JANUARY 31, 2003 VOLUME 20, NUMBER 4

In this issue:

STATE PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS REPORT

BUDGET BILL, MINNESOTACARE STUDY, AND MORE

HF183-HF261 ESSION S Weekly Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Office. During the 2003-2004 Legislative Session, each issue reports daily House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions and upcoming committee meeting schedules, and provides other information. The publication is a service of the Minnesota House. No fee. CONTENTS To subscribe, contact: Minnesota House of Representatives IGHLIGHTS Public Information Office H 175 State Office Building Education • 5 Health • 7 Recreation • 9 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Elections • 5 Higher Education • 8 (651) 296-2146 or Safety • 9 1-800-657-3550 Energy • 5 Law • 8 Tourism • 10 TTY (651) 296-9896 Gambling • 6 Metro Affairs • 9 Director Barry LaGrave FEATURES Assistant Director At Issue: Family — Legislators toured a number of facilities that provide services LeClair G. Lambert to homeless individuals Jan. 28. • 11 Editor/Assistant Director Michelle Kibiger At Issue: Government — The House passed a budget-balancing bill that would Assistant Editor trim $468 million from the fiscal year 2003 budget. Conferees are already meeting Mike Cook to negotiate a compromise between the House and Senate proposals. • 12 Art & Production Coordinator At Issue: Health — A legislative auditor’s report reveals that the MinnesotaCare Paul Battaglia program may not be collecting as much as it should in premiums. • 14 Writers People — The House majority and minority caucuses appoint whips to count Miranda Bryant, Patty Janovec, votes and help assist the majority and minority leader with floor debate and ad- Jeff Jones, Tom Lonergan ministrative duties• 15 Chief Photographer Tom Olmscheid People — Rep. Karen Klinzing (R-Woodbury) brings a teaching background to Photographers her new role as a legislator. • 16 Andrew Von Bank, Kristine Larsen People — Rep Paul Kohls (R-Victoria) hopes to use his experience as a com- Office Manager muter from the metropolitan area’s far western suburbs in advocating for road Nicole Wood improvements. • 17 Staff Assistants People — Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) draws wisdom from many sources, in- Christy Novak, Joseph Rude cluding his favorite musician Bruce Springsteen, in developing his Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is published political philosophies. • 18 weekly during the legislative session by the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services Office, 175 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals DEPARTMENTS/RESOURCES postage paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, Public Information It’s a Fact: Agricultural societies 4 Reflections: Two special governors 23 Office, Minnesota House of Representatives, Bill Introductions (HF183 – HF261) 19 Minnesota Index: State and federal 175 State Office Building, St. Paul, Committee Schedule (Feb. 3-7) 21 assistance programs 24 MN 55155-1298.

Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, 30% post-consumer content. On the cover: A resident returns to his room at American House Apartments, a housing service for former homeless adults in St. Paul. Members of the House Jobs and Economic Finance Committee visited the apartments during a Jan. 28 St. Paul shelter and housing tour. —Photo by: Kristine Larsen

2 January 31, 2003 IRST READING F★ ★ ★

projects on a competitive basis, though a num- ber of other contract procedures do exist for certain circumstances. Procedural difficulties According to the auditor’s report, the De- partment of Administration processed nearly In light of public skepticism state officials pledge to improve 3,500 contracts and contract amendments practice of awarding professional and technical contracts from April 2001 to April 2002 with a total value of nearly $1.1 billion. The Corrections Department had the highest BY MICHELLE KIBIGER “If you read the state laws on contracts, you number of contracts during that period with 265. looming budget crisis has painted a new will go home and sleep very well, because they The Transportation Department was close be- face on the old problem of the state’s are tough and very rigorous,” Nobles said. “But hind with 239, and the median value of trans- Aprofessional and technical contract pro- you’d be dreaming because that doesn’t hap- portation contracts was $53,500, nearly $50,000 cedure. Though recent news accounts have pen very often.” more than the corrections contracts. shed light on specific concerns within the Min- The auditor’s evaluation found that the MnDOT also had a high number of amend- nesota Department of Transportation Department of Administration does not ful- ments to professional contracts with 179. (MnDOT), officials and independent auditors fill its role of oversight in the contract process, Criticisms surrounding MnDOT contracts say the problem extends beyond the depart- and it needs to do a better job of prioritizing involve the large number of single-source con- ment to numerous other state agencies. its workload, Nobles said. tracts, where a department determines that only It’s a systematic problem that can be blamed “They’re simply overwhelmed by the num- one contractor is reasonably available to perform in part on the number of contracts flowing bers” of contracts they must oversee and ap- a particular service, contracts that were amended through the system, they say. prove, he said. with substantially higher costs, and contracts for Legislative Auditor James Nobles testified Specifically at issue is the process by which services that could possibly have been provided before a joint meeting of the House Transpor- the state selects contractors for professional by existing department staff. tation Finance and Transportation Policy and technical services – those defined as in- Nobles emphasized that the problem identi- fied in the auditor’s report directly relates to the contracting process — to what degree state agen- cies are following proper procedure, not the per- sonalities involved. Newspaper accounts suggested conflicts of interest on behalf of agency employees in the Transportation Department – that personal gain motivated contract awards. Agency officials and Nobles say though the agencies did not follow the law governing con- tracts, they did not break the law with regard to conflict of interest. “This is not about personal gain,” Nobles said. “It was a conflict of perspective. … There is of- ten a disconnect between the program people,” who want to get the job done quickly, “and the contract people who often want to conduct the project in a fair and open manner.” Nobles also said the auditor’s evaluation examined laws, rules, structure, and process. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has appointed a task force to review procedures governing the state’s professional While he acknowledged that the processes the and technical contracts. Criticisms have been raised with state Department of Transportation con- departments have been using are not appro- tracts, as well as other agencies. priate, he said the evaluation determined that committees Jan. 29 regarding the issue. His tellectual in nature. These contractors provide laws were not intentionally broken. office prepared a report released in January a certain area of expertise valuable to an He said that many of the problems with that evaluated how all state agencies adhere to agency, such as with employee training, inter- MnDOT contracts specifically related to bad the contracting process dictated in state law. nal re-organization, and management. communication and relationships between The short story: they’re not. By law, the commissioner of the Department MnDOT and the Administration Department. “The state generally has a good contracting of Administration has contract authority for all In response to the media reports, Gov. Tim process on paper, but not in practice,” Nobles state agencies, unless otherwise specified by law. Pawlenty appointed a task force Jan. 28 to better said. He said that while there are a number of In addition, law dictates that the department pro- manage the relationships between the two laws in place governing the process, often vide contract management, review, and oversight. departments. Administration Commissioner agencies are not being required to follow them. Typically, contractors must submit bids for Brian Lamb and Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, also

Session Weekly 3 commissioner of the Transportation Depart- ment, testified before the joint transportation committee and said they both see the situation as an opportunity to insure the public is getting the service it demands via the most cost-effec- tive means. Agricultural societies “We know there is a problem and we know Governor’s budget-reduction plan includes cuts to we need to deal with it,” said Molnau, former Minnesota institutions nearly as old as the state itself chair of the House Transportation Finance The annual county fair, a rural summer Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. Committee. “It’s not MnDOT’s problem only.” feature, predates Minnesota’s statehood. But Stevens was elected president of the group Lamb said administration officials are focus- it took until 1868 — 10 years after state- in 1855, and it decided to hold an October fair ing on measuring performance trends with re- hood — for the Legislature to appropriate — jointly sponsored with the Hennepin soci- gard to contracts and making sure that all funds to agricultural societies that spon- ety — in Minneapolis at which Jarchow noted, agencies have a common focus and common sored state and county fairs. “for the first time in the upper Mississippi re- message about contract procedures. He said his The issue was put back on the table when gion the dairy interest was represented.” Among department needs to re-identify what procedures Gov. Tim Pawlenty proposed cutting other highlights of the 1855 gathering were “a are proper for all agencies, make clear the conse- $357,000 for “grants to agricultural societ- stalk of corn seventeen feet high” and a radish quences of not following those procedures, and ies and associations,” as part of his fiscal that weighed nearly 18 pounds. make sure it is workable for each department. year 2003 budget-balancing plan. The Politics reared a disruptive head at the While legislative remedies might be in order, money reimburses local county fairs for society’s 1857 fair in St. Paul. “Many Republi- officials say, specific proposals are still in devel- promoting youth agricultural activities. cans refused to attend,” Jarchow wrote, “be- opment stages. Nobles suggested a few areas to Recipients are typi- cause they believed it consider, including the attorney general’s role in cally premium award was part of a Demo- reviewing contracts, legal requirements that the winners from 4-H cratic machine.” Department of Employee Relations develop a and Future Farmers By the early 1860s, the directory of professional/technical services avail- of America (FFA) concerns of the new able within agencies, and measures used to evalu- chapters throughout state’s residents were ate the effectiveness of contracts. Greater Minnesota, focused on the Civil Also, the report suggests the Legislature may and exhibitors recog- War. Fairs weren’t held want to legally adjust requirements for contract- nized for apple grow- in 1861 and 1862, but ing procedures, particularly in the areas of en- ing or raising dahlias. A 4-H school fair in Nelson Minnesota in 1907. that didn’t stop a lead- forcing existing prohibitions to certain practices. The State Fair, run Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society ing state farm journal Legislators on both sides of the aisle have by the Minnesota Agricultural Society since from commenting on the Legislature’s stingi- attempted to draw attention to the profes- 1885, has had no public subsidy since 1949. ness regarding aid to agricultural societies. sional/technical contract procedures in the “In Minnesota, fairs are older than the “Money could be found for almost any other previous two legislative sessions. state itself,” Merrill E. Jarchow wrote in the purpose, but when a few hundred dollars were In 2000, Rep. Phil Krinkie (R-Shoreview) was 1941 edition of Minnesota History, pub- asked to aid our state and county societies, there critical of contracts governing the Hiawatha lished by The Minnesota Historical Society. was a general plea of poverty.” In the 1861-62 light-rail transit line because they did not meet The Minnesota Territorial Legislature ap- legislative session, Jarchow wrote, “the House the cost-benefit analysis standard. In 2002, Rep. proved the first agricultural societies in passed a bill giving twenty-five dollars to (10) Barb Goodwin (DFL-Columbia Heights) spon- Benton and Ramsey counties in March 1852. county societies, but the Senate killed it.” sored legislation to reduce existing consultant The Hennepin County Agricultural Society In February 1868, some 16 years after the contracts and place a moratorium on future con- was chartered by the Legislature one year later. first agricultural societies were chartered, “the tracts. Portions of that legislation were enacted, Led by Col. John H. Stevens, the Hennepin Legislature finally appropriated money to aid and the auditor’s report resulted from that law. County society held the first fair in the terri- both the state and county societies,” Jarchow At the Jan. 29 meeting, members urged tory in October 1854, at what was later known wrote. The state society got $1,000, and $2,000 Molnau and Lamb to be vigilant as they evalu- as Bridge Square in Minneapolis. was to be divided equally among the county ating contract procedures. Rep. Alice Seagren (R- “Governor Willis A. Gorman, ex-governor societies. Two restrictions came with the Bloomington) said the public deserves a Alexander Ramsey, and ex-justice Bradley B. money: “It could not be used to pay officers’ contracting process that is open and doesn’t rely Meeker gave high-sounding addresses, typi- salaries or premiums on horse racing.” on favoritism or hand-picking of contractors. cal of the day,” according to Jarchow’s research. The public funding spurred the growth of “As we move forward, we have to assure that “It was claimed that the exhibits would have agricultural societies throughout the state. there isn’t this coziness that’s perceived by the done credit to one of the oldest and richest There were 43 by 1874, extending west to public,” she said. counties of New York. Some strangers were Lac qui Parle County. Correction so impressed that they later became perma- “However,” Jarchow wrote, “a bitter rivalry A story in the Jan. 24 issue of Session nent residents of Minnesota.” developed between St. Paul and Minneapolis Weekly inadvertently indicated that House The Minnesota Territorial Agricultural So- over the location of the state fair site.” That fight Majority Leader Erik Paulsen (R-Eden Prairie) ciety — the forerunner to society that now was resolved in 1885 when the state fairgrounds considered a run for the U.S. Senate. runs the State Fair — also formed in 1854, were located permanently in Falcon Heights. Paulsen considered a run for the Minnesota organized by delegates from Benton, Chisago, (T. LONERGAN) Senate, but decided to seek re-election to the Minnesota House. We regret the error. Dakota, Hennepin, Nicollet, Pembina,

4 January 31, 2003 IGHLIGHTS J ANUARY 23 - 30, 2003 H★ ★ ★

to lead the state’s education department, Yecke Campaign board confirmations ★ EDUCATION was the director of teacher quality and public Terri Ashmore and Bob Milbert received school choice for the U.S. Department of Edu- Profile replacement plan House confirmation Jan. 27 to serve on the cation. She begins her new job Feb. 5. Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Cheri Pierson Yecke, the state’s newly ap- Disclosure Board. pointed education commissioner, told the House Gov. Tim Pawlenty appointed both on Education Policy Committee Jan. 28 that she fa- Jan. 7, but they have yet to receive Senate con- vors new academic standards to replace the state’s ★ ELECTIONS firmation. controversial Profile of Learning. Ashmore, of St. Paul, is the managing di- “We do not want to tweak them,” Yecke said. Absentee voting changes rector of the Basilica of St. Mary and previ- “It is time to move on to a new set of standards A plan that would change the way absentee ously worked for both the House and Senate and move us in a new direction.” In a brief ap- votes are treated is headed to the House floor Republican caucuses. pearance, Yecke answered committee members’ for a vote. Milbert, a former DFL state representative questions about the state’s controversial K-12 The House Governmental Operations and from South St. Paul, took a little ribbing from education standards and other issues. Veterans Affairs Committee approved HF60, his former colleagues as he was confirmed. The profile standards caused “so much bit- sponsored by Rep. Eric Lipman (R-Lake Rep. Jim Rhodes (R-St. Louis Park), chair terness,” said Yecke, commissioner of the state Elmo), Jan. 27. of the House Governmental Operations and Department of Children, Families and Learn- The bill would make several changes to ex- Veterans Affairs Policy Committee, lightheart- ing. She said new standards would be strong isting law. edly said “If you play hockey with the gover- in “subject area content, and be rigorous, chal- Under current law any person who de- nor look what happens.” Milbert was part of lenging, and measurable.” The process of mands a recount in an election may go the victorious team in the governor’s inaugu- implementing the standards should be left to through the absentee ballots. With the voter’s ral hockey game Jan. 9. local school districts. “Pedagogy and process information on the envelope, this does not After praising Milbert for serving in the House are local classroom decisions,” Yecke said. provide protection from disclosure for an ab- with distinction, Rep. Tom Pugh (DFL-South St. She said “pieces” of the profile, which cov- sentee voter. Although parties from the cam- Paul) said of his friend and longtime seatmate, ers 11 learning areas, could be transferred to paigns can be present during that time, a “He not only played for the governor’s team, but a new set of standards. “Good teachers know person’s identification is on the envelope that he scored a goal. At least he had the sense to score what these are,” said Yecke, a Minnesota na- contains the absentee ballot, and thus the after the governor did.” tive and former teacher. “I trust teachers. We person’s vote. The board administers programs for cam- don’t need to dictate to them on how to teach.” The proposed changes include no longer paign finance disclosure for state candidates, Legislative leaders have indicated wide sup- allowing rejected absentee ballots to be opened economic interest disclosure for public offi- port for repealing the Profile of Learning this for inspection during a recount. The envelopes cials, lobbyist registration and disclosure, and session. A bill (HF2) to repeal and replace the could be opened only as a part of a court re- public subsidy of state candidates and politi- profile would set an April 15 deadline for Yecke view. Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) raised the cal party committees. to propose new standards. question of what would happen to votes that Six members comprise the board, with no A plan for developing new academic stan- were possibly incorrectly rejected. Those votes more than three permitted to be of the same dards, announced Jan. 29 by the Pawlenty ad- would not be included in the final vote, under political party. With Ashmore and Milbert the ministration, will seek suggestions from the the bill. board will have three Republicans, two DFLers, public, parents, teachers, superintendents and Rep. Bill Haas (R-Champlin) said the bill is and one independent. statewide education organizations. Yecke said an effort to protect a voter’s confidentiality. the goal is to have proposed new K-12 stan- A second change would require the absen- dards in Math and English ready by the end tee ballots to include the address and the city of March and consider other academic in which the voter resides. Currently the in- ENERGY subjects later. formational area on the ballot only allows for ★ a name and street address. The state requires public school students to Wind blown pass basic skills tests in reading, math, and A concern was raised with regards to col- Proponents of wind power told the House written composition to graduate. The profile lege students. A student may fill out the infor- Agriculture and Rural Development Finance — which came to be known as “show what you mation with a school address, rather than his Committee Jan. 23 that state assistance to the know” — established another set of higher or her home address, thus resulting in a re- renewable energy resource is crucial to its con- standards. Students would meet them by dem- jected, uncounted ballot. However, no lan- tinued growth. onstrating hands-on knowledge through a guage was changed in response to this issue. “We are on the verge of something great in process of experiments, research, and indepen- The third change would require all absen- rural Minnesota,” said Dan Juhl, a wind power dent projects, rather than traditional academic tee ballots to reach the auditor or municipal consultant and partner in the first farmer- measurement. clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Election Day. The owned commercial wind farm near “It was the process and not the content,” deadline is now 3 p.m., whether mailed or re- Woodstock. Juhl was among 15 wind farmers, Yecke said that fueled sharp criticism of the turned in person by a registered Minnesota utility representatives, consultants, and state profile among local school boards, adminis- voter. Many states have a later time such as officials who provided the committee with a trators, teachers, and parents. 7 p.m. review of wind energy in the state. Prior to her selection by Gov. Tim Pawlenty The bill has no Senate companion. Through legislation favoring renewable

Session Weekly 5 energy development and production incen- tives, the state has helped create wind farms SNOWY START primarily based in southwest Minnesota. Two issues the committee may consider this legis- lative session are continuation of the produc- tion credits and expanding the power grid to allow more wind turbines to be placed in production. “Minnesota has been a leader in wind de- velopment,” said Mrg Simon, government re- lations director for Missouri River Energy Services, which supplies power for municipal utilities in Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas. She urged House members to continue the state’s renewable energy production incentive. The state provides 1.5 cents per kilowatt- hour produced by eligible renewable energy facilities, which include small wind turbines producing less than 2 megawatts of power. For all wind farms, the production incentive is capped at the first 100 megawatts of total ca- pacity. The wind farms helped by the incen- PHOTO BY KRISTINE LARSEN tive program have reached 60 percent of that Home educators and students arrive at the Capitol in the snow Jan. 28 to participate in the capacity. Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators rally. According to the state Department of Com- merce, which administers the incentive pro- gram, the state has paid 22 owners of small Andersen clarified his statements in a later Governmental Operations and Veterans wind power facilities about $3.9 million in interview, saying he believes that 70 percent Affairs and State Government Finance com- production credits since 1997. of Minnesotans would support a state-run mittees Jan. 29, Tom Barrett, executive direc- The 1994 Prairie Island nuclear-waste com- casino depending on how the question is tor of the Gambling Control Board, said that promise has also been a boon to wind power asked. He based his comments on a number the state’s $2.4 million regulatory budget ranks development in the state. State law developed of polls done regarding the issue. lowest when compared to the taxes collected. as part of that plan requires Xcel Energy, the A poll done for Canterbury Park in Febru- Barrett said the board’s mission is to regu- largest state purchaser of wind power, to ac- ary 2002, with a 4 percent margin of error, late lawful gambling in the state so citizens are quire 825 megawatts of wind energy capacity shows 69 percent of Minnesotans are more assured of the integrity of the industry, and by 2012. The utility now has 480 megawatts likely to support a state casino, if the revenue nonprofit organizations may continue to raise under contract. is used to improve local schools. When used funds for charitable contributions. Jason Espenson, of Windom, who is devel- to solve the budget deficit, the percentage falls Minnesota has five forms of lawful gam- oping a small wind farm as a family business, slightly to 62 percent. bling: pull-tabs, bingo, paddlewheels, raffles, said the state’s producer payments will help Proposals to develop a state-run casino were and tipboards. keep him on the family farm. debated during the 2001-02 legislative session, Among the seven-member citizen board’s “There will be more wind farms across though supporters determined that more discus- regulatory activities are the oversight of more southern Minnesota,” Espenson said, adding sion and study of the issue may be necessary. than 3,200 gambling sites that contain more that without the Minnesota production pay- No bills have yet been introduced this ses- than 24,000 paid gambling employees, 12 ment for small enterprises the development of sion to establish a state-run casino. However, bingo halls, 18 distributors, and eight manu- the renewable energy resource would be left Rep. Ann Lenczewski (DFL-Bloomington) and facturers. Other responsibilities include edu- to the large utility companies. Sen. Bill Belanger (R-Bloomington) have in- cation and training, approving and testing troduced a bill (HF171/SF133) that would games, audits and inspections of the sites, and prohibit a state-run casino in a city where the assessing penalties for those who violate gam- governing body has adopted a resolution of bling laws. ★ GAMBLING disapproval. No action has been taken in ei- Barrett explained that through budget cut- ther body. ting, the board has already been reduced by State casino interest The committee did not discuss the casino 12 percent in this biennium ($297,000), and There are 19 casinos in Minnesota, all on proposal further during the meeting. is projected to be cut another 4 percent American Indian reservations. But George ($89,000) in the House, Senate, and governor’s Andersen, director of the Minnesota State Lot- budget reduction plans. He said these cuts will tery, said there is overwhelming support for a Gambling enforcement further hurt enforcement activities, which now state run casino. Minnesota tops the nation in charitable stand at one investigator for 1,429 sites and Andersen’s comments came during a gen- gambling gross receipts at nearly $1.44 billon, one licensing specialist for 2,477 permits and eral overview of state lottery programs pre- yet budget reductions could reduce the agen- licenses. He said enforcement of illegal gam- sented to the House Governmental Operations cies ability to regulate the activity. bling activity is basically zero, unless an in- and Veterans Affairs Policy Committee Jan. 28. Speaking before both the House vestigator sees something during a site visit.

6 January 31, 2003 Since fiscal year 1996, Barrett said, gross doctors and other care providers seeking vac- gambling receipts are up 5 percent, but board cinations would be from 5,000 to 10,000, but staffing has been cut by nearly 30 percent. He a number of hospitals and many workers have suggested that the reason was because the been unwilling to submit themselves to the risk board doesn’t bring in funds to the state, em- of side effects. Even so, officials say the 2,700 phasizing the cost to regulate is currently one- vaccinations now anticipated will be sufficient sixteenth of a penny of the price of a $1 to start statewide vaccination in the event of pull-tab. an outbreak. Hull said concern about side effects is un- derstandable but overstated. If everyone in the HEALTH state were vaccinated, he said, four or five ★ people would have serious side effects result- Youth immunizations ing in death. He called those numbers “unac- Stephanie Lee thinks a vaccine may have ceptable in the face of no threat.” If there were ended her daughter’s life. an outbreak, however, people would be happy Shannon Duffy Peterson thinks a vaccina- to take their chances versus the alternative, he tion could have saved hers. said. Both women told their tragic stories to the There may be a flaw in the planning, House Health and Human Services Policy however. Committee Jan. 27. The hearing focused on a Olmsted County Health Director Mary new set of immunization rules proposed by Wellik said that even when the vaccines arrive, the Minnesota Department of Health. there might not be the funds to administer PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK Health officials, doctors, and parents testi- Shannon Duffy Peterson from Sleepy Eye gives them. Her county, which includes the Mayo fied both in favor of and against the rules, emotional testimony Jan. 27 in support of new Clinic in Rochester, has spent all its grant which would require the chickenpox vaccine immunization rules proposed by the Minnesota money on preparedness and doesn’t have for children over 15 months of age who are in Department of Health during the House Health enough left to pay staff to administer the vac- child-care and the pneumococcal vaccine for and Human Services Policy Committee meeting. cinations to everyone requesting them. She Her 5-year-old daughter died likely from compli- children in child-care who are 2- to 24-months cations surrounding the chickenpox in 2001. said resources would have to be diverted from old. Pneumoccal bacteria is the most common other programs if the state or federal govern- cause of bacterial meningitis in children. in the process, Rep. Lynda Boudreau ment doesn’t send along more funding. Department officials touted the success of (R-Fairbault), the committee chair, said she ex- other state-required vaccinations and said the pects the introduction of a bill that would chickenpox vaccine is required in 35 other strengthen the process by which adverse reac- states and the pneumococcal is currently re- tions to vaccinations are assessed. quired in three. Both vaccines are recom- mended by three major associations of pediatricians. Bioterrorism preparedness Vaccination opponents said not enough is Minnesota is nearly ready to implement the known about the side effects of the vaccines and first phase of a smallpox vaccination program, that the system for reporting complications ex- the House Health and Human Services Policy perienced after a vaccination is flawed. Many committee was told Jan. 29. doctors do not report complications to the State epidemiologist Harry Hull said the proper authorities for fear of lawsuits, opponents state would soon receive 4,500 doses of the said. Lee said by the time she observed the symp- smallpox vaccine to vaccinate the doctors and toms of the the neurological illness that killed nurses who would be the first responders to her 2-year-old daughter, they were considered any outbreak of the disease. The vaccines are “not reportable” under recommendations issued part of the state’s overall bioterrorism pre- by the Centers for Disease Control. paredness plan that Department of Health Peterson said her doctor recommended that officials outlined for the committee. her daughter not receive the chickenpox vac- Hull said the 1995 meningitis outbreak in cination, preferring that she become immune Mankato and the nationwide anthrax scare in by being exposed to the disease naturally. 2001 were good practice for state health offi- PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK When she did develop the virus, it aggravated cials who are drawing up procedures for deal- State Epidemiologist Harry Hull, right, and Rob- an unknown pre-existing condition and she ing with a bioterrorist attack. ert Einweck, director of the Health Department’s died not long after, at age 5. The state has received more than $16 mil- Office of Emergency Preparedness, present an The proposed rules are currently in a lion in federal funding for bioterrorism pre- update on bioterrorism preparedness efforts to 60-day public comment period and will go be- the House Health and Human Services Policy paredness since the beginning of 2002. That Committee Jan 29. fore an Administrative Law Judge Feb. 28. If money has gone into disaster drills, a state- the judge approves the rules, Gov. Tim wide disease tracking system, laboratory facili- Pawlenty will have the option to veto the rules ties, and public outreach and education. or let them become effective. Officials originally estimated the number of While the Legislature is not directly involved

Session Weekly 7 increase in health costs last year, compared to 14 Testifying in support of the bill were ★ HIGHER EDUCATION percent for the state. University employees left lawyers representing cities and health care pro- the state plan one year earlier. viders who said they are often cited in lawsuits University request “I hope we give you that flexibility. We have simply because they are well-insured and not With cuts to the school’s base budget loom- faith in you to do a good job,” said Rep. Denny because they were primarily responsible for an ing, the University of Minnesota president McNamara (R-Hastings). injury. They said many of these suits are settled urged a House committee to not restrict the However the budget battle plays out, out of court because the municipalities or school’s choices. Bruininks said students would not pay for the hospitals are worried they will have to pay the Speaking before the House Higher Education cuts. full amount of damages if the case goes be- Finance Committee Jan. 29, Robert Bruininks “They’ve been hit pretty hard the past few fore a jury. said, “The University of Minnesota is major years so we’ll take a hit by controlling costs.” In opposition were representatives of anti- league and we don’t want to be a farm team.” He said students have faced a roughly 40 per- drunk driving organizations, labor unions and In their budget reduction plans, the House cent increase in tuition and fees in the last five civil plaintiff lawyers. Lynn Goughler, legisla- and governor seek a $25 million permanent years, yet the university ranks in the middle of tive chair for Mothers Against Drunk Driving reduction to the university’s base. The Senate the Big 10 conference in terms of tuition. in Minnesota, said that many drunk drivers is seeking a one-time $20 million reduction. He said salary freezes are not off the table, are uninsured and the only way for victims to With any of the three plans, Bruininks said, noting the university used that method twice get the compensation for costly medical ex- the state general fund appropriations to the uni- in the early 1990s. However, he did express penses is to collect from the other culpable versity would be at levels lower than at the start concern about trying to keep top professors parties in a case. of the current biennium. For fiscal year 2003 the and researchers that are being wooed away by The House passed a similar bill in 2001, but university was appropriated $664.8 million, but other universities or private companies offer- it stalled in a Senate committee. was reduced by $23.7 million last session. “This ing more money. is clearly a powerful impact on us as we go for- ward,” he said. With the latest potential reductions Settlement money Bruininks urged legislators to give the univer- ★ LAW When the state receives money from litiga- sity maximum flexibility in how to adminis- tion or from a settlement, the dollars must go ter the results. Joint and several liability to the general fund. However, that is only the “We’ll be sound fiscal managers,” he said. A bill that would change the way plaintiffs case until June 30, 2004. “We’ve been creative in the past.” As an example, in civil cases are awarded money if two or more Rep. Tim Wilkin (R-Eagan) would like to he said that the university had a 9 percent parties are found to be at fault for an injury make the law permanent. was approved Jan. 29 by the House Civil Law To accomplish that, he is sponsoring HF106, Committee. which was approved Jan. 29 by the House Gov- Under current law, if one liable defendant ernmental Operations and Veterans Affairs is unable to pay the full amount of awarded Policy Committee and now heads to the House damages, the other liable parties would have Civil Law Committee. The bill has no Senate to pay the balance of the award as long as a companion. jury has found them more than 15 percent li- Wilkin said the law was originally enacted able for the injury. Sponsored by Rep. Jeff because of the way money was being handled Johnson (R-Plymouth), HF75 would raise that in Minnesota Partnership for Action Against threshold to 50 percent. Tobacco, whose mission is “To reduce the harm It would also eliminate the section of cur- that tobacco causes the people of Minnesota.” rent law that makes a defendant who is found After seeing how the partnership used the less than 15 percent liable pay up to four times funds for things like leather jackets, caps, and that percentage if other liable parties are un- t-shirts made with settlement money, Rep. Bill able to pay. Haas (R-Champlin) said he thinks the funds Current law represents the state’s modern may be best divvied up by the Legislature. version of the common law concept of “joint Kent Peterson, deputy attorney general of and several” liability, which opponents of the government operations in the state Attorney bill pointed out dates back to the Magna Carta. General’s Office, isn’t sold on the idea. The term refers to the concept of giving a vic- He says although the general fund is a good tim full compensation for an injury even if one depository, in some cases there could be bet- of the injuring parties is unable to pay his or ter places for the funds. Furthermore, some her portion. people would not want to settle if they know Johnson said the current statute goes too far. the funds would go to the state’s general cof- “We’ve created an incentive for lawsuits to be- fers, not a specific special fund. come a search for peripherally involved ‘deep Several legislators said the Attorney

PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK pockets,’” he said. “The goal of the civil justice General’s office could offer suggestions on University of Minnesota President Robert system should be…to provide a set of rules how settlement money could be used on a Bruininks tells the House Higher Education Fi- that is fair to all involved, and I think this bill case-by-case basis. nance Committee Jan. 29 that the university does just that.” would like maximum flexibility for any cuts it will need to make as a result of budget reductions.

8 January 31, 2003 ★ METRO AFFAIRS Airport oversight The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Air- port is being managed by an effective opera- tor, but the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) could stand more state and legislative oversight. Such were the findings of a 129-page report prepared by the Office of the Legislative Audi- tor and presented to the House Local Govern- ment and Metropolitan Affairs Committee Jan. 29. The report has already led to discussions at the MAC regarding remedying problems, as well as action on recommendations, said Vicki Grunseth, MAC chair. Ordered by the Legislative Audit Commis- sion in April 2002, the report addressed MAC’s governance structure, finances, and its efforts to address airplane noise. Security in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks was not exam- PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK ined because it was not a mandated study area. Zoomobile Naturalist Kevin Wier shows off Annie, a great horned owl, to members of the House Envi- ronment and Natural Resources Policy Committee Jan. 28 during a presentation by the Minnesota Legislative Auditor James Noble said the Zoo. commission receives little legislative oversight even though state law defines all commission Ehmke was surprised to find upon his ar- there does have to be investment in new ex- revenues as public funds. The Metropolitan rival that “the regional and statewide percep- hibits,” Ehmke said. Recent surveys indicate Council reviews the commission budget, but tion of the zoo wasn’t what we call ‘top of that African-themed exhibits are big draws, an has limited approval authority. Additionally, mind,’” he told the House Environment and area in which Ehmke has been successful. He the public budget review process hasn’t been Natural Resources Finance Committee Jan. 23. designed a first-rate African rainforest exhibit accommodated, he said. He has spent the last two and a half years de- at the Bronx Zoo, an experience “that was The study found that only one-eighth of veloping a master plan to galvanize public maybe once in a lifetime and it was terrific.” large airports had lower per-passenger oper- interest and leverage state and private dollars. But as the zoo faces possible significant bud- ating costs in 2000. The zoo’s annual budget is approximately get cuts, they may have to look at eliminating However, the auditor’s office was concerned $17 million. If the governor’s proposed fiscal certain areas or exhibits. with a 12 percent staff-proposed spending in- year 2003 reduction of $270,000 becomes law, The zoo cuts are included in the committee’s crease for 2003, by low rental rates for busi- the state’s subsidy will amount to just under recommendations to balance the 2003 bud- nesses operating from the airport, and by the 38 percent of the zoo’s operating costs. get. The plan is still under review by House fact that these contracts have not been com- The national average for public subsidies to committees. petitively bid since the 1970s. zoos is 40 percent, according to a zoo budget Jeff Hamiel, MAC executive director, said summary, but it is often an apples to oranges comparison, Ehmke explained. commission staff asked for a larger budget to ★ SAFETY accommodate additional expenses incurred in The zoo’s mission is to focus on conserva- tion, education, and recreation, Chief Finan- opening two new concourses. Ultimately, the House passes ID card measure MAC board approved a 6 percent increase. cial Officer Peggy Adelmann said. “We are conscious of not letting the recreation piece A divisive set of temporary rules governing Hamiel said that rental contracts are now Minnesota driver’s licenses and state ID cards expiring and that the commission intends to drive development … so we don’t become an amusement park.” would be made permanent, under a bill passed review and negotiate the entire program. by the House Jan. 30. The vote was 106-25. Some legislators voiced concern that the Examples of activities to boost revenue in- clude upgrading the food service, renting zoo Earlier in the day, House Speaker Steve commission has not adequately mitigated air- Sviggum called the bill “numero uno” in terms plane noise pollution in residential areas. The facilities for weddings and amphitheater con- certs, encouraging corporate sponsorships of of public safety in Minnesota. issue will likely be discussed in more detail at The bill (HF1) would put into statute a set a future meeting. exhibits and events, and marketing special behind-the-scenes events such as an overnight of rules adopted by the Department of Public learning adventure in Discovery Bay with the Safety last summer that puts an immigrant’s RECREATION dolphins. visa expiration date on their driver’s license ★ The zoo has successfully boosted private or ID card and requires all applicants to prove they are in the United States legally before they Conservation at the zoo contributions from $245,368 in fiscal year 1990 to an anticipated $1.3 million in fiscal can be granted a license or ID. Previously, sim- It was the Minnesota Zoo’s sterling reputa- ply showing a driver’s license from another tion that drew current director and chief ex- year 2003. “In order to maintain or grow attendance, state was sufficient to obtain one in ecutive officer Lee Ehmke to the post from the Minnesota. Bronx Zoo.

Session Weekly 9 The House Judiciary Policy and Finance Committee approved the bill Jan. 28. Commit- tee Chair Rep. Rich Stanek (R-Maple Grove), the bill’s sponsor, said the rules would help prevent terrorism by letting police officers know when someone they encounter has over- stayed their allowed time in the United States. If that were the case, an officer would then check with the Immigration and Naturaliza- tion Service to find out if the person is wanted by that agency. Members of the public testifying against the bill in committee and members speaking against it on the House floor expressed con- cerns about the high visibility of the visa expi- ration date and the stringent license application process, saying the bill represents unfair and unequal treatment of immigrants in Minnesota. “It separates,” said Ramon Leon, a small busi- PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK ness owner who came to the United States ille- Faduma Ali, a representative from the Somali community, testifies during the Jan. 28 House Judiciary gally and has since become a naturalized citizen. Policy and Finance Committee meeting in opposition to a bill that would require state-issued drivers’ He said that many undocumented immigrants licenses expirations to correlate with temporary foreign visa expiration dates. Looking on is Rep. Rich Stanek, the bill’s sponsor. in Minnesota currently have a driver’s licenses and auto insurance and that taking away their have turned several misdemeanor offenses by the St. Paul and Minneapolis city councils, ability to easily get an identification card would associated with falsifying personal informa- convinced the Legislature to give the fair some force them “underground.” tion into gross-misdemeanors. protected status during the summer. The law John Flory, a consultant for the Whittier A Senate companion (SF87), sponsored by restricting the circus from setting summer Community Development Council in south Sen. Dave Kleis (R-St.Cloud), awaits commit- dates was adopted in 1933. Minneapolis, said the bill would make the tee action. Seifert said that the Great Depression played streets less safe. “More undocumented immi- a role, as well, apparently motivating the State grants will drive without licenses, without Agricultural Society, which has run the fair since passing a driver’s test, without auto insurance,” TOURISM the late 19th century, to convince legislators that he said. “What’s the result of that? More hit ★ Minnesotans’ spare change in hard times should and run accidents and more police chases. Raising the big top be going to the fair and not the circus. What undocumented immigrant involved in When the circus comes to a Minnesota Hammer said that to his knowledge no per- an accident will stop, take responsibility, wait town, it may now be able to schedule a July or son or company was ever prosecuted for vio- for the police to arrive and face deportation?” August date. lating the law, which carried a fine of up to Joash Maaugi, a student from Kenya, said The House Agriculture Policy Committee $3,000 and lodging in the county jail for not she has been unable to find an apartment be- Jan. 29 approved a bill that would repeal a 1933 more than a year. cause landlords see the “status check” indica- state law prohibiting any circus appearing These days, the circus usually visits larger tion on her state identification card and ask within six miles of any Minnesota city 18 days Minnesota cities in the winter months, for further forms and letters to verify her resi- before or during the State Fair. Hammer added. dency status. “They tell you to bring more and Now heading to the House floor, the bill more documents,” she said. “When they look (HF94) has no Senate companion. at your driver’s license, they assume that you’re “The Ringling Circus presents no threat to JR. MEMBER a potential terrorist.” the State Fair at this point,” said Jerry J . An amendment offered to the committee by Hammer, the fair’s general manager. He spoke Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul) would have in support of the bill sponsored by Rep. Marty put the “status check” date only on the back of Seifert (R-Marshall). identification cards and driver’s licenses so it “Most people have never heard of this,” would not be as visible to individuals not in law Seifert said. enforcement who may need to view a person’s Seifert said that he and Rep. Gene Pelowski, identification. That amendment was voted down Jr. (DFL-Winona) are continuing a bipartisan without discussion. A similar amendment was effort to rid the state’s law books of rules and offered by Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) on the statutes that are archaic in nature. House floor. It was also defeated. Hammer explained that the circus prohibi- PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID A successful amendment offered during the tion was rooted in some competitive animos- Sitting on the lap of his father, Rep. Jim floor debate by Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Vir- ity in 1928 when the Ringling circus booked Davnie, 4-month-old Eamon Davnie lets out ginia) removed a number of provisions in the dates in Minneapolis three days before the a yawn Jan. 30 as the House Commerce, Jobs, bill related to criminal penalties. The portions State Fair. When Ringling proposed circus and Economic Development Finance Committee hears an insurance bill. of the bill removed by the amendment would dates again in 1932, fair organizers, supported

10 January 31, 2003 T ISSUE: FAMILY A★ ★ ★

the money on follow-up services, such as mov- ing assistance, first-month rent, damage depos- A closer look its, case management, and emergency funding. Legislators get an a firsthand look at how funding decisions Funds can’t be used for prevention, shelter, or supportive services-only activities. have affected homelessness in Minnesota Seventy-six nonprofit housing programs were awarded contracts in the 2002-03 biennium, from a total budget of nearly $4 million. BY MIRANDA BRYANT Two other programs serve state shelters. The erhaps it was fitting that the state legisla- emergency shelter grants program and the emer- tors had to wait a few minutes in gency services program together had $3.5 mil- freezing temperatures outside a St. Paul P lion appropriated in the current biennium. homeless shelter Jan. 28 during a scheduled Both the state transitional housing program tour. and emergency services program offer more than How better for the House Jobs and Economic a roof over a homeless person’s head. They help Development Finance Committee members to people find permanent housing, jobs, childcare identify with the nightly crew of homeless people services, and transportation. They provide medi- anxiously waiting for the Dorothy Day Center cal and psychological help and substance abuse doors to open? The inside of the center prom- treatment. They also inform clients about finan- ised heat, a simple snack, shower facilities, and a cial assistance through other programs place to lay one’s head for the short evening. But a big financial change is on the horizon. A Every night, as many as 160 men and women one-time appropriation of $3.7 million expires seek the humble amenities at the downtown June 30. It originated when the 2000 Legislature St. Paul center. Homelessness prevention ad- dedicated federal Temporary Assistance for vocates say that more than 21,000 Minneso- Needy Families (TANF) funds to the transitional tans are experiencing homelessness or are housing program. TANF funds are only for fami- “precariously housed” on any given night. Of lies, which have children under the age of 18 or a those, 7,000 are taken in at emergency shel- pregnant woman, have incomes below 200 per- ters, but an additional 1,000 are turned away cent of the poverty level, and consist of U.S. citi- because there’s no room. zens. The U.S. poverty level guideline for a family One homeless man waiting to enter the of four was $18,100 in 2002. Dorothy Day Center freely shared his opinion PHOTO BY KRISTINE LARSEN New money would be appropriated to re- with anyone and all. A lot of people would be Members of the House Jobs and Economic place the expiring allocation under a bill yet dead, he said, if they were forced to sleep out- Development Finance Committee visit the to be introduced by Rep. Karen Clark (DFL- side during a Minnesota winter. Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul Jan. 28 to better Mpls). Clark said the bill will likely call for al- “What they need is a bigger building right understand homeless conditions. locating $3.7 million for transitional housing around here,” he added. funding, and to issue thanks for past and $1 million for emergency services. Another homeless man was pleased to see appropriations. Clark doesn’t have to search far to find some- the legislators tip-toeing through the sleeping Minnesota state government has long sup- one who has turned to homeless shelters. Her cots splayed out on the floor. ‘ ported programs for the homeless. Such fund- volunteer intern, Andre Alexander, spent two “I want you to feel it – I don’t want you to ing is “really paying off in the lives of people nights at the Dorothy Day shelter with his wife just see it,” he said. who have experienced homelessness,” said and their two children after leaving Chicago and According to committee chair Rep. Bob Jonathan Farmer, executive director of Min- its rising crime rate. He told legislators his story Gunther (R-Fairmont), who called the tour nesota Supportive Housing Consortium. on the bus ride between tour stops. “enlightening, interesting, educational, and According to the Minnesota Department of worthwhile,” the reason for the tour was Children, Families and Learning, $12 million simple: “So we can see the conditions that they in state and federal money was appropriated Homelessness in Minnesota in the 2002-03 biennium for programs serv- 50 percent of Minnesota’s homeless are children talk about firsthand.” Legislators also visited 41 percent of homeless adults are working four other crisis housing facilities in St. Paul. ing the homeless. 38 percent of homeless adults have serious What they saw represented the continuum One of the largest is the transitional housing mental illness problems 19 percent of homeless youth left home be- of crisis housing, from the one-night-at-a- program, created in 1984. It funds groups offer- cause of abuse and 55 percent because of time adult shelter to a drop-in youth center to ing temporary housing and support services to other relationship problems transitional longer-term housing for formerly individuals and families trying to secure perma- 34 percent of mothers report that they are homeless because of abuse by a partner homeless drug-addicted individuals. The ad- nent housing. Families must pay at least 25 per- Sources: Minnesota Supportive Housing Consortium and ministrators of each facility were anxious to cent of their incomes for rent, and their stay is Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless share success stories, to pitch for continued limited to two years. The program can also spend

Session Weekly 11 T ISSUE: GOVERNMENT A★ ★ ★

Capital investment The $14.4 million House plan would cancel Just the beginning roughly $5.4 million in projects that were ap- House plan would trim $468.2 million from 2003, while proved in 2000 and 2002, and transfers $9 million of 1998 cancellations to the general leaving $112 million in reserves for the next biennium fund when those cancellations become final on Feb. 1. Those projects generally need a local fund contribution in order to get state monies. BY MIKE COOK The Senate plan cuts $2.02 million, all ith the promise from Gov. Tim in Department of Natural Resources Pawlenty that he will cut appro- initiative grants. Wpriations if necessary, the House passed its bill to balance the state’s bud- Economic development get deficit Jan. 27. The $468.2 million package, ap- The $73.69 million House plan would proved 77-50, features a combination leave $10 million in the 21st Century of permanent and one-time reduc- Minerals Fund, which aids northeastern tions, plus converts cash for transpor- Minnesota development, particularly on tation projects to bonds. The House the Iron Range. The $17.45 million Sen- bill reflects Pawlenty’s budget targets. ate plan takes none of the current Sponsored by Sen. Richard Cohen $59 million in the fund. (DFL-St. Paul), the Senate package Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) (SF79) calls for a $384.1 million reduc- said people are bearing too much of the tion that features more shifts and use burden with a $49 million cut. of fund reserves and about Additionally, $15 million from the $100 million in cuts. workers’ compensation fund would be The House bill would leave $112 mil- transferred to the general fund. lion in reserves, while the Senate plan Of the $189,000 reduction in base fund- would provide $28 million. ing for the Department of Economic Se- By law, the state’s budget must be curity, $124,000 would be an increase in balanced at the end of each biennium, funding for the State Services for the June 30, 2003. Blind, equating a net reduction for the de- A conference committee is negotiat- partment of $65,000. ing the differences between the House and Senate plans. No final bill was agreed Environment upon when this issue of Session Weekly The House bill would provide went to press. Pawlenty previously said PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREW VON BANK $22.4 million in general fund relief from that if the Legislature did not finalize a Legislators are negotiating a plan to tighten the state’s budget by environment and natural resources fund- at least $356 million for fiscal year 2003. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has budget reduction plan for the current ing sources — $1,100 more than the said he will cut appropriations in early February without a governor’s plan. Senate reductions total fiscal year by early February, he would legislative plan. begin to unallot. nearly $15.87 million. Of the $7.15 million in cuts proposed by the Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-St. Cloud), the spon- Here is what the House plan would include House, nearly $4 million would be trimmed sor of HF74, reminded legislators that this for each of the 11 major budget categories: year’s projected deficit represents only 10 per- from the Department of Natural Resources, $1.37 million from the Board of Water and cent of the $4.2 billion projected deficit for fis- Agriculture Solid Resources, and nearly $1.11 million from cal years 2004-05. The largest issue up for debate in agriculture the Pollution Control Agency. Nevertheless, House DFL members implored funding are proposed reductions to ethanol pro- Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) expressed the body to consider the full Senate plan. ducer payments. As part of the $8.3 million, pay- concern that the cuts, such as for water protec- “The Senate plan protects rural economic de- ments would be reduced from 20 cents per gallon tion, will further hurt efforts in years to come. velopment and makes sure that Greater Minne- produced to 16 cents per gallon, a reduction of “We have not done anything to hurt our envi- sota is treated in a fair and equitable manner,” $5.36 million. The Senate number is $2.25 mil- ronment in this overall bill,” said Rep. Dennis said House Minority Leader Matt Entenza (DFL- lion of its $3.18 million in cuts, while the gover- Ozment (R-Rosemount), chair of the environ- St. Paul). “The cuts in both the governor’s and nor wants $26.8 million in payments trimmed ment finance committee, saying high priority House proposals are unfair, unreasonable, and and a total reduction of $29.2 million. are hurting our children, our higher education cleanup would continue. institutions, and the people of this state.” The PCA would be required to transfer

12 January 31, 2003 $11 million from the solid waste fund to the gen- some other areas, the $12.9 million House plan governor proposed cutting $418,000 in legisla- eral fund, under the bill, and the future resources would cancel some money for CrimNet, the tive television appropriations. The $25.71 mil- fund would be decreased by $2.4 million in the state’s criminal justice information system, but lion Senate plan also keeps television on the air. House and governor’s plans. federal money is available to replace the cut, Knoblach said the House plan would cut state Knoblach said. agencies by about 4 percent across the board. Health and human services The House plan proposes a $3.8 million cut The House plan calls for $3.1 million in re- Among the $45.6 million in changes proposed to district court operations but doesn’t propose ductions to the Legislature’s budget and the in the House bill are a call for a prescription co- to transfer inmates with less than a year remain- Senate calls for $2.56 million. pay of $1 to $3 for people receiving medical as- ing on their sentence to county jails. The Senate The House provision also would allow for sistance, for limited funding for noncitizens for plan includes no court cuts, but does propose a department heads to implement mandatory various state programs, and $3.56 million to the prisoner transfer. salary savings for employees, and would al- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program The House plan would also increase by low state agencies to contract out for services that provides services and nutritional advice to $301,000 the funds available to families of without first seeing if a state employee could low-income women and families. peace officers or firefighters killed in the line do the job. The Senate bill does neither. Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) said the of duty. The Senate increase is $295,000. The plan would “basically kick many immigrants” off governor’s plan did not include the proposal. Taxes necessary medical assistance. He said of the ap- The House plan includes a delay in refunding proximately 5,700 people this could affect, about K-12 education taxes paid by businesses on capital equipment 60 percent are pregnant women and the cuts will The total House adjustments to K-12 and purchases to closer to the 90-day time period for deny them prenatal care. early education would be $7.5 million and the requesting a refund, which would save the state Admitting this is a tough issue, Rep. Fran Senate proposes $4.79 million, nearly the same about $50 million. According to nonpartisan Bradley (R-Rochester) said the largest percent as the governor. House researchers, 45 percent of the refunds in of those pregnant women are illegally in the All three plans would reduce school readiness fiscal year 2002 were paid within 12 days, and country, and neighboring states do not provide reserves by $791,000 and Early Childhood the remainder in an average of 40 days. assistance. “I know pregnancy is important, but I would really question our policy of ignoring House budget reduction categories by percent the fact that this is a non-documented person.” The House plan would eliminate the Cover All Kids program that began last July and trans- fer some of those children to medical assistance or the MinnesotaCare program. Neither the gov- ernor nor the Senate support this change. The Senate bill totals $53.04 million, includ- ing $1.68 million in delayed community health services payments, which neither the House or governor proposed.

Higher education The $81.5 million House plan calls for a $25 million permanent reduction for both the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) sys- Source: House Fiscal Staff tem, and a $1.5 million reduction to the Higher Education Services Office (HESO). Family Education reserves by $769,000. The Senate plan calls for higher education The House plan would adjust the Adult Ba- Transportation cuts totaling $60.1 million, with onetime sic Education budgeted growth factor from All three plans call for moving $130 million $20 million reductions for the university and 2002 projections of 8 percent to 2 percent, a allocated in 2000 for road construction costs to MnSCU, and $107,000 from HESO. However, $1.6 million savings. Neither the Senate nor the general fund and bonding for the projects. the plan would put $10 million back into the the governor propose this change. The bill specifies cuts to the Transportation and state grant program on a one-time basis. Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul) said de- Public Safety Departments to account for the cost HESO stopped taking applications on Jan. 10 mand for adult education classes by English as of bonding. in order to have enough money for already Second Language participants has increased Additionally, all three plans transfer promised grants. 150 percent in four years and the reduction will $15 million from the state’s airport fund to the Additionally, $30 million from the Student hurt immigrants working to better themselves. general fund, and agree to sell the state jet for Education Loan Fund (SELF) loan program Rep. Alice Seagren (R-Bloomington), chair of approximately $750,000. would be transferred to the general fund in the House Education Finance Committee, re- The House and governor’s plans would re- both proposals. This would be a one-time hit minded members that it would not be a reduc- duce Metropolitan Council transit funding by for the program, which provides long-term, tion for the programs, just a reduction in growth. $2.62 million. The Senate does not. low-interest loans to students. A successful amendment by Rep. Doug State government Magnus (R-Slayton) prohibits the Department Judiciary and public safety As part of a $12.6 million House package, leg- of Public Safety from closing any driver’s license In addition to reductions in the courts and islative television would continue, though the exam stations through June 30, 2005.

Session Weekly 13 T ISSUE: HEALTH A★ ★ ★

intentionally lied or if they just didn’t under- stand the question,” said Adrienne Howard, a Reporting errors program evaluator with the auditor’s office. Howard estimates that a much smaller per- Confusion in MinnesotaCare forms may account for financial centage of applicants who incorrectly an- inaccuracies and lower revenue collection swered the question were themselves eligible for employer-provided insurance, and thus ineligible for MinnesotaCare. BY JEFF JONES In a written response, Commissioner of Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba (DFL-Long Prai- he Office of the Legislative Auditor may Human Services Kevin Goodno agreed with rie) said she had filled out the form and mis- have discovered one way the cash- the report’s assessment but said the nature of understood that very question. “You can T strapped Minnesota Department of MinnesotaCare participants’ jobs makes the absolutely read that two ways,” she said. Human Services can improve its revenues. task complicated. “Because (an enrollee’s) in- The report recommends the department A report issued by that office found the come is fluid in many cases, it would be diffi- consider a more thorough system of verifying department’s MinnesotaCare program lost as cult to ever capture total accuracy,” he wrote. applicants’ insurance eligibility. much as $22 million by undercharging for Human error is another factor in producing It also finds that application backlogs have health insurance. That report was presented the financial inaccuracies outlined in the report. been frequent at the department during the last to the House Health and Human Services It found that state and county workers made er- four years, with many applications waiting more Policy Committee Jan. 29. rors in applying department procedures in than 20 days for processing and applicants wait- Other problems pinpointed by the report, 32 percent of the files examined, including us- ing 60 to 90 days to receive coverage. Recently, which was commissioned last spring to investi- ing incorrect calculation methods or relying on the department has been able to reduce the pro- gate application and processing procedures in the MinnesotaCare program, include frequent application backlogs, widespread human error “I am deeply disappointed in the results of this audit. There in processing applications, and a lack of effec- tive oversight in the enrollment process. are many serious flaws in this very important program.” “I am deeply disappointed in the results of this — Rep. Fran Bradley audit,” said Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester). “There are many serious flaws in this very im- portant program.” incomplete documentation. In cases where the cessing time to within a week. The committee was especially interested in auditors could determine a correct calculation, MinnesotaCare officials were largely in agree- the finding that an estimated $5 million to 63 percent resulted in financial implications for ment with the auditor’s report and said they will $22 million in payments may have been lost the department — a person paying too much or use it as a starting point for reform efforts. because participants weren’t asked to pay their too little for their coverage. The average error was Until now, “We have erred on the side of mak- appropriate premium amount. $295 per year in either direction. ing sure people have access (to health insurance) The main reason for this, according to the re- The errors rarely, however, resulted in de- rather than on program integrity,” said Brian port, is that changes in participants’ incomes are nying coverage to an eligible applicant or giv- Osberg, assistant department commissioner. not reflected in the premiums they are asked to ing coverage to an ineligible applicant, the “This administration is going to focus on pay. The report recommends that the Legislature report said. three things,” he added. “Program simplifica- change the law to allow the adjustment of pre- Some committee members were also tion, program efficiency, and program miums in the middle of the year when incomes startled by the number of applications for integrity.” go up rather than just at the beginning of the MinnesotaCare that misstated the nature of Officials said a new computerized case man- year, as is current policy. The law currently al- their relationship to outside insurance, though agement system is being developed, that lows such mid-year adjustments only when an audit officials were quick to downplay the should dramatically reduce processing errors enrollee’s income goes down. number’s significance. and application backlogs. The result is that participants’ tax forms for a Since eligibility for MinnesotaCare is depen- “We are confident that an automated eligi- given year often show incomes significantly dant on a lack of access to employer-subsi- bility program will solve the vast majority of higher than listed on their MinnesotaCare ap- dized health insurance, applicants must problems,” said Kathleen Henry, the plications. This is not a reflection of fraudulent submit information about insurance practices department’s director of health care eligibil- activity, officials said, but an indication that more at their jobs. One question on the application ity. That system will not be ready for another accurate income assessment is necessary to best asks whether an applicant’s employer provides 18 months, but legislators agreed with the re- achieve the goals of the program. There was no insurance to any of its employees. The agency port in suggesting the department try to ex- discussion of possibly having recipients pay the found that in 52 percent of cases, this ques- pedite that process. difference noted in the report. tion was answered incorrectly. “This is a system waiting to be used improp- “We don’t know if (applicants) erly,” said Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka).

14 January 31, 2003 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

appointed assistant whips to help Seifert House floor quarterbacks keep track of votes. Caucus whips Kelliher and Seifert wrangle votes This session there are seven assistant majority during House debates whips. The DFL caucus has not yet appointed any assistant whips. BY PATTY JANOVEC House Whips Kelliher said she sees her hen members of the House of Repre- Rep. Denny McNamara role as helping members sentatives are debating a bill and the Rep. Marty Seifert - Majority Whip participate in floor de- time comes to vote, someone has to go Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher - Minority Whip W bate, giving advice, and round up the yeas and nays in each caucus. Rep. Greg Blaine - Assistant Majority Whip paying attention to rules Those people, appointed by each caucus, are Rep. Mark Buesgens - Assistant Majority Whip and amendments on the the majority and minor- Rep. Tony Cornish - Assistant Majority Whip floor. Another aspect in- ity whips. Rep. Chris Gerlach - Assistant Majority Whip cludes helping the caucus The caucus “Whip” is Rep. Denny McNamara - Assistant Majority Whip Rep. Bud Nornes - Assistant Majority Whip do its job better by visit- responsible for counting Rep. Maxine Penas - Assistant Majority Whip ing members in their of- votes, and Rep. Margaret Rep. Kathy Tingelstad - Assistant Majority Whip fices making sure they are Anderson Kelliher (DFL- Rep. Tim Wilkin - Assistant Majority Whip Rep. Bud Nornes comfortable and moving Mpls) and Rep. Marty ahead on agendas. Seifert (R-Marshall) have leaders decided a more formal counting system Also, Kelliher said she been appointed by their Rep. Marty Seifert was needed to ensure the necessary votes, thus makes appearances for caucuses to fill that im- delegating the responsibility to the whip. Minority Leader Matt portant role for 2003-04. Several functions of the position for Seifert Entenza (DFL-St. Paul) This is Seifert’s second include filling in for Majority Leader Erik when he is unavailable. term in the position, and Paulsen (R-Eden Prairie) in leading floor de- Maintaining relation- the first for Kelliher, who bate and when he is unable to fulfill his duties ships on both sides of was an assistant minor- of House administration; serving as vice-chair the aisle, Kelliher de- ity leader the past two of the House Rules and Legislative Adminis- Rep. Maxine Penas scribes the minority years. Kelliher serves in tration Committee; helping count votes on whip’s position as one both roles this session. close critical issues as designated by the that conducts sensitive The term whip comes Rep. Margaret speaker, majority leader, or caucus executive conversations with cau- from the British term Anderson Kelliher board; and following permanent rules and cus members. With the “whipper in” which refers parliamentary “tricks of the trade.” whip being an elected to the person who kept Seifert described his role as being an aggres- position from within the foxhounds from leaving sive spokesman for the caucus. He also said caucus, she said she feels the pack. Its use in Ameri- that his role is to complement the debate style it’s a stamp of approval. can government has a of the majority leader. “If a barn burning She considers her re- strong Minnesota tie, as speech” is needed, he said, his role is to “se- Rep. Kathy sponsibility to build on well. It was first used in cure the water for the caucus.” He describes Tingelstad the traditions of the DFL the U.S. House of Repre- the relationship of majority leader to major- caucus in the House, and sentatives in 1897 when ity whip as good cop, bad cop. to serve the people Speaker Thomas Reed Rep. Greg Blaine With such a large majority of Republican through public service. appointed Rep. James A. members in the House, the caucus also “Where we are, where we Tawney from Minnesota can be, that’s my job to as whip. help other members see The Minnesota House that and help them be started using the position successful.” two years ago when the With humor Kelliher the House was closely di- Rep. Tim Wilkin described the teasing she vided along party lines. At now receives because of her new title. Fellow Rep. the start of the 2001-02 Cy Thao (DFL-St. Paul) gave her an actual whip. session, Republicans Rep. Mark Buesgens “Hopefully I won’t be known for using a heavy numbered 69 and DFL hand, or the whip. I like to deliver the message members numbered 65. At the time House Rep. Tony Cornish Rep. Chris Gerlach more with a smile than a whip.” Session Weekly 15 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

other is experience. She has the kind of experience in the educational field that is very Classroom experience much needed in this session.” A teacher by trade, Klinzing looks to teach the importance of Appointed to the committees of education finance, education policy, and local govern- educational reform as new member of the House ment and metropolitan affairs, Klinzing will be able to demonstrate those qualities. Klinzing said she requested to the local gov- BY MIRANDA BRYANT studies, and teacher curriculum days. ernment assignment because she believes in Rep. Karen Klinzing (R-Woodbury) didn’t “I’m not seeing any direct impact on the the principles of a smaller, limited government, waste any time in her new role as state repre- classroom because of money,” she said. “I’m and endorses capitalism and the free market. sentative from District 56B. The day after be- not seeing the students happier. I’m not see- These ideas carry over into her philosophy of ing sworn in she was ing the parents happier.” keeping taxes at the most local level so that citi- meeting with House re- Though Klinzing has long been enthusias- zens can better participate in the process. searchers about poten- tic about education, she said, she was given Klinzing said she believes the state should tial education reform little time to use that energy as a catapult to hold the line on taxes, even at the risk of cities legislation. elected office. When the Republican candidate and counties raising their taxes in response. The 32-year-old mother in her district unexpectedly pulled out of the “At the local level citizens have more of a voice, of two has been a teacher race in June, party leaders sought Klinzing. or at least see it and know they can go down to for 10 years in the They had been impressed by a speech she gave city hall,” she said. “In Woodbury most people Bloomington school dis- at the Republican Party’s Senate District 56 know the mayor.” Rep. Karen Klinzing trict, teaching high school convention. She also said she is anxious to delve into the civics, economics, world history, and American Klinzing had only two days to decide if she metropolitan affairs side of the committee. history. Klinzing also taught for one year at a would run for office. Klinzing said she finds it odd that the Metro- charter school at Fort Snelling State Park. She is “I said, ‘This is an opportunity that can’t be politan Council has told Woodbury to stop passionate about education, and specifically missed,’” Klinzing said. growing while telling Lake Elmo to “get going.” about creating and maintaining educational But Klinzing’s political aspirations Woodbury is expanding at such a rate that the choices. “Education is such a personal thing – ev- erybody learns differently, everybody has dif- “Education is such a personal thing – everybody ferent values,” Klinzing said in a recent learns differently, everybody has different values.” interview. — Rep. Karen Klinzing While the representative didn’t give specific details about the education reform legislation she may sponsor, she said she generally aims to broaden a family’s schooling choice by cre- sewer and water infrastructure may reach ating funding alternatives. This could take the originally surfaced in the midst of a Wiscon- capacity. Conversely, Lake Elmo wants to keep form of tax credits, vouchers, or tax cuts. At a sin snowstorm while she was a student at the its three-acre lots. minimum, the charter school system could be University of Wisconsin-Madison. She and her Said Klinzing, “From a big-picture perspec- expanded while post-secondary options and classmates in a political science course were tive it’s ironic to have a state advisory board open enrollment legislation are maintained, electing a mock legislature. The blizzard kept giving contradictory messages to neighboring Klinzing said. away all but Klinzing and three others from communities.” The problem as she sees it is that Minnesota the class-appointed election. “So we all elected has open enrollment legislation, but the choice each other for leadership,” said Klinzing, who provided by it doesn’t extend equitably to pri- became the Senate president. “I found it abso- DISTRICT 56B vate school customers. They are charged twice – lutely fascinating.” once by the private school tuition and again by The freshman legislator has already gained the 2002 population: 36,683 their mandated tax support of public schools. respect of key state legislators in Minnesota. Largest city: Woodbury “We’re creating a situation where only the House Republican caucus leaders selected her County: Washington rich can afford to send their kids to a private to be one of seven assistant majority leaders. Location: southeastern Twin Cities suburbs school and everybody else gets a one-size-fits- Peg Larsen, the former representative for Top concern: “Obviously a top concern is all,” she said. what is now District 56A, said Klinzing is go- the budget and that was a main concern The state and federal governments have long ing to do good work at the Capitol. of mine going into this.” – Rep. Karen Klinzing been increasing education funding, but “There are three qualities that come to mind Klinzing said she is only seeing more admin- when I think about her,” Larsen said. “One is istrators, administrative assistants, manuals, sincerity, and the other is honesty, and the

16 January 31, 2003 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

of services to its citizens and that residents will Opportunity knocks continue to demand excellence. To do that and solve the budget problems at the same time will After years of behind the scenes involvement, Kohls is be a challenge but not impossible, he added. now in the forefront as a representative Kohls said he thinks privatization may be the key. “There will be services that will be cut, there will be programs that will be eliminated, BY JEFF JONES Carlson’s 1994 campaign. His active political I am almost certain of that,” he said. “But (solv- Rep. Paul Kohls (R-Victoria) admits to hav- participation waned somewhat during law ing the deficit) is more than just cuts. It’s also ing a self-interest in the transportation bond- school, but only three years after graduation, he looking for ways we can take certain govern- ing bill (HF4) that he co-sponsors. now finds himself an elected representative. ment services and give serious consideration Unlike many legisla- “To be completely honest, I didn’t expect it to privatizing some of those or at least open- tors, “I have the luxury would happen at this stage of my life,” Kohls said. ing up the bidding process to bring competi- of being able to go home At age 28, Kohls is the fourth-youngest cur- tion into the delivery of those services.” each night,” he says. But rent member of the House. When people bring Kohls said his first weeks as a legislator have making the 35-mile trip up his age, he tells them, “You know, I’m a fa- been “amazing,” in particular a special mo- means that, like many ther. I’m a homeowner. I’m a lawyer. I’m an ment he shared with his 23-month-old son at residents of his district, earnest and serious person. Maybe it wouldn’t the Jan. 7 swearing in ceremony. “It was won- he must battle the traf- be right for some people, but I don’t think my derful to be able to hold him in my arm and fic from the far western age is going to be a hindrance in being an ef- Rep. Paul Kohls take the oath of office. When I raised my hand, edge of the Twin Cities fective legislator, and an effective leader.” however, he thought that he was supposed to metropolitan area back into the city core each Kohls has already taken the lead in co- give me a high-five. And so the whole time I morning. sponsoring several other pieces of legislation, “Transportation was a big issue in my cam- paign,” Kohls said, “and I’m pleased to be a “The budget deficit has created a tremendous opportunity co-author on that legislation.” Despite the commute, he says he wouldn’t for us to redefine and revitalize government.” want to live any place else. Kohls and his wife, — Rep. Paul Kohls Kelly, moved to Victoria after he graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1999. including the repeal of the Profile of Learning had my hand raised, he was giving me high “It was time to start a family,” said Kohls, (HF37) and a bill to create tax-free zones in fives.” whose wife grew up in nearby Waconia. “We certain parts of the state (HF3). Should Kohls be re-elected to a second term, made a decision we wanted to be out in the He also introduced a bill (HF170) that he may really have his hands full. He and his western suburbs. It’s a wonderful place to live would eliminate the legal practice called wife are expecting another child in March. and to raise a family.” “forum-shopping” that allows lawyers to bring lawsuits in Minnesota after a statute of limi- Though the district is on the border of sub- DISTRICT 34A urbia, Kohls says it is made up primarily of tations has run out in other states, even if the case were unrelated to Minnesota. small- to midsized-towns with a real sense of 2002 population: 36,701 community. Co-sponsoring that legislation is fellow freshman Rep. Chris DeLaForest (R-Andover), Largest cities: Chaska When he moved to the area, Kohls was ac- Counties: Carver, Scott a classmate from law school. “Paul was an ex- tive on the executive board of former Senate Location: southwestern Twin Cities cellent student,” DeLaForest remembers. “He District 43 and decided to run for office when suburbs redistricting resulted in an open House seat. is very intelligent. He has a nimble mind…and Top Concern: “Our citizens are going to “I figured that at some point, somewhere that makes him a good attorney and an excel- continue to demand we provide down the line, I might run for office …(When) lent legislator.” excellent service. We just need to find a the opportunity presented itself, I figured it Kohls said he is most looking forward to new way to do it so that we can balance was a great chance to mix politics and policy.” being a part of the legislative process and de- our budget deficit and pass a budget Kohls has been active in politics for many veloping solutions during his freshman term. that the governor will sign – and that years. He was involved in the College Republi- “The budget deficit has created a tremendous means a budget that isn’t going to raise cans organization as an undergraduate at the opportunity for us to redefine and revitalize taxes.” University of St. Thomas and worked on the government,” he said. – Rep. Paul Kohls communications staff for former-Gov. Arne He says Minnesota provides an excellent level

Session Weekly 17 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

concerns about prescription drug costs and in-home health care. Thissen said he will be Finding his muse attentive to any prescription drug reform bills and what groups are covered under such bills. Thissen draws on common principles from his life, and ‘The He also hopes to see legislative reform to the Boss,’ in new role as state legislator long-term care system. “I’ve heard many, many stories about people who have really made great sacrifices to take BY MIRANDA BRYANT care of a loved one, but it’s really difficult and Political inspiration comes in many forms. winning their endorsement. Then he started I think we can help those folks without cost- And for freshman legislator, Rep. Paul Thissen visiting people in the district. ing the state a lot of money,” Thissen said. (DFL-Mpls), it comes partly from one of He said that process taught him a lot about Traffic congestion is an issue that Thissen con- America’s most famous rock ‘n’ rollers. the issues. Voters told him they wanted fairer fronts daily. With interstates 494 and 35W and Bruce Springsteen has a funding for schools, improved prescription highway 62 in his district, the representative un- huge fan in the 36-year- drug benefits, greater options for long-term derstands his constituents’ bottleneck blues. old Thissen, who has at- care, preservation of veteran services, and re- Unless quick action is taken, the problem will tended 15 Springsteen lief from ever-increasing traffic snarls. worsen, he predicted, as new workers begin com- concerts since his high Thissen will be able to address those issues ing to Best Buy’s new headquarters near where school days. In fact, the on the House committees to which he’s been the two freeways merge. The business is expected Harvard-educated law- assigned: transportation finance, state govern- to draw 6,000 to 7,000 workers to the area. yer sings the older of his ment finance, and government operations and The solution lies in increased transporta- two children, 4-year-old veterans affairs policy. tion funding and alternative transportation, Rep. Paul Thissen Emily, to sleep every “Paul not only has an intense interest in is- Thissen said. The Northstar commuter rail line night to Springsteen’s Thunder Road. sues, but he knows them well,” said Rep. Jean makes sense, but bonding for new construc- “I think he speaks in a profound way about Wagenius (DFL-Mpls). “He is already contrib- tion has costs that must be considered, he said. ordinary people’s lives and the challenges they uting new solutions for the budget problems Thissen said the state has traditionally paid face that has always resonated with me,” said that we face.” for new transportation construction with cash. Thissen. Thissen said Springsteen doesn’t judge “Government and policy are things I’ve been interested where people are in their lives, but rather rec- ognizes that circumstances can lead to situa- in for a long time, and public service.” tions that are good or difficult. This — Rep. Paul Thissen perspective, said Thissen, is something that should be remembered in government. Thissen envisions creating social service If the state sells bonds for the same, it may have Prior to his election in District 63A, Thissen outreach offices at schools, such as the three to sacrifice a new road to simply pay interest worked as a litigation lawyer for Briggs and at Achievement Plus schools in St. Paul, to in- and financing charges. Morgan. There he was chair of the pro bono pro- crease access to government services. Some- Increasing the gas tax, as well as the sales gram that provided legal services to selected low- times the only place people encounter the tax in affected communities, should be ex- income individuals, nonprofit ventures, and government is in a school, he explained. plored, he added. public interest causes free of charge. Fairer funding for schools is becoming more “I think we need to look at a variety of fund- “Government and policy are things I’ve been critical, said Thissen, with the number of fami- ing sources.” interested in for a long time, and public service,” lies living in poverty and the growing popula- said Thissen, who has served on various non- tion of students who don’t claim English as profit organizations’ boards of directors. DISTRICT 63A their first language. But two situations pointed him to the State “We need to recognize with our funding that Capitol. First, the 2002 redistricting process these districts are facing challenges and we 2002 population: 36,726 created a new district closely reflecting the ar- need to fund accordingly,” he said. Largest city: Minneapolis eas Thissen knew well from a childhood in Veteran services is another vulnerable area, County: Hennepin Bloomington and an education in Richfield. said Thissen, noting the large population of Location: central Twin Cities area Second, he believed legislators showed a “lack aging military personnel in his district. Top Concern: “Coming up with of vision” last year in addressing the state bud- “I think it’s really important that especially solutions to the (traffic) congestion get deficit. in these budget times that they’re not one of problem is one of my top priorities.” “My wife said, ‘You ought to put your money the groups that bears the brunt … We need to – Rep. Paul Thissen where your mouth is,’” Thissen said. be vigilant about that.” Thissen spent the next months contacting Related to veteran services are Thissen’s the 150 DFL convention delegates, ultimately

18 January 31, 2003 ILL INTRODUCTIONS J ANUARY 27 - 30, 2003 B ★ ★ ★ HOUSE FILES 183 - 261

Monday, Jan. 27 HF193—Erickson (R) HF203—Sertich (DFL) HF213—Blaine (R) Education Policy Commerce, Jobs & Local Government & HF183—Kielkucki (R) Profile of Learning repealed and re- Economic Development Metropolitan Affairs placed; and legislative review of pro- Governmental Operations & Property insurance; FAIR plan Local fire departments reimbursed posed statewide core academic regulation provided. for extinguishing certain motor ve- Veterans Affairs Policy standards in language arts, mathemat- hicle fires, local authority granted to Townships authorized to regulate and ics, science, history, and geography HF204—Murphy (DFL) collect unpaid bills for certain emer- impose investigation fees on lawful required. gency services from nonresidents, and gambling organizations. Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs money appropriated. HF194—Urdahl (R) HF184—Olsen, S. (R) St. Louis County; political activity re- Environment & Natural HF214—Dempsey (R) Education Policy strictions modified for certain offic- Resources Policy ers and employees in the classified Judiciary Policy & Finance Childcare assistance payments autho- Wright County board authorized to Fourth-degree assault law expanded rized for use for all-day kindergarten service. change the names of bodies of water to include offenses committed to- tuition payments. without the approval of the commis- HF205—Goodwin (DFL) wards employees or care providers at sioner of natural resources. secure treatment facilities. HF185—Dill (DFL) Education Finance Jobs & Economic Detachment and annexation process HF195—Rhodes (R) alternative established for residential HF215—Dempsey (R) Development Finance Governmental Operations & property parcels that are split among Agriculture Policy Knife River-Larsmont Sanitary Dis- Veterans Affairs Policy school districts. Wine; Minnesota-produced wine ex- trict wastewater infrastructure grants Voting integrity and voter access ac- empted from state fairgrounds provided, bonds issued, and money count established, funding provided, HF206—Seagren (R) prohibition. appropriated. and money appropriated. Education Policy HF216—Davnie (DFL) HF186—Dill (DFL) Jan. 15 teacher contract deadline date HF196—Juhnke (DFL) repealed. Transportation Policy Environment & Natural Transportation Policy Minneapolis; commissioner of trans- Resources Finance Multimodal transportation fund and HF207—Latz (DFL) portation prohibited from increasing Gitchi-Gami State Trail development accounts established, motor vehicle Taxes speed limit on Highway 55. funding provided, bonds issued, and sales tax proceeds allocated, fuel taxes money appropriated. Internet; Congress memorialized, by increased, metropolitan sales tax elec- resolution, to require Internet sellers HF217—Vandeveer (R) tion required, trunk highway bonds to collect state and local taxes. State Government Finance HF187—Jaros (DFL) authorized, and money appropriated. Legislators and constitutional officers Health & Human Services Policy HF208—Kuisle (R) 4 percent salary decrease provided MinnesotaCare eligibility require- HF197—Marquart (DFL) Regulated Industries until June 30, 2005. ments modified relating to other Education Finance Renewable energy source definition health coverage and employer- Declining enrollment funding in- HF218—Ellison (DFL) subsidized coverage. expanded to include mixed munici- creased. pal waste. Education Policy Review of parental involvement HF188—Jaros (DFL) HF198—Marquart (DFL) HF209—Carlson (DFL) programs pilot project authorized. Higher Education Finance Taxes Jobs & Economic Minnesota State Colleges and Uni- Military pension individual income Development Finance HF219—Erickson (R) versities directed to adopt a policy tax deduction provided. Education Policy requiring foreign language teaching Omnibus state government finance Retired teachers encouraged to serve students to study abroad, and Uni- bill appropriating money and reduc- HF199—Anderson, I. (DFL) as short-call substitute teachers. versity of Minnesota requested to ing state department appropriations. Jobs & Economic adopt a similar policy. Development Finance HF210—Thissen (DFL) HF220—Erickson (R) HF189—Mariani (DFL) Koochiching County authorized to Civil Law Governmental Operations & establish a port authority, and local Veterans Affairs Policy Agriculture Policy Personal jurisdiction over foreign cor- government units authorized to ap- Ethanol producer payments restricted porations and nonresident individu- English designated as the official ply for foreign trade zone powers. for facilities in cities of the first class. als modified in certain cases. language of the state of Minnesota. HF200—Jacobson (R) HF190—Juhnke (DFL) HF211—Lindgren (R) HF221—Erickson (R) Transportation Finance Education Finance Agriculture Policy Taxes Ramsey County; McKnight Road and Ethanol plant relocation assistance pro- Beltrami County tourism, agricul- Education finance; actual maximum Highway 36 interchange project fund- effort capital loan tax rate for existing vided, ethanol producer payments to tural, and industrial developments ing provided, bonds issued, and urban plants eliminated after a speci- promotion spending limits increased. loans lowered, and technical correc- money appropriated. tions provided. fied date, and money appropriated. HF201—Fuller (R) HF222—Biernat (DFL) HF191—Gerlach (R) Tuesday, Jan. 28 Health & Human Services Policy Governmental Operations & Governmental Operations & Emergency medical services registra- Veterans Affairs Policy Veterans Affairs Policy HF212—Abeler (R) tion provisions modified. Lobbying restriction of one year im- MSRS refunds provided for certain Health & Human Services Policy posed on former legislators, constitu- employees on medical leaves of ab- Health occupations advisory commit- HF202—Olsen, S. (R) tional officers, and other specified state sence. tees extended, including acupuncture, Education Finance and legislative employees. respiratory care practitioner, licensed Referendum equalization aid program HF192—Hilty (DFL) traditional midwifery, and health pro- expanded, and alternative facilities aid Environment & Natural fessionals services program advisory eliminated. Resources Policy committees. Lead sinkers sale and use prohibited. Session Weekly 19 HF223—Clark (DFL) HF234—Dempsey (R) HF245—Westrom (R) HF255—Dill (DFL) Health & Human Services Policy Transportation Finance Local Government & Environment & Natural Hennepin; essential community pro- Port development assistance funding Metropolitan Affairs Resources Finance vider application authorized for a provided, bonds issued, and money Alexandria; lakes area economic Snowmobile trail easements acquisi- specified Hennepin County clinic. appropriated. development authority established. tion funding provided to connect the Willard Munger State Trail to the HF224—Howes (R) HF235—Dill (DFL) HF246—Otremba (DFL) North Shore State Trail, and money Jobs & Economic Environment & Natural Governmental Operations & appropriated. Development Finance Resources Finance Veterans Affairs Policy Wastewater infrastructure program Lake Superior safe harbors funding Lottery prohibited from removing HF256—Beard (R) funding provided, bonds issued, and provided, bonds issued, and money certain computer terminals until Taxes money appropriated. appropriated. July 1, 2005. Sales to political subdivisions exempted from sales tax. HF225—Murphy (DFL) HF236—Hilstrom (DFL) HF247—Nelson, C. (R) Higher Education Finance Local Government & Governmental Operations & HF257—Cox (R) Lake Superior Community College Metropolitan Affairs Veterans Affairs Policy Environment & Natural and Northwest Technical College den- Brooklyn Center tax increment fi- Military service credit purchase Resources Policy tal clinics funding provided, bonds nancing district expenditures autho- sunset eliminated. Phosphorous content in dishwasher issued, and money appropriated. rized for housing within designated detergents restricted. area. HF248—Otremba (DFL) HF226—Murphy (DFL) Health & Human Services Policy HF258—Dorman (R) Higher Education Finance HF237—Dempsey (R) Universal health board, universal Agriculture Policy Lake Superior Community and Tech- Jobs & Economic health program, health care trust fund, Fertilizers containing arsenic nical College student services, smart Development Finance and statewide and regional health care prohibited. classrooms, and open labs funding Mississippi River Parkway Commis- budgets established; health care com- provided; bonds issued; and money sion funding provided to promote mission abolished; and money HF259—Kuisle (R) appropriated. tourism and economic development appropriated. Transportation Policy along the Great River Road. School bus continued operation by HF227—Ellison (DFL) HF249—Johnson, S. (DFL) licensed child-care providers and by Governmental Operations & HF238—Urdahl (R) Health & Human Services Policy holders of Class D driver’s licenses Veterans Affairs Policy Higher Education Finance Hearing aid health coverage required under limited conditions. Voting eligibility restored for certain Veterinary diagnostic laboratory for children. convicted felons who are not building funding provided at the HF260—Klinzing (R) incarcerated. University of Minnesota, bonds Transportation Finance issued, and money appropriated. Thursday, Jan. 30 I-94 at Century Avenue and McKnight Road interchange project funding HF239—Magnus (R) provided, bonds issued, and money Wednesday, Jan. 29 HF250—Paulsen (R) Environment & Natural appropriated. Governmental Operations & Resources Finance HF228—Knoblach (R) Veterans Affairs Policy Lewis and Clark rural water project HF261—Boudreau (R) Health & Human Services Finance Initiative and referendum procedures general fund appropriation provided, Civil Law Nursing facilities designated as met- provided by proposed constitutional and previous bond proceeds funding Minnesota citizens’ personal protec- ropolitan facilities for purposes of amendment. medical assistance reimbursement. canceled. tion act of 2003 adopted recognizing the right of law-abiding citizens to HF251—Beard (R) HF240—Soderstrom (R) self-protection, authorizing pistol HF229—Abeler (R) Transportation Finance Environment & Natural permits, providing criminal penal- Health & Human Services Policy State airports fund transfers restora- Resources Finance ties, and appropriating money. Doula services health insurance tion required. coverage required. Waste processing grants outstanding obligations canceled for specified HF252—Larson (DFL) HF230—Abeler (R) counties. Local Government & To find out who Health & Human Services Policy Metropolitan Affairs Licensed professional counseling HF241—Paymar (DFL) represents you Taxes Metropolitan airports commission board established, license require- membership expanded to include at the Capitol . . . Limited market value phase-out ments provided, and money mayors. Call the House Public extended. appropriated. Information Services HF253—Johnson, J. (R) HF242—Solberg (DFL) Office at (651) 296-2146 HF231—Peterson (DFL) Governmental Operations & Environment & Natural or 1-800-657-3550 Education Finance Veterans Affairs Policy Resources Policy Independent School District No. Plymouth volunteer firefighter’s re- Aitkin County tax-forfeited land sale 2853, Lac qui Parle Valley, severance lief association ancillary benefits authorized. levy authorized. subjected to general law. If you have Internet access, visit the HF243—Seagren (R) HF232—Rhodes (R) HF254—Abrams (R) Legislature’s web page Education Finance Taxes Jobs & Economic Intermediate school districts autho- at: Valuation exclusion for certain im- Development Finance provements on older homes program rized to receive proceeds of the safe http://www.leg.mn schools levy. Guthrie Theater new construction extended. funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated. HF233—Carlson (DFL) HF244—Lesch (DFL) Education Policy Local Government & State board of education established. Metropolitan Affairs St. Paul civil service separation retro- active effective date established. 20 January 31, 2003 OMMITTEE SCHEDULE F EBRUARY 3 - 7, 2003 C ★ ★ ★

MONDAY, February 3 Environment and Natural Resources Finance 11:45 AM Room: 5 State Office Building 12:30 PM Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS *** Note: *** Change in Agenda Joint House-Senate Convention Health and Human Services Policy Agenda: Overview of current agency budgets by House Chamber Room: 10 State Office Building House fiscal analyst and research staff. Chair: Rep. Lynda Boudreau Office of Environmental Assistance. 12:30 PM (Please note: Committee times may be Agenda: HF162 (Seifert) Health commissioner Board of Water and Soil Resources. required to obtain legislative approval for adjusted to accommodate Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. State of the State Address) specified rules adoption. HF164 (Haas) Patient consent required to collect Education Policy Transportation Policy health data, and adoption of certain proposed Room: 200 State Office Building Room: 200 State Office Building rules prohibited. Chair: Rep. Barb Sykora Chair: Rep. Ron Erhardt Agenda: HF120 (Olsen) Teacher licensing Agenda: To be announced Higher Education Finance duplicative filing requirement eliminated; Room: 300S State Office Building and license verification authorized using the Governmental Operations and Veterans Chair: Rep. Doug Stang Department of Children, Families and Affairs Policy Agenda: Overview of the Minnesota State Grant Learning website. Room: Basement Hearing Room and Federal Pell Grant Programs. HF219 (Erickson) Retired teachers encouraged Chair: Rep. Jim Rhodes Witnesses: Kathy Novak, Legislative Analyst, to serve as short-call substitute teachers. Agenda: HF195 (Rhodes) Voting integrity and Minnesota House of Representatives. HF206 (Seagren) Jan. 15 teacher contract deadline voter access account established, funding John Brandl, Professor, Hubert H. Humphrey date repealed. provided, and money appropriated. Institute of Public Affairs, University of Other agenda items to be announced. Minnesota. 10:15 AM 2:30 PM 3 p.m. Education Finance Room: 10 State Office Building Regulated Industries THE HOUSE MEETS IN SESSION. Chair: Rep. Alice Seagren *** Note: *** Change in meeting room Agenda: HF127 (Carlson) Special education; Room: 10 State Office Building President and Congress memorialized by Chair: Rep. Torrey Westrom TUESDAY, February 4 resolution to carry through on their pledge to Agenda: Presentation by Xcel Energy on issues fund 40 percent of special education costs. pertaining to Prairie Island and *** Note: *** Change in meeting time HF109 (Ruth) Career and technical levy programs need for additional storage. 8:00 AM levy made permanent. HF160 (Abeler) Staff development activities State Government Finance Transportation Finance portion of a district’s basic general education Room: 500N State Office Building Room: Tour revenue reduced. Chair: Rep. Bill Haas Chair: Rep. William Kuisle Agenda: Amateur Sports Commission. Agenda: Tour of the Hiawatha Light Rail Project. Taxes Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Members and staff: a bus will pick us up on the Room: 200 State Office Building Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board. east steps of the State Office Building. Chair: Rep. Ron Abrams Agenda: To be announced. Civil Law 8:15 AM *** Note: *** Change in meeting room Environment and Natural Resources Policy Room: 5 State Office Building Health and Human Services Finance Room: 5 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Steve Smith Room: 10 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Tom Hackbarth Agenda: HF166 (Thissen) Uniform Guardianship Chair: Rep. Fran Bradley Agenda: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Protective Proceedings act adopted. Agenda: Continuation of “Do More With Less” briefing. Legislative report on CWD. HF169 (Lipman) Animal care and memorial fund testimony. Department of Natural Resources. trusts provided. Board of Animal Health. Jobs and Economic Development Finance Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Room: Basement Hearing Room Judiciary Policy and Finance Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Bob Gunther Room: Basement Hearing Room Chair: Rep. Jerry Dempsey Agenda: Discussion of the Mesaba Metals Chair: Rep. Steve Smith Agenda: To be announced. project in Northern Minnesota. Agenda: Sex offender mandatory registration Overview and discussion of the Displaced departure rates. Homemakers Program in the Department Report from Department of Corrections on of Economic Security. concentration of Level III sex offenders.

Session Weekly 21 WEDNESDAY, February 5 Steve Brake, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s THURSDAY, February 6 Association. 8:15 AM Jerry Shoenfeld, Minnesota Pork Producers 8:15 AM Association. Health and Human Services Policy Bruce Kleven, Cattlemen’s Association. Environment and Natural Resources Finance Room: 10 State Office Building Room: 5 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Lynda Boudreau Governmental Operations and Veterans Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment Agenda: HF17 (Mullery) Establish an auto lease Affairs Policy *** Note: *** Change in Agenda program to help MFIP recipients lease cars Room: Basement Hearing Room Agenda: Office of Legislative Auditor Reports. necessary for job search and employment. Chair: Rep. Jim Rhodes Water Quality: Permitting and Compliance HF15 (Mullery) Modifying MinnesotaCare Agenda: Horse Racing Commission overview, Monitoring. eligibility requirements for persons with Dick Krueger, Executive Director. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Funding. continuation coverage. Canterbury Park Presentation, Randy Sampson. Health and Human Services Finance Environment and Natural Resources Finance Transportation Policy Room: 10 State Office Building Room: 5 State Office Building Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Fran Bradley Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment Chair: Rep. Ron Erhardt Agenda: Continuation of “Do More With Less” *** Note: *** Change in Agenda Agenda: Tour of State Patrol Metro testimony. Agenda: Overview of current agency budget by Communications Center and MnDOT Traffic House fiscal analyst and research staff. Management Center. Education Policy Department of Natural Resources. Room: 200 State Office Building 2:30 PM Chair: Rep. Barb Sykora Transportation Finance Agenda: HF2 (Kielkucki) Profile of Learning Room: 200 State Office Building State Government Finance repealed and replaced; and legislative review of Chair: Rep. William Kuisle Room: 500N State Office Building proposed academic standards in language arts, Agenda: Presentation by the Association of Chair: Rep. Bill Haas mathematics, science, history, and geography Minnesota Counties. Agenda: Department of Administration. required. Presentation by MnDOT on the use of consultants. Regulated Industries 10:15 AM *** Note: *** Change in meeting room 10:15 AM Room: 10 State Office Building Taxes Chair: Rep. Torrey Westrom Room: 200 State Office Building Education Finance Agenda: Presentations on nuclear and regulatory Chair: Rep. Ron Abrams Room: 10 State Office Building issues by the following agencies and Agenda: To be announced. Chair: Rep. Alice Seagren organizations: Agenda: Continuation of Education Finance Mike Bull, House Research Department; Judiciary Policy and Finance introduction and overview. Department of Commerce; Room: Basement Hearing Room Public Utilities Commission; Chair: Rep. Steve Smith Judiciary Policy and Finance MAPPCOR (Mid Continent Area Power Pool); Agenda: To be announced. Room: Basement Hearing Room and the Department of Health. Chair: Rep. Steve Smith Education Finance Agenda: To be announced. Civil Law Room: 10 State Office Building *** Note: *** Change in meeting room Chair: Rep. Alice Seagren Taxes Room: 5 State Office Building Agenda: To be announced. Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Steve Smith Chair: Rep. Ron Abrams Agenda: HF112 (Pugh) Title, lien, and mortgage Environment and Natural Resources Policy Agenda: To be announced. technical, clarifying, and conforming changes Room: 5 State Office Building provided. Chair: Rep. Tom Hackbarth 12:30 PM Agenda: To be announced. Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Higher Education Finance 12:30 PM Room: 300S State Office Building Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Doug Stang Chair: Rep. Jerry Dempsey Agriculture and Rural Development Finance Agenda: Minnesota State Colleges and Agenda: To be announced. Room: 5 State Office Building Universities (MnSCU) overview. Chair: Rep. Elaine Harder Witness: James H. McCormick, chancellor, Capital Investment Agenda: Overview hearing on the funding for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Room: Basement Hearing Room feedlot cost share program and the funds Chair: Rep. Phil Krinkie appropriated for permit and enforcement of the Agriculture Policy Agenda: Department of Finance cancellations 7020 Rules. Room: 5 State Office Building report pursuant to M.S. 16A.642. Chair: Rep. Howard Swenson Ways and Means Agenda: Are the new feedlot rules working Room: 200 State Office Building continued. Chair: Rep. Jim Knoblach Steve Olson, Boiler and Egg Association and the Agenda: To be announced. Turkey Growers. John Meyer, dairyman from Rollingstone, Minnesota. 22 January 31, 2003 What’s on the Web Election results available Late in the 1800s, two Minnesota gov- Like Austin, he grew up on a large farm, The House is expected to gain one ernors were recognized for a remarkable although he was in Pennsylvania, and member in each of the next two weeks similarity in their lives. They were both of moved to another state — Kentucky — to with special elections scheduled to strong character and integrity, had status teach. When the Civil War began, McGill replace former Reps. Dan McElroy and in the community, were members of the was treated with hostility because of his Mark Holsten. Republican Party, and believed in the same union sentiments, so he moved to St. Peter, McElroy resigned his position Jan. 6 to principles by which they lived. Not only set up a select, well-respected high school, become the state’s finance commissioner. were they close friends, but their lives fol- and served as its principal. His replacement will be selected Feb. 3. lowed similar paths. McGill began to study law, but with the The candidates for the seat, which Both Govs. Horace Austin and Andrew onset of the Civil War, he joined as a pri- encompasses parts of Burnsville and McGill lived in St. Peter before they entered vate to serve in the military. He earned the Savage, are Republican Duke Powell and the political world. Austin led rank of sergeant before he was DFLer Joe Rosenfield, who lost to McElroy the state for two terms, from discharged for disabilities. He in the November election. 1870 to 1874. McGill served as returned to St. Peter and became The election to replace Holsten, who governor for one term, from superintendent of schools for was named a deputy commissioner with 1887 to 1889, and as a state Nicollet County. the Department of Natural Resources Jan. 17, is scheduled Feb. 11. senator from 1899 to 1905. As he continued his law stud- District 52B includes Birchwood Village, Austin was the state’s sixth ies, McGill was elected to serve Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Marine on governor. The son of a promi- as clerk of the district court and the St. Croix, May Township, Pine Springs, nent Connecticut farmer, he was admitted to the bar in 1869 Stillwater Township, Willernie, and studied in Maine, became his by then-Judge Horace Austin. high school’s principal, and When Austin won the governor- portions of Hugo, Stillwater, and White Gov. Andrew McGill Bear Lake. studied law in the office of the ship the following year, McGill The Jan. 28 primary winners were state’s U.S. Senator. He later became his private secretary. Republican Matt Dean, DFLer Rebecca moved to St. Peter at the age of Later, Austin appointed McGill Otto, whom Holsten defeated in 25 and set up a law practice in to be state’s insurance commis- November, Anthony Frolik of the 1856. sioner, which he held for 13 Independence Party, and Kathleen In 1862, Austin volunteered years under three other gover- Vadnais of the Green Party. as a private for the St. Peter nors. A third special election is likely on the Frontier Brigade to help protect Like Austin, McGill was well re- horizon as Rep. Rich Stanek (R-Maple the frontier. He became a cap- spected and trusted among poli- Grove) was named the state’s public safety tain with the U.S. Army the ticians and the general public commissioner Jan. 23. He resigned Jan. 30. same year. alike. When he became governor No election date had been set at the time He was elected judge of the in 1873, McGill reciprocated an Session Weekly went to press. Results from these contests will be state’s Sixth Judicial District appointment to his friend, Aus- Gov. Horace Austin available on the secretary of state’s Web in 1864, earning the reputa- tin by naming him state railroad site (www.sos.state.mn.us). Look on the tion of being “independent, commissioner. House Web site (www.house.mn) for upright, and fearless.” When Austin was In 1905, Austin was one of four former biographical information on the new nominated to run for governor at the governors to serve as an honorary pall- members soon after the elections. 1869 Republican Convention, he was bearer for McGill after he died suddenly. victorious on the first ballot and easily Then Austin died exactly a week later dur- won the governorship in the general elec- ing a simple surgery operation. tion. After Austin served his first term Their lives, filled with admirable service with “honor and fidelity,” he was re- to the state they chose as home, were elected for a second term with no oppo- inextricably linked. sition. —LECLAIR GRIER LAMBERT McGill was Minnesota’s 10th governor. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society Moving? Please help save postage costs by keeping us informed of address changes. Call (651) 296-2146 or Frequently called numbers (800) 657-3550. (Area code 651) Information, House Information, Senate 175 State Office Building ...... 296-2146 231 Capitol ...... 296-0504 TTY, House ...... 296-9896 TTY, Senate ...... 296-0250 Toll free ...... 1-800-657-3550 Toll free ...... 1-888-234-1112

Session Weekly 23 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55155-1298

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: STEVE SVIGGUM MAJORITY LEADER: ERIK PAULSEN MINORITY LEADER: MATT ENTENZA

INNESOTA M INDEX FOR MORE INFORMATION

State and federal assistance programs For general information, call: Federal poverty income guideline, family of four, 2002 ...... $18,100 House Information Office Average number of monthly aid recipients through the Minnesota (651) 296-2146 or Family Investment Program (MFIP), fiscal year 2002 ...... 127,578 1-800-657-3550 Total annual payments, in millions...... $321.9 To obtain a copy of a bill, call: State share of payments, in millions ...... $72.3 Chief Clerk’s Office State share of payments, as percent ...... 22 (651) 296-2314 Percentage of cases affecting single- and two-parent families ...... 87 Total state Medical Assistance program spending, 2002, in millions ...... $4.1 To find out about bill introductions or Projected enrollees in state and federal health care programs, the status of a specific bill, call: fiscal year 2003...... 623,545 House Index Office Families receiving state-supported child-care assistance, fiscal year 2002...... 27,274 (651) 296-6646 Children benefited...... 46,466 TTY Line (651) 296-8891 Average cost per family...... $7,123 For an up-to-date recorded message Minnesota households receiving federal food stamp benefits, 2002 ...... 99,720 giving committee meeting times and Total dollar value of food stamp benefits, in millions ...... $195.8 agendas, call: Number of people on average each month receiving emergency Committee Hotline assistance aid (one-time assistance for a crisis involving the health (651) 296-9283 or safety of children)...... 6,294 Total annual payments, 2002, in millions ...... $24.1 The House of Representatives can be State share of payments, in millions ...... $3.4 reached on the World Wide Web at: State share of payments, as percent ...... 14 http://www.house.mn Number of people on average each month receiving state general financial assistance aid...... 10,486 Teletypewriter for the hearing Total annual payments, 2002, in millions ...... $23.3 impaired. To ask questions or leave messages, Number of people on average each month receiving federal supplemental call: security income ...... 66,369 TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or Total annual payments, 2002, in millions ...... $310.2 1-800-657-3550 Number receiving additional state supplemental aid...... 27,619 Total annual payments, in millions...... $27.4 Check your local listings to watch Minnesota Medical Assistance payments (including Medical Assistance House committee and floor sessions and Medicaid), 2002, in billions ...... $4.1 on TV. State share of payments, in billions ...... $1.96 State share, as percent ...... 48 Senate Information Total annual payments from Minnesota General Assistance Medical Care (651) 296-0504 1-888-234-1112 (for low-income Minnesotans ineligible for other assistance), 2002, in millions.... $178.6 Total average monthly enrollees in MinnesotaCare, 2002 ...... 143,855 Senate Index Total health care payments, in millions, 2002...... $372.4 (651) 296-5560

Sources: The 2002 HHS Poverty Guidelines, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Feb- ruary 2002; Minnesota Data Book for Legislators, Minnesota House of Representatives Research This document can be made available in Department, January 2003; Family Self Sufficiency & Health Care Program Statistics, Minnesota alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 296-2146 voice, (651) 296-9896 TTY, Department of Human Services, January 2003; MinnesotaCare Enrollment by County, Depart- or ment of Human Services, January 2003. (800) 657-3550 toll free voice and TTY.

24 January 31, 2003