A Nonpartisan Publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives ♦ April 11, 1997 ♦ Volume 14, Number 14

HF2089-HF2135 Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Office. During the 1997-98 Legislative Minnesota House of Representatives • April 11, 1997 • Volume 14, Number 14 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 Update is a service of the Minnesota House. There are five weeks to go before the first part of the 80th Legislative Session is No fee. officially over, and legislators are now past the second deadline for bills to be out of committee. Their responsibilities now are to discuss fiscal issues on how to run the To subscribe, contact: state efficiently. Much of this work will get done during many long nights for the next Minnesota House of Representatives few weeks. Public Information Office The nights are also getting to be long in the House chamber as some of the 2,135 bills 175 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 introduced get a hearing, get debated, and possibly amended. As the working days and (612) 296-2146 or hours get longer for members and staff, tempers often flare, and simple courtesy and 1-800-657-3550 respect for another duly elected official may get tested. TTY (612) 296-9896 In this legislative session, the speaker has called for less bitterness with more emphasis placed on less partisanship. As the members attempt to reform welfare, make Director changes to funding for education, devise some positive methods for property tax LeClair G. Lambert reform, provide bonds and levies for municipalities, or more dollars for crime and drug prevention, individuals may tend to lose sight of what it means to compromise Assistant Director/Editor or keep personal agendas out of the process. Peg Hamerston While it appears that many legislators in general may be attempting (in the Hebrew phrase, Tikkun Olam ) to fix the world, others are digging in and refusing to budge on Assistant Editors issues that ultimately will need to be revamped in the future for the overall well-being John T. Tschida of the citizenry. K. Darcy Hanzlik The Minnesota Legislature has a long, proud, and positive history behind it. But a very negative picture of the Legislature was presented recently in a national govern- Art & Production Coordinator ment newsmagazine that compared previous sessions to the Tennessee Legislature. To Paul Battaglia make comparisons out of context, consider the pulse of the Minnesota Legislature back in 1868. Minnesota rises above the magazine’s critique if the following example Writers is used as a benchmark: Minnesota passed into law the right of its black population to Steve Compton, F. J. Gallagher, vote two years before Congress passed the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Nick Healy, Celeste Riley in 1870. Tennessee just got around to it. Its Legislature finally approved the amend- ment last week, 127 years later! Photographers If there are any lessons to be learned, our Legislature will continue to take its internal Tom Olmscheid, Laura Phillips, and external criticisms in stride, continue to do what it does best for the people of the Andrew Von Bank state, and wisely take the words of author Robert Fulghum to heart: Office Manager Share everything. Play fair. Toinette L. B. Bettis Don’t hit people. When you go out into the world, Staff Assistants watch out for traffic, hold hands, Grant Martin, Nicole Thompson and stick together. —LeClair G. Lambert Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is pub- lished weekly during the legislative session by the Minnesota House of Representatives Pub- lic Information Office, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage INSIDE paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing Highlights ...... 3 offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes A Closer Look: Smart Cards ...... 14 to Session Weekly, Public Information Office, Minnesota House of Representatives, 175 State Feature: Former Gov. Hjalmar Petersen ...... 15 Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. New Members: Biernat, Nornes ...... 16,17 Paul, MN 55155-1298. t e d Bill Introductions (HF2089 - HF2135)...... 21 i n o r n

P Committee Schedule (April 14-18) ...... 22 r

r e c e On the cover: The Capitol dome reflected in a shiny 1950 Mercury Coupe, one of many classic street y p c a l e d p rods on display in front of the State Capitol April 8. Members of the Minnesota Street Rod Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, Association brought the automobiles to the Capitol to promote street rodding and inform lawmakers 20% post-consumer content. about this rapidly growing hobby. —Photo by Andrew Von Bank

2 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 Week in Review . . . April 3 - 10, 1997 Highlights

Early childhood funding . . . Omnibus bill proposes record spending for child care equiring welfare parents to work is ex pected to move another 12,500 Minne Rsota children into day care over the next few years. To prepare for the onslaught, a House bill sets aside $190 million over the state’s 1998-1999 two-year budgeting pe- riod. That’s a 127 percent increase compared to 1996-1997. Part of the pot of money — $98 million — would pay for the child care needs of welfare parents now required to work under a new federal law. About $90 million would be placed into an existing program that helps low- and moderate-income working fami- lies pay for child care using an income-based, sliding fee scale. There are currently about 5,600 Minnesota families on a waiting list for the program, which is called Basic Sliding Fee child care. The money in the bill is ex- pected to eliminate most, if not all, of the Kathryn Freeman holds her 10-month-old son, Tyler, during an Early Childhood and Family Education waiting list. (ECFE) class at the Harding Community Center in East St. Paul. ECFE classes for parents and their young children would receive $30.5 million over the next two years as part of the omnibus spending bill from The remaining $2 million would be used the House Family and Early Childhood Education Finance Division of the Education Committee. to administer the programs. The Basic Sliding Fee program has be- food shelves, and homeless shelters. Children, Families, and Learning. come a vital part of the state’s efforts to trim The bill’s highlights include: • A mandatory $5 monthly co-payment for down its welfare rolls. Without the program, • A last-minute provision that encourages families using state-subsidized child care. the cost of child care can often push a work- stay-at-home parenting for some low- and Families with incomes between 50 and 100 ing poor family onto welfare. moderate -income families. In effect, it percent of the federal poverty level would Providing the dollars for child care was in would pay parents on the Basic Sliding Fee be required to make a $5 co-payment each the state’s best interest, lawmakers said. child care program to stay at home with month, regardless of how many children Under new federal welfare laws, states are their child for the first year of life. they have. For a family of two, 50 percent punished for not getting their welfare par- Eligible families already would have had of the poverty level equals $5,305 and 100 ents to work. Specifically, Minnesota could to qualify for the Basic Sliding Fee pro- percent equals $10,610. The co-payments lose millions in federal aid. Logically, if Min- gram and received child care help for at would increase based on income for fami- nesota expects its welfare parents to work, least 30 days. They’d receive 75 percent of lies earning more than 100 percent of the child care assistance will be essential. the average cost of licensed family home poverty level. The child care money is the major compo- day care for an infant in their county. This provision sparked debate between nent of a $390 million omnibus spending bill The provision does ask for an unspeci- those who said $5 to a poor family was too from the House Family and Early Childhood fied sum of money, and as of yet, there is no much and those who maintained it was Education Finance Division. The bill (which clear answer as to how much it will cost. necessary that families invest in themselves. has yet to be assigned a House File number) • $10 million to encourage child care worker “Five dollars can mean a meal or a pack was approved by the division April 9 and training and expand child care facilities. of pencils for school,” said Rep. Nora Slawik next moves to the House Education Com- Based on historical experience, the 12,500 (DFL-Maplewood) who tried unsuccess- mittee. more children expected in day care means fully to lower the fee to $1 a month. Sponsored by Rep. Tony Kinkel (DFL- an estimated 90 more child care centers, But Rep. Richard Mulder (R-Ivanhoe) Park Rapids), the bill appropriates money 650 more family child care homes, and said the $5 is not designed to make money for programs such as early childhood educa- 3,875 more legal unlicensed relatives and “but introduce personal responsibility into tion, community education, after school pro- neighbors to take care of the children will the system.” grams, adult basic education, Head Start, be needed, according to the Department of • $30.5 million over the two-year budgeting

April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 3 period for a program that brings babies “There are plenty of scoundrels out there and toddlers together with their parents to AGRICULTURE who will divert this product into the illegal learn about a child’s emotional, physical, drug market,” said Michael Campion, an mental, and educational development. The Legal hemp assistant superintendent for the BCA. Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Several committee members also ques- A proposal to allow Minnesota farmers to program is 23-years-old and designed for tioned whether industrial hemp could really grow hemp for industrial purposes stalled in children from birth to kindergarten and be kept separate from its biological cousin, the House Agriculture Committee April 9, their parents. marijuana. but the committee approved a plan to study • $2 million for a proposed early childhood “If there’s nothing wrong with [hemp], the issue. infant grant development program. It why does it have to be regulated?” Rep. HF349, sponsored by Rep. Phyllis Kahn would provide money to local ECFE pro- Michelle Rifenberg (R-La Crescent) asked. (DFL-Mpls), was touted by supporters as a grams that come up with creative ways to “It just doesn’t make any sense.” gateway to a valuable crop for farmers, but focus on infant development and a parent’s A tie vote of 6-6 killed Kahn’s plan to allow critics charged it would hamper drug en- role in stimulating and nurturing their farmers to begin growing hemp. After the forcement efforts. infant’s intellectual and emotional devel- vote, Kahn maneuvered to have the bill re- “This is really more of a movement than a opment. considered and offered an amendment that crop,” said Jeanette McDougal, chairperson • $12 million for after-school enrichment would allow a study of the issue to be con- for Drug Watch Minnesota , who linked the programs. Grants are provided to select ducted. With the amendment attached, the effort to legalize industrial hemp to support- neighborhoods so they may offer after- bill passed and now moves to the House ers in a drug subculture. school programs for 9- to 13-year-olds. floor. McDougal’s testimony flatly contradicted The amount is $7 million more than the Kahn said the study could provide law- the message of bill supporters, who argued 1996-1997 budgeting period. The makers with more information about indus- that industrial hemp is inherently different program’s purpose is to reduce juvenile trial hemp and should help in the effort to from the plant that yields marijuana. crime, school suspensions, and increase legalize the crop. “In the United States, when you say hemp student achievement. “I think people will be more comfortable you think of marijuana, but in much of the • $30.2 million for Head Start, a 31 percent with it at that point,” she said. rest of the world that is not the issue,” said increase from the previous budget. Head David Morris, vice president of the Institute Start is a federal/state program that pro- for Local Self Reliance. vides low income preschool children with Morris said industrial hemp is now grown CHILDREN emotional, social, health, nutritional, and in 26 countries around the world, and that psychological services. Canada is moving toward allowing hemp as Adoptions and race • $24.6 million for adult basic education over an agricultural crop. The plant is valuable in the biennium. The program provides edu- A bill approved by the House Judiciary the production of a variety of goods ranging cational opportunities for adults with low Committee April 7 would significantly re- from paper to clothing to twine, he added. educational levels. Services such as literacy duce the role that race plays in placing chil- “The jury is still out right now as to whether training, work force education, and Gen- dren for adoption or foster care. this is a niche crop or more than that,” eral Educational Development (GED) HF209, sponsored by Rep. Barb Morris said. “But the jury is not out the on preparation. Vickerman (R-Redwood Falls), would de- potential uses.” • $250,000 for an adult basic education tech- lete current law that says a child’s best inter- As originally written, the bill would have nology project to design and evaluate the ests are met by giving consideration to race allowed Minnesota farmers to grow indus- use of on-line technology for adult learn- or ethnic heritage when making foster care trial hemp and set up a registration process ers. Over a three-year period, a working or adoption placements. Instead, the bill for farmers wanting to grow the crop. group of educators and technology experts would require “an individualized determi- That plan was supported by officials from would develop an adult learning curricu- nation of the needs of the child” to be con- two major agriculture groups in the state. lum that meets Minnesota’s graduation ducted, detailing “how the selected placement Tom Cochrane, executive director of the standards and can be delivered using com- will serve” those needs. Minnesota Agri-Growth Council, called the puters and telecommunications. The bill also says that placement of a child bill “a slam dunk.” • $2.3 million for Minnesota food shelves, a in foster care could not be delayed or denied And Chris Leifeld, director of legislative 65 percent increase over the previous two- because of the race, color, or national origin affairs for the Minnesota Farmers Union, year budget. The increase is in anticipation of the child or potential parents. said industrial hemp would have several ben- of an even greater demand on food shelves However, adoptions involving Indian chil- efits for farmers. The crop could be easily this spring when many of Minnesota’s poor dren, governed by the federal Indian Child integrated into rotation and would be good will see a cut in their federal food stamps. Welfare Act and Minnesota Indian Family for a variety of products. Preservation Act, which allow for racial pref- “It’s a good opportunity for our farmers — K. Darcy Hanzlik erence regarding placements, would not be to have access to a new market,” Leifeld said. affected. Prospective foster parents of In- But a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension dian children would be required to attend (BCA) official’s testimony questioning the If you have Internet access, visit the training on understanding the cultural heri- state’s ability to regulate the growth of in- Legislature’s web page at: tage of the children and the importance of dustrial hemp dealt Kahn’s original pro- http://www.leg.state.mn.us the Indian Child Welfare Act. Also, in such posal a blow. cases, the foster care agency would be re-

4 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 quired to defer to tribal judgment regarding retailers who — prior to the injunction — Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis attorney the suitability of a home when the tribe financed purchases at exorbitant interest David Ramp said that since rental-purchase intervenes on a child’s behalf. rates after tacking on a variety of costs to a companies are currently prohibited from In adoptions involving non-Indian chil- product’s base price. entering into usurious rent-to-own agree- dren, the bill says a child’s best interests “This is a ceiling for the rates that could be ments, HF997 would simply be an end-run would be served first by looking for relatives charged,” Pugh said. “It would be a cap, and around that injunction, setting in law a prac- with whom to place the child; second by we would hope that the competition gener- tice that exploits low-income consumers. looking for a close friend. The bill also pro- ated by the market would drive that down.” “HF997, if adopted, would authorize even vides for a specialist to recruit a diversity of Under HF997, approved by a 16-7 vote, higher charges . . . and set price by statute families for adoptions and foster care, but rent-to-own retailers would have to limit rather than in the market,” Ramp said. “The deletes language regarding race. their purchase agreements’ ancillary charges, state of Minnesota should not be setting The bill lists the following as factors to be such as setup, delivery, and finance fees, to prices. It’s bad public policy and it’s bad considered in determining the needs of a an amount equal to the original cash price of economics.” child: the child’s functioning and behavior; the items. Current law has no fee limit. The The bill goes now to the House floor. medical, educational, and developmental seller also would have to disclose detailed needs; history and past experience; religious information about the number and amount and cultural needs; connection with a com- of payments due, in addition to various state- DEVELOPMENT munity, school, and church; interests and ments about the legal details of such ar- talents; relationship to current caretakers, rangements. Expanding conventions parents, siblings, and relatives; and reason- Rental-purchase stores offer their mer- able preferences of the child if of an appro- chandise without credit checks, deposits, or The city of Minneapolis’ bid to garner priate age. down payments. Instead, customers agree to state dollars — $37.5 million — to help The emphasis on race or ethnic heritage in lease the goods for a specific period of time expand its convention center is not only child placements has become controversial with the option to either renew or discon- alive this session, it’s even popular with some in recent years. Critics have said that a short- tinue the agreement at the end of the term. rural Minnesota lawmakers. age of minority foster and adoptive families The lease payments are based on the store’s The House Economic Development Fi- has caused children to languish needlessly listed purchase price of the item, plus any nance Division April 9 heard HF1529, which while interested families were disqualified additional fees, plus interest. would appropriate an as yet unspecified on racial grounds, and that race is not im- For many people, Pugh said, especially amount of money from the general fund to portant in family bonding. those living paycheck to paycheck, a rent-to- help expand the Minneapolis Convention Vickerman explained that the bill would own contract is often the only way to pur- Center. bring Minnesota into compliance with fed- chase big-ticket household items such as Committee members did not vote on the eral legislation. In 1994, Congress passed the furniture or home electronics. Information bill but are considering it for inclusion in the Multiethnic Placement Act, provisions of provided by the Minnesota Rental Dealers omnibus economic development budget bill which are incorporated into HF209. Failure Association indicates that the typical rental- due out later this session. to comply with the act could result in federal purchaser is a blue-collar worker between 25 Rep. Richard Jefferson (DFL-Mpls), the violations and reduced federal funding. “The and 44 years old who lives in rental housing. bill’s sponsor, said 10 years ago the Minne- federal regulations say you cannot deny a Yet HF997, critics said, would do nothing apolis Convention Center was the 17th larg- person the opportunity to be adopted based to protect these consumers. In fact, they est facility of its kind in the country. Today, on race,” Vickerman said. “Minnesota’s laws argued, the bill would allow the rental-pur- it ranks 43rd. do not comply at this time.” chase companies to charge even higher an- “That shows you what our competition is HF209 now moves to the House floor. nual interest rates, some of which exceed 700 doing,” Jefferson told committee members. percent. He added that of all the major convention

50% OFF SALE CONSUMERS Prime exhibit space comparison Rent-to-own McCormick (Chicago) 1 I-X Center (Cleveland) 2 The rent-to-own industry soon could be Las Vegas 3 back in business under legislation approved Sands (Las Vegas) 4 by the House Commerce, Tourism and Con- Atlanta 5 sumer Affairs Committee April 8. San Diego 6 Houston (Astrodome) 7 HF997 would regulate rent-to-own con- Orlando 8 tracts. Currently, such contracts are prohib- New Orleans 9 ited by court order. Rental stores that Kentucky 10 previously offered rental-purchase agree- Existing ments, such as Rent-a-Center, now simply MINNEAPOLIS 43 Expansion rent, offering the consumer no chance to own the merchandise. 0 500,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 2,000,000 Bill sponsor Rep. Tom Pugh (DFL-South Square feet of exhibit space St. Paul) said the effort was designed to Source: Major Exhibit Hall Directory 1996. protect buyers from predatory rent-to-own In 1986, Minneapolis had the 13th largest convention facility in the country. Today, it ranks 43rd.

April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 5 centers across the country, Minneapolis is state Office of Strategic and Long-Range the only host city that solely absorbs its con- Planning would oversee the planning dis- DRUGS vention center’s construction costs. Others tricts, and any community that elected to split the costs with county and state govern- form the joint planning district would have Needles for drug users ments. to agree to the requirements defined in The House Judiciary Committee approved The planned two-story addition would HF217, including: a bill April 7 that would allow pharmacists to include two new exhibit halls and would • submission of a comprehensive plan to the sell hypodermic needles and syringes with- increase exhibit space by 200,000 square feet office for approval; out a prescription. The panel’s Judiciary Fi- over the existing 300,000 square feet. • periodic reviews and updates of those plans; nance Division approved it a day later. The current convention center “is a beauty. and Contained in HF1150, sponsored by Rep. It is well operated, but it is too small,” said • a provision allowing adjacent governments Lee Greenfield (DFL-Mpls), the proposal is Minneapolis City Council member Alice — including the Metropolitan Council — aimed at illegal drug users and is intended to Rainville. to review and comment on any growth prevent the spread of AIDS and other dis- Jefferson said the convention site should plans. eases. be called the Minnesota Convention Center The bill also requires participating cities Under the bill, pharmacists would be al- because the majority of its exhibitors are to define urban growth areas and details a lowed to sell unused needles and syringes in from outside Minneapolis and the center mediation process designed to mitigate any quantities of 10 or less, but could not adver- brings in money for the entire state. conflicts that result from any planning deci- tise their availability. Pharmacists also could Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton sions. give purchasers information on drug coun- agreed, adding that the convention center Opatz’s bill would appropriate $500,000 seling, disease testing sites, and the state’s has lost numerous conventions in recent for three joint-planning-district pilot projects HIV hotline. years because it is too small. in the St. Cloud area, the Sherburne-Benton- Bob Tracy of the Minnesota AIDS Project The mayor noted that outstate areas such Stearns County area, and a community to be said the effort is crucial in preventing the as Duluth, Fairmont, Fargo/Moorhead, named later. spread of disease among drug users and oth- Winona, and Worthington all support ex- “If we can get . . . [the] counties to do what ers — including children — such as babies panding the facility because they know the this bill asks,” Opatz said, “it really bodes born to mothers who use illegal drugs. He state needs a convention center big enough well for what can happen in the rest of the presented evidence showing a sharp decrease to attract large national conventions. state.” in needle sharing in Connecticut after the If it’s not big enough, it will fall back into Long’s bill, HF1000, known as the “Com- state made clean needles available. Accord- the regional market and compete with cities munity-based Planning Act,” also would ing to a letter from Dr. T. Stephen Jones, of like Duluth, Fargo/Moorhead, and Winona employ joint planning districts and the over- the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB for conventions. sight of the strategic planning office, but Prevention, “One of the most important Referring to the handful of local projects would rely, instead, on a series of incentives ways to prevent the transmission of HIV this session requesting state help with con- to encourage participation. Local govern- among persons who inject illegal drugs is the struction, such as the Twins wanting a new ments could receive grants administered use of sterile syringes and needles.” baseball stadium, Rep. Ken Otremba (DFL- through the planning office to help defray But committee members were sharply di- Long Prairie) said the Minneapolis Conven- the expenses associated with community- vided on the issue, with several saying the tion Center expansion is the only one about based planning, in exchange for following which he’s received support from his rural the council’s recommendations. constituents. HF1000 would establish a 22-member advisory council to develop the details of the planning effort with an eye toward the Met Comprehensive planning Council goals, and provide grants to local Two bills approved by the Governmental governments that choose the community- Operations Committee’s State Government based path. As yet, the proposal contains no Finance Division April 8 would change the specific appropriations. way Minnesota communities approach ur- “The framework is for a voluntary pro- ban planning. gram with an emphasis on joint powers,” Both HF217, sponsored by Rep. Joe Opatz Long said of the bill. “A city, county, or joint (DFL-St. Cloud), and HF1000, sponsored planning entity will plan and be eligible for by Rep. Dee Long (DFL-Mpls), would adopt funds covering assistance and technical as- the 10 recommendations for long-range sistance — but they would have to adhere to planning outlined by the Metropolitan some defined goals.” Council as the framework for a solution to The division retained both bills for inclu- urban sprawl. Yet, beyond this, the bills sion in its omnibus finance bill. employ divergent tactics to accomplish their common goal. Opatz’s bill would allow local governments Check your local listings to watch Lorraine Teel, executive director of the Minnesota Aids Project, testified before the Judiciary to form “joint planning districts” that would, the House committee and floor Committee April 7 in support of a bill that would in turn, control development decisions such sessions on TV. permit pharmacists and pharmacies to sell, without as zoning and subdivision regulation. The a prescription, unused hypodermic needles and syringes in quantities of 10 or less.

6 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 change would sanction the use of illegal drugs. the division had not completed the bill when state sets no minimum for the number of “I will not be part of the legalization of this edition of Session Weekly went to press. days in the school year, but most districts drug paraphernalia,” said Rep. Rich Stanek However, the division had voted to in- hold classes about 170 days a year, among (R-Maple Grove), a Minneapolis police of- clude several major education initiatives in the lowest in the country. ficer. He said the provision also would worsen the bill. HF1684 is expected to provide a 13.5 per- the problem of drug debris that already lit- Under the bill, all school districts would cent increase in education funding for the ters some public areas and streets. Stanek be required to lengthen the school year for 1998-99 biennium, according to figures re- offered an amendment to strip the bill of the all students, and pupils who fail the basic leased by Kelso and others April 9. legal needle sales. It failed on a vote of 11-10. skills tests in reading and math would spend The governor’s proposals to expand edu- The bill also would appropriate $150,000 even more additional time in the classroom. cation tax deductions for private school tu- to the commissioner of Public Safety to con- Beginning with students who entered the ition, tutoring, or other educational expenses duct an evaluation of the needle program. ninth grade in 1996, Minnesota’s gradua- and to provide new tax credits for parents The first report to the Legislature would be tion standards require all students to pass who send children to private schools are not due Jan. 15, 2000, with a final report due by reading and math tests before they are eli- expected to be included in the bill. Jan. 15, 2002. gible to receive a high school diploma. The omnibus bill was slated to emerge Other provisions of the bill would add The tests are first given to students when from the division by April 11. It will go next prison guards and corrections personnel to they are in the eighth grade. Eighth graders to the full House Education Committee. emergency medical services personnel now taking the test in January 1997 fared some- covered by laws relating to HIV testing and what poorly, with 41 percent failing the read- exposure to the virus. The measure also de- ing test and 30 percent failing math. The ENERGY scribes how police and other emergency de- results were similar when the tests were given partments should proceed if an employee to eighth graders in 1996. Funding windmills may have been exposed to the HIV virus. An The $51 million included in Kelso’s bill appropriation of $200,000 would be used to would go to remedial programs for those The House Regulated Industries and En- train police and criminal justice personnel students who must retake one or both of the ergy Committee approved a bill April 8 to in such matters. tests and students who are in danger of fail- enhance the wind-energy industry in Min- Additionally, the bill would provide ing the tests. nesota. $150,000 to train public defenders, county Those students would be required to spend HF1925, sponsored by Rep. Doug Peterson attorneys, victims advocates, and shelter per- the equivalent of three weeks of extra time in (DFL-Madison), would help the industry in sonnel who deal with victims of crimes that the classroom, with additional hours being three ways. involve HIV exposure; and $25,000 would logged after school, on Saturdays, or during First, the bill would establish a pilot incen- go to the Department of Human Services to the summer. tive loan program. The Rural Finance Au- provide testing and early intervention ser- Funds for the remedial programs would thority could lend up to $3 million for wind vices to crime victims. be distributed to schools on the basis of each energy conversion systems producing no The measure will become part of the Judi- school’s percentage of students on free and more than two megawatts of electricity, with ciary Finance Division’s omnibus bill. reduced-price lunch programs. no more than $500,000 going to any one The bill also would add three days to the entity. “It’s a modest project that will prob- school year for all students. Currently, the ably involve six to 10 loans,” said Michael SCHOOL EDUCATION Differing opinions Omnibus K-12 bill assembled Students who fail the state’s basic stan- dards tests required for high school gradua- tion would be the subject of new remedial efforts, under an omnibus K-12 education funding package being compiled by a House panel. HF1684, sponsored by Rep. Becky Kelso (DFL-Shakopee), would spend $51 million to assist students who fail the tests or are considered to be at risk of failing. “We’re committed to doing everything we can to help those students who are at risk of not graduating in a couple years,” said Rep. Len Biernat (DFL-Mpls), who was Kelso’s co-sponsor on a separate bill containing the remedial education plan. The House K-12 Education Finance Divi- Matt Swedlund, a home school student from Plymouth, Minn., took a break from passing out sion began the final stages of assembling the stickers that read “School Choice, Put Kids First” during a school choice rally on the front steps of the State Capitol April 9. He stopped to debate with Charlotte Scheithayer, of Rochester, about omnibus spending bill April 10. Members of their differing views on state funding for private schools.

April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 7 Noble of Minnesotans for an Energy-Effi- and currently accepting such materials,” the cient Economy. bill says. ENVIRONMENT Second, the bill would add small busi- “We and other states have been paying a nesses, nonprofit organizations, and tribal lot of money to the nuclear waste fund that’s Livestock odor research councils to those who would qualify for loans been diverted for other uses,” said bill spon- Julie Jansen’s family has experienced head- to establish wind-energy facilities. Current sor Rep. Steve Trimble (DFL-St. Paul) at an aches, nausea, blackouts, and diarrhea since law says that a qualified wind-energy facility earlier committee meeting. a hog confinement facility opened near their must be owned by the person who owns the Mike McCarthy, of the public service de- Granite Falls, Minn., home two years ago. land upon which the facility stands. An un- partment, said $600 million per year is paid She blames the combination of foul odor derlying goal is to promote local ownership. into the account nationwide. Minnesota has and hydrogen sulfide emitted by the feedlot, “We want to make sure these facilities are paid $253 million since 1982, and continues and has turned to her legislator, Rep. Gary owned by farmers before corporate con- to pay $15 million per year. Last year, less Kubly (DFL-Granite Falls) for help. glomerates step in,” Peterson said. than a third of the money paid actually made Kubly brought a bill (HF913) to study the “The bill provides for state support in it into the program, he said. livestock odor problem before the House helping small wind farms compete with larger Some of the debate surrounding the bill, Environment and Natural Resources Com- interests,” Noble said. “It also creates a however, centered on the possible outcome mittee April 4. The bill, approved by the broader range of entities eligible for the wind of a pending lawsuit against the DOE, to panel, would appropriate $200,000 to the incentive program.” which Minnesota is party. Rep. Jean University of Minnesota for the research and Finally, the bill would require utilities that Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) suggested that a law- development of an odor rating system for purchase wind energy to develop a standard suit win could actually mean a loss for the livestock production facilities. Information contract that enumerates the basic terms state. Proving that the DOE breached its generated by the research would be used by and conditions for the purchases, as well as contract could result in a monetary award, local governments to determine setbacks and other information necessary to ensure reli- and along with it, state responsibility for other zoning requirements for livestock fa- ability and safety. (Minnesota law requires disposing of the waste, she said. cilities. The study also would help livestock that large energy suppliers like Northern HF1879 will next be heard on the House floor. producers determine the best management States Power Co. purchase a certain amount practices to control livestock odor. of wind energy.) The bill would mark another $200,000 for The wind-energy facilities included in the Brownfields the university to research, develop, and pro- bill must produce no more than 2 megawatts mote low-emission and low-energy hog pro- of power per year between July 1, 1997 and duction systems. Alternative hog production June 30, 1999. By Jan. 15, 1999, the finance is often done on a smaller scale and does not authority will report on the status of the carry as much potential for a negative envi- loans and make recommendations on the ronmental impact, Kubly said. continuation of the program. One of Jansen’s chief complaints con- “Minnesota is the national leader in the cerned the lack of enforcement of existing development of wind energy,” Noble said. laws by the Minnesota Pollution Control “Thousands of state-of-the-art turbines Agency (MPCA). The bill was amended to could be created in the next five years.” require the MPCA to better enforce existing HF1925 now moves to the House Envi- limits on hydrogen sulfide emissions. ronment, Natural Resources and Agricul- Dave Nelson of the MPCA encouraged the ture Finance Committee. panel to stick to the original intent of HF913 — to provide $400,000 for odor research. He Nuclear waste waits said that the MPCA has encouraged local Companies in Minnesota that generate governments to use zoning laws to control high-level, nuclear waste or spent nuclear odor problems. Researching alternative pro- fuel pay a fee to the U.S. Department of duction models should be a separate matter, Energy (DOE) to take care of long-term he told the panel. storage and disposal of the waste. The DOE, He also cautioned against setting a prece- however, has failed to provide the service, dent by mandating that the agency enforce according to Minnesota’s Department of certain laws. “Hydrogen sulfide is already Public Service. The state continues to store regulated,” he said. “You could start to cre- the waste. ate a situation where the MPCA would only La Shella Sims of Interfaith Action, a coalition enforce laws that they are ordered to.” HF1879, approved by the House Regu- of socially active religious groups, testified in lated Industries and Energy Committee on favor of a bill that seeks money to clean up David Priceler of the Minnesota Pork Pro- April 9, would place the proceeds from the vacant contaminated industrial sites ducers Association told the committee that fee into an interest-bearing escrow account. (brownfields) and redevelop them into new his organization supported the original bill businesses with new jobs. Tom St. Aubin, The money would be released to the DOE with $400,000 for odor research. Minneapolis, dressed in a contamination The bill’s next stop is the House Environ- “upon a showing . . . that the federal reposi- cleanup suit and held a container of dry ice to tory for the long-term storage and perma- simulate pollution during the April 7 hearing ment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture nent disposal [of nuclear waste] is operating of the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee. Committee.

8 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 the United States that denies truth to indi- child’s birth. He can register without the FAMILY viduals except this one. This is a request that certainty a conception took place. Under we not languish in the dark ages any more.” HF296, a father could not contest an adop- Who am I? One witness said that, in 1973, she gave up tion 60 days after the birth, (unless a good a daughter for adoption. “I knew I would case is made for failing to register). Members of the House Judiciary never look for her or interfere in her life.” Registering also would serve as the first Committee’s Subcommittee on Data Prac- But then she received a call from an agency step in a paternity claim. The bill says that tices grappled April 4 with a bill that would saying that her daughter wanted to find her. within 30 days of registering, the father must make it easier for adoptees to discover their “It was earthshaking. I was assured privacy.” file an intent to claim parental rights with the origins. No vote was taken on the proposal. Due of the complexity of the issue, com- court. That way, he would preserve the right HF727, sponsored by committee chair mittee members plan to consider the bill to maintain an interest in the child and would Rep. Mary Jo McGuire (DFL-Falcon during the interim and re-introduce it next receive notice of a pending adoption pro- Heights), would eliminate a current require- session. ceeding. A man could use the registry to ment that a birth parent be notified before “We’ll try to find common ground and deny paternity, as well. Listing false infor- an adoptee could receive his or her original look at any compromises,” McGuire said. mation with the registry would be a misde- birth certificate. The certificate would reveal “The people born before 1977 want their meanor. the names of an adoptee’s birth parents. birth records. Others don’t want to give them The bill applies only to adoptions — not “We’re about to enter a new century. This out. We may be able to come up with some to paternity, child support, custody, or other is the information age. I don’t see how we interim steps to resolve the differences. The parental issues. can continue to deny adoptees critical infor- steps may revolve around the cost and time Originally, the proposal limited the op- mation about themselves,” said Sandra [that acquiring access can currently de- portunity to register after a birth to just 30 Sperrazza of Concerned United Birthparents. mand],” McGuire said. “But that doesn’t days. Some claimed that was not long enough. “This is an adoptee’s civil right.” solve the entire problem. People just want Wejcman reminded the committee that The committee heard passionate testi- their birth certificates. I personally believe bonding begins early. “We want to avoid mony from people for and against the bill. At it’s information they have a right to. But situations where a child is ripped out of a issue was how to weigh an adoptee’s right to there’s still that step that allows someone the home because a birth father suddenly shows information against birth parents‘ right to power to say yes or no.” up. We’re dealing with [someone who be- privacy. McGuire added that a possible solution comes a father] after a short-term relation- A 1977 law requires birth parents to sign would involve the use of intermediaries to ship. They have 10 months to register if they an affidavit stating either a willingness or make initial contacts with birth parents to have any interest at all in the child,” she said, unwillingness to have their identities dis- reduce the likelihood of upset or trauma adding, “They no longer have to rely on the closed in the event a child should later try to upon contact. actions of the birth mother.” find them. This would not change under the HF296 will next be heard by the Health terms of McGuire’s bill. and Human Services Finance Division. However, the bill poses a big question regarding those who relinquished children Fathers’ registry before the 1977 law, when they were prom- A bill to register the names of fathers — or ised confidentiality. GAMBLING potential fathers — with the state won ap- “The new law would establish a presump- proval from the House Health and Human tion in favor of contact and force birth par- Card club at the track Services Committee April 9. ents to involuntarily relinquish the privacy HF296, sponsored by Rep. Linda Wejcman The House Regulated Industries and En- that was promised to them,” said Catherine (DFL-Mpls), calls upon the Department of ergy Committee approved a bill April 8 to Schendel of the Children’s Home Society. Health to establish a registry where men who allow card clubs to operate at Canterbury McGuire said the issue was one of balanc- want to be a part of their children’s lives can Park in Shakopee, Minn. ing rights. “Personally, I think a person has a be assured of notification if their child is put HF967, sponsored by Rep. David right to access their own birth certificate.” up for adoption. Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), would limit But the most compelling testimony came It’s called the putative father’s registry. It wagers during the games to no more than from people who had firsthand experience applies to males (including minors) who $30 per hand, and specifies a maximum of 50 with the adoption process. may be fathers but are not married to their card tables at the track. The track would have Sandra Lee Kimble said she struggled for children’s mother and have not otherwise to use some of the revenue for a breeder’s years to find the identity of her birth mother. established paternity. Putative means “sup- fund and purse payments. When she did, “the first thing she said to me posed” or “presumed.” The registry is a way The card games would be “unbanked,” was, ‘were they good to you?’ She told me to protect a birth father’s rights in the event which means the players would bet against that my finding her was the best thing that his child is put up for adoption, and to each other rather than the “house.” ever happened to her,” Kimble said. She also protect children from having adoptions un- The reason for the clubs, according to bill learned crucial information about her ge- duly disrupted. supporters? Horse racing is an ailing state netic history that spurred her to get a mam- A typical scenario would involve the par- industry. In 1986, gross revenue generated mogram. The test revealed cancer. “I was ents of a child who have had little or no by horse racing in Minnesota reached a peek literally dying to know the truth,” Kimble relationship beyond the time of conception. of $133 million when it began a steady de- said, adding that health considerations are The bill would allow a man to register any- cline. In 1996, the total was $64.8 million. equal to the emotional considerations of the time after conception until 60 days after a The all-time low was $36.3 million in 1994 bill. “I know of no other law or institution in

April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 9 (not counting when the track was closed in partment of Natural Resources (DNR) en- The House has used the technology in a 1993). In 1986, the state gained $8.9 million forcement officers been needed at boat land- limited capacity over the past few years, with in income from horse racing; in 1996, $1.05 ings to keep the peace. While the DNR said legislators meeting in the State Office Build- million. they anticipated no such problems, all par- ing linking to remote locations around the Supporters say the track is an important ties were set on avoiding the violent out- state. There is currently one House hearing commercial entity that supports other eco- breaks Wisconsin experienced several years room equipped for interactive television nomic interests, including horse breeders ago. Funds were to have been expended first hearings. and farmers (grain, hay, and straw). It also on an informational campaign to counter Rep. Peg Larsen (R-Lakeland) said the bill employs thousands, including security of- inaccurate perceptions of the rights of Indi- HF829 would enable legislators to spend ficers, track officials, vendors, food service ans under the 1837 treaty. more time with their constituency while con- and maintenance workers, and clerical and tinuing to conduct legislative business. management staff. The bill is regarded as a “You can have whole groups of people in way to boost attendance and increase rev- GOVERNMENT one place that would have been unable to enues through a fee that would be charged participate,” said Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL- for playing. By one estimate, the track stands Tracking corporate welfare Mpls), one of the bill’s sponsors, adding the to make about $5 million per year. bill could dramatically “increase participa- “This would help the horse racing indus- The Legislature would keep closer tabs on tion relative to what people are used to.” try simply by allowing people to play poker “corporate welfare” (tax breaks or other state “One of the problems we have here [at the with each other,” said Cort Holten, who aid to businesses) under a bill approved by Capitol] is the inability to reach some con- represents the Horsemen’s Benevolent and the Governmental Operations Committee’s stituents like the elderly and disabled,” said Protective Association. State Government Finance Division April 4. Rep. Irv Anderson (DFL-Intl Falls). “This is Responding to fears that the bill would, in HF1473, sponsored by Rep. Karen Clark an excellent idea.” fact, expand gambling in Minnesota, Rep. (DFL-Mpls) and Rep. Kevin Knight (R- The proposal also would apply to other Tom Workman (R-Chanhassen) said: “The Bloomington), would create a 19-member local units of government, such as counties, cat’s already out of the bag as far as gambling commission to evaluate selected corporate cities, and school boards. is concerned. I don’t see this as an expansion. subsidy programs to ensure that businesses Under the bill, meetings would be open to I see it as a way to do what we already do.” had used the money effectively. The com- the public and subject to the same notifica- Earlier this session, the committee ap- mission would examine tax breaks as well as tion requirements as other meetings. It also proved HF613, which allows betting on card direct spending and loans made to the pri- requires that all participants and observers games such as euchre and pinochle. In those vate sector to encourage economic develop- be able to see and hear each other. Further, at cases, also, gambling is limited because the ment. least one legislator or member of a local hosts can’t collect money. The commission, Clark said, would make government unit would have to participate HF967 next will be heard on the House sure the subsidies actually benefited the gen- from the committee’s “home” location where floor. eral public. the meeting would normally be held. “It’s nothing against providing this kind HF829 now moves to the House floor. of assistance,” Clark said. “It’s just saying we GAME & FISH want some type of accountability.” The bill would require the commission to HUMAN SERVICES No Indian fishing submit to the Legislature by Dec. 15, 1997, a report of its findings, including any recom- Naming the dead A bill passed by the House April 7 now is mendations for improved oversight. A bill to replace the unmarked or num- moot due to a federal court ruling. HF1473 will be included in the bered graves of thousands of mentally re- Hoping to forestall tensions when Indians committee’s omnibus finance bill. tarded people who died decades ago while in 12 Minnesota counties began to exercise patients in Minnesota’s state hospitals is their fishing rights under an 1837 treaty, the moving through the House. House voted 114-14 for a $6.5 million bill Meetings via interactive TV The Health and Human Services Com- (SF1645) to fund public information and law enforcement efforts in the affected area. The House Governmental Operations But there will be no netting or spearing Committee approved a bill April 8 that would Correction this spring, due to a ruling April 9 by the authorize legislators to conduct meetings via A story on pages 10-11 of the March 28 Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. interactive television. The technology is like Session Weekly titled “Higher education direction,” misquoted Rep. Betty Folliard, In January, a federal court ruled that an telephone conference calling with the addi- (DFL-Hopkins) who spoke in favor of a 1837 treaty permitted the Indians to hunt, tion of live video. Meeting participants at bill that would set up a commission to fish, and harvest wild rice off the east-central different places can talk to and hear each design a master plan for higher educa- Minnesota reservations covered in the treaty. other through television. tion. The quote read: “We don’t want to The appellate court put a hold on the Janu- Under the bill (HF829), sponsored by Rep. have all the institutions come in with agendas and secret scenarios. That’s what Loren Solberg (DFL-Bovey), regular, spe- ary ruling, and has agreed to hear arguments creates conflict between the systems and on the case June 9. cial, and emergency meetings could be held the Legislature.” What Folliard said in- SF1645, sponsored by Rep. Loren Solberg via interactive technology. That means com- cluded legislators among those who (DFL-Bovey), would have, in part, funded mittee members could vote on bills while in should not have their own scenarios. We overtime pay and equipment costs had De- locations other than a legislative committee regret the error. room.

10 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 mittee April 9 approved HF1930 which subsidized health insurance plan. The bill H. Rest (DFL-New Hope). “We’ve been try- would set aside an as yet undetermined would boost the income limit for those people ing to respond to questions and concerns amount of money to mark grave sites with to 175 percent of the poverty level, or $13,807 about the public obligation . . . trying to names. and $18,567, respectively, using 1997 guide- decrease it.” The bill, sponsored by Rep. Steve Trimble lines. The version of HF1367 approved by the (DFL-St. Paul), is on its way to the Health The income limit for MinnesotaCare en- committee does, in fact, reduce that obliga- and Human Services Finance Division where rollees was last increased in 1995, when the tion. The bill specifically states that the pub- a dollar figure is expected to be attached. A Legislature passed a measure lifting the limit lic authority shall not “assume any obligation similar bill in the Senate sets aside $100,000. for single people and households without or liability for bonds issued or sold” to fi- The bill would withhold state dollars until children from 125 percent of the federal nance the stadium’s estimated $400 million private money, raised to replace the grave poverty level to 135 percent. (Current law construction cost. Moreover, the bill removes sites, has been exhausted. It instructs the sets a cap of 275 percent of the poverty level from the public the obligation to purchase Department of Human Services to make for families with children younger than 21.) the team from the Pohlads after 2006. efforts to raise private dollars. It also would In 1996, Gov. Arne Carlson vetoed a bill However, HF1367 retains most of the leave unmarked the graves of those whose that would have increased the income limit public financing devices outlined in the ver- relatives object to any changes. for people without children to 150 percent of sion previously rejected by the committee — State officials estimate that some 9,000 the poverty level. a special scratch-off lottery game, taxes on graves are unmarked or numbered at former MinnesotaCare is a state-subsidized in- tickets, parking and Twins memorabilia, hospitals, and it would cost about $2 million surance plan created in 1992 to extend cov- among others — and requires the Metro- to replace them. erage to the uninsured. Enrollees pay politan Sports Facilities Commission to sell The measure is a spin-off of one that failed premiums based on income and must pro- the old Met Center land. After paying off during the 1996 Legislative Session that called vide co-payments for some services. Cur- whatever debt remains from building the for a state public apology to mentally handi- rently, the program serves more than 97,000 Metrodome, the proceeds from the sale capped people whom the state involuntarily people. would be applied to the new stadium. committed to state hospitals and later bur- Greenfield’s bill also includes a separate The bill also requires the Pohlads to con- ied in unmarked or numbered graves. provision that would eliminate the Minne- tribute $50 million to the effort, a number Rep. Lynda Boudreau (R-Faribault) urged sota Health Care Commission, created by Jim Pohlad has, in the past, called a “deal lawmakers “to be very cautious about this the 1992 legislation, which advises legisla- bill.” She said there are data privacy issues in tors on health care policy. releasing names, and she added that the leg- The request to eliminate the commission islation is not coming from family members. came from the commission itself, which is “This is going to be a very costly endeavor” made up of representatives of business, health to replace all the graves. plans, unions, state agencies, and consum- But other lawmakers saw the issue differ- ers. Its members now cite a lack of consensus ently. Rep. Ken Otremba (DFL-Long Prai- on health care issues as a reason to dissolve rie) called the bill a “sad situation” and said the commission. “there should be some dignity” for those “They have done some very important who died while in the state’s care. work for this state and this Legislature, but it does seem time” to eliminate the commis- sion, Greenfield said. INSURANCE INSURANCE HF1441 now moves to the House Gov- ernmental Operations Committee. More MinnesotaCare members A bill that would expand eligibility for SPORTS MinnesotaCare and abolish the Minnesota Health Care Commission was approved April Stadium revival 9 by the House Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. The House Local Government and Met- HF1441, sponsored by Rep. Lee Greenfield ropolitan Affairs Committee, which last week (DFL-Mpls), would extend MinnesotaCare rejected a bill that would have publicly fi- eligibility to more low-income individuals nanced a new stadium for the Minnesota and couples without children. Twins, reversed itself April 9 and approved a “We can afford to cover these people,” heavily amended version of the measure by a Jim Pohlad, left, son of Twins owner Carl Pohlad, Greenfield said. “It was always the intention vote of 12-6. told the House Local Government and to expand [eligibility] beyond where we are The committee revisited the bill, at least in Metropolitan Affairs Committee that his family was not committed to a $50 million contribution now.” part, at the behest of Gov. Arne Carlson, who to a new Twins baseball stadium unless a stadium Current law sets a maximum income of urged lawmakers to give the measure the full bill moving through the House is substantially 135 percent of the federal poverty line for consideration of the legislative process. changed. Pohlad has called the contribution a “deal single people ($10,651) and couples without “We’ve been meeting with people over the breaker.” The bill sponsored by Rep. Ann H. Rest, children ($14,323) to qualify for the state- last week,” said HF1367 sponsor Rep. Ann right, and Rep. Dan McElroy, was passed by the committee April 9.

April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 11 breaker.” Indeed, pressed by Rep. Kevin June 1, 1997. The revenue department esti- The bill, which Tunheim said mirrors a Knight (R-Bloomington), Pohlad once again mates this move would cost the state more federal declaration issued recently by Presi- refused to commit himself to the amount. than $76 million in the coming biennium. dent Bill Clinton, goes now to the Senate for “If you’re asking, at this particular time, if “Inputs” used for taxable services, such as approval. we agree to the $50 million, the answer is laundry, dry cleaning, building maintenance, no,” Pohlad said. telephone and cable television, and country The bill goes now to the House Taxes club dues also would be exempted from the TRANSPORTATION Committee. sales tax. Thus, the chemicals used in dry cleaning or building maintenance, for ex- Seat belt offenses ample, would become tax-free. According to $ TAXES the revenue department estimate, this pro- A proposal to allow for tougher enforce- vision translates into a loss of more than $96 ment of the state’s mandatory seat belt law Sales tax changes million over the next two years. has stalled in the House Transportation and The bill would extend the sales tax to Transit Committee. On Feb. 17, the Sales Tax Advisory Coun- certain items that are now tax-free. For in- HF1066, sponsored by Rep. Lee Greenfield cil, after studying the system for more than stance, unheated, ready-to-eat food, such as (DFL-Mpls), would allow police to pull over eight months, issued its recommendations sandwiches and salads sold at supermarkets, motorists who fail to comply with state law for a more efficient sales tax model. would become taxable as would pre-paid requiring all front seat occupants to buckle On April 8, the House Taxes Committee telephone cards. up. accepted those recommendations in the form “This bill is not an attempt to extend the Committee members April 9 rejected the of HF2066, sponsored by Rep. Ann H. Rest sales tax, but to apply consistent tax policy,” plan by an 11-6 margin. Similar legislation (DFL-New Hope). Rest said, adding that the changes need to be introduced by Greenfield in recent years has While several of the bill’s provisions, such made now while the state enjoys a budget met the same end. as changing the date of some tax refunds and surplus. Current law requires all front seat passen- permitting some direct tax payments, have The committee retained HF2066 for con- gers to wear a seat belt, but police can only no impact on state revenues, the rest of the sideration in its omnibus tax bill. issue a citation for seat belt violations after bill — if accepted in its entirety — would stopping a motorist for another offense. cost Minnesota more than one-third of a (Current law also requires children be- billion dollars in the 1998-99 biennium. Extended filing date tween the ages of three and 11 to wear a seat The Sales Tax Advisory Council, which belt no matter where they are seated in the Rest chaired, was created by the 1995 Legis- The House of Representatives unani- car. Children three and under must be se- lature. The 16-member board held a series of mously approved an emergency measure cured in child car seats.) meetings, taking testimony from the public April 10 that would give victims of the 1997 Greenfield has pushed to make seat belt about how to more efficiently administer the flood additional time to file their tax returns. violations a primary offense — allowing sales tax. HF2066 is the result. “My heart goes out these people,” Rep. police to pull over violators — in hopes of Although the bill includes an array of sales- Dee Long said of HF2132. “ . . . I think it’s the prompting greater compliance. tax exemptions, the most costly provision, least we can do.” The Department of Public Safety estimates by far, would change the way vendors pay If enacted, HF2132, sponsored by Rep. that 64 percent of Minnesota motorists com- the state its cut of the gross revenue. As it Jim Tunheim (DFL-Kennedy), would allow plied with the seat belt law in 1996. Greenfield now stands, retailers with an annual sales tax residents and businesses located in counties said his bill would prompt a 15 percent in- liability over $120,000 must estimate their that had been declared disaster areas until crease in compliance. tax for June and remit at least 75 percent of May 30 to file their state tax returns. And that, he said, would save lives. that electronically to the state by June 28. HF2066 would eliminate this annual accel- erated payment. According to an analysis provided by the Department of Revenue, the move would cost the state more than $130 million in 1998 alone and about $6 million per year thereaf- ter through 2001. The bill also contains a fistful of exemp- tions, including one for the replacement of capital equipment. Currently, the state draws a distinction between capital equipment, which is already exempt from sales tax, and replacement capi- tal equipment, which is subject to a declin- ing rate that is administered through a refund mechanism. Tom Baker and Nancy Mulder testified in favor of a bill that would make not wearing a seat belt a primary HF2066 would eliminate this distinction offense for which police can stop you. The two spoke to the Transportation and Transit Committee April 9 about Pat Mulder, their son and friend, who won’t be able to graduate with his class because he has to and the refund process, exempting all capital relearn simple tasks after suffering a head injury in a car accident. He was not wearing a seat belt. equipment at the time of purchase, effective

12 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 Greenfield supports his case with public farm driver’s license would be required to but others would rather lose their vehicles safety department statistics showing that in have held a learner’s permit for six months, than pay up, according to Brown. As a result, 1995 car accidents claimed the lives of 239 under the bill. vehicles that — in effect — are abandoned people who were not wearing seat belts and Westrom’s bill now moves to the House must be allowed to take up valuable lot space only 134 people who were. floor. for 45 days before they can be sold off. “There are few people with an opportu- “The 45-day rule simply makes it too dif- nity to save lives with a single action or a ficult to operate efficiently,” Brown said. single word,” said Christine Krueger, coor- Selling abandoned cars Farrell’s bill now moves to the House floor. dinator of the Minnesota Safety Belt Coali- Minneapolis and St. Paul police would be tion. required to hold impounded vehicles for “You have such an opportunity,” she told only 15 days before putting them on the members of the committee. auction block, under a bill approved April 9 But the committee was not swayed. Pro- by the House Transportation and Transit Mama D posals to make seat belt violations a primary Committee. offense have consistently drawn opposition HF342, sponsored by Rep. Jim Farrell from lawmakers who are hesitant to give (DFL-St. Paul), was crafted to address a prob- police new power to pull over motorists. lem that has Minneapolis and St. Paul im- Greenfield’s bill drew little debate before pound lots overflowing with cars abandoned being rejected by the committee. by their owners. Current state law requires a 45-day wait before an impounded vehicle can be sold. Young farming drivers Farrell’s bill would exempt Minneapolis and A bill to ensure that 15-year-olds are al- St. Paul from that law and set a 15-day limit lowed restricted driver’s licenses to help out for those cities. on the family farm was approved April 9 by The bill would require local approval by the House Transportation and Transit Com- the city councils in Minneapolis and St. Paul mittee. before it could take effect. HF768, sponsored by Rep. Torrey Farrell said current law causes real prob- Westrom (R-Elbow Lake), would provide lems in the cities, especially during winter an exception to a new state law requiring months. A winter that brings heavy snowfall At a press conference April 9 in the State Office anyone under age 18 to hold a learner’s — such as this winter — leads to a lot of Building, Giovanna D’Agostino, otherwise permit for at least six months before becom- parking violations and a lot of cars being known as Mama D, urged legislators to towed from city streets to the impound lot. dedicate more welfare dollars for legal ing eligible for a driver’s license. immigrants cut off by a new federal law. Mama In St. Paul, where the city impound lot The 1996 Legislature passed the new D, a metro area restaurateur, spoke about the learner’s permit requirements, which took holds 750 vehicles, space in the lot can run obstacles and racism her family faced when effect Feb. 1, 1997, with hopes that the law out quickly, said St. Paul Police Deputy Chief they immigrated from Italy to this country in would give teenagers more driving experi- Ted Brown. 1912. ence before they hit the road on their own. Most people pay the fine and pick up their But the law had an unintended side effect, cars from the impound lot within a few days, according to Westrom. It cuts in half the time farm families can benefit from a long- standing state law allowing 15-year-olds to House chamber music get restricted driver’s licenses to help with farm business. That law allows 15-year-olds whose par- ents are farmers to drive only during day- light hours and only within 20 miles of the family farm. Westrom’s bill would temporarily exempt 15-year-olds who are eligible for a restricted farm driver’s license from the new six-month learner’s permit requirement. The exemp- tion would stay in place until the end of 1997. Another change prescribed in the bill would allow eligible 14-year-olds to receive learner’s permits so they can prepare to get a farm driver’s license when they turn 15. (Cur- rent law sets age 15 as the minimum age for driving instruction.) Eiji Oue, conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra, and violinist Fleeznis Jorja, right, perform a After April 1, 1998, anyone applying for a piece by Mozart for legislators and staff during a recess of the House floor session April 10.

April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 13 Electronic information . . . Smart card debate: privacy versus convenience In less than a year, Minne- While security enhancement — personal A closer look . . . ding g sota state employees could and professional — is at the center of the r A bill for an act ng vil acti be asked to take part in a benefits the cards could provide, according or sanctions E ating to civil actions; modifying and expan rovisions for sanctionsStatutes in civil actions; 1994, ammendin se pilot project testing the lead- to Gunyou, threats to security are the center innesota Statutes 1994, sections 336.2A-108; M 566.25; 570.041, subdivision 3; 571.932, subdivision 6; and 609.5314,70.041, subdivision subdivisio3; proposing coding foIO new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 549; repeali Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 549.21. 09.5314,THE STATE ARTICLEOFsubdivisi MINNESOTA 1 : ing edge of modern technol- of card’s drawbacks, according to others. ON BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATUR w in MinnesotaStatutes 199Sta SANCTIONS INACTIONS] CIVIL ACT [549.211] [ SANCTI ogy. It would involve credit “It’s the whole idea of carrying a card that 1 card sized MNCards, which can have large quantities of personal infor- would replace the cards employees now use mation on it that I have to present to strang- for identification, and building and parking ers,” explained Don Gemberling of the Public access. Information Policy Analysis Division of the But the cards also could be used for plac- State employees who choose to participate in Department of Administration. “How do I Minnesota’s smart card program may soon carry ing long-distance telephone calls, monitor- cards similar to the University of Minnesota’s know the stranger’s machine can’t overcome ing employee attendance, identifying medical UCard (pictured), which uses a magnetic strip to [the card’s] security measures? How do I insurance coverage and medical informa- store data. trust that? That’s the biggie.” tion, making vending machine and cafeteria cardholders have access to the information Gemberling also said that smart cards purchases, and bank and credit union trans- on the cards through “card readers” at each present a whole series of difficult security actions. In the future, they could be inserted participating state agency. issues that, without protective measures in in an employee’s computer as a means of The bill also sets up a broad-based steering place, could turn the cards into “bad dream” access and security. All that remains to be committee to develop the MNCard project cards. decided. and report back to the Legislature with its “Will the technology dog wag the privacy In fact, there’s almost no limit to the po- recommendations. The committee would tail, or will we finally recognize the right of tential information the cards can hold and include representatives from the Minnesota privacy to be the dog and technology to be functions they can perform. That’s because Office of Technology, the Department of the tail?” Gemberling asks in a report about of the 1/2” square computer chip each card Administration, the Office of the State Trea- smart cards. “Who controls access to the would contain. “This is the next generation” surer, the Information Policy Council, the cards? Who controls what goes on the cards? of cards that currently function by a mag- University of Minnesota (which already uses How does the person carrying the card really netic strip, said John Gunyou of the Minne- Smart Cards on campus), Minnesota State know what is on [it]?” Further, he asks, will sota Office of Technology. “It looks like a Colleges and Universities, health insurance driver’s licenses end up carrying all that ad- credit card, but the chip can hold a ton of providers, financial institutions, state em- ditional information, as well as welfare ben- information.” Often called smart cards, ployees, technology groups and other inter- efits, social security information, and other they’re in limited use around the country, ested parties. sensitive information? Can, for instance, an most commonly on college campuses. “One key is that groups will decide what will agency punish someone for not paying a bill The goal of the pilot project, in which go on the cards and whether sensitive informa- by “zapping” parts of the card’s informa- participation would be strictly voluntary, is tion will be included,” Gunyou said. Plus, he tion? to determine which functions people desire added, “nothing exempts the project from data “I’m not suggesting the whole idea is bad,” and are comfortable using, and to deal with practices laws. The law is the law and isn’t Gemberling said. “Over time, the cards could any glitches or drawbacks, he said. “There changed by technology.” The challenge, he offer real benefits,” including Gunyou’s ex- are a number of issues that have to be worked said, is for the law to keep up with the technol- ample of medical emergencies, and by re- out regarding security, data, and privacy. ogy, which creates new possibilities before lan- ducing bureaucracy and the number of cards That’s why we’re doing a pilot.” guage is on the books to govern it. people will have to carry with them. “But I HF635, the bill that makes the project A larger issue is the implications of the don’t want my gas station, for instance, to possible, was debated extensively in the cards’ expanded use by the general public in have access to my medical information.” House Judiciary Committee’s Data Practices years to come. Gunyou isn’t impressed by But Gunyou said that the level of security Subcommittee. On April 8, it was approved fears that the technology threatens personal provided for any one aspect will match the by the House Governmental Operations privacy. “People are raising legitimate issues level of security that is needed. He’s looking Committee and now rests in the committee’s regarding privacy, but they have to be ad- forward to cards providing users with exclu- State Government Finance Division. (HF635, dressed logically. Some people are opposed sive access to their computer stations and sponsored by Rep. Matt Entenza (DFL-St. to technology in any form. In a few years, the the ability to conduct business transactions Paul), also establishes the North Star gov- cards will become so common the fears will over the Internet. ernment on-line service and information be lost,” he said. “I think there’s some irra- No one knows whether, if the cards be- initiative and sets up a telecommunications tional Big Brother concerns. But, to me, the come widely used, they would remain vol- community resource initiative to promote cards are a godsend.” He thinks cards that untary. electronic information about health care, carry medical information, for example, Sydney Jensen of the Office of Technol- education, and commerce.) would be life-saving. In his case, Gunyou ogy, said that the project expects about 10,000 The committee meetings resulted in sev- said, the cards could inform emergency per- of the state’s 50,000 employees to volunteer. eral important provisions regarding sonnel of his life-threatening allergies. The pilot project would end June 30, 2001. MNCards, Gunyou said. One ensures that — Celeste Riley

14 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 Gov. Hjalmar Petersen . . . Income tax sponsor briefly held state’s top office Hjalmar Petersen rose from we can’t tax them so it will stick under humble origins to become the state’s our present form of government then chief executive, but didn’t stay there it is high time to make a right about very long. He has the honor of hold- face and change the system,” Petersen ing the shortest gubernatorial term said, according to Keillor’s book. ever in Minnesota — 134 days. Petersen spoke for independence Although his stint as head of state from Wall Street interests, big gov- was short, Petersen stands tall as a ernment, and even media monopoli- symbol of immigrant success, a small- zation from his first day in public town newspaperman-turned-politi- office as village clerk through his term cian, buoyed by the waves of populism as governor. His fight for incorpora- his immigrant community helped tion and thus independence from a create. township board won him the clerk His journey from print shop boy at post in Askov in 1918. Years later, he a remote newspaper in northern Min- expressed his independence from big nesota to head of state in 1936 took business by switching from Republi- place during one of the nation’s most canism to what he called the “inde- exciting times. Industrialization, pendent” Farmer-Labor Party. massive immigration, the First World “The farmer by his vote shows that War, the Depression, and the seeds of he regards the Farmer-Labor party as the Second World War all occurred the independent party — the one that during Petersen’s professional life. represents the cause of the masses,” Just as those events played a role in Petersen said. the strength of the populist move- He used the Askov American to ment, they contributed to Petersen’s Hjalmar Petersen, Minnesota’s 23rd governor had a rather oppose U.S. involvement in every war, transformation from business-ori- uneventful five months as the state’s chief executive, but was a from World War I to the Vietnam ented Republican to Farmer-Labor lifelong champion of populist causes. War. As biographer Keillor put it, representative. Photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society “being against war was almost a reli- Also influencing his political ideals and Republican to the post drew conservatives to gion” for Petersen. practices was Petersen’s experience as support some Farmer-Labor causes and some And he fought to make changes in the founder and editor of the Askov American say it helped pass the session’s most impor- systems — political and editorial — of which weekly newspaper. Whether it was his weekly tant piece of legislation — the state income he was a part. He fought against the Farmer- column for rural newspapers or his aversion tax, sponsored by Petersen himself. Labor Party’s political patronage machine in to business and political monopolies, The state income tax, last debated in the the 1936 and 1938 campaigns. He criticized Petersen never lost his journalistic instincts. 1891 session, was a controversial measure the dominance of Knight Ridder and Cowles The literature on Minnesota’s 23rd gover- that “in the area of government finance . . . media companies in Minnesota journalism. nor is brief. Perhaps that is because he stepped ‘was to become the single most important He also favored the right to challenge en- into the office in August 1936 after the re- contribution of the Farmer-Labor party dur- dorsed candidates at primaries, seeking to vered Gov. Floyd B. Olson died. In Petersen’s ing its tenure in office,’” according to open up the system to more and purge the five months in office, he didn’t do anything Petersen’s biography, Hjalmar Petersen of system of powerful political bosses. remarkable — he called a special session, Minnesota, by Steven Keillor. Petersen tried more than once — albeit appointed a state Supreme Court judge, an As chairman of the powerful Taxes Com- unsuccessfully — to round up support for attorney general and helped settle a few mittee, Petersen argued the lack of purchas- an independent party. metro-area labor disputes. When his term ing power was at the root of the nation’s Born in Denmark on Jan. 2, 1890, Petersen expired, he chose not to immediately run for problems. An income tax would bring aid to came to the United States as a baby with his re-election. He would, however, run later public schools and property tax relief to parents. His father, who had worked hard as but would not succeed at regaining the farmers who, according to the Askov Ameri- a farm laborer to become a small merchant, governor’s office. can, were paying 20 to 50 percent of their moved the family to Chicago and soon after But his contributions to Minnesota span incomes in taxes (compared to 4 percent or settled in Tyler, Minn. There, the family was decades before and after his gubernatorial less for non-farmers.) part of a pioneer community where Danes term. As a state representative from Pine Like he did with many issues, Petersen numbered high and American culture was County from 1930 to 1934, he was a strong used the pages of his newspaper to promote slow to settle in. The language of the Old Farmer-Labor party member. His second the income tax. He refuted the charge that an Country prevailed and debates over whether term ended 42 years of Republican domi- income tax would hurt the masses by hurt- to adopt mainstream American ways were nance in the House of Representatives and ing the wealthy. always under way. he was a key player in electing Charles Munn “If we have to bow and scrape and be afraid Continued on page 23 as Speaker of the House. Naming the former of the millionaires and billionaires . . . and if

April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 15 New members . . . Biernat unites legal know-how, teaching, lawmaking Rep. Len Biernat (DFL-Mpls) may be a with the right-to-privacy matters.” Indeed, for a first-term legislator, Biernat, legislator, but he’s also a teacher. The first- Privacy, he said, is something that has who also sits on the Education Committee term District 59A representative is on the been in the forefront of much of the Judi- and its K-12 Education Finance Division, faculty at Hamline University Law School, ciary Committee’s work this session. The has been exceptionally busy. He has spon- where he teaches prop- issues surrounding privacy tend to call into sored, or co-sponsored, more than 60 pieces erty law, family law, and question the relationship between citizens of legislation — including one that drew legal ethics. In fact, he and their government, he explained, draw- national attention. said, his experience in ing on another academic experience to illus- “It’s interesting,” Biernat said of HF446, the Capitol makes him a trate the point. his bill that linked students’ grades to their more effective instruc- “I used to bring groups of students over to eligibility for a driver’s license. “I was getting tor. Norway,” Biernat said, “and they have some- calls on that from all over the place. It’s just Take, for example, thing there called the Data Inspectorate, an example of what one legislator can do . . . Rep. Len Biernat the revamped anti- which is a government agency that makes in terms of getting a good policy discussion stalking legislation that sure all the citizens’ records collected by going.” emerged from the House Judiciary Commit- business are complete.” Biernat hopes to get many more such policy tee at the beginning of the session. Lawmak- It is, he said, the Norwegian government’s discussions going, particularly on education, ers were forced to revisit the issue after the job to examine information on its citizenry. although his legislative priorities have shifted Minnesota Supreme Court all but erased the “It’s just the opposite here,” he said. “We since he received his committee assignments. version passed by the 1993 Legislature for don’t trust the government at all.” The committee is where the real work is being overly broad. Yet, Biernat is more than just another done. “I see that as a marvelous opportunity to lawyer turned lawmaker. It could be said “It’s real intense,” he said. “But, I’m en- show [students] the relationship between that politics runs in the family, and that his joying it a lot.” the courts and the Legislature — to illustrate role as a legislator is nothing less than a — F.J. Gallagher the separation of powers,” Biernat said, add- family legacy. ing that the recent effort to recodify His father served in the House for eight Minnesota’s set of landlord/tenant laws also years, from 1948 through 1956, and the young District 59A provided a measure of practical insight that Biernat grew up working on campaigns. His he shared with his students. brother, Joe, currently serves on the Minne- 1996 population: 32,699 Of course, the legislator/lawyer nexus apolis City Council, and Biernat himself sat Largest city: Minneapolis Counties: Hennepin works two ways. At virtually every turn, on the Minneapolis School Board for seven Location: northeast Minneapolis Biernat said, he draws on his legal back- years before throwing his hat into the legis- Top concern: “I would rather see education ground in some manner, particularly in his lative ring. dollars spent where they do the most good . . . improving student performance.” capacity as a member of the Judiciary Com- That background, Biernat said, gave him —Rep. Len Biernat mittee. the opportunity to get right to work, rather “It helps me enormously,” he said, “espe- than having to spend his first term learning cially in the family law aspect, for example, the ins and outs of the legislative process.

Minnesota’s Representation in Washington, D.C. U.S. Representatives Second District P.O. Box 367 E-mail: [email protected] First District David Minge (DFL) 938 Fourth Avenue Gil Gutknecht (R) 1415 Longworth House Windom, MN 56101 Fourth District Office Building (507) 831-0115 Bruce F. Vento (DFL) 425 Cannon House Fax: (507) 831-0118 Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 2304 Rayburn House Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2331 E-mail: [email protected] Office Building (202) 225-2472 Fax: (202) 226-0836 Washington, D.C. 20515-2304 Fax: (202) 225-3246 Third District (202) 225-6631 542 First Street South Jim Ramstad (R) Fax: (202) 225-1968 Montevideo, MN 56265 Suite 108 103 Cannon House (320) 269-9311 Room 727 1530 Greenview Dr. S.W. Office Building 1-800-453-9392 Galtier Plaza, Box 100 Rochester, MN 55902 Washington, D.C. 20515 Fax: (320) 269-8651 175 East Fifth Street (507) 252-9841 (202) 225-2871 St. Paul, MN 55101-2901 1-800-862-8632 Fax: (202) 225-6351 Fax: (507) 252-9915 205 East Fourth Street (612) 224-4503 Chaska, MN 55318 Fax: (612) 224-0575 8120 Penn Avenue South E-mail: [email protected] (612) 448-6567 Suite 152 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.house.gov/ Fax: (612) 448-6930 gutknecht/ Bloomington, MN 55431 Website: http://www.house.gov/ (612) 881-4600 vento/ Fax: (612) 881-1943

16 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 New members . . . Nornes considers legislative post a ‘rare privilege’ Rep. Bud Nornes (R-Fergus Falls) has gone Now that he’s here, Nornes said his goal is you’ll be ineffective in your first term. I really from broadcasting Minnesota Twins games to effectively represent the people of his dis- didn’t find that to be the case.” over his own radio station to debating trict. In fact, he said, legislating runs in his whether the team deserves a new outdoor “I came into this job without any axes to family. His great-grandfather represented stadium. grind,” he said, “or any agenda, other than to Albert Lea in 1903. Recently, in between Now out of the broad- represent my district.” committee hearings and floor sessions, he casting business, in And the people in his district, he said, spent some time in the Capitol, looking at which he spent 35 years, pulling out a survey he recently sent to his the portraits of the former governors. Even- Nornes said his tenure constituents, are concerned with welfare re- tually, he said, he found the governor of his as a school board mem- form and education. In fact, he continued, great-grandfather’s era. ber influenced him to the survey showed that 96 percent of the “It was interesting to learn the issues of run for the Legislature. 1,500 or so respondents support the notion that day,” he said, adding that he hopes to Rep. Bud Nornes “I believe you always of requiring able-bodied people to work. spend more than a single term working on have to have goals . . . The calls he receives reflect the same sen- the issues of his day. “Fewer than a thousand and this seemed like a possibility,” he said. timent, he said, although lately, he’s been people have served here, and I have the op- At times, though, the possibility must have getting a lot of calls from people expressing portunity to put in a few years . . . it’s a rare seemed distant at best to the former KJJK- their opinion on the proposed publicly fi- privilege that very few people get.” AM owner and station manager. Nornes ran nanced stadium for the Minnesota Twins. — F.J. Gallagher for the District 10A seat twice before. In For the most part, they’re against it, he said. 1992, he lost by fewer than 700 votes, and in “Some of them want to keep the Twins,” 1994, he fell short by a mere 73 votes. Nornes said, adding that the role of govern- The decision to try again did not come easily. ment is to guide the process and find the District 10A To become a three-time loser could be proper funding mechanism — which, ac- 1996 population: 33,047 embarrassing, he said. Yet, Nornes was not cording to the people in his district, is one Largest city: Fergus Falls embarrassed. In fact, he won by a substantial that doesn’t include any public dollars. Counties: Douglas, Otter Tail margin in a district where nearly an equal From all he had heard about life at the Location: northwestern Minnesota Top concern: “To honestly do the best job number of Republicans and Democrats live. Capitol, Nornes said, he expected to spend that I can.” “I don’t regret it,” he said. “To have a goal, most of his first term just learning the ropes —Rep. Bud Nornes work hard, and achieve it, well, that’s the of the legislative process. only way I’d have it.” “Once you’re elected,” he said, “you hear

Fifth District Suite 150 Suite 107 231 Federal Building Martin Olav Sabo (DFL) 1811 Weir Drive 714 Lake Avenue Duluth, MN 55802 Woodbury, MN 55125 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 (218) 727-7474 2336 Rayburn House (612) 730-4949 (218) 847-5056 Fax: (218) 727-8270 Office Building Fax: (612) 730-0507 Fax: (218) 847-5109 Washington, D.C. 20515 Chisholm City Hall (202) 225-4755 E-mail: [email protected] 110 Second Street South 316 Lake Street Website: http://www.house.gov/ Fax: (202) 225-4886 Suite 112 Chisholm, MN 55719 luther/welcome.html 286 Commerce at the Crossings Waite Park, MN 56387 (218) 254-5761 250 Second Avenue South (320) 259-0559 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Seventh District Fax: (320) 259-0413 Brainerd City Hall (612) 664-8000 Collin Peterson (DFL) 501 Laurel Street Fax: (612) 664-8004 E-mail: 2159 Rayburn House Brainerd, MN 56401 [email protected] Office Building (218) 828-4400 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.house.gov/ Website: http://www.house.gov/sabo/ Washington, D.C. 20515 Fax: (218) 828-1412 (202) 225-2165 collinpeterson/ Fax: (202) 225-1593 13065 Orono Parkway Sixth District Eighth District William P. Luther (DFL) Elk River, MN 55330 Minn. Wheat Growers Bldg. James L. Oberstar (DFL) (612) 241-0188 117 Cannon House 2603 Wheat Drive 2366 Rayburn House Fax: (612) 241-0233 Office Building Red Lake Falls, MN 56750 Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 (218) 253-4356 Washington, D.C. 20515 E-mail: [email protected] (202) 225-2271 Fax: (218) 253-4373 (202) 225-6211 Website: http://www.house.gov/ Fax: (202) 225-3368 Fax: (202) 225-0699 oberstar/welcome.html

April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 17 How a Bill Becomes

Idea Legal form Authors A bill is an idea for a new The Office of the Revisor of Each bill must have a law or an idea to change an Statutes and staff from other legislator to sponsor and old law. Anyone can suggest legislative offices work with introduce it in the Legisla- 1an idea for a bill — an 2 legislators in putting the 3 ture. That legislator is the individual, consumer group, idea for a new law into proper chief author whose name appears professional association, govern- legal form. The revisor’s office is on the bill along with the bill’s file ment agency, or the governor. responsible for assuring that the number to identify it as it moves Most often, however, ideas come proposal’s form complies with the through the legislative process. from legislators, the only ones rules of both bodies before the bill There may be up to four co- who can begin to move an idea can be introduced into the Minne- authors from the House and four through the process. There are 134 sota House of Representatives and from the Senate. Their names also House members and 67 senators. the Minnesota Senate. appear on the bill.

General Orders Calendar Special Orders On General Orders, all The Calendar is a list of bills Toward the end of the House or Senate members, the full House and full session, the rules commit- acting as the “committee of Senate vote on. At this tees of the House and Senate 7the whole,” have a chance to 8point, the bill has its third 9designate bills from the debate the issue, offer amend- reading. The bill cannot be General Orders calendar to receive ments, and present arguments on amended unless the entire body priority consideration. These the bill. Afterwards, they vote to agrees to it. Here, representatives Special Orders bills are debated, recommend: passage of the bill, and senators vote on the bill for amended, and passed in one day. progress (delay action), or further the last time. A bill needs 68 votes The House also has a Rule 1.10 committee action. And sometimes to pass the House and 34 votes to calendar which allows the chairs they recommend that a bill not pass the Senate. If the House and of the Taxes and Appropriations pass. Members' votes on General Senate each pass the same version committees to call up for consid- Orders are usually not recorded of the bill, it goes to the governor eration any tax or appropriations unless there is a specific request to for a signature. bill that has had a second reading. do so. From here, the bill is placed These Rule 1.10 bills are debated, on the Calendar. amended, and passed in one day.

18 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 a Law in Minnesota

Introduction Committee Floor The chief House author of The bill is discussed in one or After the full House, or the bill introduces it in the more committees depend- Senate, accepts the commit- House; the chief Senate ing upon the subject matter. tee report, the bill has its 4 author introduces it in the 56After discussion, committee second reading. From here, Senate. Identical bills introduced members recommend action — the bill is usually placed on the in each body are called companion approval or disapproval — to the House and Senate agendas called bills. The bill introduction is called full House and full Senate. The General Orders. (A committee can the first reading. The presiding House committee then sends a recommend that a local or non- officer of the House then refers it report to the House about its controversial bill bypass General to an appropriate House commit- action on the bill; the Senate Orders and go onto the Consent tee for discussion; the same thing committee does likewise in the Calendar where it usually passes happens in the Senate. Senate. without debate.)

Conference Floor Governor If the House and Senate The conference commit- Once the governor has versions of the bill are tee’s compromise bill the bill, he or she may: different, they go to a then goes back to the sign it, and the bill 10conference committee. 11 House and the Senate for 12 becomes law; veto it In the House, the speaker of the another vote. If both bodies pass within three days; or allow it to House appoints three or five the bill in this form, it is sent to the become law by not signing it. representatives, and in the Senate, governor for his or her approval During session, the House and the Subcommittee on Committees or disapproval. (If one or both Senate can override a governor’s of the Committee on Rules and bodies reject the report, it goes veto. This requires a two-thirds Administration selects the same back to the conference committee vote in the House (90 votes) and number of senators to form the for further consideration.) Senate (45 votes). The governor committee. The committee meets also may “line-item veto” parts of to work out differences in the two a money bill, or “pocket veto ” a bills and to reach a compromise. bill passed during the last three days of the session by not signing it within 14 days after final adjournment. ▼

April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 19 1997 Minnesota House Membership by Seniority

21st term 5th term 2nd term Munger, Willard (DFL)* Abrams, Ron (R) Anderson, Bruce (R) Hasskamp, Kris (DFL) Bakk, Thomas (Tom) (DFL) 13th term Hausman, Alice (DFL) Boudreau, Lynda (R) Anderson, Irv (DFL)* Macklin, Bill (R) Bradley, Fran (R) Carlson, Lyndon R. (DFL) McGuire, Mary Jo (DFL) Broecker, Sherry (R) Kahn, Phyllis (DFL) Pugh, Thomas W. (DFL) Daggett, Roxann (R) Wenzel, Stephen G. (DFL) Weaver, Charlie (R) Entenza, Matt (DFL) Evans, Geri (DFL)* 12th term 4th term Gunther, Bob (R) Haas, Bill (R) Kalis, Henry J. (DFL) Bettermann, Hilda (R) Harder, Elaine (R) Osthoff, Tom (DFL) Davids, Gregory M. (R) Erhardt, Ron (R) Knoblach, Jim (R) Kraus, Ron (R) 11th term Farrell, Jim (DFL) Garcia, Edwina (DFL) Larsen, Peg (R) Jaros, Mike (DFL)* Goodno, Kevin (R) Leighton, Rob (DFL) Murphy, Mary (DFL) Koppendrayer, LeRoy (R) Mares, Harry (R) Skoglund, Wes (DFL)* Krinkie, Philip (R) Marko, Sharon (DFL) Leppik, Peggy (R) McElroy, Dan (R) 10th term Mariani, Carlos (DFL) Mulder, Richard (R) Greenfield, Lee (DFL) Orfield, Myron (DFL) Osskopp, Mike (R) Long, Dee (DFL) Peterson, Doug (DFL) Otremba, Ken (DFL) Sviggum, Steve (R) Smith, Steve (R) Paulsen, Erik (R) Wejcman, Linda (DFL) Rostberg, Jim (R) 9th term Schumacher, Leslie J. (DFL) Clark, Karen (DFL) 3rd term Sekhon, Kathleen (DFL)* Stanek, Rich (R) Commers, Tim (R) Swenson, Howard (R) 8th term Dehler, Steve (R) Sykora, Barb (R) Bishop, Dave (R) Delmont, Mike (DFL) Tuma, John (R) Solberg, Loren A. (DFL) Dempsey, Jerry (R) Tunheim, Jim (DFL) Finseth, Tim (R) Greiling, Mindy (DFL) 1st term 7th term Holsten, Mark (R) Biernat, Len (DFL) Chaudhary, Satveer (DFL) Jennings, Loren Geo (DFL) Huntley, Thomas (DFL) Folliard, Betty (DFL) Lieder, Bernie L. (DFL) Knight, Kevin (R) Hilty, Bill (DFL) Olson, Edgar (DFL) Lindner, Arlon (R) Johnson, Ruth (DFL) Ozment, Dennis (R) Luther, Darlene (DFL) Juhnke, Al (DFL) Rest, Ann H. (DFL) Mahon, Mark P. (DFL) Kielkucki, Tony (R) Tompkins, Eileen (R) McCollum, Betty (DFL) Molnau, Carol L. (R) Koskinen, Luanne (DFL) Kubly, Gary W. (DFL) 6th term Ness, Robert “Bob” (R) Olson, Mark (R) Kuisle, William (R) Carruthers, Phil (DFL) Opatz, Joe (DFL) Mullery, Joe (DFL) Dawkins, Andy (DFL) Pawlenty, Tim (R) Nornes, Bud (R) Dorn, John (DFL) Rhodes, Jim (R) Paymar, Michael (DFL) Jefferson, Richard (DFL) Seagren, Alice (R) Reuter, Doug (R) Johnson, Alice M. (DFL) Tomassoni, David J. (DFL) Rifenberg, Michelle (R) Kelso, Becky (DFL) Van Dellen, Todd (R) Seifert, Marty (R) Kinkel, Anthony G. (Tony) (DFL) Vickerman, Barb (R) Skare, Gail (DFL) Milbert, Bob (DFL) Wolf, Ken (R) Slawik, Nora (DFL) Pelowski Jr., Gene (DFL) Workman, Tom (R) Stang, Doug (R) Rukavina, Tom (DFL) Tingelstad, Kathy (R) Swenson, Doug (R) Westfall, Robert L. (Bob) (R) Trimble, Steve (DFL) Westrom, Torrey (R) Wagenius, Jean (DFL) Winter, Ted (DFL)

* non-consecutive terms House members serve two-year terms.

20 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 In the Hopper . . . April 4 - 10, 1997

HF2089-HF2135

Monday, April 7 HF2101—Long (DFL) HF2113—Anderson, I. (DFL) HF2124—Tomassoni (DFL) Taxes Taxes Education Cigarette, tobacco product, and liquor Education cost financing with prop- Nett Lake Community Center HF2089—Folliard (DFL) excise tax accelerated payment require- erty taxes prohibited, money appro- appropriated money. Commerce, Tourism ment eliminated. priated, and constitutional & Consumer Affairs amendment proposed. HF2125—Tomassoni (DFL) Cigarette advertising restricted and HF2102—Bettermann (R) Education regulated, and penalties provided. Labor-Management Relations Independent School District No. 707, Workers’ compensation burden of Wednesday, April 9 Nett Lake, appropriated money for a HF2090—Macklin (R) proof requirements and third-party media specialist. Taxes liability provisions modified, and ces- HF2114—Lieder (DFL) Court-or-state ordered electronic sation of benefit restrictions clarified. Health & Human Services HF2126—Tomassoni (DFL) monitoring services provided sale tax Norman County nursing facility in- Education exemption. HF2103—Bettermann (R) terim and settle-up payment rate quali- Independent School District No. 707, Labor-Management Relations fication allowed. Nett Lake, grants provided for insur- HF2091—Erhardt (R) Workers’ Compensation claim time ance costs, and money appropriated. Taxes limitation provisions modified. HF2115—Lieder (DFL) Residential homestead property uni- Health & Human Services form property tax class rate established. HF2104—Dawkins (DFL) Norman County nursing facility in- Thursday, April 10 Taxes terim and settle-up payment rate quali- HF2092—Paymar (DFL) Soils condition Tax Increment Financ- fication allowed. HF2127—Tomassoni (DFL) Judiciary ing districts eliminated, and redevel- Education Domestic abuse perpetrated by opment Tax Increment Financing HF2116—Jefferson (DFL) Northeast Minnesota Telecommuni- minors pilot program established. district definition expanded. Education cations Access Grant Governance Northside Career and Technology Board appropriated money to estab- HF2093—Entenza (DFL) HF2105—Evans (DFL) Center appropriated money. lish telecommunication connections. Education Judiciary Deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing Cooperative criminal justice and crime HF2117—Milbert (DFL) HF2128—Rest (DFL) children education bill of rights pro- prevention grant program established. Regulated Industries & Energy Taxes vided. State-run casinos established, lottery Homestead and agricultural munici- HF2106—Bakk (DFL) director duties provided, casino rev- pal credit aid eliminated, and sales tax HF2094—Jennings (DFL) Taxes enue use specified, and money appro- revenue dedication provided for Environment & Natural Resources Mining industry replacement equip- priated. municipal aid. Ozone; Environmental Protection ment sales tax exemption application Agency memorialized to exempt Min- clarified. HF2118—Osthoff (DFL) HF2129—Peterson (DFL) nesota from ozone transport provi- Environment, Natural Resources Ways & Means sions. HF2107—Tuma (R) & Agriculture Finance Flood-related disaster relief provided, Environment & Natural Resources Water Access Community Initiative and money appropriated. HF2095—Kahn (DFL) Program appropriated money. Education BWCA; land use restrictions imposed within the Boundary Waters Canoe HF2130—Dawkins (DFL) Torture Victim Center appropriated Area, and penalties provided. HF2119—Chaudhary (DFL) Taxes money. Education Low-income housing tax credit HF2108—Davids (R) School Enrichment Partnership provided. HF2096—Dorn (DFL) Health & Human Services Program appropriated money. Education Abortion data reporting provisions HF2131—Juhnke (DFL) Alternative school year calendar de- modified, and criminal penalties HF2120—Olson, E. (DFL) Taxes velopment working group established, provided. Taxes Education cost financing with prop- and money appropriated. Education cost financing with prop- erty taxes prohibited, money appro- HF2109—Jaros (DFL) erty taxes prohibited, money appro- priated, and constitutional HF2097—Harder (R) Economic Development priated, and constitutional amendment proposed. Agriculture & International Trade amendment proposed. Agricultural corporation land owner- Employment training provided for HF2132—Tunheim (DFL) ship limitations modified. certain public assistance recipients, HF2121—Stang (R) Taxes and money appropriated. Taxes Flood disaster area residents granted HF2098—Carruthers (DFL) Community service organization state tax filing and payment extension. Environment, Natural Resources HF2110—Kielkucki (R) property tax classification provisions & Agriculture Finance Education modified. HF2133—Larsen (R) State lottery proceed dedication to en- Locally controlled graduation rule aid Taxes vironment and natural resources trust and district assistance provided, lo- HF2122—Stang (R) Flood disaster area residents granted fund duration extended, and consti- cally controlled graduation rule Education state tax filing and payment extension. tutional amendment proposed. offered, and money appropriated. Independent School District No. 2364, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, fund trans- HF2134—Dorn (DFL) HF2099—Mariani (DFL) HF2111—Rukavina (DFL) fer provided. Taxes Education Education Flood disaster area residents granted Open enrollment opportunities ex- East Range Secondary Technical Edu- HF2123—Kalis (DFL) state tax filing and payment extension. panded for students of color, and cation Center equipment purchase Health & Human Services money appropriated. HF2135—Lieder (DFL) provided, and money appropriated. Problem-gambling program trans- ferred to health department, and Taxes Tuesday, April 8 HF2112—Broecker (R) money appropriated. Flood disaster area residents granted Regulated Industries & Energy state tax filing and payment extension. HF2100—Osthoff (DFL) Lawful gambling net profit expendi- Taxes ture provisions modified. Lottery ticket sales tax exemption provided. April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 21 Coming Up Next Week . . . April 14 - 18, 1997

HF755 (Otremba) Sauk River Watershed 2:30 p.m. Schedule is subject to change. District levy authorized. For information updates, call HF926 (Sviggum) Municipal Tax Increment The House meets in session. House Calls at (612) 296-9283. Financing district addition provisions modified. After Session All meetings are open to the public. HF1798 (Murphy) City aid base definition Sign language interpreter services: modified. WAYS & MEANS (612) 282-2331 v/tty HF1732 (Evans) New Brighton Tax Increment 5 State Office Building To have the daily and weekly schedules Financing district establishment authorized. Chr. Rep. Loren Solberg HF1663 (Bakk) Lake County redevelopment delivered to your e-mail address, send a Agenda: HF297 (Jennings) National Guard project area and Tax Increment Financing member tuition and textbook reimbursement message to: district established. grant program provisions modified. [email protected] HF1469 (Rukavina) White Tax Increment HF864 (McGuire) Social work board provisions Financing district duration extension and modified, and civil penalties provided. In the body of the message type: expansion provided. Higher Education Finance Division Omnibus HF816 (Finseth) East Grand Forks Tax Bill. subscribe h-schedules Increment Financing district duration HF2079 (Solberg) Finance department extended. expenditure forecast duties clarified. HF1265 (Swenson, H.) Gaylord Tax Increment MONDAY, April 14 Financing district enlargement and duration extension authorized. HF1655 (Workman) Chanhassen housing Tax TUESDAY, April 15 8 a.m. Increment Financing establishment authorized. 8 a.m. Economic Development HF1546 (Jefferson) Minneapolis housing Finance Division/ transition Tax Increment Financing Judiciary Finance Division/ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT established. JUDICIARY & INTERNATIONAL TRADE HF1739 (Schumacher) Foley Tax Increment 500N State Office Building 500S State Office Building Financing district revenue expenditure Chr. Rep. Mary Murphy Chr. Rep. Steve Trimble authorized outside of Tax Increment Financing Agenda: Committee will meet in the evening at Agenda: HF1397 (Osthoff) Petroleum- district. an announced time, if necessary. Additional contaminated site cleanup provided, and HF1779 (Kahn) St. Paul and Minneapolis Tax bills may be added and the order is flexible. money appropriated. Increment Financing district establishment Continuation of April 14 agenda. Omnibus bill. authorized. HF1961 (Peterson) Rural policy and Transportation & Transit development center established, and money 8:30 a.m. Finance Division/ appropriated. TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT ENVIRONMENT, 500S State Office Building EDUCATION NATURAL RESOURCES Chr. Rep. Bernie Lieder 200 State Office Building & AGRICULTURE FINANCE Agenda: Omnibus bill. Chr. Rep. Lyndon Carlson Basement Hearing Room Agenda: K-12 Education Finance Division State Office Building 8:30 a.m. Omnibus Bill. Chr. Rep. Tom Osthoff Agenda: Allocations. ENVIRONMENT, Judiciary Finance Division/ HF632 (Solberg) Environmental learning NATURAL RESOURCES JUDICIARY centers previous appropriation provisions & AGRICULTURE FINANCE 500N State Office Building modified. Basement Hearing Room Chr. Rep. Mary Murphy Additional bills may be announced. State Office Building Agenda: Committee will meet in the evening at Chr. Rep. Tom Osthoff an announced time, if necessary. Additional 9 a.m. Agenda: To be announced. bills may be added and the order is flexible. Budget decisions. Funding allocations. State Government Finance Division/ 10 a.m. GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS Property Tax & Tax Increment Finance (TIF) 300S State Office Building Housing & Housing Finance Division/ Division/TAXES Chr. Rep. Tom Rukavina ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & 10 State Office Building Agenda: Budget allocations. INTERNATIONAL TRADE Chr. Rep. Edgar Olson Omnibus Budget Bill. 500S State Office Building Agenda: HF1392 (Kinkel) Exempt real property Additional bills may be added. Chr. Rep. Karen Clark and fire state aid property tax provisions Agenda: Omnibus bill: modified. 10 a.m. SF120 (Murphy); HF517 (Clark) Housing HF1994 (Jefferson) Minneapolis property tax accessibility loan fund eligibility modified, abatement of value and reduction period TAXES equity take-out loans authorized for 236 rental extended. 5 State Office Building property, special needs housing for homeless HF1912 (Hasskamp) Unimproved real estate Chr. Rep. Dee Long persons program repealed, and housing trust bordering public water property tax rate Agenda: Family and Early Childhood fund project provisions clarified. reduced. Education Finance Division Omnibus Bill. Tax HF1470 (Rukavina) Virginia-area ambulance Increment Finance (TIF) reform update. district establishment authorized, levy authorized, and local approval required.

22 SESSION WEEKLY / April 11, 1997 TAXES 2:30 p.m. WAYS & MEANS 200 State Office Building 5 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Dee Long The House meets in session. Chr. Rep. Loren Solberg Agenda: Omnibus Tax Bill. Agenda: Environment, Natural Resources, and After Session Agriculture Finance Omnibus Bill. Additional 12:30 p.m. bills may be added. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CAPITAL INVESTMENT & INTERNATIONAL TRADE 12:30 p.m. 500S State Office Building 5 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Henry Kalis Chr. Rep. Mike Jaros CAPITAL INVESTMENT Agenda: Hearing on House Rule 5.09. Agenda: Continuation of 12:30 p.m. meeting 500S State Office Building agenda. Chr. Rep. Henry Kalis 2:30 p.m. Agenda: Continuation of April 15 agenda. The House meets in session. THURSDAY, April 17 2:30 p.m. After Session The House meets in session. 8 a.m. WAYS & MEANS After Session 5 State Office Building Economic Development Chr. Rep. Loren Solberg Finance Division/ JUDICIARY Agenda: Family and Early Childhood ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Basement Hearing Room, Education Finance Division Omnibus Bill. & INTERNATIONAL TRADE State Office Building 500S State Office Building Chr. Rep. Wes Skoglund Additional bills may be added. Chr. Rep. Steve Trimble Agenda: Bills passed out of Judiciary Finance Agenda: Omnibus bill. Division. 8:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY, April 16 FRIDAY, April 18 ENVIRONMENT, 8 a.m. NATURAL RESOURCES & AGRICULTURE FINANCE 10 a.m. 300N State Office Building Economic Development JUDICIARY Finance Division/ Chr. Rep. Tom Osthoff Agenda: To be announced. Basement Hearing Room, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT State Office Building & INTERNATIONAL TRADE 10 a.m. Chr. Rep. Wes Skoglund 500S State Office Building Agenda: Bills passed out of Judiciary Finance Chr. Rep. Steve Trimble Division. Agenda: Omnibus bill. JUDICIARY Basement Hearing Room TAXES 8:30 a.m. State Office Building Chr. Rep. Wes Skoglund 200 State Office Building Agenda: Bills passed out of Judiciary Finance Chr. Rep. Dee Long ENVIRONMENT, Agenda: Omnibus Tax Bill. NATURAL RESOURCES Division. & AGRICULTURE FINANCE Basement Hearing Room TAXES State Office Building 200 State Office Building Chr. Rep. Tom Osthoff Chr. Rep. Dee Long Agenda: To be announced. Agenda: Omnibus Tax Bill.

10 a.m. Continued from page 15 railroad commissioner and served two TAXES That background shaped Petersen’s terms. His last big attempt at elected 200 State Office Building staunch anti-war sentiments. And no office was against Eugene McCarthy in Chr. Rep. Dee Long doubt his provincial ways fueled his ef- 1958 when he tried but failed to get the Agenda: Omnibus Tax Bill. forts to keep rural Minnesota informed. Democratic-Farmer-Labor nomination 12:30 p.m. During his legislative term, he wrote a for the U.S. Senate. He didn’t oppose column on state politics that was carried McCarthy on ideological grounds but ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT by a handful of outstate newspapers. simply because he loved the political life & INTERNATIONAL TRADE 200 State Office Building Before winning a legislative election in and wanted a part of it again, according Chr. Rep. Mike Jaros 1930, Petersen ran unsuccessfully in both to his biography. Agenda: Economic Development Finance 1926 and 1928. After his gubernatorial Along with his wife, Medora, Petersen Division Omnibus Bill. Housing and Housing continued to publish the Askov Ameri- Finance Division Omnibus Bill. stint, he was elected the state’s Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner and lost can until his death in 1968. Medora con- TRANSPORTATION & TRANSIT four attempts to win the governor’s seat. tinued to write for the paper until she 5 State Office Building In 1938, he lost the Farmer-Labor guber- sold it in the 1980s. A political activist Chr. Rep. Jean Wagenius Agenda: Transportation and Transit Finance natorial primary and in1940 and 1942, herself, she died April 7, 1997, at a nurs- Division Omnibus Bill. he lost the election as the Farmer-Labor ing home in Willmar, Minn. She was to nominee to Harold Stassen. In 1946, he turn 101 next month. ran in the Republican primary and lost — Kendall Anderson the governor’s race to Luther Youngdahl. Eventually, Petersen was re-elected as

April 11, 1997 / SESSION WEEKLY 23 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. PAUL, MN 55155-1298

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

For more information MINNESOTA INDEX For general information, call: Minnesota highways and byways House Information Office (612) 296-2146 or Areas of state and local government spending over the last 20 years 1-800-657-3550 that have grown more slowly than transportation spending ...... 0 Percent of state and local government spending marked for transportation, To obtain a copy of a bill, call: Chief Clerk’s Office 1972 ...... 13 (612) 296-2314 Percent today ...... 8 Miles of streets and highways in Minnesota ...... 130,198 To find out about bill introductions or States with a larger road system ...... 4 the status of a specific bill, call: Percent of Minnesota roads that make up the trunk highway system ...... 9 House Index Office State and local government spending on highways, annually, in billions ...... $2 (612) 296-6646 Percent of highway and street funding paid for by user taxes, (gas tax, motor vehicle registrations) ...... 40 For up-to-date recorded message by local property taxes and assessments ...... 30 giving committee meeting times and by federal funds ...... 10 agendas, call: Committee Hotline state funds ...... 6 (612) 296-9283 other ...... 14 Fuel tax revenue marked for city, county, and state roads, FY1997, in millions ...... $498 Amount spent per year by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the construction, repair, and maintenance of state trunk highways, on average, over the last 10 years, in millions (in 1996 dollars) ...... $775 The House of Representatives can be Dollars spent or distributed by MnDOT, in billions, 1996 ...... $1.4 reached on the World Wide Web at: Percent of MnDOT spending on state and local roads ...... 90 http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us Full-time MnDOT employees, June 1996 ...... 4,991 Rest areas on state trunk highways ...... 235 on interstates ...... 35 Bridges statewide ...... 19,775 Trunk highway bridges ...... 4,614 Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired. Average age of those bridges, in years ...... 34 To ask questions or leave messages, Percent of those bridges that are deficient by federal standards, call: for structural or functional reasons, 1995 ...... 11.7 TTY Line (612) 296-9896 or Percent of state trunk highway miles estimated by MnDOT to be in 1-800-657-3550 “poor or very poor” condition, 1996 ...... 6 in “good to very good” condition ...... 71 Check your local listings to watch Average age of trunk highway surfaces, in years, 1995 ...... 10.9 House committee and floor sessions on TV.

Sources: Highway Spending, Office of the Legislative Auditor; Minnesota Department of This document can be made available Transportation; Minnesota Data Book for Legislators, House Research Department. in alternative formats.