SESSION WEEKLY A NONPARTISAN PUBLICATION MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES • PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES VOLUME 24, NUMBER 7 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

Winds of change Lights in the sky Honoring duty

HF802- HF1062 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 Elections • 9 Health & Human Services • 12 (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550 or the Bioscience • 5 Employment • 9 Housing • 13 Minnesota Relay service at 711 or (800) 627-3529 (TTY) Bonding • 6 Energy • 10 Humanities • 13 www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Consumers • 6 Gambling • 10 Military • 13 Crime • 7 Game & Fish • 10 Taxes • 15 Education • 7 Greater Minnesota • 11 Transportation • 15 Director Barry LaGrave Editor/Assistant Director Lee Ann Schutz Assistant Editor BILL INTRODUCTIONS (HF802-HF1062) • 18 - 23 Mike Cook Art & Production Coordinator Paul Battaglia FEATURES Writers Nick Busse, Craig Green, First Reading: Cleaner energy — some say it’s too much, too soon • 3-4 Stephen Harding, Sonja Hegman, Patty Ostberg, Mia Simpson Process: Committee deadlines set • 4 Chief Photographer People: New members profiled: Berns and Gardner • 17 Tom Olmscheid Fifty States: Politicians access Super Bowl tickets • 23 Photographers Andrew VonBank, Sarah Stacke Minnesota Index: The friendly skies • 24 Staff Assistants Christy Novak, Joan Bosard

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, 30% post-consumer content. On the cover: Lydia Johnson, 5, smiles as her mother, Carla Johnson, tells the House Early Childhood Learning Finance Division Feb. 13, about their experiences when they attended the District 197 Early Childhood Family Education program.

­—Photo by: Tom Olmscheid FIRST READING

Winds of change Bill aims for cleaner energy; some say it’s too much, too soon

photo by tom olmscheid Windmills along the Buffalo Ridge region in Southwestern Minnesota.

By Nick Busse ccording to Rep. Aaron Peterson (DFL-Appleton), the climate has Achanged — at the Capitol, that is. Peterson said he’s been working to enact a renewable energy standard for Minnesota since he was first elected in 2002. For four years, he was out of luck. But with new leadership at the House and Gov. Tim Pawlenty publicly supporting an aggressive renewable energy package, he’s confident this will be the year.

“I’ve seen it turn. This used to be the ‘bad my generation and those to follow, to take standards can sell credits to companies that bill.’ Nobody wanted to do it,” Peterson aggressive positions on technologies that are don’t. said. doable, that have been done, and can be done The Senate passed the bill 61-4 on Feb. 7. It HF4/SF4, which Peterson sponsors along aggressively and prudently without disrupting is scheduled to be taken up on the House floor with Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), the market,” Peterson said. Feb. 19, and if it passes, will likely be headed would gradually increase the percentage of the If it becomes law, the standard would to the governor’s desk soon after. state’s electricity that comes from wind, solar, represent a significant leap over the state’s Proponents of the measure say it will hydroelectric and other renewable energy current “renewable energy objective” of help reduce carbon emissions, to which sources to at least 25 percent by 2025. Xcel 10 percent by 2015. many scientists attribute global warming. In Energy, the state’s largest power company, The difference in terminology is key: addition, supporters of a renewable energy would face an even tougher standard of at whereas the “objective” requires that electric standard claim that it will add thousands of least 30 percent by 2020. utility companies make a “good faith effort,” manufacturing jobs in the state, revitalize rural Peterson characterized it as “the most the proposed “standard” is a mandate that Minnesota and lower the cost of electricity. aggressive renewable energy standard in the would allow the state to financially penalize Critics of the bill not only refute many United States” relative to the size of states’ companies that fail to comply. of these claims, but also say that the bill electricity markets. The bill also includes a flexible credit “We have the responsibility, I believe, to system, whereby companies that exceed the First Reading continued on page 4

February 16, 2007 Session Weekly  First Reading continued from page 3 Testifying Feb. 5, Lynn Hinkle, a their 2005 levels for the next 25 years — but representative of United Auto Workers Local not decrease them. places an undue burden on the state’s power 879, said that a renewable energy standard Also, Beard notes that because of the companies. They contend that wind power would create a massive and immediate need inherent unreliability of wind power — no one — which will constitute the bulk of the new for wind turbines. That would encourage the can predict how much wind there will be on a energy — is fundamentally unreliable, and companies that make these turbines to set up given day — power from wind turbines has to that consumers will end up paying the price. shop in rural Minnesota, where most of the be backed up by coal plants, which will make turbines would likely be located. reducing carbon emissions more difficult. Cost and feasibility Hinkle said that Germany, which generates Opinions on the issue differ, however. Pros and cons aside, some say a 25 percent approximately 16,000 megawatts of wind Statistics compiled by Clean Energy Minnesota by 2025 standard is simply demanding too power, currently has 40,000 workers directly indicate that the renewable standard proposed much of the state’s power companies. involved in manufacturing and installing by the bill would decrease the state’s overall One problem is transmission. wind turbines. Minnesota, which would have carbon emissions by more than 4 million tons Terry Grove, co-executive director of to add approximately 5,700 megawatts of wind annually. CapX 2020 (short for “Capacity Expansion power, would likely add somewhere around Regardless, Peterson admits that more by 2020”), said that a 25 percent mandate 14,000 “core manufacturing jobs,” he said. legislation will be needed in the future, both in would flood the state’s energy market with an Peterson admits that fostering economic Minnesota and around the world, to decrease extra 5,700 megawatts of renewable electricity. development in rural Minnesota is one of his carbon emissions, but said he considers the Without new power lines, Grove said he primary goals. bill a good first step down that road. isn’t sure the state’s electric transmission “I want my part of the state to stay connected “We can do our part,” he said. infrastructure can handle it. Moreover, he to the state economy,” he said. said modifying that infrastructure in such a Rep. Mike Beard (R-Shakopee), however, short period of time would be a “tall order.” isn’t sure that’s a good enough reason to Frequently called numbers Similarly, Greg Oxley, government relations burden the state’s power companies with strict (Area code 651) director for the Minnesota Municipal Utilities and potentially costly regulations. House Public Information Services Association, which carries approximately “We have this mistaken impression that these 175 State Office Building...... 296-2146 Chief Clerk of the House 14 percent of the state’s electricity load, said are hugely lucrative companies, just because 211 Capitol...... 296-2314 that the proposed standard is “a bridge too far.” they’re big, and therefore we can soak ’em,” House Index Testifying before the House Energy Finance Beard said during a Feb. 12 division hearing. 211 Capitol...... 296-6646 Toll free...... (800) 657-3550 and Policy Division Feb. 5, Oxley estimates the Senate Information state would need a new “six to seven very big Meeting goals 231 Capitol...... 296-0504 transmission lines” going from west to east to TTY, Senate ...... 296-0250 Critics of the bill have also pointed out that Toll free...... (888) 234-1112 accommodate the additional power. it might not actually live up to its stated goal of Secretary of the Senate Pressed by a question from Rep. Kate Knuth reducing carbon emissions. Betsy Engelking, 231 Capitol...... 296-2344 (DFL-New Brighton), Oxley admitted that Voice mail/order bills...... 296-2343 manager of resource planning and bidding for Senate Index his estimate is based on “sheer speculation”; Xcel Energy, said the legislation would keep 110 Capitol...... 296-5560 however, he cautioned that speculation is all her company’s carbon emissions at roughly anybody has to offer on the issue. “We haven’t had time to do the kinds of studies that we need to do to make this Committee deadlines set happen,” Oxley said. A new session means a new set of committee fiscal bills first, then policy issues, while the House Peterson acknowledges that the state’s deadlines. is operating with the traditional model of policy transmission system would need to be According to Joint Rules, “The Legislature shall bills first, then fiscal bills. upgraded; however, he points to the key establish by concurrent resolution deadlines for With the deadlines, March 23 will be the last findings of the recently completed Minnesota each regular session. The deadlines do not apply day to pass policy bills in House divisions or Wind Integration Study, which states that to the House committees on Capital Investment, committees, and, according to Sertich, “all fiscal Minnesota’s electric utilities could reliably Ways and Means, Taxes, or Rules and Legislative bills will have to be out of their divisions to the Administration, nor to the Senate committees on finance committee on Monday, April 2 at 2 p.m. accommodate up to 25 percent wind power Capital Investment, Finance, Taxes, or Rules and In the Senate, all fiscal bills have to be off the Sen- with minimal cost to consumers. Administration.” ate floor on that day. The Senate did want to have John Dunlop, senior outreach representative Approved by the House Feb. 15, deadlines for another policy deadline; their policy deadline is for the American Wind Energy Association, said the 2007 legislative session are: Saturday, April 14. So they’re working down the that contrary to popular belief, higher renewable • Friday, March 23 — First and second deadlines same roads, they’re in different lanes, if you will, in the House. but we will come to a conclusion at the same time, energy standards actually result in lower • Monday, April 2 at 2 p.m. — Divisions of the get to conference committee and get our targets electricity prices by inviting new companies into House Finance Committee and the Senate must on the same day to end the session.” the market and creating competition. act favorably on omnibus appropriation bills. Rep. Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) unsuccessfully “If you establish a standard, it really invites • Saturday, April 14 — First and second deadlines offered an amendment to move the final deadline competition, and that competition tends to in the Senate. to April 16. Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake) unsuc- • Friday, April 27 — House speaker and Senate cessfully offered an amendment that would have keep the prices down,” Dunlop said. majority leader must establish joint revenue given conference committees two weeks after and expenditure limits for actions in conference the final deadline to get their work done; thereby, Creating jobs committees. leaving six days, not including Sundays or the Another selling point of the bill is the According to House Majority Leader Tony final day, for House and Senate approval of those Sertich (DFL-Chisholm), the Senate is addressing reports. possibility of bringing new jobs to the state.

 Session Weekly February 16, 2007 HIGHLIGHTS F e b r u a r y 8 - 15, 2007

get the icky end of the stick come toward the Editor’s note: The following Highlights are end of May.” Correction coverage of select bills heard in House com- Rep. Aaron Peterson (DFL-Appleton) In last week’s Session Weekly we incorrectly mittees held Feb. 8-15 and other House activ- stated that Rep. Sandra Masin (DFL-Eagan) was ity. To track the progress of a bill, go to www. disagreed with that approach. “Doesn’t it a Republican member. leg.state.mn and click on Bill Search, Status make sense that it’s appropriate that certain We apologize for the error. and MyBills. parts of the package be reviewed by the appropriate committees and then keep open the option of rolling it all together?” are crucial as more farmers look to the AGRICULTURE alternative. More research for organics Next Generation fuels While organic growers and producers have Interpretive center funding Minnesota’s ethanol industry supports more been changing their methods of farming Teaching students the basics of farming as than 10,300 jobs, and Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s to answer the increasing demand for their a part of Minnesota’s heritage is the basis of a NexGen BioEnergy Initiative could fuel the products, they have had to rely mostly on one bill held over Feb. 12 by the House Minnesota next generation of biofuels, resulting in even another for best-practice information. Heritage Finance Division for possible more job growth. A bill sponsored by Rep. Ken Tschumper inclusion in its omnibus bill. Gene Hugoson, commissioner of the (DFL-La Crescent) would help make the Sponsored by Rep. Tony Cornish (R- Department of Agriculture, explained to the University of Minnesota a “national and Good Thunder), HF388 would appropriate House Agriculture, Rural Economies and international leader in organic agricultural $250,000 in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to the Veterans Affairs Finance Division Feb. 13 one research.” Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center, provision in the initiative that looks beyond “Minnesota farmers understand the or FarmAmerica as it is also known. corn-based ethanol to the use of cellulosic opportunities that organic production Cornish said that the Waseca center is materials such as grass, straw and wood to represents,” he told the House Agriculture, currently functioning on a “bare bones” provide other types of fuel. No action was Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs budget and wants an increase from its taken. Committee Feb. 14. A bill he sponsors, $128,000 annual appropriation. This amount The state needs to think beyond just ethanol HF844, calls for a “significant commitment is also in the governor’s proposed budget. to other biofuels, he said. “While we are seeing for education and research in the field of One of three interpretive centers in the state, a high demand for ethanol and the price organics.” Cornish said it has not received the funds reflects that, we could turn that around very Approved and referred to the House Finance the other two centers have. It does receive quickly and see a different scenario in the near Committee, the bill would appropriate $2.2 $136,000 in grants and donations per year. future.” million in the next biennium to the university The center has two full-time employees He said that once the 77 ethanol plants to establish and maintain a statewide organic and a quarter-time executive director, but 450 currently under construction nationwide research and education initiative. It has no volunteers help service the 16,000 to 18,000 are up and running, 6.1 billion gallons will Senate companion. annual visitors. With the $500,000 biennial be added into the pipeline, but demand is Funds would provide for three full- base funding from the state, the center would projected to stay flat. time faculty positions to lead organic be able to hire a full-time executive director The use of cellulosic materials could agronomic, horticultural, livestock and food and a program director, said Bill Hoversten, jumpstart a whole new biofuel industry systems research; education; and outreach. a FarmAmerica board member. creating more demand, he said. Approximately $300,000 in each fiscal year Barb Maher, director of volunteers, said Under Pawlenty’s proposal, $5 million in would be allocated for new technical support many children today have no idea what fiscal years 2008 and 2009 would provide staff at the university’s St. Paul campus; farming is. She said many students don’t know incentives to “spur the development of UMore Park near Rosemount; and the that milk comes from cows or eggs come from facilities to produce fuels derived from research and outreach centers in Lamberton, chickens. biomass or cellulosic materials such as grasses, Waseca, Morris and Crookston. About A companion bill, SF531, sponsored by Sen. wood products and straw.” Funding for the $250,000 in each fiscal year would be available Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont), awaits action by the proposal would jump to $9 million in fiscal for graduate assistantships to support organic Senate Finance Committee. years 2010 and 2011. research, and $200,000 in the biennium would Grants would be provided to ethanol be available for new equipment. facilities to help make the switch from natural Atina Diffley, along with her husband, has BIOSCIENCE gas to cellulosic materials as their fuel source. operated Gardens of Eagan Organic Vegetable Hugoson said this would move the state in the Farm since 1973. They are one of the earliest direction of eventually being able to use this certified organic producers in the state. Investing in biobusiness material in ethanol production. “When we started there were no universities A bill approved by a House committee Rep. Doug Magnus (R-Slayton) advocated with organic education or research programs. would provide $2.2 million to the BioBusiness for a comprehensive bill to deal with the We had little support developing healthy, Alliance of Minnesota to help “promote governor’s initiative rather than what he sees high yielding organic systems for our farm,” and position the state as a global leader in is a “piecemeal” approach being taken by the she said. Soil issues regarding organics are bioscience business activities.” House. “I sure don’t want to see agriculture complicated, and education and research HF618, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Winkler

February 16, 2007 Session Weekly  (DFL-Golden Valley), was approved by the “I am not going to run up against the is intended to get the city through the 2007 House Biosciences and Emerging Technology wall trying to fix federal issues,” Mahoney construction season only. The appropriation Committee and now goes to the House replied. is in the governor’s budget proposal. Finance Committee. The $200,000 would be one-half of the Dale Wahlstrom, board chair of the alliance, non-federal matching funds required for said the money would be used to support new Worthington training center the construction. The city is asking only for local bioscience companies, encourage out- The city of Worthington would get matching funds for which federal funds have of-state bioscience companies to relocate in $2 million in state funds for an agricultural- already been appropriated. The city would Minnesota, and develop overall strategic plans based bioscience training facility, if a bill provide the other half of the match. The for bioscience business development in the approved by a House committee becomes total cost of the final phase is estimated at state. law. $5 million. Winkler said a large portion of the money HF535, sponsored by Rep. Rod Hamilton Stillwater Mayor Ken Harycki told the House would go toward funding a “systems dynamics (R-Mountain Lake), would help finance the Capital Investment Finance Division Feb. 13 modeling project” that would help the state completion of an “incubator” for bioscience that the flooding started when the Corps of strategically target its future investments companies — a facility that not only provides Engineers built Lock and Dam No. 3 on the and/or policy initiatives in bioscience. lab space but also trains new local workers. Mississippi River in 1937, causing the St. Croix “It will help, I think, drive better decision “We want to express the importance of River to flood the city. Some of the floods have making … because it actually gives some developing a high-quality workforce, to not been disastrous, the most recent causing floods pretty solid data and information ahead of only grow the local companies but to attract on Main Street with sewers backing up and time to understand what the impact of those new companies out there in rural Minnesota,” water seepage, he said. decisions will be,” Winkler said. Hamilton said. In the final stage of the project, a 3-foot A companion bill, SF737, sponsored by Sen. The House Biosciences and Emerging berm and flood wall would be built 125 feet David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), awaits Technology Committee approved the bill inland from the riverbank. Sheet piling would action by the Senate Finance Committee. Feb. 13. It now goes to the House Finance be driven below the surface to reduce seepage Committee. A companion bill, SF433, and provide a base for the wall. sponsored by Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL- The bill was held over by the division for Soliciting federal dollars Tracy), has been held over for possible inclusion possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. Rep. Tim Mahoney (DFL-St. Paul) thinks in the Senate Economic Development Budget A companion bill, SF367, sponsored by Sen. Minnesota’s bioscience and technology Division’s omnibus bill. Kathy Saltzman (DFL-Woodbury), is awaiting businesses aren’t doing enough to take Glenn Thuringer, manager of the action by the Senate Finance Committee. advantage of federal funds; a bill he sponsors Worthington Regional Economic Development aims to help them do just that. Corporation, said that if approved by the HF452 would appropriate $750,000 to the Legislature, the bulk of the funds would go Consumers Department of Employment and Economic specifically toward job training, especially Development to establish a “technology for jobs involving the development of new and commercialization unit” that would biofuels. Made in the USA coordinate “public and private efforts to procure “What we’re seeking is the state to support People holding Fourth of July gatherings federal funding for collaborative research and developing a training and testing center to might be surprised to see where their American development projects,” with an emphasis on feature incubator space, labs, classrooms and flag paper plate was actually made, or a flag small- and medium-sized businesses. offices,” Thuringer said, adding that “having pin or patch on a jacket. The House Biosciences and Emerging all these entities in one location” would help Millions of dollars worth of American flag Technology Committee approved the bill nurture new companies. merchandise is imported yearly, Rep. Tom Feb. 14. It now goes to the House Finance Wayne Freese, CEO of the Worthington- Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) told the House Committee. It has no Senate companion. based Prairie Holdings Group, said the city of Commerce and Labor Committee Feb. 13. According to Mahoney, similar programs 12,000 people is rapidly becoming a hub for He sponsors HF122 which would prohibit already exist in 33 states. bioscience industries, with a new soy diesel the selling of “an American flag or a novelty “Minnesota is in a catch-up mode on a lot plant, a new ethanol plant, numerous medical or other item containing a representation of our [research and development] and our clinics and a bioscience business park either of the American flag” unless the item was high-tech industry,” Mahoney said. “We need already constructed or in the works. manufactured in the United States. to do a better job with our entrepreneurial “If anything should be made in the United States, it should be the American flag,” said companies that do focus on research and Bonding development.” Rukavina. The bill was approved without As an example of the money that could be opposition and now goes to the House floor. tapped, he said that in this year’s budget alone, Stillwater levee project Rep. Tim Mahoney (DFL-St. Paul) said he the Department of Homeland Security will The city of Stillwater is asking the state is opposed to any use of the flag other than at dole out nearly $39 million in contracts and for assistance to complete a flood prevention the top of a flagpole, but he did not offer an grants for food protection and defense. project. amendment. Rep. Julie Bunn (DFL-Lake Elmo) suggested Sponsored by Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood), Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Eden Prairie) asked that instead of having states create whole HF407 would appropriate $200,000 for phase how those who sell such merchandise would agencies to solicit federal money, the federal three of the project designed to protect the be regulated. Rukavina said his intent with the government ought to make the contracting historic downtown from flooding, which has bill is directed at stores and Internet sales, and and grant process more transparent. happened 17 times since 1937. This amount said the cost of regulation would be minimal.

 Session Weekly February 16, 2007 A companion bill, SF62, sponsored by funding is to go back to member districts and ask Sponsored by Rep. Nora Slawik (DFL- Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), them to advance funds, or we pre-bill in advance Maplewood), the bill was approved by the awaits action by the Senate Commerce and of tuition payments,” said Kristine Carr, director House E-12 Education Committee Feb. 13, Consumer Protection Committee. of administrative services for District 916. and referred to the House Early Childhood A companion bill, SF422, sponsored by Sen. Learning Finance Division. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), awaits action by Legislative leaders would appoint eight of Crime the Senate Finance Committee. the members — five would be recognized experts in early care and education, and three would be community or business leaders. Early support for youth Alternative teacher pay system They would serve staggered three-year terms. The most important thing we can do to An alternative teacher pay system, known as The board would expire on Jan. 1, 2013. reduce juvenile crime is to support early Q Comp, could be easier for three intermediate The commissioners of employment and intervention and prevention programs, said school districts to use. economic development, health, education and Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom. The House E-12 Education Committee human services, or their designees, would be He testified before the House Public Safety approved HF365 Feb. 13, and referred it to permanent members. Finance Division Feb. 14 in support of HF303, the House K-12 Finance Division. The bill originally had the governor which would appropriate $4 million in the Sponsored by Rep. Will Morgan (DFL- appointing eight members. next biennium to bolster youth intervention Burnsville), the bill would modify the “We felt having a governor appointing these programs. The bill was held over for possible alternative teacher pay aid calculation for members could politicize the picks; we want inclusion in the division’s omnibus bill. intermediate school districts. bipartisan support,” Slawik said. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Michael Paymar The bill would change the aid calculation According to the bill, the duties of the board (DFL-St. Paul), said that with additional funds, for intermediate school districts that do not would be finding methods for measuring the 35 to 40 new programs could be established and have sufficient students to generate enough quality, quantity, and effectiveness of early existing activities expanded. funds for Q Comp. Instead of using the care and education programs throughout the J. Scott Beatty, executive director of Youth current $260 times the number of per pupil state. Seeing ways to identify and measure Intervention Programs Association, said the best units, the state formula would be $3,800 times school readiness indicators on a regular basis, time to reach youth is when they are just starting the number of licensed educators teaching in and policy changes to improve children’s to get into trouble. Restoring the funding would the school. No fiscal note was provided. ability to start school ready to learn. help make that possible. Since the budget was cut “The goals with this bill are twofold: to Separate policy work groups would make in 2003, 6,000 fewer youth have participated in increase the knowledge and skills of teachers recommendations on five additional topics, the programs, Beatty said. that serve in the district, and to retain and including financing early childhood programs A companion bill, SF277, sponsored by Sen. attract teachers to the district,” said Connie A companion bill, SF92, sponsored by Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls) awaits action by Hayes, superintendent of Northeast Metro Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka), is scheduled the Senate Finance Committee. 916 Intermediate School District in White to be heard Feb. 19 by the Senate Education Bear Lake. The bill also addresses districts in Committee. Rosemount and Plymouth. Education The problem is that these districts provide services for special populations, but the Early childcare funding Short-term borrowing funding isn’t enough to offer the alternative Cuts to early education funding have Intermediate school districts could do short- compensation. “We have some of the most created hardships for at least some centers term borrowing against future payments from severely disabled and challenged handicapped that are trying to serve children and families the state and member school districts to avoid students from our member school districts,” living in hardship. financial problems, if a bill becomes law. Hayes said. Mike Thorsteinson, executive director of Sponsored by Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL- Intermediate school districts generally take Three Rivers Community Action Inc, which Crystal), HF329 was laid over Feb. 13 by the students with communication and interaction operates three centers in southeast Minnesota, House K-12 Finance Division for possible disorders from 11 to 13 neighboring school said that approximately 70 families have lost inclusion in its omnibus bill. districts. Students spend two to six hours a day service and Three Rivers has had to lay off 10 “All of our revenue sources come from the attending career and industrial tech courses. staff members due to $228,000 in budget cuts districts that we serve for the students that we A companion bill, SF354, sponsored by to early education funding. serve on their behalf. We don’t receive direct levy Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka), awaits “This is just a picture of a one three-county aid from the taxpayers or from the Department of action by the Senate Finance Committee. agency in southern Minnesota,” he said. Education,” said Connie Hayes, superintendent Two bills addressing the issue were brought of Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School before the House Early Childhood Learning District in White Bear Lake. School readiness advisory board Finance Division on Feb. 13. Both were laid Districts could borrow no more than Early childhood education could be an over for possible inclusion in the division’s 75 percent of the anticipated payments. efficient, cost-effective and coordinated omnibus bill. According to the bill, the education program focusing on education, healthcare Sponsored respectively by Rep. David Bly commissioner would certify the aid, fees and and family support. A bill, HF169, would (DFL-Northfield) andRep. Scott Kranz (DFL- tuition payments in determining the maximum establish a 12-member advisory school Blaine), both teachers, HF5 and HF139 would amount of borrowing capacity for the year. readiness board that would advise the increase funding for Early Childhood Family “We have no ability to do any aid or revenue governor and the Legislature on developing Education, School Readiness and Head Start anticipation borrowing. The only way we can get the program. programs.

February 16, 2007 Session Weekly  The bills would raise the total statewide school readiness aid to nearly $10.4 million for Cold duck fiscal year 2008, up from $9.02 million in fiscal year 2007. Early Childhood Family Education program funding would increase from $112 to $120 times the greater of 150 or the number of people under age 5 residing in the district on Oct. 1 of the previous school year; and the state appropriation to Head Start would go up from $19.1 million to $20.1 million for fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Companion bills, SF291, sponsored by Sen. Tarryl Clark (DFL-St. Cloud), and SF126, sponsored by Sen. Patricia Torres Ray (DFL- Mpls), both await action by the Senate Finance Committee.

Safe school levies School districts can access a safe school levy, formerly known as the crime levy, to help pay for student and staff safety-related issues, including police liaisons, gang resistance education training, school security and drug abuse prevention. Under current law, a district can levy $27 per pupil unit for the safety levy. The problem is that intermediate school districts can’t access this levy, even though they are more likely to have incidents of violence, supporters say. Sponsored by Rep. Maria Ruud (DFL- Minnetonka), HF360 would allow the 32 metro school districts that are members of intermediate school districts to levy an additional $10 per pupil unit for safe schools. If all levies would pass, it would provide nearly $2.6 million in 2008. The bill was heard on Feb. 13 by the K-12 Finance Division and laid over for possible inclusion in its omnibus bill photo by tom olmscheid Intermediate school districts provide Century College mascot Woody the Woodduck, aka Maureen Monson, a services for special students with hearing, second-year law enforcement student, joined several hundred other Minne- sota State Colleges and Universities students to rally in front of the Capitol mental or physical impairments; learning Feb. 14 for lower tuition. disabilities; severe emotional behavioral or neurobiological disorders. “The kinds of things we have seen this year K-12 Finance Division omnibus bill. Each was statewide cap on excess cost expenditures. are kids that bring weapons to school, and heard by the division Feb. 8. The Burnsville-Eagan-Savage district spent scissors are being used as weapons. Some are Sponsored by Rep. Will Morgan (DFL- $21.1 million on special education in the already sexual predators, one sixth-grade Burnsville), HF649 would remove the 2005-06 biennium, but because its revenue student brought in an18-inch pellet gun to his statewide cap on excess cost revenue and was just $13.6 million, the district had to home school and now he attends our school,” increase the reimbursement percentage from borrow $7.5 million from its general fund, said Sandra Lewandowski, superintendent of 75 percent to 90 percent. This bill would said Superintendent Ben Kanninen. The Intermediate District 287 in Plymouth. increase the excess cost aid by an estimated state’s excess cost aid for the district for those A companion bill, SF295, sponsored by Sen. $175 million in fiscal year 2008. two years was $1.9 million. With this bill, that Kathy Saltzman (DFL-Woodbury), awaits A companion bill, SF702, sponsored by Sen. aid would increase to $4.9 million. action by the Senate Finance Committee. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), awaits action by the “There is a 6 or 7 percent increase in Senate Finance Committee. spending on special education costs each of the The current funding formula for special past three years, and we’re receiving a 2 percent Special education funding education requires that a district must first increase in the general fund,” Kanninen said, Three bills that would change the special spend 4.36 percent of its general fund revenue noting other programs have been cut to help education funding formula have been held on special education services before qualifying cover special education costs. over for possible inclusion in the House for an aid amount that equals 75 percent of Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn the district’s remaining cost, reduced by the  Session Weekly February 16, 2007 Center) and Rep. Larry Haws (DFL-St. Cloud) Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections The $1.1 million allocated for maintaining the also sponsor special education funding bills. Committee. system has been used entirely and implementing Neither has a Senate companion. Under HF403, sponsored by Rep. Sandra the bill would allow funds to be allocated Hilstrom’s bill, HF786 would reestablish Peterson (DFL-New Hope), candidates would for needed areas, Beth Fraser, director of program growth factors for special education be required to have a disclaimer on campaign governmental affairs for the office, previously at 5 percent per year and 10 percent for the materials for four explicit purposes: to avoid told a House committee. The funds are to be excess cost special education formula. the appearance of corruption in political used by the end of June this year, she said. Haws’ bill, HF778, would help school campaigns; to promote justice and fair play in An amendment unsuccessfully offered districts that have high special education costs campaigns; to give voters information about by House Minority Leader Marty Seifert by redefining the formula used in determining the source of statements in campaign material (R-Marshall) would have distributed the a district’s extraordinary special education so they may better judge its credibility; and remaining money evenly among townships revenue. to make it possible to hold accountable those to offset costs of HAVA requirements. who disseminate false campaign material. Hilty said the amendment was “a one-time Because the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled solution to an ongoing problem.” Additionally, Elections in April 2006 that Minnesota’s disclaimer laws townships have varying financial needs were found to be overly broad and that regulating depending on size, he said. pure speech was thereby unconstitutional, new An unsuccessful amendment offered by Rep. Leaving campaign materials behind laws can’t cover individuals or associations that Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon) would have allowed Candidates with campaign workers would act independently of any candidate, candidates’ townships until 2019 to comply with HAVA be permitted to enter and leave campaign committees, political committees or political requirements on the availability of disabled materials in multi-unit residences, under a bill funds, said Peterson. voter systems to be located at each polling place, approved Feb. 14 by the House Governmental “This bill is the best efforts of our research which, he said, is an unfunded mandate. Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections staff to construct additional language in our The bill is scheduled to be heard Feb. 22 by Committee. state law,” concerning disclaimers and the the Senate Finance Committee. Sen. Linda Sponsored by Rep. Nora Slawik (DFL- rulings of the court, Peterson said Higgins (DFL-Mpls) is the Senate sponsor. Maplewood), HF340 would clarify that “The money that is being spent in the candidates are permitted to enter into campaigns is coming from these exact groups buildings such as apartments, dormitories, that are being excluded,” said Rep. Laura Brod Employment nursing homes or manufactured home parks. (R-New Prague). Brod unsuccessfully offered Additionally, the bill permits candidates who an amendment that would have removed two of have filed for public office and campaign the purposes for the disclaimer requirement. Working for the aging disabled workers to leave campaign materials. The Although agreeing with Brod that the bill The House Health and Human Services workers must be with the candidate. doesn’t go far enough, Peterson said supreme Committee approved a bill Feb. 13 that Slawik said the change comes from a court cases in other states have ruled limiting would remove the age limit imposed by situation in which Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. certain groups to be unconstitutional; Medical Assistance for Employed Persons Paul) was unable to leave behind materials at therefore, the bill addresses disclaimers for with Disabilities, a program under medical a facility during the last campaign. individual candidates’ materials only. assistance. It’s been referred to the House Rep. Mike. Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) The bill now goes to the House floor. Finance Committee. said he, too, had a problem gaining access to an A companion bill, SF458, sponsored by The program, known as MA-EPD, allows apartment building and had to go to the national Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), awaits action disabled people to work while retaining headquarters to gain access. A maintenance in the Senate State and Local Government their Medical Assistance benefits on a worker was instructed to follow him through the Operations and Oversight Committee. sliding fee scale. They are also exempt from complex and remove his campaign materials as marriage penalties. Under Medical Assistance, he left them behind, he said. recipients are confined to $3,000 in assets for Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague) said Transfering HAVA funds single people and $6,000 in assets for couples. permitting any campaign worker into a The Office of the Secretary of State would Recipients, however, are limited to $20,000 in multi-unit building could raise concerns. She be able to reallocate Help America Vote Act assets and lose their eligibility at age 65. failed to amend language changing “must be appropriations, under a bill passed 106-25 by “This simply allows people to work past permitted to leave campaign materials for the House Feb. 13. 65, if that is their choice,” said Joel Ulland, residents,” to “may” leave materials. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL- representing the Minnesota Chapter of the The bill now goes to the House floor. Finlayson), HF160 would allow unused National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A companion bill, SF226, sponsored by appropriations designated for specific HAVA HF706, sponsored by Rep. Larry Hosch Pappas, was recommended to pass by the purposes to be transferred to other HAVA (DFL-St. Joseph), would also allow individuals Senate State and Local Government Operations purposes. Previous allocation amounts are 65 and older to abide by MA-EPD asset limits and Oversight Committee Subcommittee on defined in statute for detailed purposes. and continue to free them from marriage Elections Feb. 14. For example, $120,000 that was designated penalties. The bill has no Senate companion. to process complaints received by the office that went unused could be transferred for No anonymous pamphlets, sort of To find out who represents you the purpose of maintaining the statewide at the Capitol . . . An attempt to curb anonymous campaign voter registration system and to develop the Call House Public Information Services at pamphlets can only go so far, under a bill capacity to handle registration and election (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550 approved Feb. 14 by the House Governmental transactions at the polling place.

February 16, 2007 Session Weekly  Energy Kahn said the bill is a work in progress, He added that the total price tag for the and that she is willing to work on the issue combined federal, state and local project is further. She added that the restrictions would $30 million. Fixing light pollution not apply to airports, outdoor sports stadiums Chances are that if you live in a major and certain other special situations. metropolitan area and look up at the night sky, Gambling you can’t see the stars too well. Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) wants to change that. Turning waste into power Kahn sponsors HF446, which would A facility that turns garbage into energy and Fraternal organizations proceeds gradually modify most publicly funded powers itself: sounds too good to be true? Fraternal organizations would be able to outdoor lights by outfitting them with a hood Japan already has several such facilities, and use gambling proceeds to pay taxes on leased called a “cutoff luminaire” that causes light to a bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Anzelc (DFL- facilities and certain utilities, under a bill laid focus in a particular direction, much like a Balsam Township) would let Koochiching over Feb, 13 by the House Commerce and flashlight. In the case of most streetlights and County build one of its own. Labor Committee for possible inclusion in its highway lights, the light would be directed HF607 would appropriate $400,000 for a omnibus bill. downward. feasibility study for a plasma torch gasification The issue came to Rep. Larry Haws (DFL-St. The House Energy Finance and Policy facility to be owned and operated by the Cloud), the sponsor of HF271, from the Waite Division approved the bill Feb. 14, with the county. Plasma torch gasification breaks down Park Moose Lodge. The organization serves understanding that it would return to the solid waste on a molecular level, converting it and supports the community and needs some committee later in the session. It now goes to marketable energy and substances that can relief from financial burdens, said Gerald to the House Finance Committee. It has no be used in a variety of ways. Janu, deputy area manager for the Minnesota Senate companion. The House Energy Finance and Policy State Moose Association. “This is a bill that sets up some standards Division approved the bill Feb. 14. It now Currently fraternal organizations, defined for the control of light pollution — which goes to the House Finance Committee. A in the bill as a nonprofit organization which it turns out is also an energy conservation companion bill, SF477, sponsored by Sen. Tom is a branch, lodge, or chapter of a national issue,” Kahn said. Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids), awaits action or state organization, cannot use gambling Tine Thevenin, a member of the by the Senate Energy, Utilities, Technology proceeds to pay for taxes and utilities like International Dark-Sky Association, said the and Communications Committee. veterans groups can. The Moose have 27 hoods cut down on the energy needed to light “With our project … at the end of the lodges in the state and have lost three recently a particular area while also reducing glare, day, nothing goes to the landfill,” said John because they couldn’t use gambling money to which she said makes it harder to see. Howard, chief technical officer for Coronal, offset costs, Janu said. “Two billion dollars a year is wasted on the company slated to build the facility. A companion bill, SF163, sponsored by energy lighting up in the sky. We don’t need Howard explained that even though the Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin), awaits action it in the sky; we need it on the ground,” Legislature appropriated $2.5 million for the in the Senate State and Local Government Thevenin said. project in its omnibus capital investment bill Operations and Oversight Committee. Members of both parties expressed concern last year, a bureaucratic holdup within the that the bill would create an unfunded U.S. Department of Agriculture resulted in mandate for cities and counties to replace a feasibility study being required before the Game & Fish their current outdoor lights. project could receive federal funds. Baiting bears Bear hunters would have a new tool at their disposal, if a bill sponsored by Rep. Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph) becomes law. The Bear Baiter Buffet, a device invented and marketed by one of his constituents, is essentially a large metal box with six bait compartments, each with a time-released door. Hosch said the device allows hunters to bait bears without having to continually restock the bait. HF72 would allow the device to be used to trap bears in the state. The House Game, Fish and Forestry Division laid the bill over Feb. 12 for possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. A companion bill, SF88, sponsored by Sen. Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville), has been laid over by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. photo by tom olmscheid Mike Lucken, inventor of the device, said Tine Thevenin, a member of the International Dark-Sky Association, shows the difference in night the bill would clarify the state law on bear- light in Los Angeles in 1908 vs. 1988 during a Feb. 14 hearing of the House Energy Finance and Policy baiting, which he said is ambiguous in regard Division. The committee was hearing a bill that would restrict outdoor light pollution. to whether his invention could be legally used.

10 Session Weekly February 16, 2007 He added that the device is already used in the impact” financially on the department. Greater Minnesota several other states and Canada. Nornes added that decreasing license Ed Boggess, deputy director of the fees might encourage more seniors to buy Department of Natural Resources’ Fish and licenses, and argued the state should consider Replacing road signs Wildlife Division, said the DNR did not have increasing its General Fund appropriation to Some road signs designed to provide an official position on the use of the device, the DNR. safety for travelers are in need of repair or but that the department had consulted with replacement. Lucken and had no immediate objections. Sponsored by Rep. Bernard Lieder (DFL- The bill’s opponents include Rep. Denny Timber harvesting Crookston), HF562 would appropriate $2 McNamara (R-Hastings), who said the bill According to Rep. Tom Anzelc (DFL- million to the town road sign replacement would “mechanize” bear hunting, and that Balsam Township), sometimes timber that program. people who could afford the $800 device should be harvested isn’t — and that can have “This would provide some match for some would hold an unfair advantage over other a serious impact on local economies in rural federal monies that are coming down,” Lieder bear hunters. Minnesota. said. “It’s one of those situations where if Linda Hatfield, a private citizen, testified Anzelc sponsors HF354, a bill he hopes you don’t take advantage of the money, it’s against the bill, arguing that the device’s will draw some attention to the issue. It not going to be available here and it’ll go timed-release system would cause harm to would require the Department of Natural somewhere else.” bears by changing the times at which they eat, Resources to prepare a “local economic Approved Feb. 13 by the House thereby altering their behavior. impact statement” whenever forestland under Transportation Finance Division, the bill the department’s authority is withdrawn from next goes to the House Finance Committee. timber harvesting. Reestablished by the 2005 Legislature, Fishing discount for seniors The House Game, Fish and Forestry the program, in part, includes inventorying A bill sponsored by Rep. Bud Nornes Division approved the bill Feb. 12; it now county and town road signs, evaluating (R-Fergus Falls) would slash the price of goes to the House Finance Committee. A their condition, potentially replacing signs fishing licenses in half for senior citizens companion bill, SF91, sponsored by Sen. Tom and establishing an ongoing maintenance — but doing so might slash the Department of Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids), is scheduled program. Because of better materials, newer Natural Resources’ fisheries budget as well. to be heard Feb. 21 by a subcommittee of the signs have a longer life expectancy. HF152 would lower the price of a fishing Senate Environment and Natural Resources However, the program is not effective until license from $17 to $8.50 for people age 70 or Committee. there is an appropriation from state or federal over. Originally, the bill would have applied “What we find is that from time to time, funds. to those age 65 or over, but Nornes amended timber sales on state land are delayed, and are Dave Fricke, executive director of the the bill after a fiscal analysis showed it would many times pulled from the list,” Anzelc said, Minnesota Association of Townships, said cause a drop of anywhere from $584,000 to adding that such cancelled timber sales often that a federal bill provided $3 million for the $730,000 in the department’s annual fishing have a great impact on counties and schools, program. Typical federal practice requires license revenue. which depend on tax revenues from timber the use of some local funds; therefore, The House Game, Fish and Forestry sales. approximately 80 percent of this amount Division approved the bill as amended Feb. 13. Wayne Brandt, executive vice-president of would be federal dollars appropriated over It now goes to the House Finance Committee. the Minnesota Timber Producers Association, four years. The remaining $1.4 million of the A companion bill, SF282, sponsored by Sen. said the economic impact statements required request would be used to entice more federal Dan Skogen (DFL-Hewitt), awaits action by by the bill would provide a “reasonable set of dollars. the Senate Finance Committee. information” for legislators and other officials A similar program in 1989 and 1990 Nornes said he is sponsoring the bill on to use when making decisions. addressed about 150,000 signs across the behalf of senior citizens in his district who DNR Assistant Commissioner Bob Meier state on rural and township roads. “We have “still remember when the state had a free said the department had concerns about the almost 59,000 miles of road, and, we too, are fishing license.” “breadth of the land” covered by the bill and real keen on having safety. … A key to that are “As this session was getting started, again the potential cost of producing the reports, these hazard signs,” Fricke said. I was reminded, once more, that they wanted but added the DNR would be willing to work To do the whole state it would cost about their free fishing license back. Well, I know with Anzelc to improve the bill’s language. $25 million to $30 million over a number of we have to compromise in this place, so that’s Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) said the years, Fricke said. why I’m here suggesting a half-price fishing bill focuses too much on economic impacts “We need funding bad for this,” said Rep. license,” Nornes said. and not enough on environmental impacts. Doug Magnus (R-Slayton), who sponsored a Dave Thompson, a resort owner and “There is no consideration of conservation or similar bill last biennium. former DNR Citizen Oversight Committee ecological balance here, so the commissioner A companion bill, SF360, sponsored by Sen. member, said that because of the state’s aging can only look at one thing,” Wagenius said. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), awaits action population, decreasing license fees for senior Anzelc responded that the bill was a “work by the Senate Finance Committee. citizens would have a “huge impact” on the in progress,” and that he would be willing to department’s budget. He added that the state consider environmental impacts as well. had decreased its General Fund appropriation to the DNR in recent years. If you have Internet access, visit the Legislature’s Web page at: Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake), division www.leg.mn chairman, said increasing the bill’s age requirement from 65 to 70 would likely “lessen

February 16, 2007 Session Weekly 11 Health & Human Services

Listening to the need According to parent advocates, the struggles of raising a hard-of-hearing or a deaf child aren’t limited to simply fulfilling special health care needs. “Parents are often in shock about their child’s hearing loss, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting professional advice about choices and feeling isolated, especially in Greater Minnesota,” said Lifetrack Resources Coordinator Candace Lindow-Davies, whose 11-year-old son is deaf. HF462, sponsored by Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul), attempts to assuage this distress. The bill, held over by the House Housing Policy and Finance and Public Health Finance Division Feb. 14 for possible inclusion in its omnibus bill, proposes $200,000 for the photo by andrew vonbank 2008-2009 biennium for Lifetrack Resources The Rev. Craig Johnson displays a photograph of his daughter, Laura, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, during Feb. 13 testimony on disabilities before the House Health and Human Services to finance parent guides and other support Committee. services outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area. guidelines, or about $7,500 a year, to receive talk about the metaphoric place of feelings Lifetrack Resources serves approximately medical assistance in Minnesota. Those and the heart, and also talk about legislation 1,300 people annually, either directly or over earning more are required to cover medical that protects the heart,” she said. the Internet. The organization receives most expenses each month until their income HF678 would appropriate $400,000 in of its funding through the Greater Twin Cities meets assistance standards. The bill would one-time funding to the Heart Disease and United Way, though it has been contracted increase the allowable income over four years Stroke Prevention Unit in the Department by the Department of Health to provide — by 10 percentage points the first year and of Health, which seeks to implement plans parent-to-parent support across the state until 5 percentage points each year following — to aimed at curbing Minnesota’s No. 1 killer 2008. 100 percent of poverty guidelines. — cardiovascular disease. Funding is tenuous, said Lindow-Davies, In addition, the bill would double the asset Members of the House Housing Policy and and monies requested would pay for salaries limit from $3,000 to $6,000 for single-person Finance and Public Health Finance Division for parent staff, as well as services such as households, and $6,000 to $12,000 for two- held the bill over for possible inclusion educational workshops, Web site maintenance person households. Assets do not include in its omnibus bill. A companion bill, and informational materials. homes or household goods, some business SF509, sponsored by Sen. Ann Lynch (DFL- A companion bill, SF384, sponsored by Sen. costs, motor vehicles or burial expenses. The Rochester), is scheduled to be heard Feb. 20 Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato), awaits action boost, however, may allow some to cover by the Senate Health and Human Services by the Senate Finance Committee. unanticipated costs. Budget Division. “The $3,000 doesn’t offer you a lot of The Centers for Disease Control originally flexibility for those unexpected expenses that funded the unit with dollars designated for Granting the disabled more money we all have,” said Joel Ulland, representing the planning. According to Dr. Russell Luepker, According to advocates, the disabled endure Minnesota Chapter of the National Multiple a member of the group’s steering committee, struggles beyond their physical or mental Sclerosis Society. the CDC has discouraged all proposals this ailments. To receive medical assistance, for “The amount of money these folks have year due to limited resources. example, recipients must “spend-down,” or left after they’re through with their month’s The bill would fund data collection and other pay monthly medical costs until their income expenses gives a whole new idea to the word activities, including developing infrastructure, approaches poverty. They must also liquidate poverty,” Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) said. detection and treatment capacity, promoting assets that exceed eligibility guidelines. A companion bill, SF695, awaits action awareness and eliminating disparities. Sponsored by Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL- by the Senate Health, Housing and Family Luepker estimated the cost of implementation St. Paul), HF784 attempts to change that. Security Committee. Its sponsor is Sen. at $1.2 million. The bill, approved by the House Health and Sharon Erickson Ropes (DFL-Winona). Human Services Committee Feb. 13, would increase both the asset limit and the excess Preventing suicide income standard, or spend-down, for aged, Have a heart Al Kluesner and his wife, Mary, endured blind and disabled persons. It now goes to the Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) spent the unimaginable not once, but twice: two of House Finance Committee. part of her Valentine’s Day promoting a bill their children, Michael and Amy, committed Currently, disabled people must earn designed for matters of the heart. suicide. less than 75 percent of federal poverty “I think on this day … it’s appropriate to Since the death of his daughter in 1985,

12 Session Weekly February 16, 2007 Kluesner has spearheaded organizations and youth providers, and “shall be directed to meet Sponsored by Rep. Kent Eken (DFL-Twin legislation aimed at preventing his family’s the greatest need, with a significant share of the Valley), HF583 would appropriate $80,000 in tragedy. On Valentine’s Day, he urged the funding focused … in Greater Minnesota.” Up fiscal year 2008 so the Indian Affairs Council House Housing Policy and Finance and Public to 5 percent of funding would be designated for could buy the burial site. The appropriation Health Finance Division, to approve HF315, administration costs, and up to 8 percent for would be available until June 30, 2009. which would re-appropriate $1.1 million a program monitoring and evaluation. Jim Jones, cultural director for the Minnesota year for suicide prevention grants. The bill The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Karen Clark (DFL- Indian Affairs Council, said the remains were was held over for possible inclusion in the Mpls), estimated that $8 million would meet found when a contractor was digging a trench division’s omnibus bill. about one-fourth the total need, or help for a house near Little Floyd Lake. The decisions about this funding are life about 10,000 young people, during the next “This has turned into a unique opportunity and death decisions, said Rachel Schott, whose biennium. to put back the remains where they came brother killed himself while a sophomore at Clark sponsored the Runaway and Homeless from,” he said. Mankato West High School. “As our funding Youth Act in Minnesota last year, which Many times when remains are found, they was chiseled away, so has our suicide rate mirrors federal legislation passed in the 1970s. cannot be buried in the original location and begun to climb in this state.” No funding has It was to provide money towards continuum are re-buried somewhere else, Jones said. been provided since 2005. of care services for homeless youth and Requests for relocation of the remains must In Minnesota, 542 people committed established a pilot project for after-school be approved by the Indian Affairs Council. suicide in 2006, the most in state history programs; however, the act was not funded. Under current law, Jones said efforts must be according to the Department of Health. In made by the state to buy burial sites. 2003, the department reported that suicide This burial site is also unique because it is was the second leading cause of death among Humanities between 4,000 and 5,000 years old and pre- 15- to 34-year-olds. dates the Ojibwe people. Jones said nothing on The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mary Ellen the ground’s surface indicated it was a burial Otremba (DFL-Long Prairie), would provide Ethnic heritage site, like burial mounds found in other parts funding at the rate allocated in 2001. The With 80 percent of the human brain of the state. The goal is to return the remains money would finance community-based developing before age 3, children should be where they were unearthed, he said. efforts through a grant process; in 2004, 13 introduced to languages as soon as possible, The site is in the middle of a housing projects were funded. even before birth. development on a hill. Jones said an “We have the strategy, we have the plan, This is what Odell Bjerkness, retired director archeological study was conducted before we have the evidence-based programs to of the language villages at Concordia College the development broke ground, but nothing prevent suicide,” Schott said. “We just need in Moorhead, told the House Minnesota was found at that time. the funding.” Heritage Finance Division Feb. 12. The bill was held over by the division for A companion bill, SF214, sponsored by Sen. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Jaros (DFL- possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), awaits Duluth), HF318 would establish a 20-member A companion bill, SF622, sponsored by Sen. action by the Senate Finance Committee. Commission on Minnesota Ethnic Heritage, Rod Skoe (DFL-Clearbrook), awaits action by including four legislators and 16 citizen the Senate Finance Committee. members. Jaros said he couldn’t speak English when Housing he came to Minnesota from Bosnia. He said his mother told him how to say, “I don’t speak Military Meeting a desperate need English,” in German, which didn’t help too Amanda Danielson became homeless at the much and resulted in him almost getting beat Contract cancellations age of 15 because her home life wasn’t safe, she up his first day of school. An estimated 2,600 Minnesota soldiers said. To survive, she joined a group of 15 other The commission, which would meet recently found out that their Iraq stay is being homeless youth; they slept under bridges and twice between July 2007 and June 30, 2008, extended by up to 125 days. in abandoned houses and dumpsters, which would work to foster understanding between This will cause conflicts for some that had they sometimes ate out of, too. ethnic groups and promote cultural diversity big plans upon their previously scheduled On Feb. 13, Danielson, now a peer outreach within Minnesota. The estimated cost for the return. For example, some who were planning worker for the young and homeless, testified commission is $38,000 and would come from to get married had a down payment on a before the House Housing Policy and Finance the state’s General Fund. reception hall. Now they’ll need to get out of and Public Health Finance Division on behalf The bill was held over by the division for a rental agreement. of HF537, which would appropriate $8 million possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. There “Most of the providers and people in the next biennium to the Runaway and is no Senate companion. who operate these venues are being good Homeless Youth Act. The bill was held over for Minnesotans and letting the families exit possible inclusion in the division’s omnibus from those types of contracts,” said Col. Eric bill. Indian affairs Ahlness, government relations officer for the The bill, which has no Senate companion, An Indian burial ground with about 16 Minnesota National Guard. focuses on three aspects of homeless services, bodies was found in Becker County near Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL- known as the continuum of care: outreach, Detroit Lakes about two years ago. Golden Valley), HF532 would further help emergency shelters and transitional and The House Minnesota Heritage Finance soldiers and their families to get out of other supportive housing. The funding would be Division heard a bill Feb. 12 on the significance contracts. distributed through a grant process for homeless of this land. The bill was approved Feb. 9 by the House

February 16, 2007 Session Weekly 13 Labor and Consumer Protection Division, and referred to the House Commerce and Labor Committee. It now awaits action by the House Energy Finance and Policy Division. “This bill would supplement the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which provides relief from rent, mortgage interest rates, credit card interest rates and other costs that service members incur when they are called to active duty, and it gives them the ability to find a way to more conveniently pay some of those costs,” Winkler said. It would also apply to any business owned by the service member and his or her spouse. Protection would be offered in areas that likely affect younger soldiers, such as being able to cancel a cell phone, satellite television, Internet service or health club membership contract without penalty. It also prohibits utilities from disconnecting service if a member of the household has been ordered into active duty. photo by andrew vonbank “The essential purpose behind this Duluth Combined Honor Guard members Robert Woods, left, and Capt. John Marshall, right, testify legislation is that when soldiers and sailors before the House Veterans Affairs Division Feb. 9 in support of a bill that would provide Honor Guard are called by their country to risk their lives member reimbursement for National Guard funerals. overseas or in distant parts of the globe, they Provisions call for: activation of National Sponsored by Rep. Larry Haws (DFL-St. are not also asked to pay for a cell phone Guard members, at their normal pay rate, Cloud), HF279 would extend benefits to spouses contract they cannot use, pay for a wireless for the funeral of any Guard member who that are already available to children of any Internet that they can’t access or cable dies while serving actively in the military or Minnesota service member who has died as a television that they can’t watch,” Winkler after having served honorably for six or more direct result of their military service. Known as said. years in the Guard; and paying up to $50 to a the “War Orphans Act of 1943,” an annual $750 A companion bill, SF409, sponsored by Congressionally chartered local veterans service stipend is also available to help pay for expenses Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes (DFL-Winona), organization for each time it provides an Honor related to pursing the higher education degree. awaits action by the Senate Agriculture and Guard detail for a veteran’s funeral. Haws told the House Veterans Affairs Veterans Committee. Robert Woods, also a member of the Duluth Division Feb. 9 that the measure also changes unit, said that a 1999 federal law states that the survivor’s state residency requirement. all veterans are entitled to military honors Beneficiaries would no longer need to be state Honoring veterans — two military personnel to fold and present residents; rather, the residency requirement When a member of the active-duty military the flag to the survivors. However, because of would rely on whether the deceased was dies, the government provides an Honor the nation’s military commitments, the forces a resident of the state at the time of the Guard for the funeral. But when a veteran are not available and the responsibility falls on enlistment or reenlistment into the military. from an earlier action dies, the Honor Guard the volunteers. The bill was approved and referred to the is usually made up of volunteers from the local Woods said his hope is for the committee House Agriculture, Rural Economies and veterans service organization, with little or no to approve the bill and forward it on so, “that Veterans Affairs Committee. reimbursement. we can help bury our fellow veterans with “The battle for the spouse remaining “We have an obligation to provide military dignity.” stateside begins when the spouse is deployed, funerals to all veterans,” Capt. John Marshall, The issue hit an emotional chord with Rep. but it continues when the news is delivered commander of the Duluth Combined Honor Sandy Wollschlager (DFL-Cannon Falls). that they are not going to be coming home,” Guard, told the House Veterans Affairs Tearfully she said, “I’m actually ashamed that said Brian Jensen, a National Guard member Division Feb. 9. His unit participated at more we haven’t given you more. I personally don’t and St. Louis Park police officer. than 200 funerals last year. But for various think that $50 is enough.” Steve Frantz, director of disabilities and reasons, the pool of Honor Guard volunteers A companion bill, SF487, sponsored by Sen. student life for the Minnesota State College and is dwindling, as the number of funerals for Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), awaits Universities system, said that during fiscal year veterans of earlier wars — especially World action by the Senate Finance Committee. 2006, 20 to 25 students took advantage of the War II — is on the rise. waiver at a cost to MnSCU of about $80,000. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Jaros (DFL- He expects that financial commitment to Duluth), HF451 would help ensure that all Tuition waiver for spouses increase another $40,000 annually if spouses veterans receive military honors. The bill A spouse of a deceased service member could are included under the benefit. “We think this was approved and referred to the House have all tuition and fees waived if they seek an is a small amount of money to absorb,” he said. Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans undergraduate degree at any Minnesota post The stipend is funded through the State Soldier Affairs Committee. secondary public institution. Assistance Program.

14 Session Weekly February 16, 2007 A companion bill, SF375, sponsored by eating and buying his prescriptions. Transportation Sen. Gary Kubly (DFL-Granite Falls), awaits “Is he gonna be on this commission? He action by the Senate Agriculture and Veterans could teach people on the committee a lot,” Committee. Rukavina said. “It’s our duty to make money Traffic ticket fee and spend it. And we haven’t been doing a very It’s about money. It’s about behavior. It’s Taxes good job of it lately.” about money. It’s about behavior. Brod said she would be “more than happy” This was the back-and-forth discussion at the to work on the commission membership House Local Government and Metropolitan Local government exemption and would welcome suggestions from other Affairs Committee Feb. 12 focusing on whether Local governments could receive sales tax representatives. But, she said her intent is to local governments should have the right to assess exemptions if a bill heard by the House Taxes strike a balance between legislative and private administrative fees onto traffic citations. Committee Feb. 13 becomes law. commission members. HF656, sponsored by Rep. Tony Cornish The bill will be considered for possible “We all learn a lot from all of our (R-Good Thunder) would prohibit fees, while inclusion in the omnibus tax bill. constituents,” she said. “That obviously has HF847, sponsored by Rep. Larry Hosch (DFL- Sponsored by Rep. Chris DeLaForest (R- to be in play as we look at our entire tax St. Joseph), would allow local authorities to Andover), HF174 would exempt local units structure.” levy fees at their discretion. of government from sales and use tax. Only Cornish said adding administrative building materials and motor vehicles would fees onto traffic tickets is nothing more be taxed. But there are exceptions to those as Exempt capital purchases than an effort to get more money for local well. For example, building materials for local Three bills were introduced to the House governments. Local police officers have been correctional facilities would be exempt. Taxes Committee Feb. 13 that would provide told that if they write a ticket, any additional Under current law, sales to school districts, sales tax exemptions on capital equipment fees assessed on top of a state violation will local government hospitals and nursing purchases for businesses. go to the local government’s pocket, said homes, and public libraries are exempt from All were held over for possible inclusion in Cornish. With so many smaller communities sales and use taxes. Other exemptions include the omnibus tax bill. losing local government aid, some see this as purchases necessary for public safety, like fire Reps. Sondra Erickson (R-Princeton), Chris a way to recoup some of their losses. trucks, police cars and ambulances. DeLaForest (R-Andover) and Debra Hilstrom Not only would this practice go against If passed, the state would lose an estimated (DFL-Brooklyn Center) are sponsoring HF186, recent findings by the Minnesota Attorney $125.8 million from its General Fund in fiscal HF193 and HF206, identical bills that would General’s office, Cornish said, there would year 2008 and as much as $150.5 million by help the state’s manufacturing industry by be no uniformity in the way local authorities fiscal year 2011. repealing the refund requirement for capital write citations. A companion bill, SF194, sponsored by Sen. equipment, making the sales tax exemption The bill was laid over for further Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley), awaits action available at the time of purchase or lease. consideration. Its companion bill, SF155, by the Senate Taxes Committee. Currently, businesses purchasing qualifying sponsored by Sen. Leo Foley (DFL-Coon capital equipment must pay the sales tax when Rapids), awaits action by the Senate they buy the equipment and then apply for Transportation Committee. Tax reform commission a refund. A business may file no more than However, Hosch’s bill, which has no Senate A tax reform commission could be created two claims per year, but the claims can be for companion, was approved and referred to to look at the state’s tax system. multiple transactions and there is no dollar the House Public Safety and Civil Justice Sponsored by Rep. Laura Brod (R-New limit. Committee. Prague), HF251 would establish a 15-member Joe Glenn, president of Glenn Metalcraft Hosch said that when allowed to impose commission to study the state tax revenue system in Princeton, said he paid $90,000 in sales smaller fines for minor violations, as is the and make recommendations to the Legislature tax on Feb. 5 for equipment he needed to help practice with some small municipalities, there for revenue neutral changes, including a draft differentiate his company from others in the is a marked decrease in traffic violations. bill implementing its recommendations by July industry. In support of Hosch’s bill, Winona Chief 2009. Appointees would include private citizens David Owen, president of DHY of Police Frank Pomeroy said when the city and legislative members. Corporation, a precision machining company began to assess administrative fees, drivers Heard Feb. 14 by the House Taxes in Lakeville, said global competition is began to slow down, and the number of Committee, the bill was held over for possible making it difficult for manufacturing annual accidents fell from 1,200 to 800. inclusion in an omnibus bill. It has no Senate businesses in the United States. companion. “We are literally fighting for our lives,” he Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) didn’t said. “It feels a little like being a dying patient Restricted driver’s license appearance like the meaning of a “private” citizen when and having blood taken from you, and it just Joey Jordan didn’t get to graduate from high the private citizens would be of “recognized sits on a shelf somewhere. Then they come and school, get married or raise a family. standing and distinction and who possess give it back to you when you’re even sicker. It The 16-year-old was killed instantly when demonstrated capacity to discharge the duties seems pointless and it’s discouraging.” he was hit head-on by a drunken driver 19 … who have special experience or knowledge A trio of companion bills, SF159, SF234 months ago. Behind the wheel of the other in taxation, economics and accounting.” and SF117, sponsored by Sens. Betsy Wergin vehicle was a 25-year-old with three prior “I want to see real people on this committee,” (R-Princeton), Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley) convictions for driving under the influence. Rukavina said. and Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), await action “This is a hell I hope none of you ever have He added that a man with epilepsy called him by the Senate Taxes Committee. to go through,” Kathy Jordan, Joey’s mother, the other day saying he had to choose between told the House Transportation and Transit

February 16, 2007 Session Weekly 15 Policy Subcommittee Feb. 14. Santa Fe) rail line just two miles south of (R-Andover), HF661 would add “or city A bill they strongly support would make it Interstate 394,” Hortman said, indicating street” to the 30 mph zone. less likely. the study would be directed to that stretch of It was held over Feb. 12 by the House Sponsored by Rep. John Ward (DFL- track. Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Brainerd), HF676 would change the Brady Priest lives in Plymouth and works Committee for further discussion. appearance of a restricted driver’s license as an attorney in downtown Minneapolis. Andover Mayor Michael Nash spoke about that disallows consumption of alcohol to the His 12-mile commute generally takes 25-30 an incident where a car going the speed limit same color as that of a driver under the age of minutes, even though he pays to use the in a residential area tried to make a turn, lost 21, and that there be a symbol or letter on the so-called “Sane Lane” on a regular basis. control, hit a house and exposed a gas line. There front of the license indicating it is a so-called However, winter weather or a traffic incident was an explosion and the house was destroyed. “B-Card.” can easily extend his commute to more than Nash said many Andover residents, called him “We want to make it more visible to prevent an hour. asking, “Why is the limit 55? Can’t you change future tragedies,” Ward said. “I believe a rail line connecting the western it?” Approved by the subcommittee, the bill, suburbs to the Twin Cities will be a great Andover City Engineer David Berkowitz, which has no Senate companion, next goes to improvement to the quality of life for those who said he spends a lot of time answering the House Transportation Finance Division. who, like me, head downtown every day on residents’ questions about the speed limit, said Under current law, the Department of what’s become an ever more congested 394,” there are areas within the community that are Public Safety can issue a license to certain he said. not designed for high motor vehicle speeds. drivers if the applicant signs a written Hortman said the study would also look at The city has put up warning signs throughout agreement to certain restrictions, such as no integrating the corridor with other planned but people are not slowing down. alcohol use. projects, such as the Southwest Rail Transit The city petitioned the Department of The problem with the current license is Corridor. Transportation to lower the speed limit to 30 that the restriction is placed on the back of A companion bill, SF189, sponsored by mph, but the department determined the limit the license in small print. Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka), was should stay at 55 mph, Berkowitz said. Marc Jordan, Joey’s dad, used to operate scheduled to be heard Feb. 15 by the Transit Bernard Arseneau, state traffic engineer three bars. He wasn’t aware of the restriction’s Subdivision of the Senate Transportation with the department, said the department location until he asked to see the license of a Budget and Policy Division. wants to maintain manageable statutory co-worker that had been arrested for a DWI. speeds throughout the state, while keeping “Nobody looks at the back of the card,” he the flexibility to work with areas like Andover. said. Slow it down Further research is being done and the “This way the bartender can more easily The speed limit on roads within urban department will propose a solution to spot the provision,” Kathy added. districts or on a town road in a rural residential Andover within a year, he said. Rep. Shelley Madore (DFL-Apple Valley) district is 30 mph, but the limit can jump to A companion bill, SF747, sponsored by Sen. and Rep. Mike Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) 55 mph in other areas. For some, that’s way Betsy Wergin (R-Princeton), has been sent to both said the bill would help, but noted too fast. the Senate Transportation Committee. the onus is on servers to check everyone’s Sponsored by Rep. Kathy Tingelstad identification. “Restaurants should have to card everyone,” Nelson said. “We need to add that.” Supermileage demo

Rail feasibility study An updated mode of transportation may one day come close to duplicating a time when streetcars ran between Lake Minnetonka and Minneapolis. Sponsored by Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), HF246 would provide $500,000 for the Metropolitan Council to work with the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota and the university’s Center for Changing Landscapes to study the use of light or corridor rail from downtown Minneapolis to Ridgedale Drive, with the possibility of extending the line to Wayzata. photo by tom olmscheid A report would be due to the Legislature by Eden Prairie High School seniors Eddy Stilson, bottom, and Jared Hylander look at one of the Dec. 15, 2007. components of the school’s supermileage vehicle that was on display Feb. 13 in the Rotunda as Approved Feb. 13 by the House part of Career and Technical Education Week. Students participating in the Minnesota Technol- ogy Education Association design and build one-person vehicles to achieve maximum mileage Transportation Finance Division, the bill efficiency. Last year’s Eden Prairie vehicle achieved 230 mpg. This year’s competition will be next goes to the House Finance Committee. May 15-16 in Brainerd. “There is an existing (Burlington Northern

16 Session Weekly February 16, 2007 PEOPLE

No stranger to the Capitol DISTRICT 33B Berns looks to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor 2002 population: 39,943 Largest city: Minnetonka By Nick Busse and — last but not least — a proud dad. He County: Hennepin In an article in the May 12, 2006, issue of and his wife have three children, the youngest Top concerns: Education, property Session Weekly, retiring Rep. Barb Sykora of which was born right before last year’s taxes, health care and invasive aquatic (R-Excelsior) left a piece of advice for her election. species successor: “Have an But Berns, who grew up in a small Iowa farm open door. Be willing town “in the middle of nowhere,” is especially to listen to all sides.” excited about his newest challenge. on controlling the spread of invasive aquatic Her successor turned “I’m very honored to be here. Probably species. out to be Rep. John like most people who are elected, you never “I really want to make sure the state does Berns (R-Wayzata), who imagine growing up as a kid that you’ll have everything it can to prevent zebra mussels read that advice and the opportunity to serve in the Minnesota from invading,” Berns said. “At the same took it to heart. House of Representatives,” he said. time, the state needs to do more research to “In Barb’s tradition, As a legislator, Berns’ priorities include eradicate milfoil. Those are really big issues Rep. John Berns because she was a great several common themes like education, in my district.” legislator, I will always listen and be there for property taxes and health care, as well as one As for being a Republican in a DFL- my constituents,” Berns said. that’s not so common. controlled Legislature, Berns said he’s No stranger to the Capitol, Berns works “If you look at the map, my district’s got optimistic. as Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s No. 2 lawyer. He a big blue spot in the middle of it, which is “We have so much in common, both as is also a volunteer firefighter, a former Lake Minnetonka,” Berns said, adding that 10 people and as public servants who want to prosecutor, former city council member, of the 11 cities in his district touch the lake. get things done, and that really makes me feel former conservation district board member, He said he’d like to see the state focus more good.”

Keeping himself accessible DISTRICT 53A Gardner’s blog helps him connect with constituents 2002 population: 36,629 Largest city: Shoreview By Lee Ann Schutz composting and recycling efforts, they don’t Counties: Anoka and Ramsey Besides being a new member of the House, generate enough garbage to fill a 30-gallon Top concerns: Transportation, Rep. Paul Gardner (DFL-Shoreview) claims container weekly. education, health care, environment new membership to the Minnesota chapter An avid recycler since his college days, and property taxes of the General Society of he recognizes how the state can benefit the War of 1812, a group economically from recycling efforts. “We of descendents from the actually need more recyclables. Countries, like (construction) calendar because of funding historic war. China, are buying up scrap metal, aluminum issues. I think you will see a big suburban push G a r d n e r ’s a v i d and plastic. And this has driven up the price, for transportation funding,” he said. interest in genealogy, making the business of recyclables attractive,” To make government more transparent and his 15-year search he said. and accessible to his constituents, Gardner of his family’s lineage, Gardner earned his House seat by the has established his own weekly blog at www. led to documentation slimmest margin of any member. His 55-vote paulgardner53a.blogspot.com. “It’s not Rep. Paul Gardner that his great- great- lead triggered an automatic recount, where commentary, but it’s a chance for people to great- great-grandfather played a significant four of those votes went to his opponent. see who is coming to the office. I really want role in the war. Throughout the campaign, he focused constituents to speak up,” he said. But tracing his family roots is not the only on five issues: education, affordable health Gardner also serves on the House Energy area where he has a strong interest — just care, transportation, environment and rising Finance and Policy and Environment and bring up the topic of recycling. property taxes. Natural Resources Finance divisions; Gardner stepped down as executive director “Transportation is very important to my House Environment and Natural Resources of the Recycling Association of Minnesota constituents. I-694 is a bottleneck between Committee; and is vice chairman of the after his election. Between his family of four’s 35E and 35W. That hasn’t been on the Minnesota Heritage Finance Division.

February 16, 2007 Session Weekly 17 f e B r u a ry 12 - 15, 2007 BILL INTRODUCTIONS House files 802 - 1062

Monday, February 12 HF814-Bly (DFL) HF825-Morrow (DFL) HF836-Kalin (DFL) E-12 Education Transportation Finance Division Finance HF802-Doty (DFL) Teacher education and compen- Recreational vehicle combinations Debt service equalization aid Agriculture, Rural Economies & sation helps (TEACH) program length limit for middle vehicle program state aid increased. Veterans Affairs established. removed. War Orphans Act surviving military HF837-Lanning (R) spouses and children; educational HF815-Demmer (R) HF826-Mariani (DFL) Finance benefits eligibility clarified and Finance Higher Education & Work Force Debt service equalization aid in- extended. Voluntary all-day kindergarten fund- Development Policy & creased and equalizing factors ing provided. Finance Division indexed. HF803-Benson (DFL) Motor vehicle manufacturing plant E-12 Education HF816-McNamara (R) and facilities required to be main- HF838-Erickson (R) SMART Board pilot program funding Finance tained for a period of time after Finance provided in school districts through- Prairie and wetland restoration plan- closure. Independent School District No. 480, out the state. ning and resource inventory funding Onamia, levy authorized. provided relating to University of HF827-Knuth (DFL) HF804-Atkins (DFL) Minnesota land in Dakota County. Finance HF839-Welti (DFL) E-12 Education Greenhouse motor vehicle emis- Finance International Baccalaureate, Pre- HF817-Benson (DFL) sions reduction initiative enacted, Debt service equalization aid Advanced Placement and Advanced Finance and statewide transportation plan program state aid increased. Placement programs participation Declining enrollment funding modified to reflect environmental increased. increased. impacts. HF840-Greiling (DFL) Finance HF805-Ruud (DFL) HF818-Hortman (DFL) HF828-Kahn (DFL) Early childhood and family, pre-kin- Finance Transportation Finance Division Commerce & Labor dergarten through grade 12 and adult Inflationary adjustment limitation Towing authority granted to De- A resolution urging the president and education funding provided. removed relating to school district partment of Transportation within Congress to end trade, financial and referendum allowance limit. metropolitan district, and hazardous travel restrictions to Cuba. HF841-Benson (DFL) materials and motor vehicle carrier Finance HF806-Faust (DFL) provisions modified. HF829-Paymar (DFL) Program growth factors re-estab- Finance Finance lished, and special education pro- Career and technical revenue HF819-Doty (DFL) Public safety, corrections, courts, grams funding increased. increased for school districts. Commerce & Labor public defenders and other criminal State lottery games required for the justice funding provided and fees HF842-Huntley (DFL) HF807-Ruud (DFL) benefit of the arts, historic preser- modified. Finance Finance vation and conservation; and arts Child care, children and family, Equity revenue increased for school fund and historic preservation fund HF830-Nornes (R) licensing, health care, continuing districts above the 95th percentile. created. Taxes care, mental health, health insur- Job opportunity building zone tax ance and Department of Health HF808-Tillberry (DFL) HF820-Rukavina (DFL) benefits extended. provisions modified. E-12 Education Higher Education & Work Force Licensed student services personnel Development Policy & HF831-Sailer (DFL) HF843-Benson (DFL) aid provided. Finance Division Finance Taxes University of Minnesota; Regent Independent School District Electronic filing of individual HF809-Dominguez (DFL) Candidate Advisory Council and No. 2311, Clearbrook-Gonvick, income tax returns provided. Finance regent nomination and election authorized to use health and safety Basic education aid increased. provisions repealed. revenue to demolish a building. HF844-Tschumper (DFL) Agriculture, Rural Economies & HF810-Swails (DFL) HF821-Smith (R) HF832-Buesgens (R) Veterans Affairs E-12 Education Public Safety & Civil Justice E-12 Education University of Minnesota organic Gifted and talented licensure and Property offense monetary thresholds General education access grants for research and education initiative continuing education requirements adjusted. students authorized. funding provided. established for teachers and other staff and administrators. HF822-Clark (DFL) HF833-Brown (DFL) HF845-Bly (DFL) Higher Education & Work Force Finance Agriculture, Rural Economies & HF811-Wardlow (R) Development Policy & Special education additional aid pro- Veterans Affairs E-12 Education Finance Division vided, and program growth factors Alternative livestock research and Mathematics and science professional Neighborhood revitalization pro- increased in regular and excess cost outreach funding provided to the development programs provided. gram expiration date extended. special education revenue. Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture at the University of HF812-Seifert (R) HF823-Juhnke (DFL) HF834-Scalze (DFL) Minnesota. E-12 Education Finance Finance School day minimum length Willmar airport runway extension Metropolitan Regional Parks System HF846-Doty (DFL) established. funding provided. funding provided. Agriculture, Rural Economies & Veterans Affairs HF813-Eastlund (R) HF824-Juhnke (DFL) HF835-Demmer (R) Organic certification cost-share E-12 Education Finance E-12 Education assistance and sustainable agricul- School board special election petition Willmar airport relocation repay- Alternative school calendar pilot ture demonstration grants funding requirements clarified. ment waived, future fund reductions program established to examine the provided. prohibited and runway extension and impact of school calendar arrange- improvements required. ments on student learning.

18 Session Weekly February 16, 2007 HF847-Hosch (DFL) HF859-Hausman (DFL) HF872-Anzelc (DFL) HF883-Marquart (DFL) Local Government & Finance Commerce & Labor Finance Metropolitan Affairs St. Paul RiverCentre loan repayment Ainsworth Lumber Company; extra Red River basin digital elevation Counties and cities authorized to forgiven; city of St. Paul funding unemployment benefits provided for model funding provided. impose administrative penalties for provided to defease, pay, redeem or certain workers. certain traffic violations. refund city bonds. HF884-Otremba (DFL) HF873-Rukavina (DFL) Finance HF848-Marquart (DFL) HF860-Hausman (DFL) Finance Minnesota Agricultural Educa- Taxes Finance Centers for Independent Living tion Leadership Council funding Agricultural homestead distance St. Paul RiverCentre loan repayment funding provided. provided. limitation eliminated, agricultural forgiven; city of St. Paul funding market value homestead credit in- provided to defease, pay, redeem or HF874-Anzelc (DFL) HF885-Hilty (DFL) creased and agricultural homestead refund city bonds. Finance Local Government & class rate reduced. Northome municipal building Metropolitan Affairs HF861-Gunther (R) funding provided. Cloquet local sales tax authorized. HF849-Moe (DFL) Finance Environment & Natural Resources St. James road improvements funding HF875-Slocum (DFL) HF886-Hausman (DFL) Shoreland resorts development regu- provided. Finance Finance lation provided. Fort Snelling Upper Bluff emer- Capital improvements funding HF862-Liebling (DFL) gency building stabilization funding provided. HF850-Clark (DFL) Taxes provided. Finance Taxpayer assistance toll-free HF887-Kohls (R) Youthbuild program funding telephone lines required. HF876-Swails (DFL) Finance provided. Governmental Operations, Reform, Highway and bridge construction HF863-Hortman (DFL) Technology & Elections funding provided. HF851-Gunther (R) Environment & Natural Resources Public Employees Retirement As- Finance California vehicle emissions stan- sociation general plan service credit HF888-Kohls (R) Jobs and economic development dards adopted and updates provided purchase authorized for a St. Paul Finance funding provided, mortgage licensing to comply with the federal Clean employee. Highway and bridge construction requirements modified, construction Air Act. projects funding provided. codes and licensing recodified and HF877-Norton (DFL) modified, State Building Code modified HF864-McNamara (R) Finance HF889-Murphy, M. (DFL) and penalties provided. Finance Speech-language pathologists loan Governmental Operations, Reform, Hastings Veterans Home supportive forgiveness program and account Technology & Elections HF852-Johnson (DFL) housing funding provided. established. Public Employees Retirement Commerce & Labor Association administrative provi- State fairgrounds area liquor license HF865-Urdahl (R) HF878-Doty (DFL) sions modified. authorized. Finance Agriculture, Rural Economies & Greenleaf Lake State Park land acqui- Veterans Affairs HF890-Magnus (R) HF853-Dill (DFL) sition funding provided. Board of Animal Health consultants Finance Environment & Natural Resources expanded to include the commis- Regional transportation planning Timber sales provided on tax-for- HF866-Urdahl (R) sioner of agriculture. funding provided. feited lands. Finance Howard Lake ditch work grant HF879-Nelson (DFL) HF891-Nelson (DFL) HF854-Sailer (DFL) provided. Taxes Finance Environment & Natural Resources Contractor payment withholdings Hennepin Technical College Brook- Video display device collection, trans- HF867-Bigham (DFL) required. lyn Park campus asset preservation portation and recycling provided; and Public Safety & Civil Justice funding provided. civil penalties imposed. Burglary in the second degree crime HF880-Atkins (DFL) definition modified. Finance HF892-Hilstrom (DFL) HF855-Atkins (DFL) Trunk Highway 55 and Yankee Finance Finance HF868-Buesgens (R) Doodle Road interchange funding Teacher professional development Trunk Highway 52 east and west front- Local Government & provided. funding provided. age roads in Dakota County construc- Metropolitan Affairs tion provided and bonds issued. Trust funds for post-employment HF881-Hilstrom (DFL) HF893-Dill (DFL) benefits authorized for political Local Government & Environment & Natural Resources HF856-Atkins (DFL) subdivisions. Metropolitan Affairs Aquatic plant harvest and destruction Taxes Metropolitan Land Planning Act permit provisions modified. Homestead property taxes limited to a HF869-Sailer (DFL) and related statutes modified, and percentage of homeowner’s income. Finance erroneous and obsolete references HF894-Davnie (DFL) Urban and tribal Indian housing corrected. Finance HF857-Paymar (DFL) programs funding provided. Head Start funding increased. Public Safety & Civil Justice HF882-Hilstrom (DFL) Minnesota Financial Crimes Over- HF870-Fritz (DFL) Local Government & HF895-Eken (DFL) sight Council annual report to the Finance Metropolitan Affairs Public Safety & Civil Justice Legislature required. Medford wastewater treatment facility Metropolitan livable communities County withdrawal from regional jail funding provided. fund governing provisions modified, system authorized. HF858-Sailer (DFL) funds transfer authorized and one- Finance HF871-Rukavina (DFL) time transfer for local planning as- HF896-Doty (DFL) Big Bog State Recreation Area funding Taxes sistance grants and loans provided. Environment & Natural Resources provided. National Service Trust educational All-terrain vehicle account purposes awards income tax subtraction modified, and gasoline usage attribut- authorized. able to all-terrain vehicle operation amount modified.

February 16, 2007 Session Weekly 19 HF897-Simpson (R) HF907-Paymar (DFL) HF920-Slawik (DFL) HF932-Hilstrom (DFL) Taxes Public Safety & Civil Justice Finance Finance Federal income tax conformity Independently licensed mental health Child care provisions modified and Independent School District No. 279, provided relating to 2006 and 2007 care professionals authorized to MFIP and basic sliding fee child care Osseo, Northwest Hennepin Family provisions authorizing expensing of deliver service to inmates. programs consolidated. Center funding provided. certain depreciable assets. HF908-Liebling (DFL) HF933-Tillberry (DFL) HF898-Hilstrom (DFL) Health & Human Services Commerce & Labor Public Safety & Civil Justice Quality assurance system to in- Tuesday, February 13 Vehicle Protection Product Act State and local jail and prison inmates clude additional service recipients adopted. HF921-Hilstrom (DFL) required to be housed in publicly expanded; sunset dates removed. Taxes owned and operated facilities, and HF934-Clark (DFL) Tree-planting income tax credit private prison contracting and Prai- HF909-Jaros (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources provided. rie Correctional Facility contract Finance Polybrominated diphenyl ether renewal prohibited. Duluth Children’s Museum to expand manufacture and sale restricted. HF922-Thissen (DFL) the early childhood learning spaces. Health & Human Services HF899-Gunther (R) HF935-Scalze (DFL) Mental health provisions modified, Finance HF910-Jaros (DFL) Local Government & provider rate increases authorized, Fairmont sports complex funding Health & Human Services Metropolitan Affairs medical assistance coverage modi- provided. Respite care in relative custody Metropolitan Intercounty Associa- fied and evidence-based practice assistance cases provided. tion renamed the Minnesota Inter- implemented. HF900-Gunther (R) county Association. Finance HF911-Thissen (DFL) HF923-Hornstein (DFL) Ceylon softball field lighting funding Health & Human Services HF936-Hornstein (DFL) Public Safety & Civil Justice provided. Self-directed personal supports op- Public Safety & Civil Justice Mental health fatality review team tion established; Minnesota supple- Crisis Intervention Team State established. HF901-Gunther (R) mental aid standard modified. Council established. Finance HF924-Dominguez (DFL) Tuition increases at public higher HF912-Hornstein (DFL) HF937-Brynaert (DFL) Commerce & Labor education institutions limited. Health & Human Services Finance Unpaid work for cash assistance MFIP and child care provisions modi- Minnesota State University, Manka- prohibited. HF902-Gunther (R) fied; foreign operating corporation to, Trafton Hall phase 2 funding Biosciences & provisions changed and clarified. provided. HF925-Lenczewski (DFL) Emerging Technology Energy Finance & Policy Division Minnesota Biomedical Science Re- HF913-Thissen (DFL) HF938-Hortman (DFL) Renewable energy standard modified. search Facilities Authority and the Health & Human Services Finance biomedical sciences research project Moratorium regarding beds and Minnesota State Colleges and Univer- HF926-Peterson, A. (DFL) funding program established, funds expending group residential housing sities tuition stability provided. Finance provided and reports required. supplemental rates waived. Septic systems’ impact on the envi- HF939-Kranz (DFL) ronment study provided through the HF903-Severson (R) HF914-Fritz (DFL) Finance University of Minnesota Extension Agriculture, Rural Economies & Health & Human Services Deed tax percentage adjusted, rental Service. Veterans Affairs MinnesotaCare four-month un- housing assistance provided and Federal Montgomery GI Bill for the insured requirement for children housing account for leverage oppor- HF927-Hortman (DFL) Selected Reserves; Congressional eliminated. tunity established. Finance reform exhorted to permit members Equity, transition and referendum of the National Guard and Reserves HF915-Ruth (R) HF940-Lenczewski (DFL) revenue programs equalizing factor to receive and use federal educational Health & Human Services E-12 Education increased. benefits following separation from Payment rates for nursing facilities in Schools educational mission and com- active status and discharge. Steele County to the geographic group petitive extracurricular programs HF928-Dill (DFL) III median rate increased. advisory task force established. Taxes HF904-Dill (DFL) Shooting range targets sales specified Environment & Natural Resources HF916-Thissen (DFL) HF941-Lenczewski (DFL) as a sale of property for resale. Land acquisition, landowners’ bill Health & Human Services E-12 Education of rights and mineral interest record Child care centers and homes inspec- Open enrollment transfer student in- HF929-Ruud (DFL) requirements modified; state park tions and reports required. eligibility for postseason tournament Taxes additions and deletions provided; and competition criteria specified. Minnetonka water treatment facil- public and private sales and convey- HF917-Clark (DFL) ity construction materials sales tax ances of state lands authorized. Health & Human Services HF942-Davnie (DFL) exemption provided. Lice and scabies treatment products Finance HF905-Scalze (DFL) that contain the pesticide Lindane HIV information and referral service HF930-Dean (R) Local Government & prohibited. provided. Taxes Metropolitan Affairs Health insurance premiums income Cities to operate preventative health HF918-Norton (DFL) HF943-Mullery (DFL) tax subtraction authorized. services programs authorized. Health & Human Services Taxes Essential community provider desig- Deemed dividend corporate franchise HF931-Mullery (DFL) HF906-Thissen (DFL) nation extended. tax deduction for foreign operating Commerce & Labor Finance corporations limited. Predatory mortgage lending practices Birth defects information system HF919-Welti (DFL) prohibited and civil and criminal money appropriated. Local Government & HF944-Juhnke (DFL) penalties imposed. Metropolitan Affairs Finance Elgin, Eyota, Byron and Oronoco au- Fishing; Let’s Go Fishing grants thorized to act as small cities for pur- provided to promote fishing poses of use of revenues from certain opportunities. economic development districts. 20 Session Weekly February 16, 2007 HF945-Juhnke (DFL) HF955-Nornes (R) HF967-Koenen (DFL) HF980-Knuth (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Taxes Taxes Finance Fishing opportunities endowment Federal income tax conformity pro- Income tax additions eliminated. Referendum aid adjustment modified account established. vided relating to federal rules on sec- for open enrollment students. tion 179 expensing retroactively. HF968-Koenen (DFL) HF946-Lieder (DFL) Taxes HF981-Brown (DFL) Finance HF956-Lenczewski (DFL) Grain bins and fencing materials sales Finance Motor fuel and motor vehicle taxes Taxes tax exemption provided. State special education revenue increased, county transportation Bloomington fiscal disparities pool formulas fully funded, and special taxes authorized, transportation contribution obligation eliminated. HF969-Simpson (R) education aid appropriation made impact fees imposed, and highway and Taxes open and standing. bridge construction provided. HF957-Zellers (R) Tier I homestead resorts market value Taxes modified. HF982-Norton (DFL) HF947-Howes (R) Homestead property tax maximum Finance Local Government & imposed for qualified homeowners HF970-Demmer (R) Independent School District No. 535, Metropolitan Affairs age 65 and older. Health & Human Services Rochester, property tax levy certifica- Local government nonconforming lot Dodge and other specified coun- tion deadline date extended. use requirements limited. HF958-Solberg (DFL) ties nursing facilities payment rates Finance increased to the Olmsted County HF983-Ward (DFL) HF948-Moe (DFL) State agencies deficiency funding median rate. E-12 Education Environment & Natural Resources provided. Career academies and workplace Clean water legacy account modified, HF971-Hosch (DFL) connection three-year pilot project lottery net proceeds deposit modified HF959-Bunn (DFL) Finance established. and clean water funding provided. Finance Senior citizen programs funding I-94 corridor transportation and provided. HF984-Norton (DFL) HF949-Moe (DFL) transit improvements funding pro- E-12 Education Environment & Natural Resources vided, bonds issued and money HF972-Huntley (DFL) Student ACT and SAT entrance Great Outdoors Council and fund appropriated. Health & Human Services test fees reimbursed, and money established; Clean Water Council Intermediate care facilities for per- appropriated. modified. HF960-Simpson (R) sons with developmental disabilities, Environment & Natural Resources community service providers, and HF985-Benson (DFL) Deer hunting license fees for non- nursing facilities rate increase pro- E-12 Education resident youth provided at resident vided; and money appropriated. Board of School Administrators rule- Thursday, February 15 rate. making authority extended. HF973-Clark (DFL) HF950-Carlson (DFL) HF961-Ruud (DFL) Finance HF986-Erickson (R) Public Safety & Civil Justice Finance Employment support for persons with E-12 Education Fourth Judicial District obsolete Eden Prairie veterans memorial fund- mental illness authorized. Dual-credit course and program re- references and provisions removed, ing provided, bonds issued and money quirements provided for high school unintentional repeal corrected and appropriated. HF974-Otremba (DFL) students and 3R high school grants bail proceeds payment resumed for Health & Human Services provided. Hennepin County municipalities. HF962-Lenczewski (DFL) Children’s therapeutic services and Taxes supports rate increase provided. HF987-Davnie (DFL) HF951-Mullery (DFL) Commercial and industrial properties Finance Public Safety & Civil Justice general tax converted to a site value HF975-Koenen (DFL) Contract alternative program stu- Controlled substance sales criminal tax, site value standards authorized, Finance dents over the age of 21 authorized offender geographic restrictions poli- and estimated market value attribut- Comprehensive school reform fund- to receive instruction until gradu- cies established, increased sentences able to land portion reallocated. ing provided to replace reduced ation. provided for further drug sale crimes federal funds. in a restricted area and criminal pen- HF963-Ruth (R) HF988-Winkler (DFL) alties imposed. Finance HF976-Slawik (DFL) E-12 Education Local bridge replacement and reha- E-12 Education Technology task force and grants HF952-Howes (R) bilitation and local road improvement After-school community learning established for schools and school Finance program funding provided, bonds grant program established. district technology plan developed. Ice skating rinks and arena grants issued. provided. HF977-Davnie (DFL) HF989-Hilstrom (DFL) HF964-Ruth (R) Finance E-12 Education HF953-Kahn (DFL) Finance Special education excessive costs Open enrollment students authorized Finance Motor vehicle sales tax proceeds state payment required and program to participate in academic courses State government general legislative allocated. growth factor increased. and extracurricular and cocurricular and administrative funding provided, activities on the same basis as resident state and local government operations HF965-McFarlane (R) HF978-Hortman (DFL) district students. regulated and grant management Governmental Operations, Reform, Finance process established, and money Technology & Elections Independent School District No. HF990-Norton (DFL) appropriated. Election judges not affiliated with a 11, Anoka-Hennepin, authorized to E-12 Education major political party appointment purchase and restore native prairie Parent and family involvement school HF954-Welti (DFL) provided. and wetland adjacent to Riverview district policies required. Finance Elementary School; bonds issued; Agricultural research funding provid- HF966-Howes (R) and money appropriated. HF991-Thissen (DFL) ed to the University of Minnesota. Commerce & Labor Commerce & Labor Nurse overtime orders of compliance HF979-Winkler (DFL) Interior designers certification authorized. Finance changed to licensing requirements. Adult basic education aid modified and GED payment increased.

February 16, 2007 Session Weekly 21 HF992-Otremba (DFL) HF1003-Koenen (DFL) HF1014-Morgan (DFL) HF1026-Hortman (DFL) Health & Human Services Environment & Natural Resources Finance Finance Abortion; state-sponsored health Minnesota River Trail segment estab- Easements; modifying the price of Anoka County bicycle and pedes- program funding prohibited for use lished connecting Granite Falls and surplus easement or property ac- trian trail funding provided, bonds in funding abortions. Montevideo. quired for transportation purposes issued. and offered for reconveyance to origi- HF993-Norton (DFL) HF1004-Davnie (DFL) nal owner. HF1027-Kahn (DFL) Housing Policy & Finance & Commerce & Labor Taxes Public Health Finance Division Predatory mortgage lending practices HF1015-Murphy, E. (DFL) Cosmetic procedures sales tax Radon control federal building codes prohibited. Commerce & Labor imposed. adopted. Restroom access for customers HF1005-Lenczewski (DFL) regulated. HF1028-Urdahl (R) HF994-Urdahl (R) Local Government & Finance Public Safety & Civil Justice Metropolitan Affairs HF1016-Hansen (DFL) Darwin wastewater holding ponds Personal Responsibility in Food Municipal postemployment benefits Environment & Natural Resources design funding provided, bonds Consumption Act adopted prohibited for retired officers and employees Forest pest control measures issued. actions for weight gain as a result of authorized. provided. consuming certain foods. HF1029-Hilstrom (DFL) HF1006-Dettmer (R) HF1017-Brod (R) Governmental Operations, Reform, HF995-Hilty (DFL) E-12 Education Finance Technology & Elections Energy Finance & Policy Division Statewide health and physical educa- Le Sueur County lake cleanup Toll-free telephone line maintained Peak Oil; Governor memorialized, by tion requirements provided, school funding provided. to receive allegations of theft of pub- resolution, to take action to prepare a wellness policies posted on Education lic funds or property and rewards plan of response and preparation to Department Web site, grant program HF1018-Hausman (DFL) authorized. meet the challenges of Peak Oil. established for local school wellness Governmental Operations, Reform, policies. Technology & Elections HF1030-Mullery (DFL) HF996-Lesch (DFL) State general obligation bond Taxes Public Safety & Civil Justice HF1007-Bunn (DFL) proceeds provisions modified. Low-income rental property clas- Tax data classification and disclosure Taxes sification 4d extended. provisions clarified and modified, Tax conformity provided for tax year HF1019-Olin (DFL) and class 1b homestead declarations 2006 to the federal teacher expense Public Safety & Civil Justice HF1031-Anderson, S. (R) administration and classification deduction, tuition subtraction, and Predatory offender registration Finance provided. other provisions of the Tax Relief required for certain persons under I-494 median safety barrier construc- and Health Care Act, Heroes Earned the age of 18. tion funding provided. HF997-Kahn (DFL) Retirement Opportunity Act and Commerce & Labor Pension Protection Plan. HF1020-Johnson (DFL) HF1032-Loeffler (DFL) Off-sale wine licenses authorized for Finance Finance supermarkets. HF1008-Johnson (DFL) St. Paul summer youth employ- Nonresident undergraduate tuition Public Safety & Civil Justice ment grants provided, and money rates at state colleges and universities HF998-Atkins (DFL) Child placement background check appropriated. regulated. Taxes requirements modified. Local government purchases sales tax HF1021-Dill (DFL) HF1033-Simon (DFL) eliminated. HF1009-Hansen (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Public Safety & Civil Justice Taxes Lake Superior commercial fishing Employer retaliation protections HF999-Mahoney (DFL) Sesquicentennial celebration income provisions modified. expanded. Public Safety & Civil Justice tax checkoff provided and fund Child’s residence in foreign country established. HF1022-Knuth (DFL) HF1034-Peterson, A. (DFL) consideration required when deviat- Commerce & Labor Governmental Operations, Reform, ing from presumptive child support HF1010-Hilstrom (DFL) Rental vehicle no-fault auto insurance Technology & Elections amount. Governmental Operations, Reform, coverage regulated. Heating and cooling policy for state Technology & Elections building projects established. HF1000-Welti (DFL) Gang and Drug Oversight Council HF1023-Slawik (DFL) Finance statewide coordinator added to the Finance HF1035-Solberg (DFL) Consolidating school districts ac- law enforcement retirement fund. Child support enforcement pro- Environment & count flexibility created; and Inde- grams funding provided, and money Natural Resources pendent School District No. 2899, HF1011-Morgan (DFL) appropriated. Itasca County; tax-forfeited land as- Plainview-Elgin-Millville, fund bal- Finance surance fee exemptions provided for ance adjustment authorized. I-35W corridor transit way feasibility HF1024-Wagenius (DFL) certain exchanged land. study funding provided. Environment & Natural Resources HF1001-Carlson (DFL) Natural resources; agency service HF1036-Pelowski (DFL) Governmental Operations, Reform, HF1012-Otremba (DFL) requirements, drainage repair and Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology & Elections Taxes abandonment requirements, wet- Technology & Elections Teacher retirement plans reem- Rural land abutting public waters lands replacement requirements Lobbying activities related to a ballot ployed annuitant earnings limitation valuation provided. and exemptions modified; civil question exempted from campaign amount increased for part-time and enforcement provided; and money finance reporting requirements. substitute teachers. HF1013-Otremba (DFL) appropriated. Commerce & Labor HF1037-Hosch (DFL) HF1002-Hornstein (DFL) Body piercing services prohibited for HF1025-Peppin (R) Transportation Finance Division Taxes persons under the age of 18 without Energy Finance & Policy Division Reconveyance procedures established Alternative fuel vehicle income tax parental consent, and criminal and Nuclear fuel storage; existing pro- for real property having errors or credit provided. civil penalties imposed. hibition preventing Public Utilities omissions in the title. Commission from issuing certificate of need for new nuclear power plant abolished.

22 Session Weekly February 16, 2007 HF1038-Hosch (DFL) HF1044-Hosch (DFL) HF1050-Paymar (DFL) HF1056-Slawik (DFL) Transportation Finance Division Finance Finance Finance Trunk Highway 23 encroached- Student health insurance grant pro- Alcoholic beverage tax increased, Early childhood education provisions upon right-of-way reconveyance grams established. county probation supervision and modified. required. treatment services grants provided. HF1045-Dominguez (DFL) HF1057-Urdahl (R) HF1039-Brown (DFL) Local Government & HF1051-Hilty (DFL) E-12 Education Finance Metropolitan Affairs Governmental Operations, Reform, New teachers induction program Albert Lea remedial waste systems State lottery gross proceeds in lieu of Technology & Elections established relating to high-need construction funding provided, bonds sales tax distribution for metropolitan Indian Affairs Council membership subject areas and schools. issued. parks and open space clarified, and and other provisions modified. parks and open space commission HF1058-Thissen (DFL) HF1040-Howes (R) member compensation modified. HF1052-Thao (DFL) Public Safety & Civil Justice Finance Governmental Operations, Reform, Automatic enforcement of official Ice skating rinks and arenas grants HF1046-Hornstein (DFL) Technology & Elections traffic-control devices authorized. provided. Public Safety & Civil Justice Council on Asian-Pacific Min- Dog and Cat Breeders Act providing nesotans appointment process and HF1059-Madore (DFL) HF1041-Abeler (R) standards of care, and appropriating membership modified. Transportation Finance Division Health & Human Services money. Drivers required to possess a valid and Controlled substances prescrip- HF1053-Olin (DFL) unexpired driver’s license. tion electronic reporting system HF1047-Tschumper (DFL) Commerce & Labor established. Agriculture, Rural Economies & Theft of a computer that contains HF1060-Madore (DFL) Veterans Affairs identity information about the owner Transportation Finance Division HF1042-Murphy, E. (DFL) Program for the Assessment of or any other person felony penalty Driver’s license required information Local Government & Veterinary Education Equivalence imposed. modified. Metropolitan Affairs certification recognized, fees pro- Hennepin and Ramsey Counties vided, and drug use and prescription HF1054-Morgan (DFL) HF1061-Madore (DFL) mortgage registry and deed tax au- regulated. Taxes Transportation Finance Division thority expiration removed. Burnsville special tax increment Driver’s license cancellation provi- HF1048-Pelowski (DFL) financing districts authorized. sions modified. HF1043-Simon (DFL) Governmental Operations, Reform, Public Safety & Civil Justice Technology & Elections HF1055-Kahn (DFL) HF1062-Simon (DFL) Predatory offenders required to Department of Employee Relations Commerce & Labor Transportation Finance Division register electronic mail addresses abolished and duties transferred. State lottery ticket sales on state fair- Driver education provisions and related information to law grounds authorized. modified. enforcement. HF1049-Liebling (DFL) Finance Pipeline violations fines increased.

Politicians access Super Bowl tickets Nearly one-third of the Indiana General The Indianapolis Star reported that Others said they would have done the Assembly was able to see in person the 10 state senators and 35 representatives same thing. Indianapolis Colts win the Super Bowl. were among those purchasing tickets. The “How can you blame them for buying the The team offered to sell two tickets at $600 Indiana Legislature has 100 representatives tickets offered to them? If someone offered face value to state lawmakers, members of and 50 senators. me tickets for the game, at face value, I’d Congress, the City-County Council and Not surprisingly, a forum on the have been in Sunny Miami. And so would some municipal groups. About 175 tickets newspaper’s Web site contained posts from you! This is a non-issue,” wrote someone were sold. upset Colts fans. posting as “Reality Check.” According to WISH-TV, a spokeswoman “I don’t see how anyone can not look at Rep. Ralph Foley (R-Martinsville), who for Colts owner Jim Irsay said he “wanted to this as a perk even if they had to purchase the reportedly accepted the offer, speculated it offer tickets to public servants who make the tickets at face value. They didn’t have to stay could have been a way to thank legislators community better.” in the cold and have their names entered into for passing legislation for a new stadium. The tickets are not gifts; therefore, legislators a lottery to have the opportunity to buy the “Evidently they don’t check your voting and councilors do not need to report it. tickets. They should have been at the mercy record when they offer them, or perhaps I “Because of all the scrutiny this has been of the lottery process just like everyone else. wouldn’t have been on the list,” Foley told under, I’m certainly going to put it down,” I’m tired of our politicians acting like CEO’s WRTV-TV. Joanne Sanders, a member of the City- of companies,” wrote someone posting (M. Cook) County Council, told the station. under the name “Fairness.”

February 16, 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 The friendly skies (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550. To have a copy of Session Weekly Publicly accessible airports in the state...... 155 mailed to you, subscribe online at: www. Number that are paved...... 98 house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp or call: Number that are lighted turf...... 17 (651) 296-2146 or (800) 657-3550. Year the Metropolitan Airports Commission was created by the Legislature to If you enjoy Session Weekly, please consider promote safe, efficient, environmentally responsible air transportation services helping to defray production and mailing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area...... 1943 costs with a biennial voluntary subscription Passengers, in millions, served at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in 2006...... 35.6 of $20 or more. Millions in 2002...... 32.6 Millions projected in 2020...... 50 Make your check payable to Minnesota House of Representatives, and mail it to: Estimated takeoffs and landings, in millions, at Minneapolis-St. Paul House Public Information Services: International Airport and its six reliever airports in 2006...... 1.2 175 State Office Building Number at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport...... 475,656 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Estimated number at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie...... 144,000 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Estimated number at Holman Field in St. Paul...... 126,000 Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport rank among busiest airfields in the country....12 Session Weekly online is available at: www.house.mn. Airline companies that provide regularly scheduled service to the airport...... 13 Percent of service provided by Northwest Airlines, as approximate...... 80 Subscribe to Session Daily e-mail alerts at: Number of metropolitan markets flyers can travel to nonstop from www.house.mn/list/join.asp?listname=sess Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport...... 131 iondaily. Number that are domestic...... 116 To obtain a copy of a bill, call the Estimated millions of visitors that come to the Twin Cities metropolitan area Chief Clerk’s Office at (651) 296-2314. annually via the airport...... 6.5 Percent of travelers living outside the area...... 70 To find out about bill introductions or Estimated commission revenues in 2007, in millions...... $252.8 the status of a specific bill, call the House Index Office at (651) 296-6646. Percent from airport concessions...... 45 Percent from airline rates and charges...... 34 The House of Representatives can be found on State and local tax revenues received by the commission...... 0 the Web at: www.house.mn. Millions, as approximate, spent thus far by the commission to soundproof homes and People who are deaf and hard of hearing schools against aircraft noise from planes using Minneapolis-St. Paul may ask questions or leave messages by International Airport...... $340 calling the Minnesota Relay service at 711 Single-family homes that have been mitigated from noise since 1996...... 7,690 or (800) 627-3529 (TTY). Cost per home in the highest noise-level exposure areas, as approximate...... $45,000 Cost to homeowner...... 0 Check your local listings to watch televi- Year the nation’s first Air National Guard Squadron charter was issued to the sion coverage of House committees, floor Minnesota Air Guard...... 1921 sessions and select press conferences.

Sources: Presentation to the House Transportation Finance Division Feb. 8 by Jeff Hamiel, execu- tive director, Metropolitan Airports Commission; Office of Aeronautics, Minnesota Department of Transportation; Minnesota Aviation History Museum.