SESSION WEEKLY A NONPARTISAN PUBLICATION MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES • PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES VOLUME 24, NUMBER 5 • FEBUARY 2, 2007

Rhyming lines A watershed development State’s drive to excellence

HF367- HF568 SESSION WEEKLY

Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services. During the 2007-2008 Legislative Session, each issue reports House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions and provides other information. No fee. To subscribe, contact: Minnesota House of Representatives contents Public Information Services 175 State Office Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. HIGHLIGHTS St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Agriculture • 5 Energy • 8 Higher Education • 12 (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550 or the Environment • 9 Minnesota Relay service at 711 or Biosciences • 5 Local Government • 13 (800) 627-3529 (TTY) Bonding • 6 Family • 10 Metro Affairs • 13 www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Consumers • 6 Game & Fish • 10 Safety • 13 Crime • 7 Government • 10 Taxes • 14 Director Education • 7 Health & Barry LaGrave Employment • 8 Human Services • 11 Editor/Assistant Director Lee Ann Schutz Assistant Editor BILL INTRODUCTIONS (HF367-HF568) • 19-23 Mike Cook Art & Production Coordinator Paul Battaglia Writers FEATURES Nick Busse, Craig Green, First Reading: Managing state’s water resources is complicated • 3-4 Stephen Harding, Sonja Hegman, Patty Ostberg, Mia Simpson At Issue: Consolidating services could save state dollars • 15 Chief Photographer Feature: State needs a poet “free to write rhyming lines” • 16 Tom Olmscheid Photographers People: New members profiled: Anderson, Benson, Faust and Laine • 17-18 Andrew VonBank, Sarah Stacke Late Action: Freedom to Breathe Act on its way • 23 Staff Assistants Christy Novak, Joan Bosard Minnesota Index: Water and watersheds • 24

Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is published weekly during the legislative session by Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services, 175 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage paid at Minneapolis, Minn. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, House Public Information Services, 175 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298.

Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, On the cover: After testifying, Rashlin Robinson, takes a picture of the members of the House E-12 30% post-consumer content. Education Committee and the House K-12 Finance Division while Qsashu Black, right, testifies about the LifeLine Youth Off Street Ministry, part of Community Justice Partners. Legislators took part in a joint hearing at the Glover-Suddeth Community Center in North Minneapolis Jan. 30. Raven Shambley, left, Starletta Leslie, back left and Latanza Freeman, the ministry’s president and CEO, also came forward as the other testified.

­—Photo by: Tom Olmscheid FIRST READING

Watershed trouble In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, managing water resources is complicated

photo by andrew vonbank

By Nick Busse from which water drains into a single stream wiss cheese” is how Rep. Morrie Lanning (R-Moorhead) or lake,” serves as a kind of basic, fundamental describes Minnesota’s system of managing its water unit for managing the state’s water resources. The U.S. Geological Survey has identified “Sresources. 84 major watersheds in Minnesota, which it “We’ve got holes all over,” Lanning said. further breaks down into approximately 5,600 According to a new report from the Office of the Legislative minor watersheds. The responsibility for managing watersheds Auditor, he’s right — and the state’s top water management falls primarily to a complex, often overlapping watchdog, the Board of Water and Soil Resources, is leaving and sometimes competing network of 46 more holes than it should. watershed districts, 23 water management organizations, 91 soil and water conservation Better known by its acronym, BWSR more directly accountable to, the governor, districts and 80 Greater Minnesota counties. (informally pronounced “BOW-ser”), the as well as expanding the board’s oversight Don’t even bother asking who does what; board is responsible for supporting and responsibilities and increasing its statutory it’s complicated. In fact, that’s part of the overseeing watershed districts, soil and water powers. problem. conservation districts and other local entities “To meet the challenges of the future, we “I think most of us who go in and, that work to protect and improve the state’s think BWSR’s governing structure should for example, vote for our soil and water more than 13 million acres of lakes, streams be changed, and with that change we will conservation commissioner don’t have any and wetlands. have a stronger, more effective and more idea what we’re voting for or what their At least, that’s what those organizations are accountable watershed management system responsibilities are,” Nobles said. supposed to do. Sometimes they don’t, and in Minnesota,” Nobles said. Generally speaking, responsibilities that’s when the board is supposed to step in. But in the course of his testimony, Nobles associated with managing watersheds include But according to Legislative Auditor James touched on the larger issue of watershed monitoring and reducing pollution and Nobles, the board has been neglecting its management in general — an inherently preventing flooding. Somewhat ironically, oversight duties. complicated undertaking involving some 14 watershed management largely involves “While some watershed management state and federal agencies as well as 11 different governing land use practices, which often organizations are effective, some are not,” types of local government organizations and determine where water flows and what Nobles said, adding that BWSR has been “too nonprofits. pollutants it picks up along the way. The slow to act, and sometimes reluctant to get “There’s a real mixed up and complicated trouble, according to BWSR Executive involved” when those organizations struggle system out there,” Nobles said. Director John Jaschke, is that every watershed or become inefficient. In fact, the biggest challenge in protecting, is different and requires a relatively unique Nobles presented the key findings of the preserving and restoring water quality for the approach. watershed management report Jan. 25 to the state’s 11,842 lakes and 69,200 miles of rivers “There really is no one-size-fits-all House Environment and Natural Resources and streams might be simply bringing order approach,” he said. “Each watershed, its Committee, which took no immediate to a system that some describe as chaotic. issues and solutions require a customized action. application of policy and science.” Charging that BWSR is “controlled by local The bigger picture interests,” Nobles recommended making A watershed, defined by the Department its executive director appointed by, and of Natural Resources as “the total land area First Reading continued on page 4

February 2, 2007 Session Weekly  First Reading continued from page 3 BWSR for not taking action earlier, even issue with the gubernatorial appointment neglecting to make the district submit its recommendation. A lack of oversight annual report. “We, the board, feel that it’s essential that Whether citizens understand what their “In 20 years, they had submitted one the Board of Water and Soil Resources hire the local watershed district or water management report,” Severson said. “BWSR had the executive director,” Kramer said, adding that organization does is one issue; whether the responsibility to make sure that those reports the board used a rigorous selection process for people who run them do is another. were filed; it didn’t happen.” executive director candidates. The report states that the performance In another example cited in the report, Some committee members were also o f w a t e r s h e d the soil and water skeptical of the recommendation. Rep. Dennis orga n i z at ion s i s “I think most of us who go in and, for ex- conservation district Ozment (R-Rosemount) wondered aloud “mixed,” with some for Hennepin County, whether BWSR’s problems were less an issue of successfully improving ample, vote for our soil and water conserva- t h e H e n n e p i n governance than one of a lack of resources. water quality and tion commissioner don’t have Conservation District, “It’s my opinion that BWSR has been reducing the risk of any idea what we’re voting for or what their fell apart due to drastically under-funded,” Ozment said, floods while others responsibilities are.” “internal turmoil,” noting that the board was hit hard during flounder, struggling with board members recent budget shortfalls. to implement basic -- Jim Nobles, Legislative Auditor suing each other. The Nobles agreed that BWSR had limited management plans county withdrew its resources, but disputed Ozment’s notion that and “move beyond funding for the board in 2003, but BWSR funding was the primary problem. general administration and planning tasks.” continued doling out grants to the district even “We think, just philosophically, that as an In fact, there is such a thing as a watershed after it had become “essentially dismantled.” executive branch agency, that there ought to horror story. Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk be more direct accountability to the governor Rapids), who showed up to the Jan. 25 meeting Fixing BWSR and to the Legislature — not to a board that is with a group of angry constituents in tow, The recommendation to change BWSR’s dominated by local interests,” Nobles said. described how the South Two River Watershed governance structure so that its executive Lanning, meanwhile, offered a larger District collected some $800,000 in taxes over director would be appointed by the governor perspective, arguing that the state needs a a period of 20 years and did not have “even one and confirmed by the Senate became a point more comprehensive overall approach to project completed.” of some contention. watershed management. The residents of that district eventually Randy Kramer, chairman of the board, “How are we going to get a handle on this grew so frustrated that they petitioned BWSR refrained from commenting on many of with an approach that is hit-and-miss?” to terminate the district altogether, which it the report’s specific findings, but did take Lanning said. did in August 2006. But Severson criticized

Special test

photo by tom olmscheid As Rep. Connie Ruth watches, Rep. Sondra Erickson holds up a giant No. 2 pencil to show the House Education Finance and Economic Competitiveness Finance Division that she is prepared to take a specially developed Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment test during the division’s Jan. 29 hearing.

 Session Weekly February 2, 2007 HIGHLIGHTS J a n u a r y 2 5 - F e b r u a r y 1 , 2 0 0 7

Licensing concerns Editor’s note: The following Highlights are Without University of Minnesota research, Committees take to the road coverage of select bills heard in House com- neither the blueberry nor the grape would be The House Ways and Means Committee, mittees held Jan. 24-Feb. 1 and other House able to thrive in this climate. Nor would there which is responsible for setting spending tar- activity. To track the progress of a bill, go to gets in the House, is scheduled to hold a meet- www.leg.state.mn and click on Bill Search, be a Haroldson or Honeycrisp apple. ing at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Pilot Knob Elementary Status and MyBills. Granting an exclusive license for a new School, 1436 Lone Oak Road in Eagan. university-developed apple variety, “MN The House Transportation and Transit Policy 1914,” to a single orchard, however, drew the Subcommittee is scheduled to meet at the attention of growers and the Legislature last Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway, AGRICULTURE at 7 p.m. Feb. 7. year. In response, a law was enacted requesting Spending concerns the university to refrain from implementing More money for research is on the legislative the “MN 1914” apple license. The law also HF194, sponsored by Rep. Kim Norton wish list for just about every group representing called for a task force to review the university’s (DFL-Rochester), would create an ongoing the state’s commodities and producers. licensing procedures and to report back to the annual appropriation of $15 million for the Representatives for the state’s various crop Legislature. Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and growers and livestock producers told the The Plant Licensing Task Force report Medical Genomics, a joint venture created House Agriculture, Rural Economies and shows that the university has developed in 2003 to help spur growth in the state’s Veterans Affairs Finance Division Jan. 30 they more than 800 plant varieties. Royalties from biotech industry. It was approved by the are concerned that state dollars allocated to licensed varieties generate about $1.5 million House Biosciences and Emerging Technology the University of Minnesota for agriculture a year for the institution. Committee. research will be shifted in the direction of Beverly Durgan, director of the Minnesota Mark Paller, assistant vice president for emerging fuels. They say research dollars are Agricultural Experiment Station and research at the university, said the partnership needed to benefit all sectors of agriculture. No chairwoman of the task force, told the House has two primary goals: to “improve life” and division action was taken. Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans to stimulate the state’s economy. Among its As an example, Kenneth Asp, chairman Affairs Committee Jan. 31 that plant varieties, numerous projects: new drugs for cancer, of the Minnesota Wheat Research and such as an apple, take many years to develop, and research into neuromuscular diseases and Promotion Council, said that while the that royalties help defray some of the costs. early detection of cardiovascular disease. number of soybean and corn acres is on the “One of the reasons we have gone to licensing “There is a lot of competition in the rise, the number of acres devoted to wheat has some of the varieties is then those royalties are country and around the world for bioscience been on the decline since the late-1990s. He used to sustain our breeding program,” Durgan development,” Paller said. “Both Mayo and said this differential can be attributed to the said. It also supplements funding from the state the University of Minnesota have come to number of acres dedicated to produce crops and commodity groups. understand that we are stronger working used in the production of ethanol. The Honeycrisp apple, last year named the together in this environment than we are He said there is not enough wheat being state fruit, overall has generated $4 million in separately and in competition.” grown to support research through the royalties, Durgan said, adding that the patent Committee members argued over whether “check-off.” This United States Department goes off the apple in two years. She said there the $15 million should be an ongoing of Agriculture administered program refers are high hopes that the “MN 1914” apple could appropriation or one-time money. Rep. Mike to the collection of a fee for, in the case of produce double that amount in royalties. Beard (R-Shakopee) unsuccessfully offered commodities, every bushel sold and then She said several issues surfaced from task an amendment that would have created a given to a neutral body for specific uses. force discussions regarding licensing: the need sunset date for the funding, arguing that “We need research to turn this trend for more communication with the agriculture ongoing appropriations put the state budget around, or wheat will go the way of barley and community about variety release procedures; on “autopilot,” which he said leads to budget oats, so that we’re actually importing from monitoring of exclusive releases to ensure crises. other countries,” Asp said. the interests of the agricultural public Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) disagreed, Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar), chairman of are considered; consideration of funding arguing ongoing funding would prove the the division, said last biennium’s $50 million challenges faced by the breeding program; and state’s commitment to bioscience and help annual appropriation to the university’s how to get a better return on investment. “attract smart people” to the state. College of Food, Agricultural and Natural The committee took no action. “Above all, what our goal should be is to try Resource Sciences had little legislative to attract bright minds to Minnesota. That’s direction on how the money should be going to be our future, and it sounds like spent. BIOSCIENCES … this ongoing funding is a really critically This year the division will take a closer important part of that,” Thissen said. look at the research appropriation, he said, Committee Chairman Rep. Tim Mahoney and encouraged the various agriculture More bucks for bioscience (DFL-St. Paul) urged committee members to groups to offer suggestions on how these A bill approved by a House committee Jan. think big on bioscience and its potential as an dollars should be allocated — whether for 30 would provide money to fund a bioscience economic engine for the state. production agriculture, renewable energy or partnership between the University of “This state has started to have a small other emerging needs. Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic. vision. My hope for this committee is that we

February 2, 2007 Session Weekly  have a larger vision. …This state should be budget for 2007. Of the total, $59.8 million finance bill. investing millions in [bioscience].” would come from general obligation bonds, “We’re working to protect the scenic, The bill now goes to the House Higher and $10 million would be for user-financed natural and historic resources along the Great Education and Work Force Development bonding for the Rural Finance Authority. River Road Corridor in order to protect those Policy and Finance Division. A companion, The request comes on the heels of nearly features that make the Great River Road a SF176, sponsored by Sen. Ann Lynch (DFL- $1 billion capital budget laws in 2005 and popular tourist destination for Minnesota,” Rochester), awaits action by the Senate 2006. said David Kelliher, legislative liaison for the Business, Industry and Jobs Committee. Typically, large bonding bills are done in Minnesota Historical Society. the even-numbered years of a session, with a “The era in which these resources were smaller bill passed in odd-number years for constructed is an important part of our Bonding urgent projects. state’s history and our nation’s history,” he Finance Commissioner Tom Hanson said. “Many of these roadside features are told the House Capital Investment Finance on the National Register of Historic Places, Cultural center word change Division Jan. 30 that fencing surrounds and all those in the proposal are on the As a result of a one word omission in a spots of the building, restricting people from national register.” By statute, state agencies are bonding proposal last year, the Asian Pacific walking in areas at high risk of falling debris. responsible for protecting historic features. Cultural Center could not get immediate access The amount recommended for the repairs is Included in the proposal are 12 restoration to funds approved for its building project. $11.8 million. The division took no action. projects, including the Camp Ripley entrance The Legislature approved $400,000 for the Other urgent projects include: walls, the Fort Beauharnois Historical Marker center’s design in last year’s bonding law, but • $37.9 million to pay half the cost of a new near Lake Pepin and the La Crescent State the word “predesign” was not included in the arena at the Duluth Entertainment and Entry Marker. Many have crumbling rocks original bill. Convention Center; or concrete. It is estimated that the properties “This is just to make sure the cultural • $10 million in Rural Finance Authority are deteriorating at 5 percent to 10 percent a center has access to the money so they can loans; year, while restoration costs increase by about move forward with the city,” Rep. Cy Thao • $2.2 million to replace and re-insulate the same percentage annually. Preliminary (DFL-St. Paul), the sponsor of HF87, told the mold-infested ductwork at the Minnesota engineering reports and cost estimates for House Capital Investment Finance Division Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights possible future restorations of 10 other sites Jan. 30. Approved by the committee, the bill and $3.9 million to update the perimeter would also be completed with the money. now goes to the House Finance Committee. system at the facility; A companion bill, SF288, sponsored Naomi Chu, executive director of the center, • $2.2 million to buy three available parcels by Senate Minority Leader David Senjem said she was “surprised” the word “predesign” next to the state-owned Stassen Building (R-Rochester), awaits action by the Senate was needed in the law. She added that no in St. Paul for parking; Finance Committee. other wording would change, but the delay • $1.5 million to reduce the flow of clear water means the center’s location will be different, into the wastewater system at the Minne- and that the final price tag will likely change. sota Zoo; and Consumers Right now, the estimated cost of the center is • $200,000 to construct Phase III of the Still- $6 million. water Flood Control project, to help protect The 65,000 square-foot center will be the historic downtown from flooding. Social Security number usage located at the former Hamm’s Brewery site A Social Security number is needed to on Minnehaha Avenue in St. Paul, instead apply for a mortgage, credit card or long-term of along the city’s University Avenue. Four Historic renovations financing on a motor vehicle, and sometimes contiguous buildings will be retrofitted to Historic roadside properties along the Great it is even asked for on a job application. create the center. Current plans call for the River Road could be improved with a nearly Sponsored by Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL- center to include a gallery and library center, $4.3 million appropriation spelled out in Brooklyn Center), HF131 would further a banquet room that will accommodate up HF146. restrict the use of Social Security numbers. to 500 people, a 265-seat theater designed for “This would provide funding for repair and Approved Jan. 26 by the House Labor and performing arts and cinematic viewing, the restoration of the historic roadside properties, Consumer Protection Division, the bill next center’s administrative office, a commercial such as wayside rest areas, historical markers goes to the House Commerce and Labor kitchen, a gift shop, 15-20 offices for tenants and important overlook sites along the Great Committee. It has no Senate companion. and 15-20 classrooms. River Road,” said Rep. Sheldon Johnson “We believe very strongly that this bill goes A companion bill, SF257, sponsored by Sen. (DFL-St. Paul), the bill’s sponsor. a long way towards limiting the number of Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul), awaits action by Established in state law, the road runs along Social Security numbers that are floating out the Senate Finance Committee. the Mississippi river from its headwaters in there that may ultimately result in identity Itasca State Park to the Iowa border. It is part of theft,” said Mark Ireland, assistant attorney a national scenic byway system running through general in the office’s Consumer Division. Gubernatorial recommendations several states. More than 3,000 such thefts occurred in the Unless the state wants 1,200-pound granite The bill was approved Jan. 31 by the state last year. panels falling from the Department of House Transportation and Transit Policy The bill is a clarification of a 2005 law, Transportation building, they will need to fix Subcommittee and referred to the House scheduled to take effect July 1, 2007, that in them this year. Transportation Finance Division. Johnson part restricts businesses from printing a Social This is one of several recommendations in would like to see the bill laid over for possible Security number on a card needed to utilize the governor’s proposed $69.8 million capital inclusion in the omnibus transportation the business’s products or services, or put a

 Session Weekly February 2, 2007 person’s number on materials mailed to them. accounting for 70 percent of that number. Of The NetWork, led by Steve Nelson, is new a However, businesses that used the number in the 4,000 juvenile cases the department has, program that provides services, training and a those ways before the law’s effective date are 11,000 youth are involved. positive environment to adult men who have to be exempt, if certain conditions are met. Police are working with schools to a history of substance abuse, mental illness, This bill would eliminate that provision. aggressively look for students who are truant chronic unemployment and incarceration. It would also add two requirements that and take them back to school. Getting youth must be met before an individual would back in class is a way to prevent them from be required to transmit a Social Security committing other offenses, said Schafer. Education number over the Internet; prohibit a person Simeon Wagner, corrections unit supervisor or non-government entity from disclosing for Hennepin County Juvenile Probation, said an individual’s Social Security number to it can be frustrating trying to convince some Arts center funding a nonaffiliated third party; and a person or kids of the importance of school. Providing What do stage and screen star Debbie Allen, non-government entity could not “refuse to youth an education is one of the most music superstar Janet Jackson and the 1980s do business with an individual because he important things we can do, said Wagner. movie and TV show “Fame” have to do with or she will not consent to the receipt by the “How we get that done is another issue.” Minnesota education? person of his or her Social Security number, Not much according to Pam Paulson, deputy unless in connection with the transaction.” director of the Perpich Center for Arts Education Among concerns expressed by business Prisoner reentry given priority in Golden Valley. “We got a lot of comparisons to representatives were that, without access Prisoners released from Minnesota prisons ‘Fame’ that didn’t hold up,” she told the House to the number, it could be harder to meet need adequate support as they reenter the K-12 Finance Division Jan. 31. consumer needs, and it might make the outside world. La Guardia School of Performing Arts, identity theft problem worse by taking away This was the message to the House featured in “Fame,” had kids dancing and a tool that prevents identification theft and Public Safety Finance Division Jan. 31 from singing in the lunch room and not much fraud. representatives of four different organizations. education going on. However, Minnesota’s The division took no action. center is a 310-student public school that Marcus Pope, associate director of the teaches dance, literary arts, media arts, Crime Institute on Domestic Violence in the African music, theater and visual arts, in addition to American Community, spoke of the need to core subjects of English, math, science, social address domestic violence when prisoners studies and world languages. Support needed for youth reenter society. There needs to be an expansion The center received nearly $13.25 million in When it comes to helping youth caught up of the approach to address all issues from the state money for the current biennium, which in the juvenile court system, there are no easy prison to the community, he said. represents 88.4 percent of its budget, and answers. The institute advocates an action plan Gov. Tim Pawlenty is requesting a 3.9 percent Representatives from the judicial branch, before and after offenders are released, increase for the next two years. Other revenue law enforcement and the Department of including: protecting women who want to sources include student fees, federal dollars, Corrections spoke at the Jan. 30 meeting of terminate relationships; ensuring the safety interest earnings and gifts. the House Public Safety and Civil Justice of intimate partners and children during the However, the numbers are still down from Committee about the difficulties faced in offender’s incarceration and post-release; levels a few years ago. supporting youth in the juvenile court system. and preventing men from using children to “Our budget was $7.8 million, then it was The committee took no action. manipulate and gather information about the cut to $6.6 million. We’re still trying to deal Ramsey County Judge Judith M. Tilsen other parent. with the cuts,” said Executive Director Nathan said that in adult court, the objective is often Fred LeFleur, senior department director Davis. to get people in, sentence them and move on. with the Hennepin County Department “This school is like a diamond in Minnesota. But in juvenile court, there is an effort made of Corrections, spoke about STS (Sentence How does the average student get to know the to touch the young person’s life. “We want to to Service) Homes Project, a program that school is available? I didn’t hear about ’til I talk to these kids,” said Tilsen. “We want to provides inmates with training in construction came to the Legislature,” said Rep. Denise tell them that they have to go to school, and so that they can gain employment once Dittrich (DFL-Champlin). that they have to follow the rules.” released. “We send materials to every school, library, Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R-Lakeville) There needs to be more focus on motivating and all of the information is on the Web site; asked if there was anything that needed to be inmates to get training, he said. “The inmates however, most of our students come by word- changed. weren’t employable when they went to of-mouth,” Paulson said. Although more resources are always a factor, prison, so the expectation that they will [be The center also aims to improve K-12 there need to be more programs available to employable] after 36 to 48 months in prison education for all of Minnesota students and youth before they get involved in the system, is unrealistic.” educators through innovative programs said Tanya M. Bransford, a Hennepin County Claudia Wasserman, director of workforce and partnerships centered in the arts. A Juvenile Court judge. Resources such as after development services at the Wilder Foundation, development group provides access to research school programs and effective mental health spoke of her organization’s efforts to help and best practices that promote teacher, artist services are critical, she said. offenders enter the workforce. and school effectiveness. On behalf of the Minnesota Police The Wilder Foundation Job Club prepares Juvenile Unit, Lt. Bryan Schafer said that clients for job interviews and teaches them juveniles account for 17 percent of all arrests how to win the confidence of potential in Minneapolis, with young black men employers.

February 2, 2007 Session Weekly  State academies funding Committee Jan. 31, Faith The Minnesota academies for the deaf Zwem ke, pay equ it y Early childhood choice and blind would receive a slight increase c o ord i n ator for t he in funding under the governor’s budget Department of Employee proposal. Relations, said, “The The plan calls for approximately $27.5 most amazing statistic million in the 2008-09 biennium. in the world about the “We appreciate the extra 2 percent increase, wage gap is that women but it probably will not be enough to cover our who work for the state of needs,” said Linda Mitchell, superintendent of Minnesota make 97 cents the academies near Faribault. to the dollar that men “Our students have the same problem as make who work for the other children around the state, the only state of Minnesota.” difference is that our student’s ears just The national average don’t work,” Mitchell told the House K-12 was 76.5 percent in 2004. Finance Division Jan. 31. The division took In 1982, women made no action. 74 cents to every dollar Of the nearly $1.1 million proposed increase men made. That year, in the governor’s budget, nearly $600,000 is M i n ne s ot a pa s s e d a for employee compensation, $200,000 is for pay equity law for state installation and maintenance of a security employees. A similar system, $182,000 is for technology upgrades law was passed for city, and $100,000 is to offset increases in the cost county, school and other of the mainstreaming contract between the government employees academies and Faribault Public Schools. two years later. Coursework at both academies is designed The purpose of these to meet Minnesota’s academic standards laws is “to eliminate sex- and graduation requirements. Curriculum based pay disparity in is expanded to meet the unique educational public employees within needs of the students. the state,” said Zwemke. The academies have competitive sports Accord i ng to 20 0 0 teams that participate against other schools. census data, Minnesota “It’s great seeing blind kids out there women have the highest wrestling, and having coached them it’s an labor force participation inspiration,” said Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest rate in the country and photo by tom olmscheid Lake). e a r n more t ha n t he During a Jan. 30 news conference, Michael Landsman, 2, plays Plus, many students are away from home, national average, said with Legos as Rep. Nora Slawik, left, and Sen. Tarryl Clark and stay in residence halls. Patty Tanji, representing discuss proposed early childhood legislation that would give “At the residence halls is where a lot of the the Pay Equity Coalition parents more choice in education, and would invest in quality early childhood care and education. education comes from,” said Olda Boubin, of Minnesota. director of education at the Minnesota State Tanji also said that many Academy for the Blind. He explained that women now employed by many blind students have an adult aide with the government were once eligible for food Division held its first of three scheduled them in school, and have a difficult time stamps and other welfare. Pay equity raises hearings on the bill Jan. 31. It took no making friends. “How many kids do you know have lifted families out of poverty. action. who want to talk with a kid that has an adult The committee took no action. Whereas previous legislation required only by his side all day long, he said. a “good faith” effort, the new standards would “If the student has the proper tools to learn, be legally binding for all of the state’s power like Braille books, and the proper technology Energy companies. there is no holding back the student,” he “We have the responsibility, I believe, to said. my generation and those to follow, to take Renewable energy standards aggressive positions on technologies that are A bill sponsored by Rep. Aaron Peterson doable, that have been done, and can be done (DFL-Appleton) would set a more ambitious Employment aggressively and prudently without disrupting — and mandated — renewable energy the market,” Peterson said. standard for Minnesota. The bill includes a provision for a flexible Pay equity gap almost closed HF4 would gradually increase the percentage renewable energy credit system, whereby Slowly, but surely, the pay equity gap of the state’s electricity that comes from wind, companies that cannot meet renewable between men and women who work for the solar, hydroelectric and other renewable standards can purchase credits from state has closed. energy sources to 11 percent by 2013, companies that exceed the standards. Speaking before the House Local 15 percent by 2015 and 25 percent by 2020. John Dunlop, senior outreach representative Government and Metropolitan Affairs The House Energy Finance and Policy for the American Wind Energy Association,

 Session Weekly February 2, 2007 said that contrary to popular belief, higher become effective, it must be signed into law renewable energy standards actually result by the governors of all eight states, ratified by in lower electricity prices by inviting new the U.S. Congress, and then agreed to by the companies into the market and creating Canadian authorities. competition. The compact also establishes that the U.S. “If you establish a standard, it really invites states and Canadian provinces involved competition, and that competition tends to would implement conservation and efficiency keep the prices down,” Dunlop said. programs, and use consistent standards to Its companion, SF4, sponsored by Sen. Ellen evaluate the environmental and economic Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), awaits action by impacts of proposed uses of Great Lakes the Senate Energy, Utilities, Technology and water. Communications Committee. Several House members expressed concern that signing the compact would be giving up the state’s right to set its own water use Environment policies, as well as granting taxation authority to a government entity over which the Legislature has no oversight. Global warming presentation House Minority Leader Marty Seifert Polar explorer Will Steger told members of (R-Marshall) unsuccessfully offered an eight different House and Senate committees amendment that would have prevented Jan. 30 that the effects of global warming are the council from levying any sort of tax indisputable — that he has seen them with his increase. own eyes during decades of expeditions to the Huntley, noting that Gov. Tim Pawlenty north and south poles. photo by tom olmscheid supports the compact, said that due to its nature, “The scientists have predicted some of these Sitting on a State Capitol bench, arctic explorer any amendment would effectively kill it. changes; very few people have seen them,” he Will Steger reviews his notes before speaking to Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake) spoke at said. a joint House and Senate informal meeting on length against the compact, arguing that to pass Steger was among several speakers invited global warming Jan. 30 in the House Chamber. it would take power away from the state, and to brief lawmakers on global warming put it in the hands of an international entity. in disease vectors like mosquitoes that can as a primer for future legislative action Passed 97-35 by the House, the bill now goes carry West Nile virus. on the issue. He presented a slideshow of to the Senate, where Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher pictures and satellite photographs that show Hope) is the sponsor. what he said were some effects of global (DFL-Mpls) said the Legislature has an warming: disintegrating ice shelves, melting obligation to help stop global warming by taking the lead on new policies that would glaciers, starving polar bear populations Trust fund recommendations and endangered native cultures. He warned reduce its impacts. “As a mom, I know that if we leave this work A bill approved by a House division would that the rapid melting of the polar ice cap appropriate more than $23 million from would have dire consequences for the Earth’s to our children, it may be too late,” Kelliher said. “Just as the world is no longer flat … the state’s environmental trust funds for 29 climate, with one of the most obvious effects different projects relating to land, water and being an increase in violent storms. the fact of global warming can no longer be ignored.” air protection. He urged legislators to do their part in the HF293, sponsored by Rep. Kat hy fight against global climate change. Tingelstad (R-Andover), represents the “We can’t wait on this,” he said. Great Lakes compact passed recommendations of the Legislative-Citizen David Tilman, regents’ professor in the Commission on Minnesota Resources. The Minnesota could become the first state to Department of Ecology, Evolution, and House Environment and Natural Resources sign a Great Lakes water usage compact more Behavior at the University of Minnesota, said Finance Division approved the bill, which now than six years in the making, if a bill passed global warming is now regarded as fact by the goes to the House Finance Committee. It has Feb. 1 by the House becomes law. vast majority of scientists and many people in no Senate companion. HF110, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Huntley the business community. He pinned the blame The purpose of the LCCMR, formerly (DFL-Duluth), would enact the Great Lakes squarely on a dramatic increase in global the Legislative Commission on Minnesota - St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources carbon emissions relative to the last 400,000 Resources, is to make recommendations to Compact, a proposed agreement between years of life on Earth, creating a situation that the Legislature on how to use money from the eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces is “totally unprecedented” in world history. state’s environmental trust funds — primarily, that would prohibit diversion of water outside Lucinda Johnson, a researcher at the the Environment and Natural Resources Trust of the Great Lakes basins. Such diversions can University of Minnesota-Duluth, described Fund, which derives its money mostly from have significant environmental and economic some of the likely effects of global warming lottery proceeds. impacts. on Minnesota’s environment: longer, hotter “This was the first process that we went The compact is the result of years of summers; an increase in droughts, punctuated through with the newly formed LCCMR,” said negotiations through the Council of Great by more frequent flooding; increased weed and Tingelstad, who co-chairs the commission. Lakes Governors, a nonpartisan partnership algal growth in lakes; declining populations Briefly summarized, the bill includes: between the eight Great Lakes states — among certain fish species; reduced appetite • $12.3 million for land acquisition, for an es- Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New and weight gain in livestock; and an increase timated total of 17,000 acres, to protect for- York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. To

February 2, 2007 Session Weekly  ests, wetlands and other natural habitats; of us that have parents who are aging,” Walker of invasive aquatic species. • $4.1 million for biological surveys and data said. “My son is precious to me. However, my Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake), division collection of natural resources; mother is just as precious to me.” chairman, elaborated on Botzek’s comments, • $2.9 million for various research projects; Eileen said that unpaid family members explaining that the invasive species tend to • $2.5 million for land restoration of an es- provide 80 percent to 90 percent of the long- cling to the inside of the ballast tanks. timated 4,000 acres, including vegetation term care provided in society. “Working Steve Hirsch, assistant director of the restoration and research into biological caregivers perform a nearly impossible Department of Natural Resources’ Ecological controls for invasive species; and balancing act. Caregivers feel guilty about Services Division, said that ballast water has • $1.3 million for administrative costs. neglecting both sides of their lives, even as become a “major vector” for the introduction The current recommendations would they are exhausting themselves trying to keep of invasive aquatic species to Minnesota, apply to Fiscal Year 2008; a second set of up,” she said. citing zebra mussels, New Zealand mudsnails recommendations will be presented for Fiscal The bill would apply to employers with at and round gobies as three examples. Year 2009. least 21 employees at a site. To be eligible, an “It is a very difficult problem to address,” A provision relating to forest legacy employee must have been employed at least Hirsch said. easements stirred debate among division half-time by the employer for 12 consecutive members, some of whom expressed frustration months. that the state was putting money into private While having no issue with the expansion, Government lands whose owners deny access to the Rep. Carol McFarlane (R-White Bear Lake) is public. concerned with the cost of lost productivity Rep. Frank Moe (DFL-Bemidji) said many of a missing employee. Going back in time private landowners are taking advantage of “Our rules are going to have to adjust to the Few people get the chance to see where and state forest protection incentives without flow of the baby boomers,” said Rep. Larry how history is preserved at the Minnesota giving anything back. Haws (DFL-St. Cloud). “You’d think most History Center, but the House Minnesota “Not only do we not have recreation access companies would be doing it naturally, and Heritage Finance Division did Jan. 29. guaranteed, but these large investment houses we wouldn’t need a law.” Nina Archabal, director of the Minnesota that own this property are in fact leasing Historical Society, and several of her staff out that recreation access to others, but still members, guided representatives through getting lower tax status,” Moe said. the center’s restricted areas. There they saw Game & Fish conservation labs used to preserve objects; the storage area that holds the center’s three- Invasive species resolution dimensional collections that include objects Family A bill approved by a House division Jan. 29 like shoes, clothing and furniture; and the would urge Congress to take action to stop archive room. Sick leave usage the spread of invasive aquatic species into the As our society gets older, so does the Great Lakes and other waters. number of parents who need to be cared for HF74, sponsored by Rep. Rick Hansen by their sons and daughters. (DFL-South St. Paul), would urge Congress But sometimes doing so means the child has to enact federal legislation requiring all to choose between providing care for a parent international ships to disinfect and sterilize and collecting a paycheck. their ballast water — a frequently cited Such was the case of Karen Eileen, a means of spreading exotic species — prior to member of AARP’s Grassroots, Education discharging it into U.S. rivers and lakes. and Advocacy Team. The House Game, Fish and Forestry “When my mother needed care and help, Division approved the bill, which now goes my choice was clear. There would always to the House Environment and Natural be another job, but I only had one mother,” Resources Committee. A companion, SF65, she told the House Higher Education and sponsored by Sen. Katie Sieben (DFL- Work Force Development Policy and Finance Newport), awaits action by the Senate Rules Division Jan. 31. “We should all be able to give and Administration Committee. that kind of care to our loved ones.” Hansen said the bill especially targets Sponsored by Rep. Neva Walker (DFL- microorganisms such as the viral hemorrhagic Mpls), HF219 could allow that. septicemia (VHS) fish-killing virus that Approved by the division and referred to has been found in lakes St. Clair, Erie and the House Commerce and Labor Committee, Ontario. the bill, which has no Senate companion, “The urgency now is that we may be moving would expand the use of sick leave benefits into the pathogen area,” Hansen said.

“for absences due to the illness of or injury to Gary Botzek, executive director of the photo by sarah stacke the employee’s child, spouse, sibling, parent, Minnesota Conservation Federation, Members of the House Minnesota Heritage grandparent, or stepparent.” Under current explained that previous federal legislation, Finance Division enter one of the storage fa- law, the use of sick leave benefits is only for which required such ships to discharge their cilities at the Minnesota History Center during a the care of an injured or sick child. ballast water on land or at least 200 miles Jan. 29 tour. This storage space holds county and “This would be especially beneficial to those from shore, failed to stem the proliferation state records before they are microfilmed and then destroyed.

10 Session Weekly February 2, 2007 The archive room is filled with boxes from participants and create difficulties in of the programs, and that the department floor to ceiling. The vice presidential papers budgeting for a conference ahead of time. should monitor local assessment and referral of Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale Also, she said charging legislators might set practices. are included in the mix. Of all the boxes, a precedent among state agencies to charge Deborah Moses, operations manager with 12,000 square feet, which equals 12,000 boxes their own employees for job training. the department, said Jan. 25 it is in the process of history, are just from railroad magnet A companion bill, SF130, sponsored by Sen. of improving materials on assessments and James J. Hill, Archabal said. The room is so Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), awaits action will work to provide progress reports to the organized that employees can take a forklift in the Senate State and Local Government Legislature. and find specific boxes immediately. Operations and Oversight Committee. The textile conservation lab was also on the tour. (This is open once a month for public Parity for nursing homes tours.) Health & Human Services A bill to level reimbursement rates for One of Textile Conservator Ann Frisina’s nursing homes statewide will be considered jobs is to re-create original fabrics of various for possible inclusion in the omnibus health time periods. She uses a stereoscope, a device Departments respond to report and human services finance bill. that serves as a camera and microscope, to Representatives from the Department of While presenting HF55 to the House take enlarged pictures of fabric fragments so Corrections responded Jan. 30 to a substance Health and Human Services Finance Division she can see the patterns. abuse treatment report from the Office of Jan. 31, Rep. Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon), the Though the history of long-time the Legislative Auditor that was presented to bill’s sponsor, called it “probably the most Minnesotans is prevalent at the center, the members of the House Public Safety Finance important thing we can do this legislation history of new immigrants to the state is Division five days earlier. No action was session.” becoming larger. taken. For almost 20 years, nursing homes have Bob Horton, the center’s library director, In part, the February 2006 report been reimbursed for services provided to said history is being made now with the influx recommends more permanent beds for Medical Assistance patients on a tiered system of Somalian, Cambodian, Hmong and others inmates in need of treatment, and coordination based on the facilities’ annual projections, to the state. Because of this, several educators with local agencies to improve post-release the level of services provided to patients and want to teach cultural literacy to students. substance abuse plans. geographic region. The bill would increase Horton said the center is trying to digitize that Nanette Larson, director of the department’s payment rates from the state for operating cultural information so teachers can access it health services unit, said that following the costs of facilities in geographic groups I and over the Internet. report’s recommendations, progress has been II, which are located in less heavily populated made in several areas. There is better sharing regions of Minnesota. Nursing home facilities of information with other agencies; there is in those groups would be reimbursed at Training for legislators a move away from short-term treatment to geographic group III’s median rate, the A plan to spend $20,000 in the next fiscal long-term treatment; there are more after- highest rate available. year for legislator training failed to get past care treatment opportunities, including work The total cost, according to Sviggum, would the House Governmental Operations, Reform, with community-based organizations; and be $22 million the first year and $33 million Technology and Elections Committee Feb. 1. there are more treatment beds. annually beyond. Sponsored by Rep. Kathy Tingelstad (R- Committee members asked how the The proposal was heavily endorsed by Andover), HF13, rejected on a voice vote, department would be able to increase the testifiers, many of whom are nursing home would allow the Legislative Coordinating opportunities for chemical dependency administrators from small towns. Commission to oversee yearly training forums treatment to more inmates. Deputy “If this bill is not passed, we will be forced for both House and Senate members. Commissioner Dennis Benson pointed out to make deeper cuts to our direct care Under the bill, the forums would include that the situation is more complicated than and our programs,” said Jeff King, chief training to improve legislative skills in just providing primary care. financial officer of Three Links Care Center running effective meetings and provide Despite an 83 percent increase in the in Northfield. opportunities for legislators and invited prison population during the last 10 years, King said the center has been operating executive officials to interact. funding not keeping pace, and the need for at a net loss for more than three years and State agencies pay for public employee more trained, certified staff, Benson said his facility, at a salary level, can’t effectively training and legislators are also employees the department is methodically moving compete with other health care providers. of the state, Tingelstad said. “Education is an forward. “The sad part of it is that we don’t really important part of what we do here.” Benson also said the attention to aftercare have an unusual story,” said John Boughton In addition to appropriated state money, is what will make a difference in offender re- administrator of Kenyon Sunset Home. the bill would authorize donations from entry to the outside world, and in their ability Boughton shared several stories of employees foundations, corporations and individuals to to live a sober life. who left or candidates who refused a job help defray costs and would to be published The department encourages inmates to because of pay scale and benefits. If the bill on the Legislature’s Web site, but registered participate in treatment by letting them know passes, his reimbursement rate would increase lobbyists or principals would be forbidden. that if they complete the program, time will by $350,000. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano) said if be taken off their sentence. A companion bill, SF139, sponsored by Sen. legislators find the training beneficial, they The report also suggests that the Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), awaits action would be willing to pay for it themselves and Department of Human Services, responsible by the Senate Finance Committee. suggested a fee for participation. for the publicly funded programs, should Tingelstad said adding a fee might detract have stronger leadership and more oversight

February 2, 2007 Session Weekly 11 Seeking assistance “prescription” Jan. 30 to help “truly transform followed an appearance by former U.S. Sen. As impending federal cuts loom over the health care.” Dave Durenberger, who now serves as senior Minnesota Family Investment Program, Peter Hutchinson and Maureen Reed, the health policy fellow at the University of St. the House Health and Human Services Independence Party gubernatorial ticket last Thomas. He provided a dismal analysis of Committee heard Jan. 25 from those most fall, estimated the package, which they argued the U.S. health care system. “A lot of people likely to suffer the consequences — program must be implemented in full to be effective, who are blind to what’s going on believe recipients and frontline workers. would save the state approximately $1.7 billion the U.S. has the best health care system in Testifiers spoke of struggles with domestic annually, while requiring a $500 million to the world,” he said, while offering seven abuse, early pregnancy, disability, homelessness, $600 million investment for a universal, state- principles to guide discussion forward. depression, program mandates, job searches sponsored health care program. Some mirrored Hutchinson and Reed’s so- and society. No action was taken. Hutchinson and Reed proposed that the called health care “prescription,” including Mary Randow, who finished her bachelor’s state cut the cost of administration and providing incentives for healthy personal degree and earned her teaching certificate bureaucracy through several means by practices and fully disclosing cost and quality. while participating in MFIP, said she entered 2010; improve quality of care and reduce Durenberger also said that legislators should the program after leaving an abusive husband cost by concentrating on chronic disease, put Minnesotans “in the driver’s seat” on while she was pregnant with her second child. demographic disparities and preventative health care decisions. “I don’t know what I would have done care by 2010; provide incentives to people “Trust us to know how to use information,” without the MFIP program,” she said. “I never who “take greater responsibility” for their he said. “We, together, will reduce the cost of knew I could live on so little, but it was all I health decisions; provide public access to the health care system.” needed to be safe and secure.” costs and services for health care providers MFIP offers a variety of services, including statewide; and implement public measures, supplemental cash and food money, and such as a statewide smoking ban, to reduce Higher Education is often received in tandem with other contemporary health epidemics. governmental assistance. It is funded through No action was taken on the proposal. the state’s General Fund and federal dollars. “I’m pretty sure we’re going to spend all Who’ll teach the nurses? In 2006, Congress passed the “Deficit session getting a second opinion on your It is widely known that a nursing shortage Reduction Act of 2005,” which in part, proposal,” said Rep. Laura Brod (R-New exists. Less known, but as equally alarming, restricts how work activities are defined, Prague). “But I do like a lot of the ideas you is the reduction in the number of instructors increases the proportion of those required have on the table.” needed to educate future nurses. to work, complicates monitoring procedures Hutchinson and Reed’s presentation “We will need well-prepared faculty if and redefines a formula used by state welfare we are going to educate these nurses that programs to calculate work participation are needed,” Kelli Smith, a nurse educator rates. Minnesota could expect as much as $13 at Anoka-Ramsey Community College million in penalties annually if it doesn’t meet and a member of the Minnesota Nurses the new requirements. Association Commission on Education, told Like Randow, many of those who spoke the House Higher Education and Work Force sought further education and training while Development Policy and Finance Division Jan. receiving assistance. They said education was 30. their ticket to sustainability. Although the division took no action, Rep. “The education is what we really need to be Kathy Brynaert (DFL-Mankato), said, “It’ll able to have a successful career,” said Brenda be our challenge to see if we can accept your Townsell, a mother of five. challenge to meet the issues.” Of their complaints, the most common Smith said many state colleges have was the program’s work requirements, responded with a quantity over quality implemented in 1996, which force recipients plan of increasing the number of program to work, or look for work, a certain number slots without adding faculty or additional of hours each week. resources. “In March 2005, I was forced to work for free Workload and salary are two of the for over five months in order to receive my MFIP most oft-mentioned reasons that nursing grant of $387 a month,” said Virginia Weldon, instructors leave their posts. a mother of one, who has spinal problems that “The nursing curriculum is constantly make it difficult to find and keep employment. changing and must be updated, making “I was forced to work 33.75 hours per week … preparation to teach time consuming and labor (really), I was only making $2.87 an hour.” intensive,” Smith said. “Nursing educators Recipients who do not meet work must also maintain clinical competence.” requirements are sanctioned and can lose At Minnesota State University, Mankato, 33 portions of their assistance. full-time nursing equivalents are being filled by photo by andrew vonbank 17 full-time faculty members, of which 11 hold Former U.S. Sen. Dave Durenberger, now a doctoral degrees, said Sonja Meiers, an associate A prescription for health care senior health policy fellow at the University of professor and graduate programs coordinator in St. Thomas, gives an overview on health care Members of the Health and Human the university’s School of Nursing. policy to the House Health and Human Services She said nurse educators can live in an Services Committee received a six-step Committee Jan. 30.

12 Session Weekly February 2, 2007 “unfortunate paradox” where more education Metropolitan Council chairman, told the Safety can lead to less salary. House Transportation Finance Division “In a recent survey of our graduates, Jan. 25. No action was taken. we discovered that the average salary for The system now uses ultra-low sulfur fuel, Child safety restraints a baccalaureate graduate after one year of instead of just low sulfur fuel; since July State law states that 4-year-old Abbie experience is $49,000. The average salary for a 2006 it has used 5 percent biodiesel in its Swanson of Lakeville no longer needs to be in nurse practitioner in specialty care is $74,000. buses; and it is testing a fuel that is 20 percent a child passenger restraint system that meets The starting salary for a master’s prepared biodiesel. federal standards. assistant professor nurse educator is about Currently the system operates three hybrid However, a bill sponsored by Rep. Melissa $40,000 to $45,000, depending on years of buses, and Bell said the intent is to purchase Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) would require experience.” 150 more by 2011. that Abbie be in such a system until her eighth At MSU, Mankato, they are recruiting Doing so would likely be more expensive. A birthday. for nine open positions, but are competing 40-foot hybrid bus now has a price tag of about Approved by the House Transportation against schools that can offer more perks. $500,000, but he expects the cost to decrease and Transit Policy Subcommittee Jan. 31, For example, a Vermont school offered a with improved technology. The current diesel HF105 next goes to the House Transportation candidate $10,000 in loan forgiveness and buses cost about $315,000. Finance Division. relocation expenses. However, Bell noted that Metro Transit Gail Weinholzer, director of public affairs would use 19,682 fewer gallons of diesel fuel for AAA Minnesota/Iowa, said that 13 over the 12-year lifespan of a hybrid bus. “The Minnesotans between ages 4-10 were killed Local Government cost savings of the diesel doesn’t make up for in motor vehicle crashes in 2005, and almost the $185,000 difference,” he said. “But who 1,200 were seriously injured. knows what will happen to the price of fuel.” She said the solution offered in this bill is The right to transfer In addition to running more quietly, Bell quite easy to enact. Committee approval was given to a bill said hybrid buses should emit 91 percent “We’d like to see state statute reflect best that would dissolve a governmental unit and less particulate matter, mainly soot, and 85 practice of 2007, versus best practice of 1982, transfer its belongings to a city. percent less nitrogen oxide. which was when this statute was originally Sponsored by House Majority Leader Other changes to the current fleet have enacted,” she said. “Our current statute does Tony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm), HF180 would reduced particulate matter emissions from 85 a disservice to children ages 4-8.” dissolve the Hibbing Area Redevelopment tons per year in 1995 to a projected 12.8 tons Plus, an adult seat belt on a 4-year-old could Agency, and transfer its assets and liabilities this year and 8 tons by 2011. do more damage than good. to the Hibbing Economic Development According to the Minnesota Emergency Authority, which offers development Nurses Association, “An improper fit of an assistance for new and expansion-minded adult safety belt can cause the lap belt to ride businesses interested in locating in Hibbing. If you have Internet access, visit the up over the stomach and the shoulder belt to cut By law, redevelopment agencies have no Legislature’s Web page at: across the neck, potentially exposing the child to authority to dissolve. www.leg.mn serious abdominal or neck injury.” Additionally, Approved Jan. 31 by the House Local if the shoulder strap portion of the lap/shoulder Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee, it was sent to the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee. An amendment was successfully proposed that would allow the governing body of any municipality to dissolve a local agency and transfer its assets and liabilities. This would eliminate the need for a new statute to be drafted every time an agency is dissolved. A companion bill, SF54, sponsored by Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), awaits action by the Senate Business, Industry and Jobs Committee.

Metro Affairs

The green bus Metro Transit, the bus service serving much of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, is trying to make its bus exhaust fumes more photo by andrew vonbank environmentally friendly. With the assistance of Dakota County Deputy Sheriff Char Rayl, 4-year-old Abbie Swanson of “We are the largest user of fuel in the state Lakeville demonstrates to the House Transportation and Transit Policy Subcommittee the proper of Minnesota, so we take environmental use of a child restraint Jan. 31. Rep. Melissa Hortman, back, is sponsoring a bill that would require issues quite seriously,” Peter Bell, passenger restraint for children under age 8 in motor vehicles.

February 2, 2007 Session Weekly 13 belt is uncomfortable, children will likely place it modified property tax and levy provisions, input from the kitchen table to the committee behind their backs, defeating the safety benefits federal tax conformity, military income and table,” said Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL- of the system. pension exclusions and specified sales tax Dilworth), the division chairman. For violating current statute, the driver is exemptions. The hot line started on Jan. 29, and by the assessed a $50 fine that can be waived if, within Arguably, the most controversial part of the next morning, 53 e-mails and 21 calls had 14 days, they produce evidence that a child bill gives Thomson West, a legal information been tallied. passenger restraint system has been obtained. solutions company in Eagan, a sales tax “I’ve been encouraged,” Marquart said. “It’s The bill requires the fine be waived. exemption for a possible expansion. going to put us in better communication with “I don’t want this to be a punitive bill. I’d Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn the public.” rather it be an educational bill,” Hortman Center) asked if it is typical for the state to give a At the end of February, the division will said. tax exemption to just one company, and wanted pick ideas for inclusion in a citizens’ omnibus Weinholzer said the average car seat costs to know why this company was chosen. property tax relief bill. Citizens whose ideas are $50-$75, and a booster seat can be had for “Is this the only request (the governor) got?” picked will have the opportunity to testify to $13. Many agencies provide free seats for low- she asked. “How did he make the decision that the division. Marquart said he has never heard income families. this should be in his budget and no one else of a citizens’ bill being proposed. Through the A companion bill, SF122, sponsored by Sen. was?” next few weeks, he will give updates on ideas Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), awaits action by the Revenue Commissioner Ward Einess said being generated from the hot line. Senate Transportation Committee. that as far as he knows, Thomson West was “The strength of the work done in the the only company to request this exemption. property tax division is going to come from He added that Minnesota had to become more public input,” he said. Taxes competitive or risk losing the company to The hot line will be open the whole session, another state. He compared this plan to the but Marquart said a property tax report has Job Opportunity Building Zones program. to be completed by mid-March. Governor signs tax conformity Hilstrom said the Mall of America was Comments can be accepted at (651) 297- Thousands of Minnesotans looking for a sales tax exemption and wanted 8131, (800) 551-5520 or www.house.mn/dfl/ Signed will benefit from tax credits by to know why it wasn’t considered. Einess ptax/propertytaxproject.html. for 2006 now that Gov. Tim said the Mall of America was looking for a the Pawlenty has signed the first governor long-term exemption, which is different from bill of the session. Thomson West’s short-term request. Performance-based measurements Sponsored by Rep. Sandy Rep. Joe Mullery (DFL-Mpls) found it The House Governmental Operations, Wollschlager (DFL-Cannon Falls) and Sen. “interesting” that the commissioner was Reform, Technology and Elections Committee Thomas Bakk (DFL-Cook), the law conforms comparing the Thomson West request to was shown a Web-based option for tracking Minnesota’s income tax to federal income tax JOBZ, which provides tax relief to companies in the quality of health care facilities Jan. 30. changes enacted since the 2006 Legislature needy areas and was targeted to manufacturing A performance measurement software adjourned. businesses in Greater Minnesota. He added currently being used in more than 200 sites The changes will increase the tuition that the highest unemployment in the state is in 15 states was described to members by expense deduction up to $4,000 and the in north Minneapolis, the next highest is in Paul Rengstorf, president of cPMT, Inc. The teacher classroom expense deduction up to south Minneapolis, and the third, he believes, Minnesota corporation created a design and $250; allow military personnel to count tax- is St. Paul. measurement tool to monitor the progress exempt combat pay as earned income for the “The governor’s office fought strongly of various aspects of operating a health care purpose of qualifying to make tax-deductible against any kind of a JOBZ, whatsoever, that facility, such as employee turnover, customer contributions to IRAs; and allow people, would help businesses produce jobs in north satisfaction and internal operating efficiencies. at least age 70½, to make direct charitable Minneapolis,” Mullery said. “Now we’re going Rep. Gene Pelowski Jr. (DFL-Winona), the contributions from an IRA to a charity. to do that for an area of Eagan, Apple Valley, committee chairman, said the presentation The law, most of which is effective Jan. 31, etc., which is not exactly thought of as one of came about because of a 2006 gubernatorial 2007 will affect 2006 income tax returns only. the neediest areas of the state.” initiative, in which Gov. Tim Pawlenty called Quick action was needed because residents, A companion bill, SF293, sponsored by Sen. for investing in the state’s mental health if they haven’t done so already, will be Julianne Ortman (R-Chanhassen), awaits infrastructure. preparing 2006 tax returns soon. Those that action by the Senate Taxes Committee. have filed their income taxes and qualify for Where to find information these middle-income federal tax credits will House Public Information Services have to file an amended tax return. Property tax hot line 175 State Office Building HF8*/SF17/CH1 Anyone with an opinion about rising property (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550 taxes or, better yet, have a solution to this hot- House Public Information Services is a button issue? Legislators want to hear from nonpartisan office that provides commit- tee meeting schedules; legislator informa- Tax exemption concerns you. tion; and publications, including the Ses- One part of a bill that mirrors the The House Property Tax Relief and Local governor’s tax budget proposal was not exactly sion Weekly newsmagazine, educational Sales Tax Division has created a comment line brochures, and member directories. All in- received warmly Jan. 29 by the House Taxes and Web site designed to provide an avenue formation is available at no charge. Committee. for taxpayers to have a say in how the House Most of what this office publishes can be Sponsored by Rep. Dean Simpson (R-New addresses rapidly rising property taxes. viewed on the House’s Web page. To connect, York Mills), HF304 provides budget reserves, “This will allow folks back home to have point your Web browser at: www.house.mn

14 Session Weekly * Indicates the version of the bill that was signed into law. February 2, 2007 AT ISSUE: Drive to Excellence

to make purchasing a license available online. Another initiative was consolidating state Saving state dollars construction codes and licensing to create a consistent response from state government. Consolidating services is part of “Drive to Excellence” Before the reorganization, the construction industry was regulated by six different state agencies. The Construction Codes and Licensing By Patty Ostberg Division consolidated five areas: Building nstead of trekking out in below zero Codes and Standards Division of the weather to get license tabs for a car that Department of Administration, Plumbing Imight start on a brisk morning, Minne- and Engineering unit of the Department sotans can now sit in their pajamas at home of Health, Board of Electricity, Residential and perform the task online. Contractors’ Licensing unit of the Department This is precisely the type of government of Commerce, and Boiler and High-pressure service the governor’s “Drive to Excellence” Piping of the Department of Labor and campaign intends to provide constituents. Industry. The campaign will create speedy delivery Through strategic sourcing or buying of government services, Department of commodities as a state, entities such as K-12 Administration Commissioner Dana and higher education have been using a new Badgerow told the House State Government system to purchase computer hardware, saving Finance Division Jan. 25. upward of 44 percent, Badgerow said. State agencies now work cooperatively Restructure and retool on contracts and source high volume items In conjunction with more demand, collectively, saving the state money. a demographic issue is facing the state For example, Badgerow said when she came government’s workforce. By 2010, one in four to state government she was given a choice of state employees is scheduled to be eligible to 48 options for a cell phone. Now most state retire; by 2015 the number is projected to be employees have only one choice, which has

50 percent, she said. photo by andrew vonbank resulted in more than $1 million in savings, Now is the perfect opportunity to restructure Gopal Khanna, state chief information officer, she said. Similar programs now include and retool the way we serve constituents so gives an overview of the Office of Enterprise desktop computers, laptops, monitors and that it can be more automated and done with Technology to the House State Government office chairs. more productivity, she said. “We have to Finance Division Jan. 25. Another future initiative funded by $6.7 stop replicating all of these functions agency million in the governor’s budget is to create by agency” and doing it differently and and manage state technology to jump-start a system to track state building inventory, inefficiently in most departments, she said. the consolidation of Internet technology Badgerow said. The state owns more than The Office of Enterprise Technology, one resources. 5,000 buildings and has more than 800 of the initial campaign initiatives, is to create commercial leases, but there is no single technology efficiencies among agencies. The Licensing efficiency database with information on the status, office is also scheduled to oversee the creation One early success of the program was the condition or occupancy of the buildings. of an information security program for which Dec. 15 debut of the “License Minnesota” Because 22 “custodial” agencies manage the governor budgeted $17 million for in his Web site, where constituents can find licensing the thousands of buildings, if an agency is 2008-09 biennial recommendations. information by activity, agency or key word looking for space in a specific area, it would Essentially the technology security would search. The collaboration includes information be difficult to find unused state-owned space allow people to rest more easily when paying for 673 license types for businesses, professional, already paid for, Badgerow said. This database online, knowing their personal payment vehicle and recreational purposes administered would create a centralized location to help information would be tightly secured. by more than 40 state agencies. prioritize funding asset preservation and track Chief Information Officer Gopal Khanna According to the site, “The portal eliminates the state’s real property. said other future changes include more the need for citizens, professionals and Other funding projects include: a grants e-services by governmental agencies, business operators to know — or at least management office to better track the $1 billion consolidating information technology make an educated guess about — which state in grant money now appropriated to more programs and modernizing business agency administers what license. Users can than 7,000 grantees; a new accounting and applications. view information, and in many cases, connect procurement system; and an informational An additional $13 million in the governor’s directly to Web-based license applications.” system to track the state’s fleet of more than budget would be used to streamline, upgrade The next step in the “excellence” campaign is 8,000 vehicles.

February 2, 2007 Session Weekly 15 FEATURE

Rap, verse and the spoken word State needs a poet ‘free to write rhyming lines’

By Craig Green the arts, I do not believe he language of bills presented in the Minnesota needs an House isn’t poetic. By design, bills in- o f f i c i a l s t a t e p o e t T clude definitions, legal terms, statute laureate,” wrote Gov. citations and subdivisions — all to support Tim Pawlenty, in a letter the document’s main points. explaining his veto. “Even

But HF224 is different. though we have a state 1.1 A bill for an act Sponsored by Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL- ‘folklorist,’ I also have 1.2 relating to the state; appointing a poet laureate; appropriating gift or grant money 1.3 received; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 138. Mpls), the bill proposes the creation of some concern this will 1.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF the position of state poet laureate and the lead to calls for other MINNESOTA: language of the bill reflects its intent — it similar positions. We 1.5 Section 1. [138.99] POET LAUREATE. 1.6 Subdivision 1. Appointment. is written in verse. (Kahn did not write the could see requests for a 1.7 The Gov’ shall appoint a state poet laureate, poem; that credit goes to the nonpartisan state mime, interpretative 1.8 Who shall serve for a four-year term. 1.9 Because this appointment will always be great, House Research Department staff.) The bill dancer, or potter.” 1.10 There’s no need for the Senate to confirm. has been referred to the House Governmental Kahn notes that around 1.11 In appointing a poet for the public good, 1.12 And to ensure there’s no unjust omission, Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections the time of Pawlenty’s veto, 1.13 The governor shall consider, if he would Committee. A companion bill, SF432, Ted Kosser, at that time the 1.14 Thoughts of the Humanities Commission. 1.15 Subd. 2. Removal. sponsored by Sen. D. Scott Dibble, awaits U.S. Poet Laureate, spoke 1.16 The poet will be free to write rhyming lines, 1.17 With removal only for cause, action by the Senate Finance Committee. to a sold-out audience 1.18 But we trust that the bard will promptly resign, One might think it logical, even expected, in Minneapolis. “There 1.19 If the verse reads as badly as laws. 1.20 Subd. 3. Compensation. for this state to have a poet laureate. Minnesota was a huge turnout for 1.21 ‘Twould be fair to provide some just recompense is known for its support of the arts, and 40 a poetry reading,” said 1.22 As reward for the poet’s tribulations, 1.23 But because at this time we haven’t the cents other states have an official position of poet Kahn. “People wanted to 1.24 We’re afraid there is no compensation. 1.25 But we ask as the poet travels the state, laureate or state writer. Two Minnesota cities, hear what he had to say.” 1.26 And the people their ears they lend, Duluth and St. Paul, have their own, and When asked why she’s 2.1 That our learned Commission take the position 2.2 To provide the poor poet a stipend. various counties and cities throughout the bringing this issue up 2.3 Subd. 4. Gifts and grants. country are doing the same. again, Kahn said she 2.4 To provide the support that needs to come 2.5 To support our new laureate, The first poet laureate of Minnesota was believes the time is right. 2.6 Gifts and grants received of a generous sum, Margaret Ball Dickson, given her title by the “Poetry is much more 2.7 We hereby appropriate. Poet Laureate League in 1934. Shortly after her prominent now with kids appointment, Gov. Floyd B. Olson sent a letter than when I was a kid, and to Dickson offering his congratulations on her we just memorized ‘The Ride of Paul Revere,’” Wood,” by Dylan Thomas, remembers a “designation” as poet laureate, but there was Kahn said. The popularity of spoken word speech given by John F. Kennedy, Jr. in honor never an official appointment. contests and rap poetry is bringing poetry to of the poet Robert Frost. Kennedy said: “When In 1974, there was an election for poet an entirely new audience. power leads man toward arrogance, poetry laureate, led by columnist Abe Altrowitz of the Poetry is also having an impact on today’s reminds him of his limitations. When power Minnesota Star. When the votes were tallied, youth, and it can open doors to reading and narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry Laurene Tibbetts was named poet laureate, furthering education, said Kahn. When reminds him of the richness and diversity of though again, not officially recognized. That children are involved with poetry, “you can his existence. When power corrupts, poetry same year, there was a bill proposed to create see a difference. There is a connection.” cleanses, for art establishes the basic human an official position, but it was held up in Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City), co- truths which must serve as the touchstones of committee and never moved forward. sponsor of HF224 and himself a published judgment.” During the last biennium, the House and author, agrees that exposing more people Kahn points out that the governor is Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill — this to culture is a good thing to do. “I think currently emphasizing technology. But version was not in verse – to establish the that identifying someone as a poet laureate without poetry, technology could have an position of poet laureate, but it failed to promotes culture,” Urdahl said. “It’s the right unwanted effect, said Kahn. “Technology become law. thing to do.” should be moderated by poetry.” “While respectful and appreciative of Kahn, whose favorite poem is “Under Milk

16 Session Weekly February 2, 2007 PEOPLE

Less of a learning curve DISTRICT 43A Anderson goes from staff member to House member 2002 population: 36,957 Largest city: Plymouth By Craig Green learn more about the political process and County: Hennepin For most freshmen representatives, there get involved. This led her to the University Top concerns: Property taxes, is a period of adjustment when they begin of Minnesota-Duluth, where she majored education and transportation working at the State Office Building. They in political science and sociology, and met have new offices and her husband, Paul. Once out of college, she staff, rules of protocol worked in the private sector, before coming get the job done,” said Anderson. to learn for drafting to work at the House. Other topics of concern include property legislation and etiquette Anderson said she represents “a unique tax relief and education. for floor sessions. Not so district. We’re a growing community with Anderson will directly address these issues for Rep. Sarah Anderson young families and a growing diverse on the committees she serves, including the ( R - P l y m o u t h ) , a population.” House Commerce and Labor Committee, the 10 -yea r vetera n of This growth means transportation is a House Governmental Operations, Reform, working across the street “huge issue” for her district. Technology and Elections Committee, and Rep. Sarah Anderson from the Capitol. Four heavily traveled roadways — Highways the House Property Tax Relief and Local Sales Anderson worked as a legislative assistant, 55 and 169, and Interstates 394 and 494 Tax Division. a committee administrator, was an executive — either go through or border her district, A veteran observer of the process, Anderson assistant to former House Speaker Steve causing major traffic congestion. Anderson is excited about her new role. “I’m the eternal Sviggum (R-Kenyon) for six years, and she wants to work together to find a way to improve optimist. I’m looking forward to having the oversaw many legislative assistants. this situation, and find ways to improve the opportunity to sit down in the committee While growing up, it was routine for transportation system for Minnesota as a process and work through these ideas, and Anderson and her family to discuss politics. whole. “I am passionate about working in a figure out what’s the best solution for the These early conversations motivated her to bipartisan manner with other legislators to citizens of Minnesota. That’s exciting to me.”

Education still top priority DISTRICT 43B Former teacher Benson wants to see improvements 2002 population: 36,921 Largest city: Plymouth By Sonja Hegman “you psych out your opponent and it helps County: Hennepin Rep. John Benson’s (DFL-Minnetonka) stave off Alzheimer’s disease.” Top concerns: Education, political roots run deep. A retired high school teacher, Benson taught property tax relief and health care His ancestors, former Republicans, were language arts, social studies and economics act ive par t icipa nts during his 34-year career in Edina. He was in the Farmer-Labor recruited for that teaching position, and reserve budget, a violation of state law, he said. movement. His uncle considers his election to the House as the first A neighborhood school was closed because traveled with former job interview he has ever had. of this as a way to offset some of the district’s President Theodore Since his retirement in 1999, he has costs. Benson does not want other schools to Roosevelt to inspect volunteered many hours to campaigns. When close in his district, he said, and wants to see the Panama Canal. freezes and cutbacks on education funding a change in the way education is funded. His parents had many occurred in 2003, Benson became frustrated “I’m interested in the education of every kid political discussions at with the Legislature. in the state,” Benson said. “Our kids are the Rep. John Benson the dinner table when “I was unable to shut up,” he said. “That’s future. We need to invest in them.” Benson was growing up. And Benson himself why I ran.” Benson is very optimistic about his first had several conversations with Hubert Benson won the seat held for nine terms by a session, and said people in both caucuses can Humphrey. Republican, Ron Abrams, who was appointed see “we need to move” on various issues. He’s Originally from Montana, Benson’s family to a judgeship last year. also interested to see what will be decided with saw good times and bad. His father was a big Education is a top concern in Benson’s the budget surplus. poker player and, family rumor has it, this district. The Hopkins School District is in a “It’s tough to make a buck, and we shouldn’t kept the family afloat. A lover of card games as statutory operating debt, meaning it has spent just spend because we have it,” he said. well, Benson enjoys the game bridge because more money than it has and does not have a

February 2, 2007 Session Weekly 17 PEOPLE

Taking a new direction DISTRICT 8B Faust hopes to get government working 2002 population: 36,998 Largest city: Mora By Sonja Hegman With no job growth in his district “for a Counties: Isanti, Kanabec and Pine Rep. Tim Faust (DFL-Mora) wants to move long time,” Faust said job creation is probably Top concerns: Job growth, the economy Minnesota in the right direction. the No. 1 issue in his district. and education funding The freshman has already co-sponsored “We’re competing in the global job market,” legislation to get the he said. “When my kids get out of college they state’s gover nment won’t be competing with the kid from South paycheck cost for health insurance jumped “working again.” This Dakota. They’ll be competing with the kid from $100 to $400. These costs, in addition is also the reason he ran from South Korea.” to rising property taxes, have hurt his district for office. For this reason, Faust, who beat two-term tremendously, he said. He also signed onto incumbent Judy Soderstrom, wants to see “Some people who have lived in their homes the DFL’s so-called equity in school funding so all students get for years have been forced to move to nursing “Foc u s on Ba sic s” the knowledge they need. homes because they can’t afford their property agenda, which include “There’s no excuse not to have equity in taxes,” Faust said. “It’s crazy to force people Rep. Tim Faust bills that would extend school funding,” he said. “It would be easier out of their homes. We have to do everything health care coverage to every Minnesota child; to throw our model away and start over, than we can to help them stay in their homes.” make voluntary full-day every day kindergarten try to fix it.” He has co-sponsored a bill that In addition to serving as vice chairman of available in each school district; increase the ensures state education funding so districts the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and basic education funding formula by 3 percent can budget more efficiently. Veterans Affairs Committee, he serves on the in both 2008 and 2009; prevent government Health care costs are also an issue for his Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans shutdown; and provide $20 million in tax relief constituents. For example, one family’s per Affairs, and K-12 finance divisions. to Minnesota taxpayers.

Schools advocate DISTRICT 50A Laine seeks to address education, property taxes in year one 2002 population: 36,916 Largest city: Fridley By Craig Green young people in Minnesota can be addressed Counties: Anoka and Ramsey Rep. Carolyn Laine (DFL-Columbia more effectively. “If [a child] has stress in Top concerns: Education, property taxes Heights) believes in family and the power of their life, they live in poverty, have inadequate and health care education. housing and no health care, their development Taking on her new is affected.” responsibility at the Laine, who serves on the Columbia Heights Housing Policy and Finance and Public House, after serving 10 Charter Commission, decided to run for Health Finance Division and the House Labor years on the Columbia office after former Rep. Barbara Goodwin and Consumer Protection Division. She also H e i g h t s B o a r d o f announced that she would not seek another serves on the Minnesota Heritage Finance Education, Laine wants term. With encouragement and support from Division. to work with fellow her five children — Jennifer, Jesse, Teresa, Sitting in her new office, decorated with the legislators to find ways Sarah and Anniki — she entered the race. help of one of her daughters, Laine knows she to help the education The level of property taxes her constituents has an opportunity to speak and stand up for Rep. Carolyn Laine system in Minnesota. are asked to pay is something she wants to many others. Laine, who holds degrees in education and address. “There needs to be an equitable form “I grew up on the Iron Range, and I’m psychology, believes in the importance of early of taxation. We encourage people to buy homes, focused on supporting working families and childhood education. “I’ve studied how the and then we tax them at unreasonable rates.” their struggles. There are businesses and brain develops, and I know that the early years Laine will have a direct voice on these corporations that need to remember that they are the foundation of a child’s education,” she issues, serving on the House E-12 Education have human beings with families working for said. Committee, the House Early Childhood them. You don’t stand on the back of anyone She believes that with adequate resources Learning Finance Division, the House and pretend they’re not there.” and attention, the educational development of

18 Session Weekly February 2, 2007 BILL INTRODUCTIONS J a n u ar y 2 9 - F e br u ar y 1 , 2 0 0 7 House Files 367 - 568

Monday, January 29 HF379-Hausman (DFL) HF391-Rukavina (DFL) HF402-Hansen (DFL) Finance Commerce & Labor Agriculture, Rural Economies & HF367-Johnson (DFL) St. Paul Union Depot improvements Employee invention agreements Veterans Affairs Public Safety & Civil Justice funding provided. regulated. Residential microbial pesticide appli- Ramsey County; corrections provi- cator licensure study required. sions modified. HF380-Hausman (DFL) HF392-Erickson (R) Finance Finance HF403-Peterson, S. (DFL) HF368-Peterson, A. (DFL) High-speed rail line between St. Paul Special license plates; pink ribbon Governmental Operations, Health & Human Services and Chicago state’s funding share breast cancer awareness plate em- Reform, Technology & Elections Statewide hospitality fee eliminated provided. blems issued. Campaign material to constitutional and money appropriated. requirements disclaimer require- HF381-Hausman (DFL) HF393-Scalze (DFL) ments conformed. HF369-Peterson, A. (DFL) Finance Finance Health & Human Services Central Corridor transitway between Geothermal heat pump uses study HF404-Hilty (DFL) Second inspection fee and the state- St. Paul and Minneapolis funding funded by the Public Utilities Commerce & Labor wide hospitality fee for elementary provided. Commission. Incorporation of socially respon- and secondary schools eliminated. sible for-profit business corporations HF382-Atkins (DFL) HF394-DeLaForest (R) provided. HF370-Mahoney (DFL) Governmental Operations, Governmental Operations, Finance Reform, Technology & Elections Reform, Technology & Elections HF405-Hilty (DFL) Higher education asset preservation State employee political activities State grant moratorium imposed until Finance and replacement established and limitations restricted. effective management and improved Culkin rest area on Interstate 35 money appropriated. accountability is established. reopened. HF383-Slawik (DFL) HF371-Slocum (DFL) Finance HF395-Dominguez (DFL) HF406-Welti (DFL) Finance Ramsey County; mothers first pro- Health & Human Services Taxes Richfield; capital improvements gram for alcohol and drug use early Minnesota Family Investment Small city definition modified. for athletic fields construction intervention funding provided. Program transitional standard provided. increased. HF407-Dean (R) HF384-Erickson (R) Finance HF372-Slocum (DFL) Governmental Operations, HF396-Dominguez (DFL) St. Croix River in Stillwater flood Finance Reform, Technology & Elections E-12 Education control levee project provided. Richfield; capital improvements for State grants executive agency manage- School district extended time revenue a new arterial street construction ment coordination by the commis- increased. HF408-Rukavina (DFL) provided. sioner of administration provided. Health & Human Services HF397-Murphy, M. (DFL) Independent living skills services pro- HF373-Johnson (DFL) HF385-Nornes (R) Finance vided by certain additional qualified Commerce & Labor Finance Duluth Entertainment and Convention people, and Centers for Independent St. Paul; intoxicating liquor license Minnesota State Colleges and Uni- Center arena money appropriated. Living regulated. authorized. versities tuition freeze provided, job training programs consolidated, on- HF398-Huntley (DFL) HF409-Morrow (DFL) HF374-Hansen (DFL) line courses offerings increased. Finance Finance Finance Tuition and fees paid by Wisconsin Library telecommunications aid and Board of Water and Soil Resources HF386-Kalin (DFL) residents attending the University of telecommunications/Internet access general services grants provided. Finance Minnesota regulated. equity provided. St. Paul to Hinckley Rush Line HF375-Ruud (DFL) Corridor funding provided. HF399-Rukavina (DFL) HF410-Tillberry (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Health & Human Services Finance Global Warming Mitigation Act HF387-Clark (DFL) Long-Term Care Patient Access to Independent School District No. 14, enacted. Commerce & Labor Pharmaceuticals Act established and Fridley, levy authorized. Predatory lending practices regulated penalties provided. HF376-Paulsen (R) and remedies and criminal penalties HF411-Dittrich (DFL) Governmental Operations, provided. HF400-Hosch (DFL) E-12 Education Reform, Technology & Elections Health & Human Services Financial literacy curriculum in- State Web site with a searchable da- HF388-Cornish (R) Nursing facilities for the provision corporated into high school gradu- tabase on state contracts and grants Finance of additional specialized services ation standards economic course funding required. Waseca; Minnesota Agricultural contracts allowed, reimbursement requirements. Interpretive Center operations for short-stay residents modified, HF377-Thao (DFL) provided. operating payment rates increased, HF412-Peterson, S. (DFL) Finance case mix indices implemented and E-12 Education Lifetrack Resources immigrant and HF389-Hamilton (R) rate adjustments provided. Professional teaching standards grant refugee collaborative programs grant Finance program established. funding provided. Jackson County Central School HF401-Thissen (DFL) District fund transfer authorized. Health & Human Services HF413-Lillie (DFL) HF378-Johnson (DFL) Nursing facility moratorium excep- Commerce & Labor Finance HF390-Rukavina (DFL) tion proposals criteria provided, Outdoor sport equipment dealers St. Paul National Great River Park Taxes allowable equipment interest limit franchise agreements with manufac- improvements funding provided. Disabled veteran or surviving spouse increased, replacement-cost-new per turers regulated, title requirements homestead property tax exemption bed limit increased, nursing facility imposed. provided. property costs reimbursement pro- vided and funds authorized.

February 2, 2007 Session Weekly 19 HF414-Liebling (DFL) HF426-Hamilton (R) HF438-Ozment (R) HF451-Jaros (DFL) Public Safety & Civil Justice Finance Environment & Natural Resources Agriculture, Rural Economies & Crime victims emergency needs fund Workforce development fund for Heritage enhancement fund and Veterans Affairs grants authorized. extended employment services for council established, sales tax in- Honor guard member reimburse- persons with severe disabilities base creased and funds dedicated, arts and ment provided for National Guard HF415-Poppe (DFL) appropriation redefined. cultural resources funding provided, funerals. Environment & Natural Resources money appropriated and constitu- Noise standards exemptions HF427-Hamilton (R) tional amendment proposed. HF452-Mahoney (DFL) modified. Health & Human Services Biosciences & Medical assistance operating pay- HF439-Greiling (DFL) Emerging Technology HF416-Brynaert (DFL) ment rates for low-payment rate Commerce & Labor Technology and commercialization Health & Human Services nursing facilities adjusted and money Lake property sellers required to unit established in the Department Mental health certified peer specialist appropriated. disclose and provide to buyers known of Employment and Economic program established. existing land surveys. Development. HF428-Kahn (DFL) HF417-Bigham (DFL) Governmental Operations, HF440-Madore (DFL) HF453-Juhnke (DFL) E-12 Education Reform, Technology & Elections E-12 Education Finance Elementary and middle school years Voting age lowered to 16 for school Adults with disabilities program Renewable energy requirements education International Baccalaure- district elections and constitutional funding increased. imposed, large energy facilities cer- ate pilot program established. amendment proposed. tificates of need regulated, integrated HF441-Mullery (DFL) resource planning requirements and HF418-Bigham (DFL) HF429-Erickson (R) Environment & Natural Resources transmission planning processes Finance Governmental Operations, State lottery net proceeds and in-lieu regulated and transmission lines Red Rock Corridor transitway fund- Reform, Technology & Elections tax distribution modified. taxation provided. ing provided. Legislative Coordinating Commis- sion required to study issues relating HF442-Howes (R) HF454-Fritz (DFL) HF419-Sailer (DFL) to men. Local Government & Taxes Environment & Natural Resources Metropolitan Affairs Faribault tax increment financing Off-highway vehicle damage account HF430-Erickson (R) Emily sales tax authorized and fund expenditures authorized. modified. E-12 Education use specified. Teacher training provided for quali- HF455-Murphy, M. (DFL) HF420-Ward (DFL) fied professionals. HF443-Peterson, S. (DFL) Public Safety & Civil Justice E-12 Education E-12 Education Public defense provisions of law Health and physical education course HF431-Erhardt (R) Alternative school year calendar updated and clarified, defendant rep- requirements provided, approved Taxes program grants provided. resentation co-payments eliminated local school wellness policies posted Transit pass income tax credit ex- and chief public defender appoint- on department Web site, grant pro- tended to nonprofit organizations. HF444-Johnson (DFL) ment provided. gram established and rulemaking Health & Human Services authorized. HF432-Paymar (DFL) Senior nutrition funding restored, HF456-Rukavina (DFL) Taxes grants provided. Commerce & Labor HF421-Anderson, B. (R) Limited market value law extended Minimum wage increased and in- Public Safety & Civil Justice for two years. HF445-Erickson (R) dexed, training wage eliminated and Drug paraphernalia crime modified Finance new employee notice required. to address mental state requirements, HF433-Cornish (R) School district debt service levies tax sales of paraphernalia, and con- Taxes base modified. HF457-Gardner (DFL) solidate into single statutory section; Alternative fuel vehicle federal taxable Public Safety & Civil Justice possession of items associated with income subtraction provided. HF446-Kahn (DFL) Scrap metal dealer purchase record- controlled substances prohibited and Finance keeping expanded relating to law penalties imposed. HF434-Cornish (R) Outdoor light pollution restricted. enforcement. Taxes HF422-Seifert (R) Hydrogen used to power engines or HF447-Dill (DFL) HF458-Cornish (R) Environment & Natural Resources fuel cells exempted from the sales Local Government & Finance Redwood River designated as a canoe tax. Metropolitan Affairs Peace Officer Standards and Training and boating route. Crane Lake certificates of indebted- Board appropriation increased. HF435-Cornish (R) ness authorized. HF423-Mullery (DFL) Taxes HF459-Johnson (DFL) E-12 Education Alternative fuel vehicle conversion HF448-Mullery (DFL) Finance Juvenile and criminal justice systems, income tax credit provided. Public Safety & Civil Justice Ramsey County; summer employ- and delinquent and criminal conduct Auto insurance verification mailing ment for at-risk youth funding consequences taught to middle school HF436-Hilty (DFL) program repealed. provided. students. Finance Next Generation Energy Act of 2007 HF449-Murphy, M. (DFL) HF460-Lesch (DFL) HF424-Mullery (DFL) adopted establishing energy policy Taxes Finance Commerce & Labor goals and providing for renewable Property tax refund program ex- Ramsey County All Children Excel Auto insurance discrimination pro- energy obligations. tended to residents of certain nursing (ACE) program funding provided. hibited based on geographic location homes. within the metropolitan area. HF437-Bunn (DFL) HF461-Solberg (DFL) Housing Policy & Finance & HF450-Peterson, A. (DFL) Finance HF425-Paymar (DFL) Public Health Finance Division Health & Human Services Grand Rapids Children’s Discovery Public Safety & Civil Justice Pan flashing required under all exte- Big Stone County nursing facil- Museum funding provided. Motor vehicle theft victims emer- rior windows and doors. ity planned closure rate adjustment gency grants authorized. authorized.

20 Session Weekly February 2, 2007 HF462-Murphy, E. (DFL) HF473-Erickson (R) HF483-Slawik (DFL) HF494-Dill (DFL) Finance E-12 Education Governmental Operations, Environment & Natural Resources Deaf and hearing loss; support ser- Child abuse; agency jurisdiction Reform, Technology & Elections Natural resources dedicated sales tax vices funding provided to families for investigations clarified relat- Minnesota False Claims Act estab- funding provided, great outdoors and with children who are deaf or have a ing to schools and school-age care lished. clean water fund established, Great hearing loss. programs, and child abuse offender Outdoors Council created, bonds is- information repository plan develop- HF484-Koenen (DFL) sued and constitutional amendment HF463-Murphy, E. (DFL) ment required. Agriculture, Rural Economies & proposed. Health & Human Services Veterans Affairs MinnesotaCare small employer buy- HF474-Brod (R) Beginning farmer program adminis- HF495-Rukavina (DFL) in option created. Health & Human Services tered by the Rural Finance Authority Local Government & Health care system redesign statewide provisions modified and income Metropolitan Affairs HF464-Sertich (DFL) plan development provided. tax credits provided to beginning St. Louis County variances Health & Human Services farmers for participating in farm required. School employee statewide health HF475-Loeffler (DFL) management programs. insurance plan established. Health & Human Services HF496-Lenczewski (DFL) Adult dependents private health care HF485-Magnus (R) Taxes HF465-Kranz (DFL) coverage expanded by including those Finance Tax policy and administrative provi- Governmental Operations, not enrolled as full-time students. Floodplain management funding sions modified. Reform, Technology & Elections provided. Independent nonprofit firefighting HF476-Lesch (DFL) HF497-Urdahl (R) corporations included in joint exer- Public Safety & Civil Justice HF486-Finstad (R) Finance cise of powers agreements. Sex offender residence upon release Taxes Rural Finance Authority loan fund- from confinement location require- Homestead classification extended to ing provided. HF466-Dittrich (DFL) ments modified. certain property used for non-home- Taxes stead purposes. HF498-Cornish (R) Property tax relief provided; and HF477-Tillberry (DFL) Public Safety & Civil Justice equity, transition and referendum Taxes HF487-Finstad (R) Self-defense; use of force in defense equalization levies increased and Parent volunteering at child’s school Finance of home and person laws clarified, indexed. or child care income tax credit Independent School District No. self-defense and defense of home laws provided. 2884, Red Rock Central, fund transfer extended and codified, and common HF467-Dittrich (DFL) authorized. law duty to retreat eliminated. Taxes HF478-Walker (DFL) Property tax relief provided; and debt Health & Human Services HF488-Finstad (R) HF499-Magnus (R) service equalization revenue, health Universal health care system pro- Finance Health & Human Services and safety, deferred maintenance, vided, preventive care and early Independent School District No. 81, Chemical use assessments modified and operating capital levies increased intervention focus required, cost Comfrey, fund transfer authorized. and duties imposed on the commis- and indexed. reductions and comprehensive ben- sioner of human services related to efits provided, plan implementation HF489-Hilstrom (DFL) chemical health. required by 2010 and constitutional E-12 Education amendment proposed. Staff development funding au- HF500-Rukavina (DFL) Thursday, February 1 thorized for school districts with Environment & Natural Resources HF479-Walker (DFL) schools not making adequate yearly Disabled hunters permit provi- HF468-Hilty (DFL) Health & Human Services progress. sions extended to include chronic Governmental Operations, Universal health care system pro- disabilities. Reform, Technology & Elections vided, preventive care and early HF490-Hilstrom (DFL) United States Senate vacancy election intervention focus required, cost re- Governmental Operations, HF501-Thissen (DFL) procedures specified. ductions and comprehensive benefits Reform, Technology & Elections Health & Human Services provided and plan implementation by Independent state planning office Radiation therapy facility construc- HF469-Sviggum (R) 2010 required. reestablished. tion limitations expiration date Taxes eliminated. Property tax class 4c expanded to HF480-Ruud (DFL) HF491-Erhardt (R) include certain nonprofit community Health & Human Services Health & Human Services HF502-Beard (R) service oriented organizations. Minnesota Family Investment Pro- Family planning access increased Finance gram children’s mental health pilot to prevent unintended pregnancies, Scott County regional public safety HF470-Brod (R) project authorized and money nurses authorized to dispense oral training facility funding provided. Health & Human Services appropriated. contraceptives at clinics, family Vaccines; patient notification re- planning services reimbursement HF503-Hilstrom (DFL) quired when a vaccine contains more HF481-Hosch (DFL) rates increased and grant reductions Public Safety & Civil Justice than a trace amount of mercury. E-12 Education eliminated. Establishing penalties for sexual School districts authorized to grant solicitation of children through the HF471-Morrow (DFL) required course credits to students HF492-Haws (DFL) Internet. Finance who satisfactorily complete science, Public Safety & Civil Justice Lake Titlow watershed improve- math or arts courses as part of career Counties provided funding for hous- HF504-Hilstrom (DFL) ments funding provided. and technical education programs. ing short-term felony offenders and E-12 Education short-term offender advisory task Bullying and intimidation policies in HF472-Morrow (DFL) HF482-Hortman (DFL) force created. schools required to address electronic Finance E-12 Education and Internet activity. Renewable energy production incen- School year length increased and school HF493-Mariani (DFL) tives eligibility period extended. start before Labor Day prohibition Finance HF505-Hilstrom (DFL) repealed. Statewide science, technology, engi- Public Safety & Civil Justice neering and math incentive funding Harassment; restraining orders au- provided. thorized against Internet providers or other computer systems publishing harassing information. February 2, 2007 Session Weekly 21 HF506-Olin (DFL) HF519-Seifert (R) HF530-Ruud (DFL) HF542-Buesgens (R) Public Safety & Civil Justice Finance Health & Human Services Rules & Legislative Administration Domestic abuse no contact order re- Minnesota Inventors Congress fund- Human papilloma virus vaccination Legislator salary established and per peat violator felony penalty imposed, ing provided. of female children required and edu- diem payments eliminated. and qualified domestic violence-re- cational materials developed. lated offenses defined. HF520-Seifert (R) HF543-Swails (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources HF531-Beard (R) Finance HF507-Tingelstad (R) Minnesota River Trail loop extension Local Government & Gifted and talented programming Environment & Natural Resources provided. Metropolitan Affairs funding increased and school dis- Zero discharge grants provided to Scott County Library Board provided tricts required to identify gifted and municipalities for wastewater treat- HF521-Heidgerken (R) as an advisory to the county board. talented students. ment facilities. Agriculture, Rural Economies & Veterans Affairs HF532-Winkler (DFL) HF544-Moe (DFL) HF508-Tingelstad (R) Veterans Day paid day off provided to Commerce & Labor Environment & Natural Resources Environment & Natural Resources veterans employed by school districts, Military personnel utility and other State parks and trails funding Zero discharge requirements pro- Veterans Day educational instruc- contracts regulated and cancellations provided. vided for wastewater treatment grants tion required and private employers authorized. and loans to municipalities. encouraged to grant paid holiday to HF545-Paymar (DFL) veterans. HF533-Lieder (DFL) Finance HF509-Davnie (DFL) Agriculture, Rural Economies & Board of Public Defense funding Commerce & Labor HF522-Welti (DFL) Veterans Affairs provided for transcripts. Chromated copper arsenate-treated Environment & Natural Resources Veterans tuition and fee assistance lumber removal required from schools, Glass containers prohibited on public and reimbursement provided for HF546-Hornstein (DFL) parks and child care facilities. beaches and watercraft, and proper military veterans and their surviving Finance disposal required of waste carried spouses and children at public colleges State employee cost comparison HF510-Erickson (R) on state waters. and universities. required before entering into trans- E-12 Education portation privatization contracts, 10 School start prior to Labor Day pro- HF523-Lenczewski (DFL) HF534-Lieder (DFL) percent savings requirement specified hibition repealed. Governmental Operations, Governmental Operations, and annual report required. Reform, Technology & Elections Reform, Technology & Elections HF511-Hilstrom (DFL) Legislators, constitutional officers, Appropriations continued in effect HF547-Wardlow (R) Governmental Operations, agency heads and certain legislative until eliminated or amended by the Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology & Elections employees prohibited from lobbying Legislature. Reform, Technology & Elections State employee political activities for one year after leaving office. Teacher’s retirement association rule limitations restricted. HF535-Hamilton (R) of 90 benefits extended to coordi- HF524-Peterson, N. (R) Biosciences & nated members. HF512-Atkins (DFL) Governmental Operations, Emerging Technology Commerce & Labor Reform, Technology & Elections Agricultural-based bioscience train- HF548-Simon (DFL) Gift certificate and gift card expiration Campaign finance disclosure re- ing and testing center funding Governmental Operations, dates and service fees prohibited. quirements modified, independent provided. Reform, Technology & Elections expenditures by political party units State agencies required to certify that HF513-Lenczewski (DFL) limited, electioneering communi- HF536-Loeffler (DFL) no state employees are on recall lists Finance cations regulated and work group Energy Finance & Policy Division and are able to perform specified Bloomington; Old Cedar Avenue established. Energy efficient new commercial services before seeking approval of bridge removal and replacement property assessed market value reduc- certain contracts. funding provided. HF525-Murphy, E. (DFL) tion provided. Health & Human Services HF549-Davnie (DFL) HF514-Thissen (DFL) Public health program applicant’s HF537-Clark (DFL) E-12 Education Public Safety & Civil Justice employer disclosure required. Finance Charter school qualifying special Attorney fee awards factors Runaway and Homeless Youth Act education costs funding provided. provided. HF526-Benson (DFL) modified. E-12 Education HF550-Seifert (R) HF515-Sviggum (R) School district operating cost dif- HF538-Peterson, A. (DFL) Higher Education & Governmental Operations, ferential study required. Finance Work Force Development Policy & Reform, Technology & Elections Minnesota Conservation Corps fund- Finance Division Legislators prohibited from lobbying HF527-Davnie (DFL) ing provided. Post-secondary courses offered in for one year after leaving office. Health & Human Services secondary schools requirements Veterans homes previous asset pres- HF539-Juhnke (DFL) clarified. HF516-Cornish (R) ervation appropriation use expanded Transportation Finance Division Finance to include repair and betterment at Trunk Highway Route No. 145 techni- HF551-Wollschlager (DFL) Blue Earth County; Rapidan Dam the homes. cal correction provided and Legisla- Agriculture, Rural Economies & study provided. tive Route No. 262 removed. Veterans Affairs HF528-Kalin (DFL) Tax deduction for out-of-state active HF517-Nelson (DFL) Transportation Finance Division HF540-Erickson (R) military duty clarified. Taxes Impounded vehicle sales authorized Transportation Finance Division Tax information reporting require- after voluntary transfer, notice and School bus driver physical exam HF552-Buesgens (R) ments expanded. right to reclaim contents of vehicle requirements satisfied by Federal Governmental Operations, provided, and liability of impound Aviation Administration medical Reform, Technology & Elections HF518-Seifert (R) lot operator established. certificates. Political subdivisions authorized to Health & Human Services establish accounts to pay for post- Licensed nursing home beds sur- HF529-Thao (DFL) HF541-Hilstrom (DFL) employment benefits owed to officers charge reduced. Health & Human Services Commerce & Labor and employees. Amino-based acid elemental formula Identity theft crime definition ex- health insurance coverage required. panded to include posing as another person for purposes of harassing or defaming. 22 Session Weekly February 2, 2007 HF553-Hilty (DFL) HF557-Morgan (DFL) HF561-Thissen (DFL) HF565-Kalin (DFL) Energy Finance & Policy Division Local Government & Public Safety & Civil Justice Finance Renewable energy economic develop- Metropolitan Affairs Joint and several liability in certain Trunk Highway 95 bridge construc- ment strategy required. Metropolitan Airports Commission civil actions allocated. tion authorized and state trunk mayoral memberships added. highway bonds issued. HF554-Nelson (DFL) HF562-Lieder (DFL) Commerce & Labor HF558-Peterson, A. (DFL) Finance HF566-Garofalo (R) Employee Free Choice Act sup- Finance Town road sign replacement program Finance port memorialized by resolution to School district sharing of superinten- implemented. Dakota County; Highway 3 trunk Congress. dents incentive created. highway bonds issued. HF563-Sailer (DFL) HF555-Bly (DFL) HF559-Nelson (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources HF567-Smith (R) Finance Finance Collection, transportation and recy- Governmental Operations, Community education youth service Trunk Highway 169, Hennepin cling of video display devices and civil Reform, Technology & Elections program funding increased. County State-Aid Highway and 85th penalties provided. Employee political activities outside Avenue North intersection inter- the workplace restrictions forbidden. HF556-Beard (R) change construction authorized. HF564-Erickson (R) Transportation Finance Division Commerce & Labor HF568-Heidgerken (R) Airport safety zones transfers of real HF560-Hortman (DFL) Cable and satellite television customer Taxes property disclosure requirements Finance choice provided. Income tax credit for sales or rentals of clarified. Highway 610 trunk highway finance agricultural assets to beginning farm- completion authorized. ers and farmer financial management programs provided.

late action opponents of the bill, which was ultimately Some also said such a mandate infringes on approved 12-6 and sent to the House Commerce rights of business owners. and Labor Committee. Six amendments, “It is not the role of industry to choose how we Committee approves smoking ban including one exempting establishments who serve our guests. It’s our choice to allow smoking Minnesota may become one of 20 states to install high-powered ventilators from the ban, and it’s a customer’s decision to come to our impose a statewide smoking ban. were not added to the legislation. establishment,” said Steven Watson, president The so-called “Freedom to Breathe Act of Opponents argued workers can choose of Minnesota Restaurant Association. 2007” would prohibit smoking in public places, where they want to work, and expressed Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids), a co- places of employment, public transportation concern about the economic effects of a ban. sponsor of the bill, said above all the legislation and at public meetings. Mike McFarland, owner of Paul Bunyan offers employees, regardless of their trade, a Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth), Bowl in Brainerd and representing the Bowling smoke-free environment. “The goal is to even sponsor of HF305, told the House Health Proprietors Association of Minnesota, said, “It the playing field across the state. Workers have Care and Human Services Committee Feb. 1 will cost me 15 percent to 20 percent of my a right to a health hazard-free work area.” that his No. 1 concern with this legislation is league bowlers. The season is long and even A companion bill, SF238, sponsored by Sen. “worker protection.” losing 15 percent may not allow me to keep Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato), is scheduled to “You should not have to choose between the operation going and pass it on to my son. be heard Feb. 5 by the Senate Health, Housing your health and a job,” he said. … Something that isn’t illegal will lead to my and Family Security Committee. Arguments were fierce from proponents and business failing.”

State Agencies

Administration...... (651) 201 2555 Housing Finance Agency...... (651) 296-7608 Transportation...... (651) 296-3000 Agriculture ...... (651) 201-6550 (800) 657-3769 (800) 657-3774 (800) 967-2474 Higher Education Services...... (651) 642-0567 Veterans Affairs...... (651) 296-2562 Commerce...... (651) 296-4026 (800) 657-3866 Corrections...... (651) 361-7200 Natural Resources...... (651) 296-6157 Minnesota State Legislature Education...... (651) 582-8200 (888) 646-6367 (Area code 651) Employee Relations...... (651) 259-3637 Pollution Control Agency...... (651) 296-6300 Employment and (800) 657-3864 House Public Economic Development...... (651) 296-3711 Public Safety General Information...... (651) Information Services ...... (651) 296-2146 (800) 657-3858 201-7000 (800) 657-3500 Enterprise Technology...... (651) 296-8885 Driver and Vehicle Services..... (651) 297-3608 TTY: Minnesota Relay service...... 711 Finance...... (651) 201-8000 Alcohol and Gambling (800) 627-3529 Health...... (651) 201-5000 Enforcement Division...... (651) 201-7507 Web site: ...... www.house.mn Human Rights...... (651) 296-5663 Division of Homeland Security Human Services...... (651) 431-2000 and Emergency Management (651) 201-7400 Senate Information...... (651) 296-0504 Iron Range Resources...... (218) 744-7400 State Duty Officer Toll-free...... (888) 234-1112 (800) 765-5043 (24-Hour Emergency)...... (651) 649-5451 TTY (651) 296-0250/(888) 234-1216 Labor and Industry...... (651) 284-5005 (800) 422-0798 Web site:...... www.senate.mn (800) 342-5354 State Patrol...... (651) 201-7100 Mediation Services...... (651) 649-5421 Revenue Legislative Information...... www.leg.mn Metropolitan Council...... (651) 602-1000 General Information...... (651) 296-3403 State Information...... www.state.mn.us Military Affairs...... (651) 268-8925 Income Tax Helpline (651) 296-4444/296-3781 Sales and Use Tax Line...... (651) 296-6181

February 2, 2007 Session Weekly 23 Minnesota House of Representatives

Public Information Services

175 State Office Building

100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155-1298

Speaker of the House: Margaret Anderson Kelliher

Majority Leader: Anthony “Tony” Sertich

Minority Leader: Marty Seifert

For More Information innesota ndex M I For general information, call House Public Information Services at Water and watersheds (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550. To have a copy of Session Weekly Approximate acres of state, in millions, that are lakes, streams or wetlands...... 13 mailed to you, subscribe online at: www. State rank among the lower 48 states for surface water...... 1 house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp or call: Estimated millions of acres of wetland in Minnesota...... 9.3 (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550. Approximate percent of state that is wetland...... 20 If you enjoy Session Weekly, please consider Major drainage basins, the area of land drained by a river or lake and its tributaries, helping to defray production and mailing in Minnesota...... 10 costs with a biennial voluntary subscription Square miles, as approximate, of Lake Superior basin...... 6,200 of $20 or more. Number of watershed districts in state...... 46 Percent of state waters managed by watershed districts or watershed management Make your check payable to Minnesota organizations...... 30 House of Representatives, and mail it to: House Public Information Services: Soil and water conservation districts operated on a county basis throughout 175 State Office Building the state...... 91 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Federal and state agencies that provide watershed management services, St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 including technical assistance, funding, permits and some oversight...... 14 Local entities that carry out “on-the-ground” watershed management activities...... 11 Session Weekly online is available at: Millions, as approximate, spent in Minnesota in 2005 by federal, state and www.house.mn. local units of government to manage state watersheds...... $300 Subscribe to Session Daily e-mail alerts at: Of the state’s 10 percent of streams and 16 percent of lakes that have been www.house.mn/list/join.asp?listname=sess assessed for water quality under the standards of the federal Clean Water Act, iondaily. approximate percent that are classified as impaired...... 40 To obtain a copy of a bill, call the Year all assessments should be completed...... 2015 Chief Clerk’s Office at (651) 296-2314. Percent of state’s water pollution that comes from non-point sources, the combined effects of runoff from individual land parcels...... 86 To find out about bill introductions or Times higher the levels of phosphorus in Lake Minnetonka the status of a specific bill, call the and the Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes were in the 1970s than they are today...... 1.5-3.5 House Index Office at (651) 296-6646. Degrees Fahrenheit at which water is most dense...... 39 The House of Representatives can be found on Average temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, of Lake Superior...... 40 the Web at: www.house.mn. Maximum depth of Lake Superior, in feet...... 1,332 Miles of shoreline and islands that rim Lake Superior...... 2,726 People who are deaf and hard of hearing may ask questions or leave messages by Percent of the world’s water that is saltwater or otherwise undrinkable...... 97 calling the Minnesota Relay service at 711 Percent held in icecaps or glaciers...... 2 or (800) 627-3529 (TTY). Percent of human brain that is water...... 75 Estimated tons of water, in trillions, evaporated by the sun each day...... 1 Check your local listings to watch televi- Times per day, on average, water faucets are turned on by a household...... 70 sion coverage of House committees, floor Percent of people on earth who could live in water-stressed conditions by 2025 sessions and select press conferences. if present consumption patterns continue...... 66.7

Sources: Watershed Management, Office of the Legislative Auditor, Jan. 25, 2007; The Freshwa- ter Society; Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, including Watershed Achievements Report, September 2006.