-harvest provided; and action for payment collection of taxes. HF896 (Larsen, P.) Precluding the termination money appropriated. HFXXXX (Smith) Providing for the withholding of lawful land uses by amortization. HF487 (Storm) Foreign ownership of agricultural of conciliation court judgements from tax HF608 (Rukavina) Municipal unincorporated land used for poultry production allowed. refunds. land annexation procedures and criteria provided. HF479 (Westrom) Agricultural producer Additional bills to be announced. contract advisory task force established; livestock, ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL agricultural commodity, and specialty crop RESOURCES FINANCE Subcommittee on Regulated Industries/ contracts studied; and money appropriated. 10 State Office Building COMMERCE HF816 (Peterson) Feedlot and manure Chr. Rep. Mark Holsten Basement Hearing Room management advisory committee composition Agenda: Department of Natural Resources State Office Building modified. budget overview continued. Chr. Rep. Ken Wolf Agenda: Low income energy issues presentation LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCE by Energy Cents Coalition. METROPOLITAN AFFAIRS 300S State Office Building HF358 (Wolf) Coin-operated and public pay 200 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Peggy Leppik telephones deregulated, and telecommunication Chr. Rep. Peg Larsen Agenda: Higher Education Services Office provider anticompetitive activity administrative Agenda: Bills to be announced. presentation by Dr. Robert Poch. penalties assessed. 6 p.m. K-12 EDUCATION FINANCE 2:30 p.m. 5 State Office Building Subcommittee on Health Care Directives/ Chr. Rep. Alice Seagren Subcommittee on Land/ HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES POLICY Agenda: HF130 (Finseth) Independent school ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES 300N State Office Building district nos. 2854, Ada-Borup; 2176 Warren- POLICY Chr. Rep. Lynda Boudreau Alvarado-Oslo; 846, Breckenridge; and 595, East Basement Hearing Room Agenda: HF408 (Goodno) Practice of pharmacy Grand Forks provided declining pupil unit aid. State Office Building definition modified and patient counseling HF315 (Tomassoni) School district declining Chr. Rep. Mike Osskopp defined. pupil unit aid created, definition modified, and Agenda: HF275 (Stang) Stearns County tax- money appropriated. forfeited land bordering public water sale 6:30 p.m. HF485 (Tomassoni) School district declining authorized. pupil unit aid established and money HF354 (Solberg) Itasca County authorized to sell JOBS & ECONOMIC appropriated. tax-forfeited land bordering public waters. DEVELOPMENT FINANCE HF754 (Tomassoni) Range association of HF433 (Howes) Cass County authorized to 200 State Office Building municipalities and schools declining enrollment exchange and sell tax-forfeited land bordering Chr. Rep. Dan McElroy grant provided, and money appropriated. public water. Agenda: State Services for the Blind program. HF852 (Anderson, I.) Itasca County authorized to sell tax-forfeited land bordering public water. HF922 (Solberg) Tax-forfeited land in Itasca County. February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 29 THURSDAY, March 4 modified to include situations involving rental FRIDAY, March 5 personal property or equipment. 8 a.m. EDUCATION POLICY 8 a.m. 200 State Office Building HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES POLICY Chr. Rep. Harry Mares GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS & 10 State Office Building Agenda: HF333 (Buesgens) Board of educational VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY Chr. Rep. Fran Bradley administration established and money Basement Hearing Room Agenda: HF203 (Greenfield) Medical education appropriated. State Office Building and research endowment fund, children’s HF336 (Leppik) State High School League and Chr. Rep. Jim Rhodes endowment fund, and tobacco prevention governing board provisions modified. Agenda: HF853 (Rostberg) Fire sprinklers endowment fund created; and money HF648 (Kielkucki) State High School League required in newly constructed state-owned appropriated. provisions modified. buildings, fire suppression system review and HF223 (Leppik) Tobacco prevention board and HF219 (Wagenius) Staff development grants inspection plan responsibilities clarified, and endowment fund created, and money established to ensure reading ability by the end of approval requirements provided. appropriated. second grade, and money appropriated. HF719 (Seifert, J.) Tobacco; Congress memorialized HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES FINANCE to enact legislation prohibiting federal recoupment ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL 10 State Office Building of state tobacco settlement funds. RESOURCES POLICY Chr. Rep. Kevin Goodno 10 State Office Building Agenda: Governor’s budget book presentation, JOBS & ECONOMIC Chr. Rep. Dennis Ozment Department of Human Services. DEVELOPMENT POLICY Agenda: HFXXXX (Howes) Modifying harmful 200 State Office Building exotic species provisions. JOBS & ECONOMIC Chr. Rep. Arlon Lindner HFXXXX (Vandeveer) State park boundary bill. DEVELOPMENT FINANCE Agenda: HF872 (Holsten) Building and HF865 (Bakk) Combined firearm and archery 200 State Office Building construction contacts regulated, and antlered deer license created, and the taking of Chr. Rep. Dan McElroy environmental liability indemnification one by each method authorized. Agenda: Gov. Ventura’s recommendation for sunset enforceability provided. of certain Minnesota Technology, Inc. incentive grants: HF792 (Chaudhary) Rental housing application TAXES Natural Resources Research Institute; Minnesota disclosure requirements and penalties provided, 5 State Office Building Council for Quality; Minnesota Cold Weather Resource and penalties prescribed for providing false Chr. Rep. Ron Abrams Center; Minnesota Project Innovation, Inc.; and information on rental applications. Agenda: To be announced. Minnesota Inventors Congress. JUDICIARY FINANCE 12:30 p.m. 9 a.m. 300S State Office Building Chr. Rep. Sherry Broecker AGRICULTURE & RURAL Joint CIVIL LAW/ Agenda: HF542 (Bishop) Number of district DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CRIME PREVENTION court judges increased. 10 State Office Building 118 State Capitol Department of Corrections budget presentation Chr. Rep. Bob Ness Chrs. Rep. Steve Smith, continued. Agenda: Minnesota State Colleges and Rep. Rich Stanek Universities and agriculture education. Agenda: Approval of Feb. 26 meeting minutes. TRANSPORTATION POLICY Data privacy. 5 State Office Building CAPITAL INVESTMENT Chr. Rep. Tom Workman 5 State Office Building 10 a.m. Agenda: HF698 (Workman) Major Chr. Rep. Jim Knoblach transportation projects commission established Agenda: HF18 (Anderson, I.) School district bond CRIME PREVENTION and report required. sale limitations removed for certain outstanding Basement Hearing Room capital loans. State Office Building 8:30 a.m. Presentation by Legislative Commission on Chr. Rep. Rich Stanek Minnesota Resources regarding their Agenda: To be announced. STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE coordination bonding. 300N State Office Building ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL Chr. Rep. Philip Krinkie COMMERCE RESOURCES FINANCE Agenda: Deficiency request presentation, 200 State Office Building 10 State Office Building secretary of state’s office. Chr. Rep. Gregory M. Davids Chr. Rep. Mark Holsten Department of Revenue budget presentation. Agenda: HF727 (Davids) Real property loans, Agenda: Department of Natural Resources private mortgage insurance (PMI), and lending budget overview continued. 10 a.m. practices regulated; prepayment penalties prohibited; escrow account interest required; and HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCE CRIME PREVENTION mortgage originators and servicers net worth 300S State Office Building Basement Hearing Room requirements repealed. Chr. Rep. Peggy Leppik State Office Building HF744 (Haas) Motor vehicle retail installment Agenda: To be announced. Chr. Rep. Rich Stanek sales regulated and contract uniformity Agenda: HF665 (Wenzel) Marijuana; possession prescribed. K-12 EDUCATION FINANCE or sale of small amounts provided increased HF111 (Rest) Homeowner’s insurance policy 200 State Office Building criminal penalties. nonrenewals regulated, and automobile and Chr. Rep. Alice Seagren HF741 (Knoblach) Inmate bloodborne pathogen homeowner’s insurance discriminatory practices Agenda: HF519 (Sykora) School district cost of testing procedures created, safeguards provided, prohibited. living index created, general education formula and penalties imposed. HF747 (McElroy) Mandatory dram shop liability allowance modified, and money appropriated. HF839 (Pawlenty) Defense of dwelling clarified insurance minimum coverage increased. HF493 (Greiling) School district teacher training related to use of deadly force, and duty to retreat and experience revenue restored, and money in self-defense situtations limited. 2:30 p.m. appropriated. HF70 (Daggett) Law enforcement agencies HF752 (Tomassoni) School district supplemental authorized to sell forfeited firearms, ammunition, The House meets in session. revenue reduction provided. and accessories to eligible persons. HF763 (Smith) Theft crimes to include tenant TAXES issuance of dishonored check to landlord for rent. 5 State Office Building HF868 (Hackbarth) Crimes constituting theft Chr. Rep. Ron Abrams Agenda: To be announced.

30 SESSION WEEKLY / February 26, 1999 1999 House Membership Statistics

71 Republican members 63 DFL members 99 men 35 women 20 DFL women 15 Republican women 21 newly elected members* 1 newly elected member previously served in the House 14 newly elected Republican members 7 newly elected DFL members 15.7 percent of House members did not serve last session 16 newly elected members are men 5 newly elected members are women 23.8 percent of newly elected members are women 26.1 percent of all House members are women 94.9 percent of incumbents were re-elected 0 Republican incumbents lost 6 DFL incumbents lost 15 seats were open 6 uncontested House races 0 uncontested races in DFL-held districts

New House Republican members New House DFL members

Jim Abeler ...... 49A Mark S. Gleason ...... 63B Mark Buesgens ...... 35B Gregory Gray...... 58B George Cassell ...... 10B Margaret Anderson Kelliher ...... 60A Dan Dorman ...... 27A Dan Larson...... 40A Doug Fuller ...... 4A Ann Lenczewski...... 40B Chris Gerlach ...... 36A Tim Mahoney ...... 67A Barb Haake ...... 52B Rod Skoe ...... 2B Tom Hackbarth ...... 50A Mary Liz Holberg ...... 37B Larry Howes ...... 4B Jim Seifert ...... 57A Julie Storm ...... 24B * Count includes Rep. Tom Hackbarth (R-Cedar) who was elected in 1994 to one term in the House. Andy Westerberg ...... 51A Tim Wilkin ...... 38A

February 26, 1999 / SESSION WEEKLY 31 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. PAUL, MN 55155-1298

Speaker of the House: Steve Sviggum Majority Leader: Tim Pawlenty Minority Leader: Thomas W. Pugh

For more information

Minnesota’s students For general information, call: Percent of Minnesota eighth-graders that received passing scores House Information Office (at least 75 percent) on basic skills reading test in 1998 ...... 68 (651) 296-2146 or Percent of African-American eighth-graders that passed ...... 32 1-800-657-3550 Percent of American Indian eighth-graders that passed ...... 38 Percent of Asian-American eighth-graders that passed ...... 48 To obtain a copy of a bill, call: Percent of Hispanic eighth-graders that passed...... 39 Chief Clerk’s Office Percent of eighth-graders that received passing scores (651) 296-2314 (at least 75 percent) on basic skills math test in 1998 ...... 71 Percent of African-American eighth-graders that passed ...... 26 To find out about bill introductions or the status of a specific bill, call: Percent of American Indian eighth-graders that passed ...... 39 House Index Office Percent of Asian-American eighth-graders that passed ...... 53 (651) 296-6646 Percent of Hispanic eighth-graders that passed...... 38 Percent of eighth-graders that received passing scores For up-to-date recorded message (at least 75 percent) on basic skills reading test in 1997 ...... 59 giving committee meeting times and On math test ...... 70 agendas, call: Percent of eighth-graders that received passing scores Committee Hotline (at least 70 percent) on basic skills reading test in 1996 ...... 53 (651) 296-9283 On math test ...... 69 Percent of Minnesota eighth-graders in 1994 that dropped out of school by 1998 ...... 11 Percent of African-Americans that dropped out ...... 40 Percent of American Indians that dropped out ...... 38 Percent of Asian-Americans that dropped out ...... 18 The House of Representatives can be Percent of Hispanics that dropped out ...... 38 reached on the World Wide Web at: Number of states that had a lower high school dropout rate than http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us Minnesota in 1995...... 1 Percent of Minnesota ninth-graders that said they had used tobacco within the past 30 days in 1998 ...... 30.4 In 1995 ...... 31 Percent of Minnesota ninth-graders that said they had used alcohol in past 12 months in 1998 ...... 54 Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired. In 1995 ...... 51 To ask questions or leave messages, Percent of Minnesota ninth-graders that said they had used marijuana in call: past 12 months in 1998 ...... 24.1 TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or In 1995 ...... 21.4 1-800-657-3550 Percent of male Minnesota ninth-graders that said they do not feel safe in school in 1998 ...... 11 Check your local listings to watch In 1995 ...... 13 House committee and floor sessions on TV. Sources: 1999 Agency Performance Report, 1999, Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning; Minnesota Milestones 1998: Measures that Matter, 1998, Minnesota Planning; State This document can be made available and Local Sourcebook 1999, 1999, Governing magazine. in alternative formats.