Session Weekly February 18, 2005, Volume 22, Number 7

FEBRUARY 18, 2005 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 7

INSIDE: F LAG FLAP, L EGISLATORS AND REGENTS, L OVE IS IN THE AIR, MORE

This Week’s Bill Introductions HF978-HF1151 ESSION S Weekly Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services ofﬁ ce. During the 2005-2006 Legis- lative Session, each issue reports daily House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions, and provides other information. No fee. ONTENT To subscribe, contact: C S Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services 175 State Ofﬁ ce Building HIGHLIGHTS 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Agriculture • 5 Energy • 6 Human Services • 8 (651) 296-2146 or Budget • 5 Environment • 7 Insurance • 9 1-800-657-3550 Business • 5 Game & Fish • 7 Recreation • 10 TTY (651) 296-9896 http://www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Consumers • 5 Government • 7 Safety • 10 Crime • 6 Housing • 8 Transportation • 10 Director Barry LaGrave ILL NTRODUCTIONS (HF978-HF1151) • 18-23 Editor/Assistant Director B I Lee Ann Schutz Assistant Editor Mike Cook FEATURES Art & Production Coordinator Paul Battaglia FIRST READING: When it comes to education, so many choices • 3 Writers CAPITOL CENTENNIAL: Lost treasures • 4 Ruth Dunn, Patty Janovec, Brett Martin, Matt Wetzel, AT ISSUE: Two stars and stripes bills get committee approval • 12 Nicole Wood AT ISSUE: Committee approves bonding bill • 13 Chief Photographer Tom Olmscheid AT ISSUE: U Board of Regents approved • 14

Photographers FEATURE: Renaming roads and bridges • 15 Andrew VonBank, Sarah Stacke NEW MEMBER PROFILES: Liebling and Poppe • 17 Staff Assistants Christy Novak, Laura Noe SPEAKING OF THE HOUSE: Love is in the air • 23

Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is published weekly during the legislative session by Minnesota House of Representatives Public EPARTMENTS ESOURCES Information Services offi ce, 175 State Offi ce D /R Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage Our Washington representation • 11 Frequently called numbers • 23 paid at Minneapolis, Minn. House and Senate membership • 16 Minnesota Index: College Costs • 24 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, Public What’s on the Web • 16 For more information: • 24 Information Services offi ce, Minnesota House of Minnesota Senate members • 22 Representatives, 175 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298.

Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, 30% post-consumer content. On the cover: One week after temperatures exceeded 50 degrees at the Capitol complex, heavy wet snow covered the trees and grounds when lawmakers returned to work Feb. 14.

—Photo by:Tom Olmscheid

2 February 18, 2005 IRST READING F★ ★ ★

for a more individualized education, according to Joe Nathan, director of the Center for Years of school choice School Change at the University of Minnesota. State-approved alternative programs are for One size is not best for all students to have success students who are at risk as defi ned by state law, meaning they are at least a year behind academically and may face other challenges like chemical dependency. BY RUTH DUNN 843,000 students enrolled in public schools The number of high school students attend- er son did well in elementary and kindergarten through grade 12 the same ing alternative programs has remained steady in middle school, but then he got to high year. recent years, but there has been a tremendous Hschool and lost his way. “The tradition- growth in students in kindergarten through al high school path did not work for him,” More options? grade eight who qualify for targeted services Joy Sorensen Navarre told the House Educa- Some legislators are now thinking it’s time offered before or after the regular school day tion Policy and Reform Committee Feb. 10 for even more schooling options. or on Saturdays. More than 155,000 students as part of a discussion about school choice. “As policy makers, we need to take a critical participated in alternative programs or targeted She said her son has intellectual gifts, but look at school choice and ask tough questions services in 2003-04 compared to 4,050 students also has disabilities that disrupt his learning, within the context of limited resources: Is it during the 1988-89 school year. and he didn’t do well in high school. “He working? Do we need to do more?” said Rep. began to believe he was a failure; that he was Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan), the committee Charter schools not smart enough to go to college and not chair. Enrollment in public charter schools has even smart enough to complete high school,” But before questions could be answered, grown rapidly, especially in the last few years, she said. He stopped caring about school and members were given an overview of programs according to Brown. During the 1995-96 about his future. already in operation. school year, 1,551 students attended 17 public “Then we found Avalon, a small public charter schools. This year, 17,549 students at- charter school in St. Paul,” she said, “Avalon Off to college tend 105 charter schools. Brown speculates the gave my son his future back. Our son goes The fi rst opportunity for school choice to be growth is the result of greater public aware- to school every day, inspired to learn and is approved by the Legislature was post-second- ness and acceptance of charter schools as an getting good grades. He’s thinking about his ary enrollment options (PSEO), which allows educational option. future again.” She and her son, who is now juniors and seniors to take classes at eligible Charter schools are usually smaller schools in 11th grade, recently toured an engineering colleges and universities for free and earn with a particular learning focus like classi- program at a state college. college credits while still in high school. The cal education, project-based, arts or service Navarre said that her son and others who cost is paid by the state with the aid that would were not doing well in traditional schools are have gone to the child’s public high school. First Reading continued on page 4 thriving in public charter schools and other Brown said 7,169 stu- non-traditional school options. dents are participating in Her son always had amazing teachers and car- the program during the ing adults at every school he attended, Navarre 2004-05 school year on a said, but the charter school was fl exible enough part- or full-time basis. to see him as an individual learner and allowed him to learn in the most effective way for him. Open enrollment Navarre and others have found that one size Through open enroll- does not fi t all when it comes to fi nding the ment, public school stu- right school. dents can apply to attend Beginning in 1985, several pieces of legis- a public school outside lation opened the doors to educational op- their resident district and portunities and lots of children are walking their state aid goes with through them. them. More than 40,000 During the 2003-04 school year, 216,000 students participated in students enrolled in one of the four major open enrollment in the choice programs: post-secondary enroll- 2003-04 school year. PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK ment options, open enrollment, alternative programs or charter schools, according to Danielle DeRemer, left, from Prairie Center Alternative School, Emily Alternative schools Bohmbach, center, from Highland Park Elementary, and Amalia Arm- Morgan Brown, director of school choice and The number one rea- endariz, right, from the El Colegio Charter School, testify about their innovation for the Minnesota Department son students attend an successes with public school choice during the Feb. 10 meeting of the of Education. That’s about 26 percent of the alternative program is House Education Policy and Reform Committee.

February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 3 First Reading continued from page 3 opened the door for certiﬁ ed school districts Early concerns about school choice programs and charter schools, totaling 16 so far, to of- have not proven true over time, he added. learning. About one-half of the state’s charter fer this new form of learning to an estimated For example, school districts were con- schools are located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, 500 students who participate on a part- or cerned they’d lose their top students through one-third are in rural areas and the remain- full-time basis, said Brown. PSEO but actually it’s mostly students earning der are in the suburbs, which had few charter Bs and Cs who have enrolled in the program. schools early on but are now seeing growth, Integration schools “The straight-A students were doing well said Brown. Six interdistrict schools have been created where they were,” he said. by city-suburban collaborations in the metro One of the most amazing things about School at home area as part of voluntary integration. Atten- PSEO is the effect it had on public high Most home schooling was done for religious dance now numbers 2,800 students. schools, said Nathan. “PSEO legislation reasons in the past, according to Nathan. Nowa- Intradistrict magnets, mostly within larger passed in the spring of 1985. By the next fall, days, families are home schooling their children school districts, give families a choice within a all high schools were offering new advanced for a greater variety of reasons including gifted school district to attend a particular academic courses for students. “PSEO legislation stimu- and talented. There has been a steady growth of program, such as arts or technology. lated improvements in the schools resulting children being taught at home; it’s increasing by in greater academic rigor.” about 1,000 students a year, according to Brown. Early concerns People also worried that PSEO would spark He said 17,533 students were home schooled School choice legislation has always been a rift between public high schools and post- during the 2003-04 school year. controversial, but there’s also been cross-aisle secondary institutions, said Nathan. “Just the legislative support for it and parents have opposite happened. Closer working relation- Online learning embraced it. “There is a clear, strong level of ships developed between high schools and The newest school option is online learning. support for programs,” said Nathan, based on higher education. Cooperation was the result, New technology and a law passed in 2003 have a 2002 study he did. not competition.”

Lost treasures Cass Gilbert designed original Capitol furniture Capitol architect Cass Gil- of the parts of the whole that is required (du) Nord ”— Star of the North. It rests on bert’s design realm was not to make it look historical.” claw feet placed on castors. limited to structural ele- One of the “premier pieces” among the The House came awfully close to sell- ments. His attention to detail 1905 furniture, in Kompelien’s opinion, is ing the big chair in the 1960s. Members’ extended to furnishings. the large mahogany armchair used by the chairs were being replaced so the originals Original Capitol plans in- House speaker in the House Chamber. Gil- were offered for sale to the offi ce holders. cluded 74 different styles of bert designed just two, one for the House Fortunately, the House decided not to sell chairs, tables and desks, some and one for the Senate. when competing offers broke out among standard to the era, others specially designed The leather upholstered chair features or- the man who was speaker at the time and by Gilbert for certain ceremonial and public nate carvings of a star emblem surrounded former speakers. spaces in the Capitol. by oak leaves and a scroll that reads “L’Etoile The chair sat behind stanchions in the The furniture contract was awarded to House Retiring Room for years until the Herter Brothers, a New York fi rm. chamber was restored to Gilbert’s original “Unfortunately, much of the original motif in 1989-1990. It was reupholstered, standard furniture from the Capitol was, its swivel mechanism was fi xed and it has over the years, discarded, auctioned off by been the seat of power ever since. the state, or relocated to other government In honor of the Capitol Centennial agencies throughout Minnesota,” accord- Celebration, the historic site staff is asking to the Minnesota Historical Society ing Minnesotans for help in locating the publication, “Attention to Detail: 1905 Fur- remaining Gilbert-designed pieces. niture of the Minnesota State Capitol.” They have created a form on their Web The report estimates that approximately site (www.mnhs.org/places/sites/msc/form. half of the original order, roughly 800 pdf) to gather information from people who pieces of furniture, had been located in 15 are fortunate enough to have one of the different state buildings by 1989. Capitol 1905 furniture pieces in their possession. Historic Site Manager Carolyn Kompelien The goal is to document the location of the now estimates the number has risen to close lost pieces and let people know what they to 900 pieces. “It’s just wonderful that we have, Kompelien said. There are no funds have retained as much as we have.” or plans to buy back the furniture, but any The furniture is appropriate in scale, pro- additional information would strengthen PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID portion and to the style of the time, Kom- the inventory and the knowledge of the The speaker’s chair is one of the pelien said. “If you separate that furniture premier pieces of the Capitol’s Capitol furnishings as Gilbert intended. from the building, you’ve subtracted one furniture collection. (N. WOOD)

4 Session Weekly February 18, 2005 IGHLIGHTS F EBRUARY 10 - 17, 2005 H★ ★ ★

The appropriations include: process that would remove the most egregious ★ AGRICULTURE • $13.39 million for regional treatment centers boards,” said Paymar. for civilly committed sex offenders, By removing a billboard and not allowing for Evaluating atrazine • $7.68 million to offset the loss of public the possibility of building another in its place, The herbicide atrazine, commonly used on defender co-pay revenue after the Min- a person is forcing a business to discontinue, corn crops, was the source of contention in the nesota Supreme Court ruled that a 2003 testifi ed Peter Coyle, a lobbyist for the Outdoor House Environment and Natural Resources law obligating defendants to pay $50 for a Advertising Association of Minnesota. Committee Feb. 15 as it reviewed an ethanol public defender was unconstitutional, In 1999, the Legislature passed a law that bill. • $4.71 million to the Department of Admin- restricted municipalities from using amorti- Committee Chair Rep. Tom Hackbarth istration for relocating the Agriculture zation to take business and residential prop- (R-Cedar) ruled that an amendment offered and Health departments to a joint facil- erty without just compensation. Billboards are by Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) that would ity, and businesses and personal property, said Coyle. have added an atrazine restriction to the new • $4.07 million to help the Department of Sponsored by Sen. John Marty (DFL- ethanol proposal was not germane. Corrections deal with a growing prison Roseville), a companion, SF412, awaits action The House Agriculture and Rural De- population and rising prisoner health by the Senate State and Local Government velopment Committee called in a federal care costs. Operations Committee. expert Feb. 16 to present an evaluation of The cost of the new law will be offset in part the herbicide and a general overview of the by a $24.7 million transfer from the budget pesticide/herbicide registration process. reserve in the state General Fund. Anne Lindsay, deputy director of the En- Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-St. Cloud) and Sen. ★ CONSUMERS vironmental Protection Agency Office of Richard Cohen (DFL-St. Paul) sponsored the Pesticide Programs, said the agency is actively legislation. Super-size me reviewing atrazine in its reregistration pro- HF57*/SF350/CH2 Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City) wants to gram. Part of this process requires that Syn- fi ght obesity through knowledge not litigation. genta, the maker of atrazine, produce a report He is proposing a bill (HF118) that would on whether exposure to the herbicide has an protect food producers, processors and sell- effect on the sexual development of frogs. ★ BUSINESS ers from lawsuits fi led against them on the The agency has adopted the view that avail- basis that long-term consumption of a food able studies have yet to prove that atrazine Billboards to stay up product caused weight gain, obesity or health has the potential to harm frogs or humans, Certain locations of billboards are offensive problems. Lindsay said. to some St. Paul residents and they attempted The House Agriculture and Rural Devel- “Unfortunately, certain mischaracteriza- to invoke the city’s right to set a time limit opment Committee approved the measure tions of our regulatory process, particularly in which those billboards would have to be Feb. 15. It now moves to the House Civil Law with respect to atrazine, are circulating in removed. The House Local Government and Elections Committee. a variety of public venues,” she said. “These Committee heard a bill Feb. 14 addressing the Under the bill, food sellers would be granted mischaracterizations call into question both issue, but rejected the idea. immunity from civil liability based on a the scientifi c soundness and the integrity of HF228, sponsored by Rep. Michael Paymar person’s food consumption. our work.” (DFL-St. Paul), would have added noncon- The so-called Personal Responsibility in According to the Minnesota Department forming billboards to exemptions in law for a Food Consumption Act would not prevent of Agriculture, 90 products registered in the city or town to remove the property. Currently legal actions relating to deceptive labeling or state contain atrazine. The European Union only adult bookstores, adult theaters and simi- tainted food, Urdahl said. has banned the chemical altogether, although lar adult-only businesses are included in the Minnesota has yet to see a lawsuit of this its approach to regulation is quite different zoning process known as amortization. kind, though there is a well-publicized case than that of the EPA, Lindsay said. Nonconforming billboards would have been against McDonald’s pending in New York. defi ned as ones that previously met land use The concept of immunity has roots in Eng- zoning guidelines, but no longer meet those lish common law and was once limited to the BUDGET established by a municipality, according to the king, explained Minnesota Trial Lawyers As- ★ nonpartisan House Research Department. sociation President Katherine Flom. Since the king could do no wrong, the king did not have Agency relief Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Mpls) added to answer in court for any wrongdoings. A new law signed by Gov. Tim a successful amendment that would have “This is a bill which would, in essence, elevate Signed Pawlenty Feb. 15 will avert limited the bill to the city of St. Paul. Burger King to being king,” Flom said. “It allows by public defender layoffs and keep Proponents said billboards in certain loca- the them to be immune from wrongdoing.” the Minnesota Gang Strike Task tions devalue property and make revitalization governor Furthermore, the state’s “loser pays” civil Force on task. of areas diffi cult because they can’t be removed ★ ★ ★ court structure already limits the number of Effective Feb. 16, 2005, the due to lease restrictions. Additionally, the cost frivolous lawsuits, she said in opposition to $31.07 million defi ciency measure will assist is too high for cities to purchase the billboards the bill. those state agencies and programs that were in order to remove them all together. It’s overly optimistic to say court rules or facing budget shortfalls by June 30, 2005, or The bill would allow for “a slow incremental sanctions would prevent them, countered sooner. February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 5 Public Safety Policy and Finance Committee for Coborn’s in St. Cloud, said the problem is to include the language of HF381, sponsored with repeat shoplifting offenders who return by Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Cen- numerous times. “It’s extremely diffi cult to ter). The committee held it over for possible keep these people out,” he said, “We’re looking inclusion in its omnibus bill. for a tool to give us a more cost-effective way Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL-Mpls) expressed to deal with these situations.” concern that citizens might be afraid to report The bill was approved and sent to the House police misconduct out of fear of facing charges. fl oor. “This could chill disclosure,” he said. Its Senate companion (SF87), sponsored by The bill would also make it a crime to Sen. Dave Kleis (R-St. Cloud), awaits action knowingly provide false information to an by the Senate Crime Prevention and Public on-duty peace offi cer about the conduct of Safety Committee. another person. The penalty would be a misdemeanor if the reported act were not criminal in nature, but a gross misdemeanor if the reported act is crimi- ★ ENERGY nal. Offenders could also face restitution up to $3,000 to pay some of the expenses resulting Extension recommended from the investigation of false allegations. Minnesotans seeking an eligibility exten- The bill received full support at the annual sion for wind incentive payments claimed a convention of the Minnesota Police and Peace partial victory Feb. 16 as HF218, sponsored Offi cers Association, according to Bill Gil- by Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder), lespie, executive director of the association. was amended and approved by the House A companion bill (SF622), sponsored by Regulated Industries Committee and referred Sen. Mike McGinn (R-Eagan), awaits action to the House fl oor. by the Senate Crime Prevention and Public The bill would extend until Dec. 31, 2005, Safety Committee. the 18-month time frame in which a wind PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID facility must begin operating or lose its eligi- Like members of the House Agriculture and bility for state incentive payments, which is Rural Development Committee, Dave Solbrack what advocates wanted. However, rather than of Litchfield snacked on ice cream during Trespass law Feb. 15 testimony on a bill that would protect When someone is charged with trespassing, receiving the 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour as food manufacturers and sellers from legal ac- they can be banned from returning to the originally proposed in the Renewable Energy tions taken against them to recover damages scene of the alleged crime for 30 days. That’s Production Incentive, the bill, as amended, for alleged injury or weight gain resulting from not enough time, said Rep. Jim Knoblach would reduce the payments to 1 cent an hour food consumption. (R-St. Cloud) whose bill (HF483) would for facilities receiving an extension or letter Joseph Price, a defense attorney with the extend the time up to one year. of approval after Jan. 1, 2005. Minneapolis law fi rm of Faegre & Benson. The “Believe it or not, people actually come “We’re trying to accommodate people who costs to defend against civil liability claims back every 30 days after being told to leave a mean well and put good money up,” said can reach into the millions, he said. property — 30 days on the dot, month after Rep. Michael Beard (R-Shakopee). “The Plaintiffs’ Bar has gone on record say- month,” Knoblach told the House Public Dean Harder, along with 12 families in his ing food is ‘the next tobacco,’” Price said. Safety Policy and Finance Committee Feb. 15. community, invested tens of thousands of A companion bill (SF631), sponsored by “That’s a hindrance to businesses. One year is dollars in a dozen wind turbines. He is not Sen. David Hann (R-Eden Prairie), awaits a more suitable standard.” sure they can go forward with the project at action in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The other proposed change to current tres- the reduced payment rate, but noted that the pass law would be extending the time from six families want to recoup their investment and months to one year that school offi cials could need the extension. ban a person from school property. “The worst thing in the world you can do CRIME Robert Allen, commander of the Min- is not offer an extension of any kind,” Harder ★ neapolis Police Department’s 1st precinct in said. Cornish sponsored the legislation after the Tell no lies downtown Minneapolis, said 30 days is not long enough because most court cases have federal Production Tax Credit, which inves- Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder), a not even moved through the court system in tors can use against passive income to reduce former peace offi cer, once arrested a person that time. tax liability, was unavailable for 10 out of the who then made false accusations about what Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL-Mpls) said he 18 months of eligibility. Without the credit, happened. However, Cornish had a device in worries how this bill might be used. “If ap- some people were unable to secure the fi nan- his vehicle that recorded the whole encounter. plied properly, it would be no problem, but cial backing they needed. “Lucky for me I was able to prove him wrong,” if it isn’t, and we know people do not always A companion bill (SF817), sponsored by said Cornish. behave properly, it could be a real problem.” Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont), awaits action Cornish is now sponsor of a bill (HF618) Allen said it must be shown that there is in the Senate Jobs, Energy and Community that would make it a crime to knowingly make a legitimate reason to bar a person from a Development Committee. false reports about police misconduct. business. The bill was amended Feb. 15 by the House Matthew Larson, director of loss prevention

6 Session Weekly February 18, 2005 reduce what’s going into surface waters.” A companion bill (SF761), sponsored by ★ EMPLOYMENT A complete version of the assessment is Sen. Gary Kubly (DFL-Granite Falls), awaits available online (www.pca.state.mn.us/ action in the Senate Environment and Natural For information on a bill (HF742) that hot/legislature/reports/phosphorus-report. Resources Committee. would exempt search fi rms from certain html). employment agency regulations go the Session Weekly EXTRA page at: http:// www.house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp Head of the line The hunters and anglers among Minneso- ★ GAME & FISH ta’s military personnel might receive a thank you gift from the Department of Natural Coyote county bounty Resources. ENVIRONMENT Coyotes are getting a little too close for HF417, sponsored by Rep. Tom Hackbarth ★ comfort in some Minnesota counties and they (R-Cedar), would allow the department to could wind up with a bounty on their heads give first preference in hunting and fishing Phosphorus issue resurfaces or hides. license lotteries to qualifi ed members of the A proposal was introduced in 2003 to re- HF868, sponsored by Rep. Aaron Peterson armed forces, including the National Guard duce the amount of phosphorus in dishwasher (DFL-Madison), would allow counties to of- or veterans. detergents sold in Minnesota. It drew con- fer a bounty for the taking of coyotes by all Under the bill, a Minnesota resident who is fl icting testimony, with questions of whether legal methods. The amount of the bounty currently serving or who has served at any time the change would result in improved water would be left up to each county, as would the during the past 24 months would qualify. quality. bounty boundaries and the part of the animal They would still be required to purchase At the time, Pollution Control Agency a hunter must produce to claim the reward. a hunting license but they would move to offi cials said they did not yet have enough The House Environment and Natural the front of the line in the special lotteries scientifi c data on phosphorus sources, nor Resources Committee approved the measure conducted by the department. The preference had they studied the chemicals that could be Feb. 10. It now moves to the House fl oor. would not apply to the moose, elk or prairie used as alternatives in detergents. “I certainly do not want them extermi- chicken hunts, but antlerless deer, bears or Phosphorus is a naturally occurring nu- nated,” said Swift County Commissioner John wild turkeys could be in the crosshairs. trient many detergent makers add to their Baker. “But we are having problems.” The House Environment and Natural formulas to reduce spotting on dishes. If an Statewide bounties were eliminated in 1965, Resources Committee approved the measure overabundance of phosphorus fi nds its way said Ed Boggess, the fi sh and wildlife division Feb. 10. It now moves to the House Gov- into the water stream, it can cause algae bloom policy section manager with the Department ernmental Operations and Veterans Affairs choking aquatic plants and depleting oxygen of Natural Resources. They were an ineffective Committee. in lakes and rivers. experiment in wildlife management, he said. “The logic behind this is that those young The 2003 Legislature ordered the agency to Coyotes are not protected under state law, and fellas and young ladies sitting over there in the study the sources and amounts of phosphorus it is legal to hunt or trap them. The bounty would sand doing the heavy lifting for the country entering Minnesota water bodies and also to provide a better incentive, proponents said. right now can think of nothing they would look at how best to assist local governments rather do than be back in Minnesota out in with removing phosphorus at the wastewa- WINTERFUL VIEW the woods somewhere or out in some pasture ter treatment stage. Lawmakers called for a where it’s safe and quiet and peaceful and 50 percent reduction in the amount of phos- where they would have a chance to engage na- phorus from sources other than human waste ture,” said Jim Cleary, a legislative analyst with entering municipal wastewater treatment the nonpartisan House Research Department. systems. “It’s a country’s way of saying thank you.” The House Agriculture, Environment House Research does not advocate for or and Natural Resources Finance Committee against any legislation, Cleary said. But he reviewed the agency’s assessment Feb. 16. No has a personal connection to the issue: his son action was taken, but Rep. David Dill (DFL- — his hunting partner — is currently serving Crane Lake) said the information would be with the Minnesota National Guard in Iraq. helpful later this session when the committee A companion bill (SF825), sponsored by looks at the overall issue of impaired waters. Sen. Dave Kleis (R-St. Cloud), awaits ac- According to the report, the combination tion in the Senate Environment and Natural of household and commercial automatic dish- Resources Committee. washer detergent represents approximately 3 percent of the total phosphorus contribu- tions to surface waters in the state, during an average year. ★ GOVERNMENT “Our perspective is we’re not sure it’s worth much energy in trying to manage that source Nonprofi t salaries as a restriction,” said Mark Tomasek, PCA PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK A plan to limit salaries of some charitable non- technical coordinator. “Again, the better way The Capitol complex became a winter won- profi t personnel ran into a roadblock Feb. 11. derland Feb. 14 with an ephemeral dusting would be through effl uent (wastewater that of fl uff y snow. Sponsored by Marty Seifert (R-Marshall), fl ows out of a treatment plant) limitations to HF593 was tabled by the House Governmental

February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 7 Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee. family farm. This allows the children and increase from 2,857 people in shelters and 118 The vote was 13-8, following a motion for a roll their families to live and work together on unsheltered people in 1991. call by Rep. Michael Beard (R-Shakopee). the farm, but they don’t have to share a single Of long-term homeless people, 85 percent The bill would require charitable nonprofi ts house. have some type of serious disability, and that that receive state appropriations or grants to Currently, these manufactured homes shows how the Community Mental Health Act spend at least 75 percent of its revenue for need to be licensed and inspected by the and legislation passed in the 1960s and 1970s charitable purposes, and no offi cial or em- county. Severson’s bill would allow up to two to help the mentally ill had failed, Owen said. ployee could be paid more than the governor’s manufactured homes on the farm premises The initiative assumed the people would have salary, currently at $120,303. to be exempt from the county licensing and places to live that they could afford. Hospitals and medical clinics would be inspection process. The homes would need to Besides mental illness or a chronic medical excluded from the restrictions. be used exclusively to house people engaged in disorder, 42 percent of homeless people in the “We have taxpayers in my district and other agriculture and would still need to meet the survey had recently been released from prison, districts of the state that struggle to get by safety standards and Department of Health 38 percent had been physically abused as a child, to raise their families … while, at the same rules for mobile home parks. 34 percent had been in institutional placements time, having to pay sales and other taxes to “The counties are behind this,” Severson (such as foster care or a juvenile facility) as a government,” said Seifert. Some charitable said. “The purpose of this bill is to take the child, 31 percent were women who had been organizations are paying salaries eight to 10 load off the county.” victims of domestic abuse and 27 percent had times that of an average family income in his The House Commerce and Financial been sexually abused as a child. district, he added. Institutions Committee amended the bill “We give these state grants because we’ve de- Feb. 15 to require a smoke detector outside cided there is a positive state purpose,” said Rep. each sleeping area in the homes. It then ap- Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls). She said it is counter- proved the bill and sent it to the House Agri- HUMAN SERVICES productive to give grants and then interfere with culture and Rural Development Committee. ★ those who make those grants effective. A companion bill (SF333), sponsored by “Nonprofi t employees, on average, make Sen. Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville), Changing terminology 12 percent less than other employees in Min- cleared one committee and awaits action The term “handicapped” originates from nesota’s economy,” said Jon Pratt, executive in the Senate Jobs, Energy and Community the European war when many of the decorated director of the Minnesota Council of Non- Development Committee. veterans were returning home as amputees and profi ts. It’s a mistake to assume that nonprofi ts were forced to beg in streets. They would take aren’t also participating in the labor economy their caps off to beg with, so they were notori- and competing with organizations across the ously known as the “handicappers,” explained Facts on homelessness country for excellent employees, he added. Cara Ruff, president of the Minnesota Associa- Thirteen percent of homeless girls in the state A successful amendment, originally of- tion of Centers for Independent Living. and 4 percent of homeless boys under age 17 fered by Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake), but “I don’t think anyone in this room, or any trade sex for shelter, food or clothing, according withdrawn and offered again by Kahn, adds of our families, or any of our friends, certainly to Michelle Gerard, a research scientist with the health maintenance organizations to those not our children, deserve to be referred to as Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. with a salary cap. a retard or an idiot, or as handicapped,” she That was just one of several sobering facts While disappointed with the outcome, told the House Governmental Operations and served up to the House Jobs and Economic Seifert later said that he is not “gonna let it Veterans Affairs Committee Feb. 10. Yet all Opportunity Policy and Finance Commit- fall to the wayside.” He plans to resurrect the those terms are used in state statutes. tee Feb. 16 by representatives of the Wilder bill by either introducing a different version Ruff testifi ed in favor of HF487, sponsored Foundation, a St. Paul nonprofi t health and or amending it to another. by Rep. Joe Opatz (DFL-St. Cloud), that would human services organization. A companion bill (SF832), sponsored by change terms in state law that refer to disabled Greg Owen, a consulting scientist with the Sen. Betsy Wergin (R-Princeton), awaits ac- people. The bill would change phrases like foundation, said the number and variety of tion in the Senate State and Local Government “mental retardation,” “mentally retarded” problems affl icting the homeless have grown Operations Committee. and “handicapped persons” to terminology greatly since 1991. “There is a wide range of more desirable to those with disabilities, such distress in this population,” he said. “It’s al- as “disabled persons.” most like we’ve had this population of those There are nearly 400 pages in state law that HOUSING that are homeless in a crucible. It’s like we’ve would need to be modifi ed, to fall in line with ★ been heating it up and concentrating the level a national campaign called “The People First,” of distress.” that advocates for changes in descriptions of A home on the farm The foundation has done surveys on home- disabled people, said Opatz. “We shouldn’t Members of farm families who want to lessness every three years since 1991, and their refer to someone by some characteristic. We live on the farm, but not in the same house most recent fi ndings were presented to the don’t say to someone who has cancer, that’s a could benefi t from a bill that would eliminate committee. cancerous person; it’s a person who happens regulation on certain manufactured homes. The information was gleaned from a to have the disease of cancer,” he added. HF527, sponsored by Rep. Dan Severson statewide survey taken Oct. 23, 2003. On There was no opposition to the bill that (R-Sauk Rapids), would exempt some farm that night, more than 700 trained volunteers next moves to the House Health Policy and labor housing from regulation as “manufac- counted 7,015 people in shelters, and identifi ed Finance Committee. A Senate companion, tured home parks.” 796 people in unsheltered locations. Owen SF525, sponsored by Sen. Sheila Kiscaden Severson said children of farmers often- said an exact count is very diffi cult, because (IP-Rochester), awaits action in the Senate times bring manufactured homes onto the it varies from night to night. That’s a drastic 8 Session Weekly February 18, 2005 State and Local Government Operations 3 percent state subsidy increase in 2006 and benefi ts. Some employers try to “dump” their Committee. again in 2007 to the total operating payment poor ratings by changing or merging companies rates for nursing homes, intermediate care or shifting employees between companies. facilities for people with developmental dis- Sertich said his bill would close loopholes County relief; state burden abilities and community-based long-term that allow companies to avoid their unem- Counties with intermediate care facilities care providers. ployment insurance obligations. for people with varying degrees of mental dis- At least two-thirds of the increases must be Kathleen Hillegas, associate general counsel abilities could see some fi nancial relief from used to increase employee salaries, benefi ts for Administaff, testifi ed before the House two bills heard by the House Health Policy and associated costs. The facilities would be Commerce and Financial Institutions Com- and Finance Committee Feb. 15. required to report how the additional funding mittee Feb. 16 in opposition to the bill. She said HF490 and HF375, both sponsored by Rep. was used. her company, a professional employer organi- Ray Cox (R-Northfi eld), would change the di- Bradley told the House Health Policy and zation, employs 90,000 people throughout the vision of costs between the state and counties Finance Committee Feb. 15 that the employ- United States and that a provision dealing with for placements in what are known as ICFs/MR ees need and deserve raises. the reporting requirements of leased workers facilities. Both bills were held over for possible “These are people who do wonderful work,” would impact their business process and ad- inclusion in the committee’s omnibus bill. Bradley said. “Thank God they have big versely affect how they operate. The provision Under current law, enacted by the 2003 hearts.” would require an employer to report leased Legislature, the state pays 80 percent of the He noted that operating payment rates for workers on the employer’s wage detail report. funding and counties 20 percent for facilities the facilities have been fl at in recent years, and Sertich said he would meet with profes- with more than six beds. the increases would help adjust for infl ation. sional employer organizations to talk about “This change in funding has placed a bur- Nearly a dozen people testifi ed in support their concerns. den on counties,” Cox said. of the bill. Some said the raises are needed to The committee changed the effective date HF490 would repeal the change in how increase staff morale and retention. Bruce Nel- from July 1, 2005, to Aug. 1, 2005, and re- costs are divided. Under the bill, the formula son, executive director for ARRM, said some ferred it to the House Civil Law and Elections would revert back to the state paying 100 employees earn $9 to $10 an hour and could earn Committee. percent of the funding for facilities with more more money working in fast food restaurants. A companion bill (SF944), sponsored by than seven beds. Michael Klatt, president and Shirley Hokanson, a consultant for REM Min- Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), awaits CEO of The Lutheran Home Association in nesota, said the bill recognizes the hard work action in the Senate Jobs, Energy and Com- Belle Plaine, said counties cannot afford their and responsibility of direct care workers. munity Development Committee. 20 percent share and therefore empty beds are “REM considers these dedicated workers to be not being fi lled. the foundation of the service system and believes “Counties do not have the resources,” Klatt they deserve regular, systematic recognition and said. compensation for their work,” Hokanson said. Conforming Medicare coverage The bill would also require the commission- The bill will be considered for possible All 50 states are trying to pass state legisla- er of human services to prepare recommenda- inclusion in the committee’s omnibus bill. tion or amend regulations to conform to the tions and legislation for the House and Senate A companion bill (SF891), sponsored by federal Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, committees with jurisdiction over health Sen. Becky Lourey (DFL-Kerrick), awaits ac- including Minnesota. and human services policy and fi nance by tion in the Senate Health and Family Security Rep. Paul Gazelka (R-Brainerd) is spon- Jan. 15, 2006, regarding future services pro- Committee. soring HF925 to change Minnesota laws vided to people now served by the facilities. in response to federal changes in Medicare The commissioner would be required to con- prescription drug coverage, also known as sult with facility providers, advocates, coun- Medicare Part D, and to provide oversight ties and consumer families when developing ★ INSURANCE over prescription drug plan sponsors. the recommendations. The House Commerce and Financial HF375 would change the percentage divi- Preventing employer “dumping” Institutions Committee approved the bill sion of costs for placements in certain facilities Minnesota employers who try to lower Feb. 16 and referred it to the House Health to a 90-10 split. The bill would not be needed their unemployment experience ratings by Policy and Finance Committee. if HF490 becomes law. using mergers, acquisitions or restructuring The bill would bring Minnesota into federal A companion bill for HF490 is SF932, spon- schemes could fi nd their practices prohibited compliance regarding the sale of policies with sored by Sen. Becky Lourey (DFL-Kerrick), and by a bill seeking to stop “dumping.” prescription drug coverage by Medigap carri- a companion bill for HF375 is SF756, sponsored Rep. Anthony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) ers after Jan. 1, 2006. The coverage would be by Sen. Thomas Neuville (R-Northfi eld). Both is sponsoring HF898, which would make available only through private sector stand- await action in the Senate Health and Family changes in the Minnesota unemployment alone prescription drug plans or as part of a Security Committee. law for the purpose of curbing state unem- Medicare Advantage plan. ployment tax act (SUTA) avoidance. The bill Gazelka said the bill would ensure that no would conform Minnesota law to the federal confl ict exists between state and federal laws. Raises for care providers SUTA Dumping Prevention Act of 2004. It would also spell out the rights Minnesota Long-term care providers and their employ- Minnesota, like other states, distributes seniors, with existing Medigap coverage, have ees could receive pay increases that many say unemployment insurance costs among em- as changes in the program are introduced. are long overdue. ployers by taxing them with an unemployment “It’s really critical that we do something,” Sponsored by Rep. Fran Bradley experience rating based on the number of for- Gazelka said. “I don’t know of anyone who’s (R-Rochester), HF775 would provide a mer employees who received unemployment against this bill.”

February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 9 He pointed out that the departments of device uses an infrared signal to change red Commerce, Human Services, Health, and ★ SAFETY lights to green. Employee Relations have all worked on the Strachan said current law prohibits posses- legislation, as has outside legal counsel. With- No custody for certain off enders sion of a fl ashing light, but this device doesn’t out the legislation, confl icts in laws would add The intent of a bill sponsored by Rep. really fl ash, so it’s hard to prosecute. He knows to the confusion of what options are legally Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) is to of no accidents caused by the device, but legis- available to seniors, Gazelka said. keep a recent newspaper headline from ever lation might prevent future accidents. “I think “Without these changes, seniors are going appearing again. we should be ahead of the curve,” he said. to get hurt,” said Lee Graczyk, legal director HF561 would prevent convicted sex offend- The device has been around for years, but for the Minnesota Senior Federation. “We ers, murderers and perpetrators of certain thanks to the Internet, more people have need to do this as expeditiously as possible.” other serious crimes from being granted them. A companion bill (SF880), sponsored by custody of unrelated children. A companion bill, SF533, sponsored by Sen. Sen. Brian LeClair (R-Woodbury), awaits ac- Atkins told the House Civil Law and Elec- Sharon Marko (DFL-Cottage Grove), awaits action in the Senate Health and Family Security tions Committee Feb. 14 that the bill language tion by the Senate Transportation Committee. Committee. is “very short and to the point, and gets to the heart of the matter.” He said it addresses a recent incident where a man, who was a con- Child safety seats RECREATION victed sex offender, was granted custody of his State law directs that children riding in a ★ ex-girlfriend’s child. Three weeks later, he was vehicle should be restrained in special child charged with molesting the 9-year-old girl. seats until age 4, at which time many parents Life jacket lifeline “It shouldn’t happen. I hope you will join allow them to sit like the adults, restrained A Minnesota grandfather is asking the me in preventing this headline from ever hap- only by a seat belt. Legislature to strengthen youth life jacket pening again,” he said. Unfortunately, according to testimony requirements to help other families avoid the Atkins said that when he began the process Feb. 16 in the House Transportation Commit- same tragedy that befell his. of having the bill drafted, he thought this might tee, the seat belt tends to move up above the Allen Johnson’s 5-year-old grandson, be an isolated incident. But, as the bill gained child’s abdomen, and the child tends to re- Grant, drowned when he fell from a boat on publicity, he has heard from others who say move the shoulder belt. So in a traffi c accident, a Chisago County lake in 2003. Grant was not they have ended up in situations like this. the upper part of the child’s body violently wearing a life jacket. “I am afraid it is not as rare as we might lurches forward, and folds over the seat belt, Current state law requires readily accessible think,” he said. often causing severe internal injuries. fl otation devices for everyone on board. It does The committee approved the measure and Rep. Duke Powell (R-Burnsville), a not state that the life jackets must be worn. referred it to the full House. Federal law requires that children under Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville) is spon- the age of 13 (who are not in the cabin or soring a companion bill (SF563). That below deck) must wear a personal fl otation bill awaits action in the Senate Judiciary device on waters under federal jurisdiction. Committee. This includes Lake Superior; Canadian border waters; the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers; and Cass, Leech and Winnibigoshish lakes. HF590, sponsored by Rep. Char Samuelson ★ TRANSPORTATION (R-New Brighton), would apply the same requirement to all Minnesota waters, with an Don’t change the lights exception for commercial watercraft. Some people in the middle of their morning The House Environment and Natural commute might wish they had an automatic Resources Committee approved the measure device to change traffi c lights, and some have Feb. 10. It now moves to the House fl oor. even been bold enough to buy and use such a “Some bills for public safety are drafted device. because of an incident. Unfortunately this bill Under a bill approved Feb. 16 by the House is one of those,” Samuelson said. Transportation Committee and referred to Johnson spoke of the devastation his family the House Public Safety Policy and Finance has felt by Grant’s death. The bill, he said, is a Committee, they’d have to stop. preventative measure. HF204, sponsored by Rep. Pat Garofalo “In a tragedy, like that when a child dies, I (R-Farmington), would make it a misde- came to realize the hard way it’s the mother meanor for people to drive a car that contains who takes the brunt of it. That’s the person a device that can override traffi c signals. Police who is hurt the most because that bond is and fi re department vehicles, ambulances, PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK broken forever,” Johnson said. signal maintenance vehicles and other vehicles Shannon Swanson and her 5-year-old daughter, Sen. Satveer Chaudhary (DFL-Fridley) is authorized by the Department of Public Safety Carly, show the House Transportation Commit- tee the proper method to restrain a child in a sponsoring similar legislation (SF260). It would be exempt. awaits action in the Senate Environment and vehicle. The Feb. 16 demonstration was part of Former state representative and current testimony for a bill that would require drivers Natural Resources Committee. Lakeville Police Chief Steve Strachan said the to restrain certain children with an appropriate child restraint system.

10 Session Weekly February 18, 2005 paramedic at Hennepin County Medical Cen- daughter, Carly, demonstrated a booster to be physically abused. We don’t allow them ter, has seen that happen too many times, so he seat, which simply raises the child’s body to be sexually abused. We make them go to has introduced HF319, which would require off the regular seat, making the lap belt and school,” he said. children under age 9 and weighing less than shoulder harness ﬁ t better. That would work Dr. Josh Petrikin, a pediatrician at the 80 pounds to be fastened in a child passenger as the proper restraint system, and retails for Mayo Clinic in Rochester, said approximately restraint system. They would also be required $10-$15, said Julie Philbrook, a nurse at 30 percent of children between ages 4 and 8 to sit in the back seat, if possible. Hennepin County Medical Center. ride in child restraint systems. “We can re- Violators would be fined $50, but that When Powell has responded to trafﬁ c fatali- duce injuries to our children by passing this would be waived if the person buys a child ties where children were involved, he usually legislation,” he said. restraint system. discovers one thing. “In almost every instance, A companion bill, SF298, sponsored by Sen. The bill was approved and referred to the death could have been prevented if the Mike McGinn (R-Eagan), awaits action by the the House Public Safety Policy and Finance child was properly restrained,” he said. full Senate. Committee. He said it is important for the government Shannon Swanson and her 5-year-old to protect children. “We don’t allow children

Minnesota’s representation in Washington, D.C. U.S. Representatives First District 1809 Plymouth Road S. 1111 Highway 25 North 320 Fourth St. S.W. Gil Gutknecht (R) Suite 300 Suite 204 Centre Point Mall 425 Cannon House Offi ce Building Minnetonka, MN 55305 Buffalo, MN 55313 Willmar, MN 56201 Washington, D.C. 20515 (952) 738-8200 (763) 684-1600 (320) 235-1061 (202) 225-2472 Fax: (952) 738-9362 Fax: (763) 684-1730 Fax: (320) 235-2651 Fax: (202) 225-3246 E-mail:[email protected] 22 Wilson Ave. N.E., Suite 104 SW/WC 1420 East College Drive Suite 108 Web site: www.house.gov/ramstad P.O. Box 6010 Marshall, MN 56258 1530 Greenview Drive S.W. St. Cloud, MN 56304 (507) 537-2299 Rochester, MN 55902 Fourth District (320) 259-0099 Fax: (507) 537-2298 Fax: (320) 259-0786 (507) 252-9841 Betty McCollum (DFL) Access to e-mail through Web site 1-800-862-8632 in MN 1029 Longworth House Offi ce Building 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N., Suite 100 Web site: http://collinpeterson.house.gov Fax: (507) 252-9915 Washington, D.C. 20515 Hugo, MN 55038-9367 109 E. Second St. (202) 225-6631 (651) 653-5933 Eighth District Fax: (202) 225-1968 Fairmont, MN 56031 Fax: (651) 653-1549 James L. Oberstar (DFL) (507) 238-2835 165 Western Ave. N., Suite 17 E-mail: 2365 Rayburn House Offi ce Fax: (507) 238-1405 St. Paul, MN 55102 [email protected] Building E-mail: [email protected] (651) 224-9191 Web site: http:// Washington, D.C. 20515 Web site: http://www.gil.house.gov Fax: (651) 224-3056 markkennedy.house.gov (202) 225-6211 Fax: (202) 225-0699 Web site: www.mccollum.house.gov or www.house.gov/markkennedy Second District Access to e-mail through Web site: 231 Federal Building John Kline (R) www.house.gov/writerep/ Seventh District Duluth, MN 55802 1429 Longworth House Offi ce Collin Peterson (DFL) (218) 727-7474 Building Fifth District 2159 Rayburn House Offi ce Building Fax: (218) 727-8270 Washington, D.C. 20515 Martin Olav Sabo (DFL) Washington, D.C. 20515 TDD: (218) 727-7474 (202) 225-2165 (202) 225-2271 2336 Rayburn House Offi ce Building Chisholm City Hall Fax: (202) 225-1593 Fax: (202) 225-2595 Washington, D.C. 20515 316 Lake St. 101 W. Burnsville Pkwy. (202) 225-4755 Minn. Wheat Growers Bldg. Chisholm, MN 55719 Suite 201 Fax: (202) 225-4886 2603 Wheat Drive (218) 254-5761 Burnsville, MN 55337 286 Commerce at the Crossings Red Lake Falls, MN 56750 Fax: (218) 254-5132 (218) 253-4356 (952) 808-1213 250 Second Ave. S. Brainerd City Hall Fax: (218) 253-4373 Fax: (952) 808-1261 Minneapolis, MN 55401 501 Laurel St. Web site: www.house.gov/kline (612) 664-8000 100 N. First St. Brainerd, MN 56401 Access to e-mail through Web site Fax: (612) 664-8004 Montevideo, MN 56265 (218) 828-4400 E-mail: [email protected] (320) 269-8888 Fax: (218) 828-1412 Third District Web site: http://sabo.house.gov 230 E. Third St. 38625 14th Ave., Suite 300B Jim Ramstad (R) P.O. Box 50 North Branch, MN 55056 103 Cannon House Offi ce Building Sixth District Redwood Falls, MN 56283 (651) 277-1234 Washington, D.C. 20515 Mark Kennedy (R) (507) 637-2270 Fax: (651) 277-1235 (202) 225-2871 1415 Longworth House Offi ce Building Fax: (202) 225-6351 Washington, D.C. 20515 714 Lake Ave., Suite 107 Web site: www.oberstar.house.gov (202) 225-2331 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Access to e-mail through Web site. Fax: (202) 225-6475 (218) 847-5056 Fax: (218) 847-5109

February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 11 T ISSUE: FLAGS A ★ ★ ★

to what defi nes a public employer, Rep. Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) successfully offered an Flag fl ap amendment that eliminated contractors and Two stars and stripes bills get committee approval subcontractors that enter into contracts with the state from having to comply. A number of years ago patches were removed from police uniforms in St. Paul “for BY PATTY JANOVEC reasons that aren’t completely clear,” said he fathers of Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL- David Titus, president of the St. Paul Police Mpls) and Rep. Lynn Wardlow (R-Eagan) Federation. T served in World War II, but that’s about The fl ag is a very important symbol to police where the similarities end, especially when it offi cers and it was demoralizing when it was comes to the issue of fl ag burning. removed, he said, adding the two things he “I never knew my father because when I was saved from his career are his retired badge 17 months old, he was killed in WWII,” Ward- and the fl ag on his uniform. low told the House Governmental Operations The bill was approved and moves to the and Veterans Affairs Committee Feb. 16. “I’ve House Local Government Committee. A stood in front of coffi ns. I’ve seen the coffi ns Senate companion (SF295), sponsored by Sen. draped with the fl ag, and the very thought Mady Reiter (R-Shoreview), awaits action in that anyone would dare burn it is absolutely the Senate State and Local Government Op- appalling to me.” erations Committee. “In honor of my father I am going to very proudly vote no on this bill because what he Flag Etiquette fought for was the right for people to be able Whether folding, displaying, hoisting, or lowering to express themselves and speak freely on any the American fl ag, there is a proper way. statement,” said Kahn. According to “Flag Etiquette,” published by the Sponsored by Rep. Jerry Dempsey (R-Red Offi ce of the Minnesota Secretary of State: • It is customary to display the fl ag from sunrise to Wing), HF801 is a House resolution asking sunset, although the fl ag may also be displayed the U.S. Congress to propose an amendment around the clock if it is properly lit during to the Constitution allowing states to prohibit darkness. • The fl ag should be hoisted briskly and lowered the desecration of the American fl ag. ceremoniously. “What we’re asking for is for the states to • The fl ag should not be displayed on days when the PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID be able to take action when there is desecra- weather is inclement, except when an all weather fl ag is displayed. tion. It’s a preventive measure,” Dempsey David Titus, president of the St. Paul Police Federation, testifi es before the House Govern- • The fl ag should be displayed daily on or near the explained. mental Operations and Veterans Aff airs Com- main administration building of every public institution, and it should be displayed during In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in mittee Feb 16 in support of a bill that would school days in or near every school. favor of a Texas man who said having the right prohibit public employers from forbidding Proper display includes: to burn an American fl ag is a form of free employees from wearing American fl ag patches • The fl ag should not be draped over the hood, top, speech. Several states have passed resolutions or pins on their uniforms. sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or boat. urging Congress to propose an amendment By passing a resolution for something the • No other fl ag or pennant should be placed above or, that states be able to prohibit the action, Legislature has no control over is wasting if on the same level, to the right of the fl ag. Flags Dempsey said. of other nations should not be fl own below or valuable time, she added. behind the U.S. fl ag, but on separate poles. Kahn and Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL- “To say that this is taking up the time of the • When fl own at half-staff , the fl ag should be fi rst Rochester) were the only committee members people of this body I think is a little absurd, hoisted to the peak for an instant and then to vote against the bill, which next moves lowered to the half-staff position. because this is what we are about,” responded The publication is available online at http://www. to the House Rules and Legislative Admin- Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids). sos.state.mn.us/fl ag.pdf. istration Committee. A Senate companion Dempsey’s was one of two fl ag-related bills An American or state fl ag that has been fl own (SF505), sponsored by Sen. Steve Murphy above the State Capitol can be purchased by heard by the committee. contacting: (DFL-Red Wing), awaits action in the Senate HF241, sponsored by Rep. Ray Vandeveer The Minnesota Bookstore Rules and Administration Committee. (R-Forest Lake), would prohibit a public 660 Olive Street “I was sent here not to be symbolic, but to employer from preventing an employee from St. Paul, MN 55155 get something done for the people of Minne- 651-297-3000 wearing a small fl ag patch or a pin. State aid 1-800-657-3757 sota, and we’ve got a lot of big issues on our would be suspended if an employer does not Web site: http://www.comm.media.state.mn.us/ plates … health care, jobs and education … comply. bookstore/bookstore.asp only things we can deal with,” said Liebling. While less contentious issues were raised as

12 Session Weekly February 18, 2005 T ISSUE: BONDING A ★ ★ ★

between the three, mainly in that the House does not recommend the $24.04 million for the Project dollars Red Lake School District, unlike the Senate and House committee approves $816.8 million bonding request governor. All three entities agreed to fund nearly $4.26 million for asset preservation at the state academies for the blind and deaf, and asset preservation and a building demolition BY MIKE COOK when they see the bill before us today, but we at the Perpich Center for the Arts, together here were a few pats on the back, but all know this is just phase one of a process and totaling $1.08 million. no amendments offered when the there is a good bit of negotiation still to go.” Included in environmental funding in all T House Capital Investment Committee Bonding bills are typically done in even- three proposals is $27.36 million, according approved its bonding bill Feb. 16. numbered years. Last year, the House passed a to the bill, “to acquire conservation easements The proposal is for $816.8 million, $759,000 $677.6 million measure, but the Senate did not. from landowners on marginal lands to protect more than Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s recommenda- “The funding for these projects is way soil and water quality and to support fi sh and tion, but far less than the nearly $1.04 billion overdue,” House Speaker Steve Sviggum wildlife habitat.” in SF1, approved by the Senate Jan. 24. (R-Kenyon) said in a prepared statement. “We Among the other recommendations are: The House Ways and Means Committee have lost valuable time in launching a new • $244.1 million to higher education, of which was scheduled to take up the measure late on genomics center, improving our roads and $154.76 million is directed to the Minne- Feb. 17. Rep. Dan Dorman (R-Albert Lea), the bridges, providing a stronger infrastructure sota State Colleges and Universities system sponsor of HF3, expects the full House to take for our higher education institutions, and and $89.37 million to the University of action next week. creating jobs.” Minnesota; “We have put forward a bill that has prob- Among the greatest differences between • $115.4 million to the Department of Employ- ably a little higher commitment than the the House and Senate bills and gubernato- ment and Economic Development, including rial recommendations $20 million each for bioscience development were dollars for the and a research facility in Rochester that proposed Northstar would be a partnership between the Univer- commuter rail line sity of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic; from downtown Min- • $106.4 million to the Department of Cor- neapolis to St. Cloud. rections, including $84.8 million for an The governor and the expansion at the Faribault facility; Senate each recom- • $72.9 million to the Department of Natural mended $37.5 million, Resources, with $21 million designated while the House num- for fl ood hazard mitigation grants and ber is at $10 million. $12 million to acquire land for wildlife “I look at it in a management area purposes; couple of ways,” Dor- • $37.3 million for grants to political subdivi- man said. “One, we can sions, including $13.2 million for Roseau have more conversation infrastructure repair related to the 2002 PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID about this before the fl ood and money for a Blue Earth fi re and Among the higher education allocations in the House bonding bill is end of the day, but if the $4.5 million for a technology center renovation at Century College in police station and Buffalo Lake mainte- White Bear Lake. House passes a bill with nance garage damaged in a tornado; $10 in it for Northstar • $12.6 million to the Department of Human governor in the areas of higher education, it’ll be the fi rst time ever, so I think this is a Services for a 50-bed forensic nursing particularly to (the Minnesota State Col- signifi cant statement that we are committed facility that would house aged or ill sex leges and Universities system), a little bit to the project as we move forward.” offenders receiving state care. Under the higher than the governor and the Senate in Transportation Department funding in House plan, the facility must be located at our commitment to infrastructure, roads and the House bill totals $82.5 million, about the Ah-Gwah-Ching state-owned nursing bridges,” said Dorman, chair of the House $14 million less than the governor and Senate. home site near Walker; Capital Investment Committee. However, the House bill seeks $50 million for • $5.49 to the Department of Agriculture, “I think you’ve reached out to everybody,” local bridge replacement, the Senate $40 mil- with $4.9 million for a joint pathology said Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings). lion and the governor $28 million. “While not research facility at the University of Min- Added Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul): glamorous, it is very important work for all nesota; and “It’s always a diffi cult balancing act, but I think our districts and the economic health of the • $1.87 million for State Capitol repairs, it’s a very fair effort given the constraints. Ob- state,” Dorman said. about $500,000 less than the governor and viously there are a few members disappointed Educational funding also differs dramatically Senate.

February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 13 T ISSUE: REGENTS A ★ ★ ★

Charting a course Legislature approves quartet to sit on U Board of Regents

BY MIKE COOK second district, Larson the third and Baraga welve men and women play a key role in the eighth. Hunter is an at-large regent. setting the state’s future, yet they are names Provisions to select the regents were estab- that most people would not recognize. lished as part of the university charter in 1851, T David Larson looks down from the House gallery Clyde Allen, Jr., Anthony Baraga, Peter Bell, and incorporated into the constitution when while he and three others are applauded after Frank Berman, Dallas Bohnsack, John Fro- Minnesota became a state in 1858. their election to the University of Minnesota benius, Steve Hunter, David Larson, Richard Prior to the Legislature creating the Regent Board of Regents. McNamara, David Metzen, Lakeesha Ransom Advisory Council in 1988, candidates nomi- reasons for seeking a seat differ slightly, all and Patricia Simmons will soon comprise the nated themselves and no screening process candidates spoke to the joint committees University of Minnesota Board of Regents. existed. Now those wanting to serve submit about the importance of advocacy and their Baraga and Bohnsack were reappointed an application to the council, whose duties passion for the university. to the university’s governing body during a include recruiting and identifying candidates. “This university is the single-most important joint House-Senate convention Feb. 16. Also Of the 58 applicants this year, the council institution in this state for the future of the soci- selected were Hunter and Larson. They are interviewed 17 people and nine names were ety. People underestimate its value,” said Larson, to be offi cially sworn in at the next Board of forwarded to the Legislature. Two to four an executive vice president at Cargill. “We’d be Regents meeting on March 10. names must be forwarded for each seat. in big trouble … without that university.” He The board is the only governmental body At a Feb. 14 joint meeting of the House and also joked after the meeting about helping get in the state whose members are elected by Senate education committees, the nine were the football team a few more wins. the Legislature. According to state statute, reduced to four. Baraga, Bohnsack and Larson Putting on a helmet and pads is not a regent one-third of the board is elected each odd- were easily recommended to the Legislature, requirement, but the hard-hitting decisions numbered year at a joint convention. Regents but it took two ballots for Hunter to defeat the board makes can affect what happens in serve six-year terms without pay. former Rep. Peggy Leppik. the state many years into the future. “I think this is the number one board in By rule, a candidate needs to get the majority “I want to add my voice to the efforts to try the state of Minnesota because you’re taking of votes cast, but because of a third candidate, to work things out to preserve excellence at the care of the number one asset in the state,” said Scott Johnson, neither Hunter or Leppik re- university,” Hunter said. “You’ve got the state Baraga, a retired radiologist and president of ceived the majority on the fi rst ballot. With depending on the university for job creation Medical Imaging North. Johnson’s name removed, Hunter, the secretary- through its research. It’s intimidating to look By law, one regent is selected from each of treasurer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, defeated at, but like anything else you take it one step the state’s eight congressional districts and Leppik 35-32 on a nearly party-line vote. at a time and try to do your best.” four serve at-large. Bohnsack is from the The joint committee choices do not bind Skeptics might ask why, in a time of declin- the Legislature, but the ing state monetary assistance and continued latter has yet to elect tuition increases for students, one would want someone who was not to serve, much less for a second term. recommended. “It’s epidemic. You get it in your blood. If the Legislature There’s always something that brings you fails to act, as it did in back,” said Bohnsack, a self-employed farmer. 2001 due to anticipated He also considers himself an optimist and political maneuver- believes that University President Robert ing, the governor is Bruininks and other top offi cials “are putting required to make ap- together a strategic plan that will lead the pointments to fi ll the university to bigger and better things.” vacancies. The Legis- “It’s kind of fun to be in the mix when lature can take action there’s something to do,” added Baraga, the on those appointed by board’s vice-chair. “When everything is going the governor two years smoothly it’s easy, anybody can do it then.” prior – it has done that PHOTOS BY ANDREW VONBANK A joint House - Senate convention assembles Feb. 16 to elect four people four times since 1929. to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. Although their

14 Session Weekly February 18, 2005 EATURE F ★ ★ ★

(R-Little Falls), sponsor of the House bill. “It’s the right thing to do at the right time.” The story behind the name Koering said there are 12,000 Purple Heart Bills would rename road and bridges to honor people, groups recipients in Minnesota, and it’s important to honor them and also the soldiers fi ghting in Iraq and Afghanistan. “How more appropriate could that be, naming (Trunk Highway) 371 BY MATT WETZEL Native American veterans (HF59). All the bills in honor of our veterans,” he said. tate highways and bridges are numbered have been held over for possible inclusion in It’s the same kind of deep feeling that moved by the Minnesota Department of Trans- the committee’s omnibus policy bill. Sportation. Some also have names, and the It takes legislation to name or rename a Roads continued on page 16 stories behind those names can be compelling. highway or bridge, said Betsy Parker, director of Trunk Highway 55 in Minneapolis is named the Offi ce of Government Affairs for the Trans- the Floyd B. Olson Memorial Highway, after portation Department. Local governments in A road by any other name the populist governor of the 1930s. the area must agree to the change and private • Trunk Highway 371 from Baxter to Barrows was renamed the C. Elmer Anderson A group of connected highways in southern sources must be used to pay for any changes Memorial Highway in 2000. Clyde Minnesota is named the Laura Ingalls Wilder in signage. Usually, a local individual or group Elmer Anderson (1912-1998) was a gov- Historic Highway, after the writer whose book approaches a legislator with the idea. ernor from Brainerd. He served from series inspired a TV show about a 19th century That was the case with Trunk Highway 371. 1939-1943. southern Minnesota family. Bill Wroolie, a Vietnam veteran from Brain- • Trunk Highway 13 from New Prague to Mont- Trunk highways 52 and 56 in southern Min- erd who received a Purple Heart after being gomery was renamed the Czech Heritage Highway in 1996. Many Czech immigrants nesota are named the Amish Buggy Byway in wounded in the arm in 1969, approached Sen. settled in this area, and New Prague still has recognition of the Amish who live north of Paul Koering (R-Fort Ripley) about honoring buildings with architecture patterned after nearby Canton. veterans who had been wounded in action. buildings in Eastern Europe. Under legislation introduced recently in Koering introduced SF114, which has been • Interstate 90 east of Trunk Highway 74 the House Transportation Committee: Trunk referred to the Senate Agriculture, Veterans was renamed the State Trooper Theo- dore “Ted” Foss Memorial Highway in Highway 371 from Little Falls to Cass Lake, and Gaming Committee. 2001. Foss was killed in 2000 by an er- also known as the Paul Bunyan Expressway, Wroolie is the past national commander rant semi while making a traffi c stop near would become the Purple Heart Memorial of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an Lewiston. There is a large sign with his por- Highway (HF187); the new Trunk Highway organization that promotes goodwill among trait at the Dresbach Rest Area. 10 bridge that crosses the Red River between veterans wounded in combat. • Various highways in the Willmar and Alex- andria area are known as the Glacial Ridge Fargo and Moorhead would become the Veter- “I think it would be a great honor,” he said. Trail. It’s a scenic byway to view evidence of ans Memorial Bridge (HF255), and the bridge “It’s an effort to bring awareness from the state glacial activity. on Trunk Highway 23 over the St. Louis River of Minnesota for the troops who have continually would be called Biauswah Bridge in honor of put their lives on the line,” said Rep. Greg Blaine

PHOTO BY SARAH STACKE A statue of former Gov. Floyd B. Olson looks out over Trunk Highway 55 in Minneapolis, which is named the Floyd B. Olson Memorial Highway after the populist governor of the 1930s.

February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 15 Roads continued from page 15 A companion bill (SF374) sponsored by Sen. Indians, according to Christine Carlson, a Keith Langseth (R-Glyndon), has been referred photographer and historian from the area. veterans groups in the Red River Valley to to the Senate Transportation Committee. Biauswah died around 1710, after another bring a proposal to cities in the area, and A third bill would honor a 17th century tribe attacked his village. The enemy warriors ultimately to Rep. Morrie Lanning (R-Moor- American Indian and modern day American were going to kill Biauswah’s son, but Biaus- head), to designate the new Trunk Highway Indian military veterans. Sponsored by Rep. wah offered himself as a sacriﬁ ce instead. The 10 bridge as Veterans Memorial Bridge. “This Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson), HF59 would des- son took his father’s name, and became a hero bridge is a wonderful thing,” said Leo Joe Bak- ignate the bridge on Trunk Highway 23 that in his own right, according to Carlson. er, a member of the American Legion post in crosses the St. Louis River Biauswah Bridge in A companion, SF181, sponsored by Sen. Moorhead. A similar bill has to pass the North honor of Native American veterans. Becky Lourey (DFL-Kerrick), has been re- Dakota Legislature, which meets only in Biauswah is considered heroic as both ferred to the Senate Environment and Natural odd-numbered years. a warrior and peacemaker by American Resources Committee.

Minnesota House and Senate Membership

A Rep. Maxine Penas-(R) A Rep. Jim Knoblach-(R) A Rep. Randy Demmer-(R) A Rep. Jeff Johnson-(R) A Rep. Katie Sieben-(DFL) B Rep. Bernie Lieder-(DFL) B Rep. Joe Opatz-(DFL) B Rep. Fran Bradley-(R) B Rep. Ron Abrams-(R) B Rep. Denny McNamara-(R) 1Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf-(DFL) 15 Sen. Dave Kleis-(R) 29 Sen. David H. Senjem-(R) 43 Sen. David Gaither-(R) 57 Sen. Sharon Marko-(DFL) A Rep. Kent Eken-(DFL) A Rep. Sondra Erickson-(R) A Rep. Tina Liebling-(DFL) A Rep. Steve Simon-(DFL) A Rep. Joe Mullery-(DFL) B Rep. Brita Sailer-(DFL) B Rep. Mark Olson-(R) B Rep. Andy Welti-(DFL) B Rep. Ron Latz-(DFL) B Rep. Keith Ellison-(DFL) 2Sen. Rod Skoe-(DFL) 16 Sen. Betsy L. Wergin-(R) 30 Sen. Sheila M. Kiscaden-(IP) 44 Sen. Steve Kelley-(DFL) 58 Sen. Linda Higgins-(DFL) A Rep. Irv Anderson-(DFL) A Rep. Rob Eastlund-(R) A Rep. Gene Pelowski Jr.-(DFL) A Rep. Sandra Peterson-(DFL) A Rep. Diane Loeffl er-(DFL) B Rep. Loren A. Solberg-(DFL) B Rep. Peter Nelson-(R) B Rep. Gregory M. Davids-(R) B Rep. Lyndon R. Carlson-(DFL) B Rep. Phyllis Kahn-(DFL) 3Sen. Tom Saxhaug-(DFL) 17 Sen. Sean R. Nienow-(R) 31 Sen. Bob Kierlin-(R) 45 Sen. Ann H. Rest-(DFL) 59 Sen. Lawrence J. Pogemiller-(DFL) A Rep. Frank Moe-(DFL) A Rep. Scott Newman-(R) A Rep. Joyce Peppin-(R) A Rep. Michael Nelson-(DFL) A Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher-(DFL) B Rep. Larry Howes-(R) B Rep. Dean Urdahl-(R) B Rep. Kurt Zellers-(R) B Rep. Debra Hilstrom-(DFL) B Rep. Frank Hornstein-(DFL) 4Sen. Carrie L. Ruud-(R) 18 Sen. Steve Dille-(R) 32 Sen. Warren Limmer-(R) 46 Sen. Linda Scheid-(DFL) 60 Sen. D. Scott Dibble-(DFL) A Rep. Tom Rukavina-(DFL) A Rep. Bruce Anderson-(R) A Rep. Steve Smith-(R) A Rep. Denise Dittrich-(DFL) A Rep. Karen Clark-(DFL) B Rep. Anthony “Tony” Sertich-(DFL) B Rep. Tom Emmer-(R) B Rep. Barb Sykora-(R) B Rep. Melissa Hortman-(DFL) B Rep. Neva Walker-(DFL) 5Sen. David J. Tomassoni-(DFL) 19 Sen. Mark Ourada-(R) 33 Sen. Gen Olson-(R) 47 Sen. Leo Foley-(DFL) 61 Sen. Linda Berglin-(DFL) A Rep. David Dill-(DFL) A Rep. Aaron Peterson-(DFL) A Rep. Paul Kohls-(R) A Rep. Tom Hackbarth-(R) A Rep. Jim Davnie-(DFL) B Rep. Mary Murphy-(DFL) B Rep. Lyle Koenen-(DFL) B Rep. Joe Hoppe-(R) B Rep. Jim Abeler-(R) B Rep. Jean Wagenius-(DFL) 6Sen. Thomas M. Bakk-(DFL) 20 Sen. Gary Kubly-(DFL) 34 Sen. Julianne E. Ortman-(R) 48 Sen. Michael J. Jungbauer-(R) 62 Sen. Wesley J. Skoglund-(DFL) A Rep. Thomas Huntley-(DFL) A Rep. Marty Seifert-(R) A Rep. Michael Beard-(R) A Rep. Chris DeLaForest-(R) A Rep. Paul Thissen-(DFL) B Rep. Mike Jaros-(DFL) B Rep. Brad Finstad-(R) B Rep. Mark Buesgens-(R) B Rep. Kathy Tingelstad-(R) B Rep. Dan Larson-(DFL) 7Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon-(DFL) 21 Sen. Dennis R. Frederickson-(R) 35 Sen. Claire A. Robling-(R) 49 Sen. Debbie J. Johnson-(R) 63 Sen. Jane B. Ranum-(DFL) A Rep. Bill Hilty-(DFL) A Rep. Doug Magnus-(R) A Rep. Mary Liz Holberg-(R) A Rep. Barbara Goodwin-(DFL) A Rep. Matt Entenza-(DFL) B Rep. Judy Soderstrom-(R) B Rep. Rod Hamilton-(R) B Rep. Pat Garofalo-(R) B Rep. Char Samuelson-(R) B Rep. Michael Paymar-(DFL) 8Sen. Becky Lourey-(DFL) 22 Sen. Jim Vickerman-(DFL) 36 Sen. Pat Pariseau-(R) 50 Sen. Satveer Chaudhary-(DFL) 64 Sen. Richard J. Cohen-(DFL) A Rep. Morrie Lanning-(R) A Rep. Ruth Johnson-(DFL) A Rep. Lloyd Cybart-(R) A Rep. Andrew “Andy” Westerberg-(R) A Rep. Cy Thao-(DFL) B Rep. Paul Marquart-(DFL) B Rep. John Dorn-(DFL) B Rep. Dennis Ozment-(R) B Rep. Connie Bernardy-(DFL) B Rep. Carlos Mariani-(DFL) 9Sen. Keith Langseth-(DFL) 23 Sen. John C. Hottinger-(DFL) 37 Sen. Chris Gerlach-(R) 51 Sen. Don Betzold-(DFL) 65 Sen. Sandra L. Pappas-(DFL) A Rep. Bud Nornes-(R) A Rep. Bob Gunther-(R) A Rep. Tim Wilkin-(R) A Rep. Ray Vandeveer-(R) A Rep. John Lesch-(DFL) B Rep. Dean Simpson-(R) B Rep. Tony Cornish-(R) B Rep. Lynn Wardlow-(R) B Rep. Matt Dean-(R) B Rep. Alice Hausman-(DFL) 10 Sen. Cal Larson-(R) 24 Sen. Julie Rosen-(R) 38 Sen. Mike McGinn-(R) 52 Sen. Michele Bachmann-(R) 66 Sen. Ellen R. Anderson-(DFL) A Rep. Torrey Westrom-(R) A Rep. Laura Brod-(R) A Rep. Rick Hansen-(DFL) A Rep. Philip Krinkie-(R) A Rep. Tim Mahoney-(DFL) B Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba-(DFL) B Rep. Raymond Cox-(R) B Rep. Joseph Atkins-(DFL) B Rep. Doug Meslow-(R) B Rep. Sheldon Johnson-(DFL) 11 Sen. Dallas C. Sams-(DFL) 25 Sen. Thomas M. Neuville-(R) 39 Sen. James P. Metzen-(DFL) 53 Sen. Mady Reiter-(R) 67 Sen. Mee Moua-(DFL) A Rep. Paul Gazelka-(R) A Rep. Connie Ruth-(R) A Rep. Duke Powell-(R) A Rep. Mindy Greiling-(DFL) B Rep. Greg Blaine-(R) B Rep. Patti Fritz-(DFL) B Rep. Ann Lenczewski-(DFL) B Rep. Bev Scalze-(DFL) 12 Sen. Paul E. Koering-(R) 26 Sen. Dick Day-(R) 40 Sen. William V. Belanger Jr.-(R) 54 Sen. John Marty-(DFL) This document can be made available in alternative A Rep. Bud Heidgerken-(R) A Rep. Dan Dorman-(R) A Rep. Ron Erhardt-(R) A Rep. Leon Lillie-(DFL) formats for people with disabilities by B Rep. Al Juhnke-(DFL) B Rep. Jeanne Poppe-(DFL) B Rep. Neil W. Peterson-(R) B Rep. Nora Slawik-(DFL) calling the House at 13 Sen. Dean E. Johnson-(DFL) 27 Sen. Dan Sparks-(DFL) 41 Sen. Geoff Michel-(R) 55 Sen. Charles (Chuck) W. Wiger-(DFL) (651) 296-2146 voice, A Rep. Daniel Severson-(R) A Rep. Jerry Dempsey-(R) A Rep. Maria Ruud-(DFL) A Rep. Mike Charron-(R) (651) 296-9896 TTY or the Senate at B Rep. Larry Hosch-(DFL) B Rep. Steve Sviggum-(R) B Rep. Erik Paulsen-(R) B Rep. Karen Klinzing-(R) (651) 296-0504 voice 14 Sen. Michelle L. Fischbach-(R) 28 Sen. Steve Murphy-(DFL) 42 Sen. David Hann-(R) 56 Sen. Brian LeClair-(R) or (651) 296-0250 TTY What’s on the Web The editors at Session Weekly have faced a conun- page, making it easier to move between the drum in recent years: what to do when legislative sections. activity heats up and produces interesting stories Session Weekly EXTRA beyond the 24 printed pages to which the news- Read all about it Comments and suggestions welcome magazine is bound? Session Weekly editors are always looking for feed- the middle of the EXTRA page directs readers The Session Weekly EXTRA, that’s what. The back. What works, what doesn’t? What would Session to the most current off ering each week. EXTRA (www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/swx. Weekly readers like to see more of in the magazine or • Previous selections are archived in reverse asp) is a place on the House Web site where read- on the Web? Please feel free to share your comments chronological order. ers can fi nd expanded content and additional by sending an email message to [email protected]. • Highlights in the EXTRA are arranged by topics highlights. that mirror the print version of Session Weekly, Tips on using the EXTRA: such as Crime or Environment. • A colorful graphic image accompanied by text in • “Jump to” links are provided on the EXTRA

16 Session Weekly February 18, 2005 EOPLE P ★ ★ ★

Wearing many hats DISTRICT 30A Liebling adds representative to her list of activities 2002 population: 36,591 Largest city: Rochester County: Olmsted Top concerns: Economy, health care, education BY RUTH DUNN and a physician husband with a busy career of Some people may have been surprised his own, when she was urged to run for offi ce, when Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) was she took the chance. “Many unemployed people were elected to the House, but she wasn’t. Gridlock at the Legislature — especially In a three-way race failure to pass a bonding bill — was a key counting on jobs from the in 2002, Liebling and factor in her victory in 2004, she believes. bonding bill. When that didn’t an Independence Par- “Many unemployed people were counting on happen they were upset.” ty candidate together jobs from the bonding bill. When that didn’t — Rep. Tina Liebling gathered more votes happen they were upset.” than Republican Carla That bill included two key projects in the in 2002 when she fi rst ran for offi ce. She is now Nelson. Rochester area — a laboratory for the genom- associated with another law practice. She spends “I was optimistic I ics partnership between the Mayo Clinic and a lot of time now in St. Paul and it’s hard for could win a two-way the University of Minnesota, and a nurses her to be away from her two younger children Rep. Tina Liebling race,” she said. training facility at the community college. Hannah, 16, and Samuel, 11. The oldest child, Rochester, once a Republican stronghold, Education is also a key issue in her district David, is a college freshman. tends to be a swing area now, says Liebling. “The with many highly educated people who don’t But still, she said, “It feels good to be here, area has changed with lots of political moderates want public schools to be second rate, she like it’s the right thing to do. I always want to moving in who are liberal on social issues.” explains. Health care, of course, is also an learn new things and face challenges. I know Although her life was fi lled with a law prac- important issue for her constituents. that’s going to happen here. It already has.” tice, community involvement, three children Liebling gave up her criminal defense practice

Bridging the divide DISTRICT 27B Poppe seeks results in bonding and education 2002 population: 36,857 Largest city: Austin Counties: Fillmore and Mower Top concern: Substantial rural economic BY BRETT MARTIN Poppe sees herself as a good listener and growth Rep. Jeanne Poppe (DFL-Austin) didn’t ex- problem solver, which she attributes to her actly follow in her father’s footsteps. Sure, they background as an educator. She is a career “Kids have got to be given every both have a background in politics and civic counselor on leave from Riverland Commu- involvement, but she is nity College in Albert Lea. advantage they can be given a DFLer and her father “To be a good counselor, you have to be in education.” was a Republican. a good listener,” she said. “You have to help — Rep. Jeanne Poppe “I am involved in people see what they might be missing by politics because I had helping them see all sides.” “I think about how is it going to impact my dad as a role model,” One of Poppe’s priorities is making sure my mother who’s living on Social Security Poppe said. “Perhaps the bonding bill passes to provide relief to her and has medical needs. I also think about the one thing he taught district hit hard by a September 2004 fl ood how it’s going to impact my teenagers and me is to stand up for where two people lost their lives. Some con- future grandchildren,” she said. “We have to Rep. Jeanne Poppe what I believe.” stituents need help relocating and preventing think more long-term. We need more than a After losing a close House race two years ago future fl ood damage. Poppe is also focused temporary fi x; we need to solve problems.” to Jeff Anderson, Poppe reversed the results in on making sure all children receive a quality Poppe serves on three House committees: the last election. She said her district, like the education from pre-school through college. Environment and Natural Resources, Lo- country, is divided over issues and she intends “Kids have got to be given every advantage cal Government, and Rules and Legislative to heal the division. they can be given in education,” she said. A Administration. “I want to bridge that divide,” she said. mother of three, Poppe considers how each “We need more communication and more legislative decision will affect her family. listening.”

February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 17 ILL INTRODUCTIONS F EBRUARY 14 - 17, 2005 B ★ ★ ★ HOUSE FILES 978 - 1151

Monday, February 14 HF991—Heidgerken (R) HF1005—Ruth (R) Taxes Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance HF978—Mullery (DFL) E85 motor vehicle fuel retail dispensation equipment Women Venture grant provided and money Health Policy & Finance installation tax credit provided. appropriated. Collaborative parent-infant services requirement for hospital licensure established. HF992—Vandeveer (R) HF1006—Anderson, I. (DFL) Taxes Transportation Finance HF979—Abeler (R) Homestead property tax computation usage of Motor fuel tax rates increased, highways 53 Health Policy & Finance household income provided. and 169 projects funding provided and money Medical assistance required to cover medication appropriated. therapy management services. HF993—Vandeveer (R) Taxes HF1007—Hilty (DFL) HF980—Wilkin (R) Estate tax abolished. Civil Law & Elections Health Policy & Finance Post-election security and certifi cation review ap- Programs and services for persons with disabilities HF994—Lanning (R) plication to federal constitutional and legislative modifi ed. Local Government offi ces provided. Compensation limit for political subdivision HF981—Cox (R) employees modifi ed. HF1008—Vandeveer (R) Commerce & Financial Institutions Civil Law & Elections Cigarette cost mitigation fee imposed. HF995—Erhardt (R) Adoption communication or contact agreement Local Government provisions modifi ed. HF982—Tingelstad (R) Local government employee compensation limit Local Government repealed. HF1009—Kahn (DFL) Housing improvement area establishment sunset Regulated Industries extended and reports required. HF996—Ellison (DFL) Casino operation by state lottery in Minneapolis- Transportation St. Paul International Airport main terminal HF983—Ruth (R) Driver’s license reinstatement provisions modifi ed. authorized and money appropriated. Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Vinland Center for rehabilitation services funding HF997—Howes (R) HF1010—Abeler (R) provided and money appropriated. Commerce & Financial Institutions Education Policy & Reform Burns Township; detached banking facility Competitive high school diving pool usage notice HF984—Gunther (R) authorized. required. Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Youth job skills development statewide pro- HF998—Rukavina (DFL) HF1011—Kahn (DFL) gram administration grant provided and money Public Safety Policy & Finance Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs appropriated. Traffi c and vehicle inspection citation quotas Bicycle commuting promotion actions by state prohibited. agencies required. HF985—Anderson, I. (DFL) Transportation Finance HF999—Bradley (R) HF1012—Kahn (DFL) Rest area operation funding provided and money Taxes Transportation appropriated. Rochester city sales and use tax revenue addi- Motorized scooters regulated. tional uses provided and bonding authorization HF986—Nelson, M. (DFL) increased. HF1013—Kahn (DFL) Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Commerce & Financial Institutions Urban initiative program defi nition of low income HF1000—Clark (DFL) Genetic information insurance company usage area modifi ed. Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance regulated and enforcement authority provided. Procurement Technical Assistance Center and HF987—Sieben (DFL) minority business development program grant HF1014—Clark (DFL) Commerce & Financial Institutions provided and money appropriated. Public Safety Policy & Finance Cribs in violation of certain regulations sale and Impaired driving and chemical dependency coun- commercial use prohibited. HF1001—Simpson (R) teraction initiative provided, alcoholic beverage tax Taxes increased, obsolete language eliminated, technical HF988—Lesch (DFL) Resort property tax payment date delayed. corrections provided and money appropriated. Public Safety Policy & Finance Gang member crime against a child crime clas- HF1002—Gazelka (R) HF1015—Juhnke (DFL) sifi cation established. Commerce & Financial Institutions Commerce & Financial Institutions Tourism marketing funding provided and money Roofi ng contractors added to the building contractors HF989—Vandeveer (R) appropriated. recovery fund. Regulated Industries City approval of state-operated or state-licensed HF1003—Wilkin (R) HF1016—Ozment (R) gambling facility required. Commerce & Financial Institutions Education Policy & Reform Service contracts and contract providers regulated Pupil Fair Dismissal Act provisions authorized HF990—Emmer (R) and exceptions provided. to a child whose parent refuses to consent to an Environment & Natural Resources initial evaluation. Wright County; Wild, Scenic and Recreational HF1004—Thissen (DFL) River District land deleted. Regulated Industries HF1017—Paymar (DFL) Closed-loop elemental recycling technology Transportation research grant provided and money appropriated. Advertising adjacent to highways regulated.

18 Session Weekly February 18, 2005 HF1018—Demmer (R) HF1030—Vandeveer (R) HF1043—Emmer (R) Education Policy & Reform Taxes Commerce & Financial Institutions School districts authorized to terminate the enroll- A House resolution requesting Congress to Corporation law recodifi ed. ment of a nonresident enrollment options student support a repeal of the federal excise tax on during the school year. telecommunications. HF1044—Garofalo (R) Local Government HF1019—Hansen (DFL) HF1031—Zellers (R) Metropolitan Council required to carry out water Environment & Natural Resources Public Safety Policy & Finance supply planning activities, advisory committee Grass bank buffer zone drainage requirement Coercion defi nition modifi ed relating to criminal established and housing bond credit enhancement extended for ditches. sexual conduct law, stepparents authorized to assist program abolished. a minor in seeking a restraining order, fees waived HF1020—Atkins (DFL) for sexual assault victims seeking restraining orders HF1045—Mullery (DFL) Public Safety Policy & Finance and harassment laws updated. Civil Law & Elections Steroid sale and possession penalties increased. Absentee ballot treatment provided in case of HF1032—Dorman (R) vacancy in nomination because of death or cata- HF1021—Wilkin (R) Agriculture, Environment & strophic illness. Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Natural Resources Finance Legislature required to pass bonding and bud- Mower and Freeborn counties flood damage HF1046—Mullery (DFL) get bills before consideration of policy bills and mitigation engineering study funding provided Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance even-year legislative sessions abolished. and money appropriated. Learn to earn summer youth employment program funding provided and money appropriated. HF1022—Kelliher (DFL) HF1033—Peterson, A. (DFL) Health Policy & Finance Education Finance HF1047—Cox (R) Hospital emergency rooms required to provide Independent School District No. 2853, Lac qui Parle Higher Education Finance emergency contraception, prophylactic antibiotics Valley, severance levy authorized. State adjunct to the federal educational Upward and information to sexual assault victims. Bound or Talent Search Trio programs created and HF1034—Garofalo (R) money appropriated. HF1023—Johnson, R. (DFL) Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Education Finance Extended employment services funding pro- HF1048—Soderstrom (R) Supportive community partnerships grant vided, reimbursement rate increased and money Public Safety Policy & Finance provided and money appropriated. appropriated. Challenge incarceration program land acquisi- tion funding provided, bonds issued and money HF1024—Hoppe (R) HF1035—Abrams (R) appropriated. Environment & Natural Resources Taxes Artifi cial light use authorized while bow fi shing Commercial-industrial property general tax HF1049—Clark (DFL) for rough fi sh. converted to a tax based on land value. Transportation Minneapolis additional deputy registrar of motor HF1025—McNamara (R) HF1036—Seifert (R) vehicles authorized. Environment & Natural Resources Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Nonresident fi shing licenses made invalid for Offi c e of Ad m i n i s t r at ive He a r i ng s prov ide d t h re e c op - 14 days of the fi shing season for nonresidents from ies of Minnesota Rules, hearings and cases regulated, st ate s t hat proh ibit M i n ne sot a ns f rom t a k i ng ga me rulemaking provided and costs assessed. Wednesday, February 16 fi sh or small game during part of their season and HF1050—Davids (R) nonresident boat access fee provided. HF1037—Marquart (DFL) Agriculture, Environment & Taxes Natural Resources Finance HF1026—Rukavina (DFL) Detroit Lakes redevelopment districts established Second Harvest food banks grant provided for Regulated Industries subject to certain rules. purchase of milk and money appropriated. Farm-grown closed-loop biomass defi nition expanded and conditions for Public Utilities Com- HF1038—Simpson (R) HF1051—Kelliher (DFL) mission approval of a pending request for a biomass Agriculture, Environment & Health Policy & Finance project modifi ed. Natural Resources Finance Reproductive Privacy Act established prohibiting Beaver damage control grant program reinstated the state from interfering with a woman’s right HF1027—Vandeveer (R) and money appropriated. to choose. Governmental Operations and Veterans Aff airs A House resolution requesting the congressional HF1039—Ellison (DFL) HF1052—Sieben (DFL) delegation of the state give fi rst priority to sup- Public Safety Policy & Finance Regulated Industries porting and passing the defense appropriations First time drug offenders mandatory diversion Long distance service charges prohibited after a bill fi rst. required for specifi ed offenses. customer has requested a telecommunications carrier to cancel the service. HF1028—Vandeveer (R) HF1040—Finstad (R) Civil Law & Elections Health Policy & Finance HF1053—Severson (R) A House resolution memorializing the United States School and mental health provider collaboration Transportation senators from Minnesota to support the president’s task force established. Driver’s license road test waiver authorized for nominees to the United States Supreme Court. licensed military personnel. HF1041—Lanning (R) HF1029—Vandeveer (R) Taxes HF1054—Knoblach (R) Civil Law & Elections Border city enterprise zone provisions modifi ed Taxes A House resolution memorializing Minnesota’s and funds allocated. Education tax credit authorized for certain school congressional delegation to support the president’s attendance and family cap on the education tax call for legal reform. HF1042—Rukavina (DFL) credit eliminated. Regulated Industries Video lottery terminals authorized, state lottery director duties and powers provided and revenue uses specifi ed.

February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 19 HF1055—Lenczewski (DFL) HF1068—Howes (R) HF1081—Ozment (R) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Civil Law & Elections Environment & Natural Resources Lobbying activities prohibited for one year after County review and approval of shoreland Commercial fi shing restrictions in infested waters leaving offi ce for former legislators, constitutional subdivisions required. modified, water recreation account provided, offi cers, commissioners and deputies, agency heads citizen oversight committee sunsets extended and and specifi ed legislative employees. HF1069—Fritz (DFL) approval of county timber receipts expenditures Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance eliminated. HF1056—Nornes (R) Ellendale sewer and water infrastructure improve- Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance ments grant provided, bonds issued and money HF1082—Simpson (R) Child-care assistance provider reimbursement rate appropriated. Health Policy & Finance categories modifi ed. Wadena County nursing home moratorium exception HF1070—Holberg (R) provided and money appropriated. HF1057—Thao (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance State park permit provisions modifi ed. HF1083—Buesgens (R) St. Paul; Summit University Teen Center funding Regulated Industries provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. HF1071—Erickson (R) Elko Speedway on-sale liquor license authorized for Education Policy & Reform all sales for all events on all days of the week. HF1058—Nornes (R) Sexually transmitted infections and diseases Health Policy & Finance program for school districts required to include HF1084—Hansen (DFL) Otter Tail County nursing home moratorium information on criminal sexual conduct. Local Government exception extended. Counties authorized to delegate duties to board HF1072—Mullery (DFL) of adjustment. HF1059—Pelowski (DFL) Civil Law & Elections Health Policy & Finance Grandparent visitation rights provided on behalf of HF1085—Nornes (R) Programs for the all-inclusive care for the el- the child, grandparent rights expanded, procedures Higher Education Finance derly (PACE) covered under alternative integrated specifi ed and mediation required. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities student long-term care services. board member selection recommendation deadline HF1073—DeLaForest (R) modifi ed. HF1060—Davnie (DFL) Transportation Education Policy & Reform Speed limits provided on city streets in rural HF1086—Powell (R) Individual education plan development and tuition residential districts. Education Finance billing resident district participation conditions School districts authorized to replace state shortfalls provided. HF1074—Cybart (R) in special education funding with local levy authority, Civil Law & Elections and local discretionary levy authorized. HF1061—Thissen (DFL) Family day care, child-care center or foster Civil Law & Elections care license data classifi ed as public in certain Personal jurisdiction over foreign corporations and circumstances. nonresident individuals modifi ed. Thursday, February 17 HF1075—Juhnke (DFL) HF1087—Powell (R) HF1062—Thissen (DFL) Agriculture & Rural Development Transportation Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Fertilizer Research Council established, compre- Seatbelt violation primary offense provided re- Airport areas development fund established. hensive research and management program pro- gardless of age in all seating positions and fi ne vided and refundable fee imposed on agricultural increased. HF1063—Thissen (DFL) fertilizers. Transportation HF1088—Slawik (DFL) Airport zoning provisions scope expanded to HF1076—Kohls (R) Civil Law & Elections include control of uses incompatible with present Education Finance Prejudgment garnishments prohibited in certain and future airport use. Independent School District No. 110, Waconia, circumstances. lease levy authorized. HF1064—Thissen (DFL) HF1089—Ozment (R) Local Government HF1077—Kohls (R) Agriculture, Environment & Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport impact Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Natural Resources Finance mitigation planning and fund provided, airport Peace offi cers and fi refi ghters suffering disabling Minnesota Conservation Corps funding provided impact zones established, contingent metropoli- injuries health insurance payments continued and money appropriated. tan area property tax levy authorized and money even if the offi cer works at another position for the appropriated. employer before separating from service. HF1090—Buesgens (R) Education Policy & Reform HF1065—Davnie (DFL) HF1078—Kohls (R) Non-curricular athletic and fi ne arts activities for Civil Law & Elections Health Policy & Finance youth transferred from school districts to local Fair and Clean Elections Act adopted, campaign Carver County nursing home moratorium exception governments. contribution disclosure increased, contribu- provided. tions and expenditures limited, public subsidies HF1091—Howes (R) increased for candidates who agree to limits and HF1079—Greiling (DFL) Higher Education Finance money appropriated. Education Policy & Reform State college and university self-governance op- Nonpublic schools subjected to the pupil fair tion provided, administration specified, state HF1066—Lenczewski (DFL) dismissal law and other requirements if families aid for higher education provided and money Taxes of students attending claim a tax credit for educa- appropriated. Fiscal disparities proceeds expenditures required tion-related expenses. on projects that benefi t the entire metropolitan HF1092—Hackbarth (R) area as a whole. HF1080—Eastlund (R) Regulated Industries Taxes Sports-themed tipboard games provided. HF1067—Kohls (R) Electric generation facility personal property tax Commerce & Financial Institutions exemption provided. Wage detail reports fi ling requirements modifi ed relating to unemployment insurance. 20 Session Weekly February 18, 2005 HF1093—Hausman (DFL) HF1107—Newman (R) HF1121—Ruud (DFL) Local Government Public Safety Policy & Finance Education Finance St. Paul authorized to participate in the creation Predatory offender registration law requirements Operating referendum ballot language simplifi ed of, and contracting with a nonprofi t organization provided and community notifi cation law informa- relating to education fi nance. to operate the RiverCentre complex. tion disclosure clarifi ed. HF1122—Moe (DFL) HF1094—Smith (R) HF1108—Greiling (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Public Safety Policy & Finance Civil Law & Elections Minnesota Fishing Protection Act established pro- Victim of crime defi nition clarifi ed. Early intervention services expanded relating to viding authority, direction, and funding to achieve civil commitment of chemically dependent preg- and maintain water quality standards to protect the HF1095—Nelson, P. (R) nant women. quantity, edibility and health of Minnesota fi sh. Transportation Special veterans license plates authorized for display HF1109—Smith (R) HF1123—Fritz (DFL) on certain 1-ton trucks. Public Safety Policy & Finance Public Safety Policy & Finance Firefi ghting training and education board revived Methamphetamine precursor drug sales regulated, HF1096—Nelson, P. (R) and reenacted. new civil and criminal penalties imposed, cleanup Civil Law & Elections fund established and money appropriated. Additional campaign committee fi nance report HF1110—Hosch (DFL) required. Civil Law & Elections HF1124—Emmer (R) State primary election eliminated in areas where Public Safety Policy & Finance HF1097—Blaine (R) no nominee must be selected for any offi ce in that Juvenile data release in conjunction with a back- Education Policy & Reform municipality or county. ground check defi ned as not constituting a release Teacher mentoring program school district assis- of a juvenile adjudication history. tance provided and money appropriated. HF1111—Sykora (R) Education Finance HF1125—Wilkin (R) HF1098—Clark (DFL) Collaborative urban educator recruitment and Commerce & Financial Institutions Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance training program grants authorized and money No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act repealed, Human services, medical assistance leins and appropriated. premium reduction provided and liability cover- individual income tax and corporate franchise tax age required. provisions modifi ed. HF1112—Abeler (R) Health Policy & Finance HF1126—Hamilton (R) HF1099—Newman (R) Alcohol and drug counselor voluntary licensure Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Public Safety Policy & Finance provisions reinstated. Employment support services for persons with Gambling fraud crime provision clarifi ed. mental illness funding provided and money HF1113—Goodwin (DFL) appropriated. HF1100—Newman (R) Civil Law & Elections Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Housing warranties remedies provisions modifi ed. HF1127—Brod (R) Hutchinson Area Health Care employees added Taxes to the Public Employees Retirement Association HF1114—Goodwin (DFL) Biotechnology and health sciences industry zone privatization coverage. Civil Law & Elections tax credit amount increased. Home improvement construction defects relief HF1101—Newman (R) provided. HF1128—Samuelson (R) Taxes Transportation Finance Local government aid city aid base increased for HF1115—Hortman (DFL) Interstate-35W reconstruction concepts funding certain cities. Environment & Natural Resources provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. Unsterilized ballast water use prohibited and HF1102—Hosch (DFL) discharge permit required. HF1129—Emmer (R) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Civil Law & Elections Per diem increase for legislators prohibited during HF1116—Bernardy (DFL) State agency employment applicant data classifi ca- special sessions called within 60 days of adjourn- Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs tion modifi ed. ment because the Legislature failed to pass necessary University of Minnesota former steam plant legislation during the regular session. employees included in the state health insurance HF1130—Emmer (R) group. Civil Law & Elections HF1103—Hosch (DFL) Government data access maximum fee for copies Commerce & Financial Institutions HF1117—Greiling (DFL) provided. Steroid testing authorized for professional Health Policy & Finance athletes. Medical Assistance asset limit modifi ed for persons HF1131—Emmer (R) who are aged, blind or disabled. Public Safety Policy & Finance HF1104—Seifert (R) Asexualization of certain sex offenders Agriculture & Rural Development HF1118—Dempsey (R) authorized. State Fair recreational camping area regulations Transportation Finance exception provided. Duluth Port Authority grant provided and money HF1132—Dill (DFL) appropriated. Education Finance HF1105—Seifert (R) Independent School District No. 381, Lake Superior, State Government Finance HF1119—Zellers (R) fund transfer authorized. State government general legislative and admin- Education Finance istrative expenses funding provided and money Brooklyn Center; Northwest Hennepin Fam- HF1133—Cornish (R) appropriated. ily Center construction funding provided, bonds Agriculture, Environment & issued and money appropriated. Natural Resources Finance HF1106—Greiling (DFL) M i ner a l s ma na gement ac c ou nt c re ate d, d i s posit ion Civil Law & Elections HF1120—Powell (R) of certain mineral payments modifi ed and money Limited liability provided for certain conduct of Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs appropriated. persons released from confi nement related to use State employee voluntary unpaid leave and early or nonuse of prescribed medicines. retirement options and incentives provided.

February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 21 HF1134—Severson (R) HF1141—Ellison (DFL) HF1148—Greiling (DFL) Transportation Transportation Finance Public Safety Policy & Finance Motor vehicle registration plates regulation and Minneapolis; Broadway Avenue bridge improve- Discharge plans provided for offenders with serious fees provided. ments funding provided, bonds issued and money and persistent mental illnesses that are released appropriated. from county jails or county regional jails and HF1135—Hamilton (R) money appropriated. State Government Finance HF1142—Hilstrom (DFL) Veterans service offi ce grant program carryforward Public Safety Policy & Finance HF1149—Cornish (R) of unexpended appropriation provided. Inmates required to be housed in publicly owned Public Safety Policy & Finance and operated jails and prisons, private prison Criminal justice agencies authorized as only agen- HF1136—Dorman (R) contracting prohibited and renewal of the Prairie cies permitted to submit and obtain data from the Transportation Finance Correctional Facility contract prohibited. distinctive physical mark identifi cation program. Rural road safety account established, local road improvement funding provided, bonds issued and HF1143—Emmer (R) HF1150—Emmer (R) money appropriated. Civil Law & Elections Public Safety Policy & Finance Investigative and licensing data classifi ed. Bu re au of Cr i m i na l Apprehen sion aut hor i z e d to add HF1137—Thissen (DFL) certain identifying information on an individual Commerce & Financial Institutions HF1144—Demmer (R) who is the subject of a background check to the Health coverage; more affordable conversion Education Policy & Reform criminal history under certain circumstances. health coverage provided as a bridge to Medicare Consecutive teaching experience provided for for persons 60 to 65 years of age. a teacher whose probationary employment is HF1151—Huntley (DFL) interrupted by military service. Health Policy & Finance HF1138—Thissen (DFL) St. Louis County nursing facility rate increase Taxes HF1145—Slawik (DFL) determination provided. Technology tax credit provided for small Civil Law & Elections businesses. Absentee ballot early voting authorized at specifi ed locations without qualifi cation. HF1139—Thissen (DFL) To fi nd out who represents Taxes HF1146—Nelson, P. (R) you at the Capitol . . . First tier of commercial-industrial property Taxes Call House Public Information exempted from the state general tax. Local government aid base increased for specifi ed Services at (651) 296-2146 cities. HF1140—Thissen (DFL) or 1-800-657-3550 Taxes HF1147—Peppin (R) Property tax loss compensation provided when real State Government Finance property is acquired by a governmental entity and State soldiers’ assistance fund unexpended becomes tax-exempt. appropriation carryforward authorized.

2005-06 Minnesota Senate Members Phone Phone District/Member/Party Room* (651) 296- District/Member/Party Room* (651) 296- 66 Anderson, Ellen (DFL) ...... 120 Cap...... 5537 54 Marty, John (DFL) ...... 323 Cap...... 5645 52 Bachmann, Michele (R) ...... 141 SOB ...... 4351 38 McGinn, Mike (R) ...... G-19 SOB ...... 7-8073 6 Bakk, Thomas (DFL) ...... 226 Cap...... 8881 39 Metzen, James (DFL) ...... 322 Cap...... 4370 40 Belanger, William (R) ...... 113 SOB ...... 5975 41 Michel, Geoff (R) ...... 133 SOB ...... 6238 61 Berglin, Linda (DFL) ...... 309 Cap...... 4261 67 Moua, Mee (DFL) ...... 235 Cap...... 5285 51 Betzold, Don (DFL) ...... 111 Cap...... 2556 28 Murphy, Steve (DFL) ...... 306 Cap...... 4264 50 Chaudhary, Satveer (DFL) ...... 317 Cap...... 4334 25 Neuville, Thomas (R) ...... 123 SOB ...... 1279 64 Cohen, Richard (DFL) ...... 121 Cap...... 5931 17 Nienow, Sean (R) ...... 105 SOB ...... 5419 26 Day, Dick (R) ...... 147 SOB ...... 9457 33 Olson, Gen (R) ...... 119 SOB ...... 1282 60 Dibble, D. Scott (DFL) ...... 111 Cap...... 4191 34 Ortman, Julianne (R) ...... G-21 SOB ...... 4837 18 Dille, Steve (R) ...... 103 SOB ...... 4131 19 Ourada, Mark (R) ...... 145 SOB ...... 5981 14 Fischbach, Michelle (R) ...... G-15 SOB ...... 2084 65 Pappas, Sandra (DFL) ...... 120 Cap...... 1802 47 Foley, Leo (DFL) ...... G-24 Cap...... 4154 36 Pariseau, Pat (R) ...... 117 SOB ...... 5252 21 Frederickson, Dennis (R) ...... 139 SOB ...... 8138 59 Pogemiller, Lawrence (DFL) ...... 235 Cap...... 7809 43 Gaither, David (R) ...... 107 SOB ...... 4314 63 Ranum, Jane (DFL) ...... 120 Cap...... 7-8061 37 Gerlach, Chris (R) ...... 149 SOB ...... 4120 53 Reiter, Mady (R) ...... 132D SOB ...... 1253 42 Hann, David (R) ...... G-27 SOB ...... 1749 45 Rest, Ann (DFL) ...... 205 Cap...... 2889 58 Higgins, Linda (DFL) ...... 328 Cap...... 9246 35 Robling, Claire (R) ...... 143 SOB ...... 4123 23 Hottinger, John (DFL) ...... 317 Cap...... 6153 24 Rosen, Julie (R) ...... G-23 SOB ...... 5713 13 Johnson, Dean (DFL) ...... 208 Cap...... 3826 4 Ruud, Carrie (R) ...... 109 SOB ...... 4913 49 Johnson, Debbie (R) ...... 135 SOB ...... 3219 11 Sams, Dallas (DFL) ...... 328 Cap...... 7-8063 48 Jungbauer, Michael (R) ...... 115 SOB ...... 3733 3 Saxhaug, Tom (DFL) ...... 124 Cap...... 4136 44 Kelley, Steve (DFL) ...... 205 Cap...... 7-8065 46 Scheid, Linda (DFL) ...... 303 Cap...... 8869 31 Kierlin, Bob (R) ...... 127 SOB ...... 5649 29 Senjem, David (R) ...... G-17 SOB ...... 3903 30 Kiscaden, Sheila (IP) ...... 325 Cap...... 4848 2 Skoe, Rod (DFL) ...... 124 Cap...... 4196 15 Kleis, Dave (R) ...... G-25 SOB ...... 6455 62 Skoglund, Wesley (DFL) ...... 124 Cap...... 4274 12 Koering, Paul (R) ...... 131 SOB ...... 4875 7 Solon, Yvonne Prettner (DFL) ...... 303 Cap...... 4188 20 Kubly, Gary (DFL) ...... 306 Cap...... 5094 27 Sparks, Dan (DFL) ...... G-24 Cap...... 9248 9 Langseth, Keith (DFL) ...... 122 Cap...... 3205 1 Stumpf, LeRoy (DFL) ...... G-24 Cap...... 8660 10 Larson, Cal (R) ...... 153 SOB ...... 5655 5 Tomassoni, David (DFL) ...... 321 Cap...... 8017 56 LeClair, Brian (R) ...... 129 SOB ...... 4166 22 Vickerman, Jim (DFL) ...... 226 Cap...... 5650 32 Limmer, Warren (R) ...... 121 SOB ...... 2159 16 Wergin, Betsy (R) ...... 125 SOB ...... 8075 8 Lourey, Becky (DFL) ...... G-24 Cap...... 0293 55 Wiger, Charles (DFL) ...... 301 Cap...... 6820 57 Marko, Sharon (DFL) ...... G-24 Cap...... 7-8060 *Capitol or State Offi ce Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 22 Session Weekly February 18, 2005 Frequently called numbers (Area code 651) Information, House TTY, Senate ...... 296-0250 Governor’s Offi ce 175 State Offi ce Building ...... 296-2146 Toll free ...... 1-888-234-1112 130 Capitol ...... 296-3391 Toll free ...... 1-800-657-3550 Secretary of the Senate Toll free ...... 1-800-657-3717 TTY, House ...... 296-9896 231 Capitol ...... 296-2344 Attorney General’s Offi ce Toll free ...... 1-800-657-3550 Voice mail/order bills ...... 296-2343 102 Capitol ...... 296-6196 Chief Clerk of the House Index, Senate Toll free ...... 1-800-657-3787 211 Capitol ...... 296-2314 110 Capitol ...... 296-5560 Secretary of State’s Offi ce Index, House Sergeant-at-Arms, Senate 180 State Offi ce Building ...... 296-2803 211 Capitol ...... 296-6646 Senate Chamber ...... 296-7514/296-1119 Public Information: ...... 1-877-551-6767 Sergeant-at-Arms, House Committee Hotline, Senate .....296-8088 Capitol Security 45 State Offi ce Building ...... 296-4860 Legislative Reference Library B-5 Capitol ...... 296-6741 Committee Hotline, House .....296-9283 645 State Offi ce Building ...... 296-3398 Emergency ...... 296-2100 Information, Senate 231 Capitol ...... 296-0504 Toll free ...... 1-888-234-1112

PEAKING OF THE HOUSE S ★ ★ ★

Peter Meslow, the 19-year-old son of like New Prague, Waterville and Arlington House Transportation Finance Com- Rep. Doug Meslow (R-White Bear are pictured from 1895 to 1910 with muddy mittee Chair Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Lake) and his wife, Jenny, was remem- streets lined with brick buildings. “I like to (R-Lakeville) was just finishing her bered in prayer on the House fl oor Feb. 10, two stay connected to history as we move forward presentation to the House Capital Investment days after he passed away following a two-year and build on our history,” she said. Committee Feb. 8 when she mentioned that battle with cancer. Brod, a small business owner who served on her daughter played in a Duluth hockey tour- Memorials can be sent to the White Bear the city council, understands the importance nament a couple of weekends prior. Lake Area Educational Foundation, c/o Mad- of main streets and the impact that one to two “Rep. Holberg and I had a child on the same elyn Benson, P.O. Box 10786, White Bear Lake, person shops have on them. “Main streets day,” Rep. Dan Dorman (R-Albert Lea) said. MN 55110. are strong in my district. We don’t want to Quickly realizing what that could have meant, see them go away.” She also wrote a paper for a red-faced Dorman said, “Not the same one. University of Minnesota President her master’s degree on the topic Main Street I thought that would get folks attention.” Robert Bruininks spoke Feb. 14 before Minnesota. Dorman’s son is a swimmer. “Rep. Holberg’s the House Higher Education Finance daughter deals with it when it’s frozen and if Committee about the university’s response When he appeared before the House it’s not frozen Christopher is swimming in it, to the governor’s budget request. Capital Investment Committee Feb. 8, but they both share the same date of birth,” “I’ve never had the opportunity or privilege Rep. Bud Nornes (R-Fergus Falls) was Dorman said. to address a committee of the House or Senate wearing a shirt and sweater. on Valentine’s Day so I’m hoping this will be “Before I begin I’m going to request that you When testifying in support of his bill, a good omen,” he said. don’t hold it against me that I didn’t wear a HF9, before the House Health Policy “Love is in the air,” said Rep. Jim Abeler tie today,” he said before sharing the House and Finance Committee Feb. 2, Rep. (R-Anoka). Higher Education Finance Committee’s Tim Wilkin (R-Eagan) urged members to “I hope for the University of Minnesota,” bonding recommendations. refer the bill to the House Commerce and Bruininks said with a laugh. “We’ll note that down, but two demerits,” Financial Institutions Committee. After Committee Chair Rep. Bud Nornes said Rep. Dan Dorman (R-Albert Lea), the “I talked to the chair of the Commerce (R-Fergus Falls) pointed out the lack of red committee chair. Committee, and he would like to see it come apparel worn by committee members, Bru- Later in the presentation, Mike Miller, the to his committee,” Wilkin said, adding that ininks responded, “I hope this committee is higher education committee administrator, the chair was “sympathetic” to the bill. not thinking red. I hope this committee is needed to testify. He was wearing an open- The members laughed, knowing full well that thinking green.” collared shirt. Wilkin is the chair of the said committee. Asked Dorman, with a laugh: “What kind The committee did refer Wilkin’s bill to Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague) is of committee are you running over there his committee, where it was approved and fascinated with main streets of Min- Nornes?” referred to the House Taxes Committee. nesota cities. Historic photos of eight of When the higher education committee met the 12 cities in her district hang on the walls of the following day, both Nornes and Miller her offi ce in the State Offi ce Building. Cities donned coats and ties.

February 18, 2005 Session Weekly 23 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. P AUL, MN 55155-1298

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

INNESOTA M INDEX FOR MORE INFORMATION

For general information, call: College costs House Public Information Services offi ce (651) 296-2146 or Number of public and private higher education institutions in Minnesota ...... 178 1-800-657-3550 Those that are for-profi t ...... 80 Total public institution enrollment in fall 2004 ...... 235,796 To subscribe to Session Weekly online: Percent increase from 2000 ...... 10.9 http://www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Percent attending a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) school .....72.3 Private school institution enrollment in fall 2004 ...... 84,468 To obtain a copy of a bill, call: Percent increase from 2000 ...... 12.5 Chief Clerk’s Offi ce Percent attending a private college or university ...... 72.5 (651) 296-2314 Approximate percent of low-income and students of color in public schools To fi nd out about bill introductions or who receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from a Minnesota college within the status of a specifi c bill, call: 10 years of their freshman year in high school ...... 5 House Index Offi ce State appropriation for higher education in fi scal year 2004, in billions ...... $1.3 (651) 296-6646 Millions to MnSCU ...... $560 Millions to the University of Minnesota ...... $547 For an after hours recorded message Millions for fi nancial aid (and supportive administrative functions) ...... $180 giving committee meeting times and State appropriation reduction for higher education from 2002-03 biennium agendas, call: to 2004-05 biennium, in millions ...... $196 Committee Hotline Higher education, as percent of state’s 2004-05 budget ...... 9.1 (651) 296-9283 In 1987 ...... 15.5 State tax-funded appropriations per $1,000 of personal income that went The House of Representatives can be found to higher education in fi scal year 2004 ...... $7.56 on the Web at: http://www.house.mn

State rank ...... 21 Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired. Amount in 1978 ...... $15.08 To ask questions or leave messages, call: Average tuition and fees for state students at one of the seven state universities TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or for 2004-05 ...... $4,921 1-800-657-3550 At one of 30 state colleges ...... $3,804 Average for a state undergraduate at the University of Minnesota ...... $7,881 Check your local listings to watch televi- Millions in grants that Minnesota undergraduates received in fi scal year 2003 ...... $687 sion coverage of House committees and Millions in student and parent higher education loans ...... $844 fl oor sessions. Number of students receiving state grants in fi scal year 2003 ...... 72,396 Percent of those students coming from families earning less than $40,000 ...... 70 Students receiving child-care grants ...... 935

Sources: University of Minnesota; Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system; Minnesota This document can be made available in alternative Higher Education Services Oﬃ ce, including Fall 2004 Preliminary Headcount Enrollment Report; formats to individuals with disabilities by calling Trouble on the Horizon: Growing Demands and Competition, Limited Resources, & Changing (651) 296-2146 voice, (651) 296-9896 TTY, or Demographics in Higher Education, November 2004, Citizens League. (800) 657-3550 toll free voice and TTY.