Tl Iii R Able of Contents

This document is made available electronically by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library as part of an ongoing digital archiving project. http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/lrl.asp

tl iii r able of contents:

3 Committees define objectives Senate reorganizes committees in preparation for the 1983 legislative session.

5 Ulland charts IR course New minority leader envisions active minority.

6 Freshmen face new challenge Twenty-one new senators are eager to make their mark.

16 1983 Senate Directory

The January 1983 issue of Perspec Assisting in the layout and production tives is designed to serve as an intro of this publication were Dawna duction to some of the people and Lichtscheidl and Cathy Cecil. issues that will be involved in the 73rd Session of the Minnesota Legislature. To that end, Perspectives offers brief The staff also covers legislative action profiles of the freshmen senators, the for its weekly news summary, Briefly, new minority leader and the 16 standing which is printed during session. The committees of the Senate. In addition, office's publications and informational the back cover lists the capitol address brochures are available free of charge On the cover: es and phone numbers of all 67 state to interested citizens. senators. Perspectives was prepared by Sister Michele McGurran, Chaplain the Senate Public Information Office For further information, call (612) 296 of the Senate, leads the members in staff. 0504 or write to: prayer during the opening day Senate Public Information Office ceremony of the 73rd Legislative Writers: Karen L. Clark Room B-29 Session. Photo by Mark M. Nelson Steve Senyk State Capitol Building and Steve Senyk. Photographer: Mark M. Nelson St. Paul, MN 55155.

2 1983 Committee chairmen standing left to right: Senators Chmielewski, Dieterich, C.C. Peterson, Hughes, Nelson, Berglin, R.D. Moe, Willet, D.M. Moe, Schmitz, lessard, Solon and Spear. Seated left to right: Senators Pehler, Vega, Merriam and D.J. Johnson. Not picured, Senator Purfeerst

Photo by Mark M. Nelson l1li i t fi J ti by Karen L. Clark Agriculture and Natural foreign trade proposals. Finally, there is a possibility committee members will With transition and change taking Resources discuss a proposal for entering into a place throughout state government, compact with other states on low-level the heart of the legislative process, the The Agriculture and Natural Resources radioactive waste. committee system, remains constant. Committee will remain under the The committee structure provides a stewardship of Chairman Gene stable framework for the careful Merriam for the next legislative Economic Development consideration and discussion of session. Of major importance, again and Commerce legislation before the Senate. Yet, even this year, will be consideration of the Senate committees must go legislation designed to provide a Sen. Sam Solon will take charge of the through a process of change and mechanism for dealing with hazardous new Economic Development and evolution. New committee chairmen waste clean-up procedures. In Commerce Committee for the and vice chairmen have been named, a addition, the committee will work on biennium. In addition to hearing issues number of committees have had a amendments to the 1980 Waste traditionally covered by past redefinition of jurisdiction and all Management Act and, possibly, Commerce Committees, such as standing committees have had new consider legislation setting an outstate banking, the panel will place an even members assigned. The following water management policy similar to greater emphasis on proposals represents a brief characterization of that established for the metro area last designed to speed Minnesota's what is in store for the 16 Senate year. In the area of agricultural economic recovery. The maintenance Committees during the 1983 legislative policies, committee members will of favorable business conditions, the session. devote hearings to the governor's spurring of economic development

3 through job creation and proposals for Finance policy committees, legislative small businesses are top priorities for proposals developed by the Health and the newly structured committee. The continued fiscal dilemma facing Human Services Committee will be the state will be the focal point of sharply circumscribed by the state's discussions conducted by Sen. Gerald financial situation. The committee will, Education Willet's Finance Committee. Members for instance, be working on changes to of the committee are charged with Rule 49, the nursing home The Education Committee will also developing the state's budget and will reimbursement procedure, with the have a new chairman. Sen. James therefore be keeping a close watch on possibility of a complete revision. In Pehler has been named to oversee the future revenue projections. With state addition, there will be continued maintenance of quality education funds in such short supply, budgets discussion of welfare eligibility throughout the state. Sen. Tom will be closely scrutinized during this standards and of the legislation Nelson's Education Aids Subcommittee budget setting legislative session. needed for compliance with federal will be responsible for drafting the standards. In the area of corrections, legislation setting the public education there will be more exploration of funding levels for the next biennium. solutions to the need for a new or Traditionally, the education aids bill is alternative women's correctional the largest component of the entire facility. Health cost containment state budget. proposals, suggestions from the Board on Aging and the question of whether home health agencies should be Elections and Ethics regulated are other items likely to The Elections and Ethics Committee come before the panel. will be chaired by Sen. Jerome Hughes, the new President of the Senate. The panel has no regularly scheduled Judiciary meeting time; instead it will meet on an "on-call" basis as bills are referred to For the first time in Senate history, the the committee. Possible proposals to Judiciary Committee will be headed by come before the committee range from achairman who is not an attorney-Sen. the reapportionment of the Metro Allan Spear. According to Spear, one Council districts to the discussion of of the most important items on the issues arising out of the most recent committee agenda for the session is election. the legislation necessary to implement the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Voters approved a constitutional amendment to establish the court, but Employment Sen. Don Moe the legislature must first enact the Workers' compensation and appropriate legislation. In addition, the unemployment compensation will be Governmental panel will devote some time to the the two main issues before the Senate juvenile code as well as a wide range Employment Committee. Sen. Florian Operations of other technical legal matters. Chmielewski will remain at the helm as The jurisdiction of the Governmental committee members wrestle with these Operations Committee has been two volatile subjects. The panel must altered to include the range of issues Local and Urban find a remedy for the $400 million relating to public employees' pay and unemployment compensation fund benefits, including public employee Government deficit and reconcile the workers' pension matters. In addition, the panel, compensation dilemma. The new chairman for the Local and directed by new chairman, Sen. Don Urban Government Committee is Sen. Moe, will continue to hear all bills Robert Schmitz. As in the past, the dealing with the operation and committee will hear issues bearing on Energy and Housing organization of state governmental local units of government including departments and agencies, such as the cities, urban towns, townships and The new chairman of the Energy and proposed reorganization of the Housing Committee, Sen. Conrad counties. Schmitz has been meeting Commerce Department. Moe also with representatives of the various Vega, foresees important indicated that confirmations of the developments in the areas of both local government associations in order various new gubernatorial energy and housing during the coming to develop an agenda for the 1983 appointments will occupy the biennium. He cites the need for session. committee's attention. committee members to thoroughly examine, and draft, legislation that will One possible topic of discussion is the be necessary to take advantage of mandates imposed on the local units of federal housing funds used to help Health and Human government at both the state and stimulate the economy. Vega also Services federal level. The committee will be indicated that the committee will be looking at possible modifications of looking at alternative energy sources Sen. Linda Berglin became the first those mandates in the future. such as peat and methane gas. The use woman to chair a Senate standing of surplus agricultural products as an committee when she assumed that energy source will be a priority with the position with the Health and Human panel. Services Committee. As with the other See Committees, page 15

4 Photos by Mark M. Nelson

II rt I r Senate Minority Leader James Ulland by Karen L. Clark by naming four assistant minority On the broader question of the place of leaders and a minority whip. Senators the minority caucus in the legislative When members of the DFL and the IR Darrel Peterson, Nancy Brataas, James process, Ulland said, "There is a classic caucuses met after the November Ramstad and Glen Taylor were named role for the minority and that role is to election, the first item of business for to the assistant minority leader posts support the proposals of the majority both groups was the filling of caucus and Sen. Ron Sieloff is the new that are in the public interest and to leadership positions. minority whip. oppose, and bring to public attention, those majority proposals that are not in DFL'ers reelected Sen. Roger Moe Ulland, who teaches part-time at the the pUblic interest." Consistent with majority leader and named Sen. School of Business and Economics at the classical aspect of the minority is William Luther assistant majority the University of Minnesota-Duluth, the responsibility to "critically review" leader. In addition, the majority caucus said the designation of the four the majority's proposals, to initiate chose Sen. Jerome Hughes to be the assistant minority leaders reflects a constructive alternatives and, new President of the Senate and "functional management" philosophy ultimately, to try and become the designated three majority whips: which emphasizes individual areas of majority party, he said. Senators Marilyn Lantry, Gregory Dahl expertise. He went on to indicate that and Tom Nelson. though there are several successful His role as caucus spokesman will be management structures depending on clear, he said, because of the For Independent Republicans, filling circumstances and personnel, "I think concentration of DFL power in both the position of minority leader was the the particular structure I am using fits legislative bodies and the governor's top priority because outgoing minority this caucus and its personnel better office. "I think the public will see a leader Sen. Robert Ashbach chose not than the other structures." For more classical minority, one that does to run in 1982. At their first meeting, example, Brataas and Peterson will critically review all proposals because Nov. 5, IR caucus members elected specialize in policy development and the proposals are all going to be Sen. James Ulland of Duluth as research. Taylor will be the assistant coming out of the majority party," the minority leader for the coming IR leader for administration and Ulland said. legislative session. Ulland then set Ramstad will be responsible for about the organization of the caucus communications. See Ulland, page 15

5 Sen. Belly Adkins (left) and Sen. Fritz Knaak join fellow members in taking the oath of office. Photo by Mark M. Nelson

by Steve Senyk shortfall in the budget, marking the fourth time that a special session was r When the Senate convened the 1983 required to balance the budget in the legislative session, 21 members were last two years. The tightened state sitting in the chamber for the first time. budget is adversely affecting the They, the freshmen senators, operation of local units of government compose nearly one-third of the and school districts. Unemployment Senate body. As a group they will continues to be high as a result of the have an impact on the formation of stifled economy and Minnesota state policy. Nine of the freshmen have businessmen are asking for served in the House of improvements in the state's business Representatives bringing with them climate. Legislators are feeling the the expertise and knowledge obtained pressure from citizens to put aside while working within the realm of the politicking and to form solutions to legislative process. The others bring a these and other problems confronting II variety of experiences and capabilities the state. as diverse as the people and interests they were elected to represent. The attitudes, aspirations, experience and determination of the freshmen Unquestionably, members of the senators will be important factors in legislature are taking office during a determining to what extent the '83 most difficult time. The '82 legislature legislature will be successful in solving recently solved a $312 million the state's problems.

6 protection of agriculture land and Anderson said he would like to begin quality education in Minnesota are alsc examining "a complete restructuring high on her priority list for the session. of state government." He added, "Over the past 50 years we have added a myriad of agencies and programs to state government to the point of overspending and overtaxing our citizens."

Betty Adkins - DFL Age: 48 Occupation: Housewife Home: St. Michael Don Anderson -IR Age: 48 Having served as Deputy Clerk of Occupation: Businessman Otsego Township, Adkins is familiar with the workings of local government, Home: Wadena and she cites the independent Gary DeCramer - DFL operation of townships as her main With 22 years of business experience, Don Anderson said he ran Age: 38 legislative concern. As vice chairman Occupation: Farmer and former of the Local and Urban Government for office because "state government, Committee, Adkins wants to play an more now than ever, needs well college instructor important role in examining state qualified people - especially with Home: Ghent business experience." policy in light of its effects on As a rural senator, Gary DeCramer townships. With that experience, Anderson said he emphasizes the importance of getting Adkins said she is concerned about the hopes to contribute his insight into the farm economy back in gear. As vice authority of township officers. "They expanding the state's economy, chairman of the Transportation have been, in the past, limited in what revising workers' compensation, Committee, he feels the state must they can do as township officers. That restructu ri ng unemployment address a major problem confronting has changed in the last three years and compensation benefits, and rural and urban citizens alike - rail I want to continue to see that change encouraging businesses to move to line and highway improvements. - to make the township officials more Minnesota by providing more favorable tax laws. DeCramer said, "As our economy responsive to the people, to make depends upon agriculture, the need for them able to do things for the people "I want to devote my energy toward good roads, since many of the rail lines that they can't now do without changing the poor business climate in are gone, becomes more important. incorporating and becoming a city. As Minnesota. Most small businesses have And whatever rail lines we have left, we townships increase in population, cut back drastically on their have to work to maintain." more services are demanded of them employees, and with the cost of doing and I just want to see that townships business in Minnesota, they don't According to DeCramer, the state must are able to provide those services." intend to hire them back," he said. look at increased dedicated funds for transportation. Adkins is especially concerned about Anderson also stresses the importance the state's fiscal stability and high of putting agriculture back on its feet. Concerning agriculture, DeCramer unemployment. She feels those are the "We must work with the people that indicated that the state must improve top legislative priorities for the feed us. They need a fair price. When its efforts in marketing Minnesota's legislature to concentrate on. She said agriculture is strong and healthy, the goods to improve farm prices. "We can she will carefully examine the effects of whole state of Minnesota will be strong do something on the state level to fiscal policy on local government, and healthy." improve farm prices. .. there is a education and programs for senior direction that the Dept. of citizens. Looking at ways to insure the After taking office in January, Agriculture can take beyond the

7 regulatory responsibilities it has had in pulling judges, lawyers, doctors and the past. And that direction is one of psychiatrists together and got some involvement in the marketing of cost effective legislation as a mental Minnesota products. We've got to work health commitment act amendment," with the producers of the commodity. Diessner said. What we're going after here is a cooperative marketing agreement Concerning the function of state between the states, and if that can be programs, Diessner said, "The first pUlled off, it would change the whole objective has got to be good cou rse of what mid-America is about." consequences; that the program should be producing good DeCramer also has other problems consequences and that those confronting his district. "My district consequences are needed. If there is a borders on South Dakota and Iowa, program out there that isn't really and businesses are moving from needed, that's when major cuts must Minnesota to those states. It is crucial be made." that we stop that exodus and reward the busi nesses that remai n." Diessner is concerned about insuring that the state will continue to provide DeCramer lists "drastic" reform of quality education and that its property workers' compensation rates as a way taxes will be "fair and equitable." He to begin addressing that problem. also indicated that he is 'concerned about environmental issues, such as Sen. Mike Freeman Other issues of importance to the clean-up of illegally disposed DeCramer are soil, water, wildlife hazardous waste. spending priorities and budget process conservation and the availability of back into order, thus insuring quality education. quality education. Mike Freeman - DFL Bill Diessner - DFL Freeman lists his strongest attributes Age: 34 as "enthusiasm, a high energy level Age: 49 Occupation: Attorney and knowledge of state government." Occupation: Doctor of medicine Home: Minneapolis He said that at 34 he is "young Home: Afton enough to be aggressive and Mike Freeman will be vice chairman of energetic ... fresh enough to want Bill Diessner is the first M.D. to serve in the Economic Development and to absorb lots of new ideas, and yet the Senate since 1941, and he hopes Commerce Committee, a committee hopefully, experienced enough in his personal experiences in the which has been renamed to reflect the government and politics to understand medical field will assist him in dealing emphasis on promoting economic the give and take natu re of it." with health care issues. Diessner will development in the state. In that serve as the vice chairman of the position, Freeman hopes to focus Doran Isackson - IR Employment Committee, where one much of his effort in an area of health-related issue - workers' concern to all - job creation. Age: 44 compensation - will again be Occupation: Farmer generating some controversy. "The principal job creation has been in Home: Storden small businesses, those of 50 people "I am very cost-effective or less, and about 80 percent of the Being a farmer and having held sales conscious ... I spent a couple years new jobs in the last 10 years has been and management positions in the created by small businesses, and I fertilizing industry, Doran Isackson is think we ought to look at that in terms concerned about Minnesota's business of specific job creation programs," he climate and its agricultural economy. said. Isackson listed unemployment as a Freeman said that one problem that chief concern of his constituents, has had a negative impact on the adding, "We need to deal with that by business climate in Minnesota has improving the business climate in the been the criticism about the climate, state so we will be able to keep the and he said he believes that the Senate businesses we have here, encourage will have "some fresh air in January of more businesses to move here and '83 and perhaps some of this constant encourage the expansion of carping will be over." He added, "I businesses that we have." don't think we enhance or improve our business climate by complaining about According to Isackson, Minnesota's it excessively." He said he plans to workers' compensation rates, meet with business leaders in his corporate and personal income tax district to talk about specific problems. rates and unemployment compensation rates must be examined Freeman's background in law will in regards to making Minnesota's enable him to serve as a member of the business climate more favorable. Judiciary Committee. Other areas of Sen. Bill Diessner concern to him are putting the state "I see workers' camp as the one that

8 Institutions/Insurance Committees. Tad Jude - DFL From that background, he learned that, Age: 30 "No one person can settle an issue; Occupation: Attorney you need to have a coalition of people - Democrats and Republicans, rural Home: Maple Grove legislators and metropolitan legislators. That is a very important In 1972, Tad Jude was the youngest aspect ... being able to get along legislator ever elected in Minnesota, with your colleagues." That is one and by 1981 he had been appointed aspect, Johnson said, he intends to chairman of the Judiciary Committee in pursue in the Senate. the House of Representatives. He indicated that his expertise and understanding on several issues was enhanced as a result of being a member of several committees: commerce, elections, energy, agriculture, environment, transportation, government operations and judiciary. In addition, he indicated that his knowledge of the issues and law, coupled with his familiarity with legislative resources, provide him with Sen. Doran Isackson strong attributes he plans to use in the Senate. stands above the rest as really making us non-competitive. We need to take care that we don't raise our taxes to the point where we make us less competitive than we are, thus driving more business out and requiring another round of increase in taxes. That seems to be self-defeating."

Concerning the agricultural economy, Isackson said, "We in state government need to take care that we Sen. Dean Johnson don't put a heavy burden on the farmer by increasing the property tax and sales tax on the things he buys. We Having served on the House don't want to make it tougher than it is Appropriations Committee, Johnson now by increasing his expenses. We said the state "needs to learn how to also need to look at doing whatever we live within its spending habits and can in our limited way to improve the reasonable spending appetites." He farm economy through the activities of added that the state must prioritize its state government ... like keeping spending, and by doing so, the state the port of Duluth open, for example." may keep some of its commitments, such as quality education. Isackson said that even though he is a Sen. Tad Jude freshman senator, his background will help him "bring a perspective of the The pressing issues that concern him According to Jude, his interest in people back home." and his constituents are job creation continuing to serve the citizens of and the expansion of the tax base. He Minnesota hinges on "the interest I is optimistic the legislature will make have in serving the people of our area some reform in these areas and in the - to find long-range, comprehensive Dean Johnson - IR area of workers' compensation and answers to major problems facing the Age: 35 education financing. But he is cautious state." He added, "We need to balance when viewing to what degree the state the budget while taking care of the Occupation: Lutheran pastor and can continue to provide services it legitimate needs of Minnesotans at the realtor deems necessary when Minnesota is same time. My more enjoyable Home: Willmar financially pressed. moments as a legislator are when I can help constituents with problems they Dean Johnson is a four-year veteran of have with government. State the legislative process, and he feels his "When you're financially strapped you government is here to help the people personal experiences in dealing with don't have much latitude or flexibility but needs to be reminded of that from the process will not only aid him, but in which way to go. It's not like the time to time. We need lean, responsive the Senate as well. early '70s, when money was government with the best interest of available and new programs could be Minnesotans at heart." In the House of Representatives, done ... we're just holding on by the Johnson served on the Appropriations, fingertips right now and we're back to Jude lists jobs, education, property Criminal Justice and Financial the basics," he concluded. taxes and solid and hazardou~ waste

9 disposal as some of the concerns Court; the regulation and institution of the Finance Committee, Laidig said he among his constituents. "These parimutuel betting; the assurance of would like to utilize his expertise and concerns are beyond simple solutions safe groundwater; and the experience on the Tax Committee. In and require thoughtful, long-range maintenance of quality education. But, that position, he would be able to responses. We need to find new according to Knaak, "The primary scrutinize how the state raises markets fClr Minnesota products, issue overshadowing all others is th'e revenues with the understanding of lessen the tax and workers' state's bUdget problem." how it prioritizes its spending. compensation payments of Minnesota businesses, keep our education strong As a group, Knaak feels the freshmen Laidig also contends that the way the without undo property tax reliance, senators will be very "constructive" as legislature handles the budget problem and encourage recycling. I look the session matures, and he will affect business. "If we continue the forward to addressing these serious anticipates making an impact on the rate of increase of entitlements as we concerns in the best possible manner." process. have in the past, business knows they will be the ones to likely finance it." He Fritz Knaak - IR Gary Laidig -IR added that to encou rage business growth in Minnesota, it is important for Age: 30 Age: 34 the legislature and the governor to Occupation: Attorney Occupation: Legislator send out a signal that demonstrates its Home: White Bear Lake Home: Stillwater compatability with business.

In a less-than-serious tone, Fritz Knaak With the experience of having served In addition, Laidig said business and said that to run for office in a time on the Appropriations Committee in labor representatives must come to when the state is so financially the House of Representatives, and terms in identifying the problems with pressed, the senators must be "a little workers' compensation before any concerned, idealistic and crazy." concrete solution can be reached. Unquestionably, all legislators will be faced with difficult decisions dealing Phyllis McQuaid - IR with the state's welfare, but Knaak feels this is a "fascinating time for Age: 54 freshmen to be involved in the Occupation: Former mayor of St. process." Louis Park Home: St. Louis Park Knaak said that holding down taxes is his biggest concern, and he will As mayor of St. Louis Park, Phyllis scrutinize state spending very McQuaid was required to work with carefully. He indicated he would like to other local elected officials, business focus his attention on business leaders and city constituents. She feels development in addition to the state's that understanding the concerns of finances. each of those groups and having worked for them at the city level will According to Knaak, an important step lend her a sound background for in promoting business development is taking the Senate seat. providing "major reform" in the workers' compensation rates. Other In her new role as senator, McQuaid issues important to Knaak are the stated, "Resolving the state's financial staffing and funding of the Appellate Sen. Gary Laidig having played a major role in the budget shortfall negotiations last winter, Gary Laidig has experience working in the legislature during difficult times. The energy and hardwork he exercised as a representative is sure to be his forte in the Senate, he indicated. "My first priority is going to be to try and be as good a senator as I have been a representative. When I came to the legislature I decided I did not want to sit in the back. I did not want to be a back-bencher ... I wanted to be an activist. I wanted to get on appropriations at the earliest possible time. I wanted to know how the system worked; how government functioned; how it was financed; and I had a chance to do that."

Sen. Fritz Knaak Rather than asking to be a member of Sen. Phyllis McQuaid

10 problems will be the most important "The tax laws and education funding thing the legislature can do. Helping process all came about in the early economic recovery in the state by '70s, and we live in a little encouraging new businesses to locate different world; things have changed here and discouraging existing and there needs to be revision in a lot companies from leaving will be of of these things. In general, our taxing paramount importance. Therefore, it system has become severely will be extremely important for complicated and there needs to be legislators to make some major some simplification ... the property revisions in the laws affecting tax has become slanted, it's an employers." inequitable type of situation. Also, we need to look at giving local units of On a local level, McQuaid is very government some option other than concerned about groundwater the property tax to raise revenue," contamination in her district, and she Mehrkens said. is anxious for the legislature to initiate a workable solution to insure timely In addition to resolving the state's clean-up of hazardous material. Also, fiscal problem, Mehrkens sees McQuaid would like to see a reducing high workers' compensation reexamination of the school aids rates as a top legislative priority for the formula, an examination of state coming season. He stresses the funding of local government units and importance of reducing those rates to Sen. Steve Novak an exploration of the appropriateness avoid the threat of businesses located of the state's jurisdiction over local on the border from moving to other service to the public than tax cuts and government control. states. He added that solving the other things we talk about." He also problem is essential to restoring said that resolving the budget problem Lyle Mehrkens - IR business activity in Minnesota. will remain the top legislative priority in Age: 45 the '83 session. "There are a number of companies Occupation: Farmer which are so close to moving that they Novak is also interested in maintaining Home: Red Wing are going to be watching to see the state's water quality; expediting whether something is done very hazardous waste clean-up; resolving Lyle Mehrkens decided to run for the quickly on workers' compensation. I the workers' compensation problem; Senate rather than continue to serve in don't think we can afford to string that examining methods to insure a sound the House for the simple reason that out until the end of the session," he road system in our state; and examining "with big complex problems you have stated. the gas and electric utility rate setting four years to work on them ... with a structure. fou r year term you can take off a big bite." Steve Novak - DFL Age: 33 Gen Olson -IR In the house, Mehrkens served on the Occupation: Legislator and real Age: 44 Appropriations, Transportation and estate sales representative Occupation: Vocational education Criminal Justice Committees. He director foresees the state undertaking major Home: New Brighton changes in the areas of taxation and of Home: Mound Steve Novak is another freshman who education funding. Gen Olson enters the Senate with the can hardly be considered a newcomer to the legislative process. He served expertise of having been the director of secondary vocational education for the eight years in the House, where he was vice chairman of the Tax Committee Anoka-Hennepin Independent School for the last two years and assistant district for six years. She also was an administrative fellow for the Minnesota majority leader for the last session. He cites his knowledge of the state's Research and Development Center for Vocational Education at the University budget process and tax structure and his experiences of being a leader as his of Minnesota, where she managed a project to further develop and field test strongest attributes. an occupational information system for His appointment as vice chairman of the state. the Taxes and Tax Laws Committee "My greatest expertise in terms of acknowledges his previous experience background thus far is in education, in dealing with a variety of people. and I would like to give a special emphasis to the financing of Citing unemployment and the status of education," she said. the economy as the main concerns among his constituents, Novak But Olson's background is not the only contends that "central to restoring the reason for her interest in these areas. economy in Minnesota is, frankly, to "The primary concern throughout our resolve the budgetary crisis and to area was the property tax issue. That's bring back a period of stability. He one of the reasons why I have a great added, "Stability in terms of deal of interest in both the funding of Sen. Lyle Mehrkens government structure is a far greater education and local government,

11 done with it or there is going to be funding of the MTC and workers' poor housing in the next few years. It's compensation. Of the latter, she said directly related to our whole energy she would like to see the establishment problem. If we can get those houses of a state competitive fund. rehabilitated; get them insulated; have them become more efficient; we are Larry Pogemiller - DFL solving several problems, and it's an area where we can put people to Age: 31 work," Peterson said. Occupation: Systems analyst Home: Minneapolis She indicated that in addition to the concerns of her constituents over the With two years of experience in the economy, she heard them complain House of Representatives, Larry repeatedly about the rise of home Pogemiller sees the top legislative bu rg laries. priority of the session as getting "our fiscal ship afloat so that local governments, the employees and the people of the state can have confidence in state government again ... and that will require tough decisions. "

Sen. Gen Olson During times of fiscal restraint, Pogemiller said the legislature must "take the time to thoughtfully analyze because these are two major uses of our services so we can prioritize our our tax dollar. But also, what we do at distribution of resources." the state level affects property taxes. Lately, we've been experiencing more Having served on the Criminal Justice and more of a shift of the burden back to property taxes. The property tax issue is not a simple one; it is a complex one and a lot of our policy decisions impinge on it."

Another concern of Olson's is the job and business climate. "We do not have a climate that is conducive to keeping business here. I would like to see the Sen. Donna Peterson legislature send some signals, immediate signals, to the business community that we are going to make "Practically every block has a victim on an effort to create a climate that will it. People live in fear of being a victim, allow them to do business here in or they live in fear because they've Minnesota." been a victim. We have got to take a look at what we're doing to the person In terms of sending that signal, Olson who is caught and actually convicted pointed to reform of workers' and of home burglary. My opinion is that unemployment compensation and an we have to look at that as a crime of examination of the state's tax structure person and not a crime of property." as important steps. Another concern of many families is education, according to Peterson. Sen. Larry Pogemiller

Donna Peterson - DFL "It's the future of our state and our nation to see that the children are Committee in the House, Pogemiller Age: 36 educated properly." She added, "When said he would like to continue his work Occupation: Legislator we make a commitment to a local unit in that area, specifically looking at Home: Minneapolis of government, whether it's city, sentencing guidelines as they pertain county or school district, that to burglaries. He also feels the state As a representative, Donna Peterson commitment must be fulfilled. They needs to provide funding for a new served two years as chai rman of the [local units] are in a situation now women's prison. Housing Subcommittee. The expertise where we make a commitment to give she gained in that position will assist them 'x' amount of dollars, and they Pogemiller is also interested in policies her as vice chairman of the Energy don't know if they are going to get it or concerning taxation, and said that the and Housing Committee in the Senate. not because of the budget situation. legislature "needs to re examine the How can they set thei r budgets local government aid formula and the "Housing is a problem area, not just accordingly?" relationship between property, sales for my district, but I think for the whole and income taxes, with the goal of state ... something has got to be Other problem areas she cited were the increasing the progressivity of our tax

12 burden while living within the means of where her skills as a lawyer will be particular job you have, if you're willing our ability to raise revenues." utilized. She indicated that judiciary is to work hard and you dedicate yourself one area she would like to develop to doing a good job for your district Pogemiller said he hoped that "two expertise in. and the state, then a lot of times it years of legislative experience will doesn't matter if you are in a position enable me to be a more effective "One of the exciting things about of tremendous power or prestige, but legislator. " being a lawyer and a state senator is it's individually how hard you work." the fact that we (lawyers) have such a broad background ... our training is In times of financial constraint, Ember Reichgott - DFL very general." Samuelson still feels it is necessary the Age: 29 state continue funding social service Occupation: Attorney Other areas of concern to Reichgott programs, and he feels keeping are reducing workers' compensation nursing home reform intact is very Home: Robbinsdale rates while "safeguarding rightful important. benefits" for injured workers; Ember Reichgott is the youngest continuing significant state support for Samuelson says the top legislative woman ever to take office in the education, post-secondary education priority for the legislature is job Senate. A lawyer by profession, she and vocational training; the protection creation. And to create jobs, he feels her experiences in representing of property tax relief; and maintaining indicated that reform of workers' small business will enable her to play programs for senior citizens. compensation rates is essential. an active role in promoting small business growth. Don Samuelson - DFL Donald Storm -IR According to Reichgott, the solution to Age: 50 Age: 50 the state's problems of high Occupation: Union business Occupation: Executive Director, unemployment, maintenance of quality manager Tasks Unlimited, Inc. education, and affordable property Home: Edina taxes is what she labels a "shot in the Home: Brainerd arm for the small business climate in As executive director of Tasks Minnesota." Having served on the House Appropriations Committee for 12 Unlimited, a firm which provides mental health rehabilitation services, "I feel that small business is the Don Storm has a strong background in mainstay of our economic system. an area that parallels one of his main Seventy to ninety percent of all new legislative interests - health and jobs come from small business, so if human services. we can stimulate that sector of the economy, we'd stimulate employment Realizing that those and other and hopefully, then, have more money programs will be scrutinized in times of in the economy to pay for such things the financial crunch, Storm said the as education. At the same time, we've state must prioritize its spending, got to watch our system of taxation to giving an edge to those programs that make it a fair and equitable system," directly assist people over other state she said. programs of less importance.

Reichgott will serve as the vice High on Storm's list of things to chairman of the Judiciary Committee,

Sen. Don Samuelson

years and having been the chairman of the Health, Welfare and Corrections division of the Appropriations Committee, Samuelson brings a great deal of experience with him to the Senate. His expertise in that position will be utilized in his position as chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health, Welfare and Corrections.

Samuelson said he forfeited his power in the House because "in the Sen. Ember Reichgott legislature, regardless of what Sen. Don Storm

13 accomplish is reducing legislation that Committee, an area of great concern to "impedes the entreprenurial approach him. with a lot of regulation." He said, "Entrepreneurs, eight to ten years ago, According to Stumpf, rural areas and took some liberties that shouldn't have smaller school districts are faced with been taken and the legislature decided challenges of maintaining good to put a cap on that, and in doing so, education at an affordable cost. they've really impeded entreprenurial spirit." "I think the challenge is to see how we can deliver quality education while Storm feels that "the state must maintaining the communities' identity establish a business climate that will with about the same amount of money generate new jobs and make it we are putting into it now," he said. possible for businesses to secure enough profit for expansion and Stumpf claims the state could examine development, which will mean more the use of modern technology in new jobs. We need more taxpayers and teaching and educating children. He I think that's a top priority - not more feels that along these lines, there will taxes." be more cooperation among the private and public sectors in reducing In achieving that, Storm feels the the expenses and delivering services. legislature must tackle the problem of high individual and corporate income Also, as a farmer and a member of the taxes and workers' and unemployment Sen. Darril Wegscheid House Agriculture Committee, Stumpf compensation rates. listed three issues of primary Storm lists his other concerns as importance: survival ofthefamilyfarm, "That may provide some specialty reviewing the role of state government preservation of agriculture land; and within the caucus ... a resource as it relates to local units of improved efforts in Minnesota of available in the caucus that might not government; fiscal responsibility as it developing aggressive marketing typically be there." relates to revenue prospects and techniques for better farm prices. spending patterns; and the Wegscheid hopes to use his skills as development of some definitive policy But the top legislative priority for the vice chairman of the Governmental statements for items such as '83 legislature is making workers' Operations Committee. In that position, education, energy, human services and compensation premiums competitive he will be involved in examining the taxes. with other states while protecting the state employee pay bills; state workers, said Stumpf. "It deals with pensions and the reorganization of jobs; it deals with the business climate; governmental departments, such as and it deals with getting Minnesota commerce. back on its feet," he added. Wegscheid said the main concern in He also cites raising money for his district is that the local units of highways and improving the working government are insured financial relationships with local government as stability by getting the dollars a high priority. promised by the state. According to Wegscheid, "The requirement is to In assessing the coming session, take a good hard look at the financial Stumpf said, "There is no spare time resources in Minnesota, and if we are for mediocrity in state government or in fact going to be in financial for politics for politics sake. The difficulty, to let people know as early as decisions we have to make are far possible and not get caught with an more important than to let those things overly optimistic financial forecast." creep in." Another top concern of Wegscheid's is keeping a "strong educational Darril Wegscheid - DFL environment going.", He has served on Age: 38 numerous educational committees in Occupation: Manager of his school district, and he views information systems and data education as a valuable resource to Minnesota. LeRoy Stumpf - DFL processing. Age: 38 Home: Apple Valley Wegscheid is also concerned that the Occupation: Farmer state continue its policy of taxing on Home: Plummer Darril Wegscheid feels that because of the premise of ability to pay. Other his occupation as a 3M manager, areas of interest to him include In the Senate, LeRoy Stumpf will be the people don't expect to see him as a commerce and health and human vice chairman of the Education member of the DFL caucus. He said, services.

14 Sen. Clarence Purfeerst Ulland from page 5

Ulland had high marks to give to the incoming freshmen senators. "I think we picked up some of the finest and brightest people I've seen in the .Iegislature since 1969," Ulland said, "And in 1969 the legislature was attracting some of the finest minds in the state." In speaking specifically of c the IR freshmen he added, "We have o en some brilliant people who have joined ID us and that's going to make an z important difference in our ability to ~ ..:t: provide constructive alternatives and ro to provide some new leadership in :2: >. important areas of the state." .0 o "0 .c As for the upcoming legislative Q. session, Ulland feels the situation serves as a "challenge to do more with Committees from page 4 dates in order to smooth out the state's less" to fulfill the functions of state cash flow difficulties will also be government. In addition, Ulland Public Utilities and State discussed. The panel has created a indicated that he felt the new subcommittee, the Subcommittee on legislative session will be similar, in Regulated Industries Property Taxes and Local Government tone and tempo, to the two years Gov. Aids, which will have approximately the Parimutuel betting will be one of the Perpich was the chief executive same status as a standing committee. most prominent issues before the previously. "The legislative complexion The new subcommittee will be chaired newly established Public Utilities and was relatively the same, and although by Sen. Collin Peterson. State Regulated Industries Committee, the times were better, I don't think the according to chairman Neil Dieterich. times necessarily dictate the legislative Voters approved a constitutional Transportation mood," he said. "It's a challenge," amendment to allow parimutuel Sen. Clarence Purfeerst's Ulland added, "to look at the functions betting, but it is up to the legislature to Transportation Committee will be of state government and try to perform create the appropriate vehicle for confronted with a variety of issues them better." betting on horse races. Members of the during the session. Specifically, the committee will also handle issues panel must enact legislation to Having served in the House of relating to utility rate setting authorize the sale of bonds for rail road Representatives before being elected procedures and issues dealing with rehabilitation and to allow for to the Senate in 1976, Ulland also regulated industries such as liquor disbursement to rail authorities to spoke highly of the general sales. purchase abandoned rail lines. In atmosphere of tradition and formality addition, the committee will hear which characterizes the Minnesota Rules and proposals for incentives to employees State Senate. "The traditions," he said, for van pool and ride share programs. "tend to focus the work of the Senate Administration There is also the possibility of on issues and not focus it on the discussing an increase in the gasoline personalities of the people supporting The Rules and Administration tax to match federal monies should the Committee, chaired by Sen. Roger or opposing those issues." Ulland also federal gasoline tax proposal be suggested that having four-year terms Moe, is the panel which decides enacted in law. In the area of mass allows for a perception of more Senate administrative matters. The transit, the committee will consider considerate deliberation of the issues committee will continue in its MTC requests for the removal of the and of more statesmanship on the part traditional role of referring bills to the fare cap and for additional bonding appropriate committees, developing of the Senate. "I have strong feelings authority. to preserve the Senate as an the permanent rules of the Senate and institution," he added. scheduling bills before the Senate, as well as establishing administrative Veterans' and General policy. When asked about his general legislation thoughts on the IR caucus for this Taxes and Tax laws The Veterans' and General Legislation session, Ulland concluded by saying, "I Committee will be chaired by Sen. think the people of Minnesota have, Sen. Douglas Johnson will continue as Robert Lessard. Among the items on historically, set high standards for their chairman of the Taxes and Tax Laws the committee's agenda are elected officials. The Independent Committee. Coping with the state's consideration of proposals from the Republican Senate Caucus is very financial situation is the committee's Department of Veterans' Affai rs and comfortable with having those high top priority for the biennium. It is discussion of the status of Agent standards set and high expectations expected that the panel members will Orange legislation. made. We would hope to exceed those continue to modify revenue raising standards of performance when policies to meet the state's financial Bills proposing an equal rights looking at the difficult problems that requirements. In addition, adjustments amendment to the constitution also are before the legislature." to the state's payment and collection will be assigned to the committee.

15 Senate Public Information Office Room 829 - State Capitol Bulk Rate St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 U.S. Postage {~i PAID ~~~:3 St. Paul, MN Permit No. 2326

If you no longer wish to receive our publications please notify the Senate Public Information Office to have your name removed from the mailing list.

f~oom No." Phone District No. 22 Betty A. Adkins 235 Cap. 296-5981 61 Donna C. Peterson 29 Cap. 296-4274 12 Don A. Anderson 144 SOB 6455 19 Randolph W. Peterson 326 Cap. 8018 41 William V. Belanger, Jr. 129 SOB 5975 62 Eric D. Petty 323 Cap. 0760 32 Duane D. Benson 142 SOB 3903 58 Lawrence J. Pogemiller 24G Cap. 7809 11 Charles A. Berg 141 SOB 5094 25 Clarence M. Purfeerst 303 Cap. 4167 60 Linda L. Berglin 323 Cap. 4261 45 Jim Ramstad 136 SOB 9251 21 John Bernhagen 143 SOB 4131 46 Ember D. Reichgott 27 Cap. 2889 16 Joe Bertram 328 Cap. 2084 35 Earl W. Renneke 121A Cap. 4125 33 Nancy Brataas 139 SOB 4848 13 Don B. Samuelson 121 Cap. 4875 14 Florian Chmielewski 325 Cap. 4182 36 Robert J. Schmitz 235 Cap. 7157 50 Gregory L. Dahl 24G Cap. 5003 64 Ron Sieloff 122A SOB 4310 18 Charles R. Davis 24G Cap. 2302 7 Sam G. Solon 303 Cap. 4188 27 Gary M. DeCramer 303 Cap. 6820 59 Allan H. Spear 27 Cap. 4191 5 Ronald R. Dicklich 306 Cap. 2859 42 Donald A. Storm 131 SOB 6238 56 A. W. "Bill" Diessner 325 Cap. 8298 1 LeRoy A. Stumpf 306 Cap. 8660 63 Neil Dieterich 235 Cap. 8867 24 Glen A. Taylor 124 SOB 9457 51 Don J. Frank 28 Cap. 2877 8 James Ulland 123A SOB 4314 30 Mel Frederick 140 SOB 4123 39 Conrad M. Vega 29 Cap. 4101 23 Dennis R. Frederickson 132 SOB 8138 66 Eugene T. Waldorf 24G Cap. 3809 40 Michael O. Freeman 303 Cap. 9307 37 Darril Wegscheid 309 Cap. 8091 54 Jerome M. Hughes 328 Cap. 4183 4 Gerald L. Willet 121 Cap. 4147 28 Doran L. Isackson 145 SOB 9305 15 Dean E. Johnson 138 SOB 3826 6 Douglas J. Johnson 205 Cap. 8881 Committee 48 Tad Jude 235 Cap. 4248 Agriculture & Natural Resources 24 Cap. 296-4157 20 Randy P. Kamrath 128 SOB 1240 Econ. Development & Commerce 303 Cap. 4158 53 Fritz Knaak 126 SOB 1253 Education 306 Cap. 4185 38 Howard A. Knutson 125 SOB 4120 Elections & Ethics 328 Cap. 8866 57 Carl W. Kroening 24G Cap. 4302 Employment 325 Cap. 8865 34 Patricia L. Kronebusch 133 SOB 1945 Energy & Housing 29 Cap. 8864 55 Gary Laidig 137 SOB 4351 Finance 121 Cap. 6436 9 Keith Langseth 24G Cap. 3205 Governmental Operations 309 Cap. 4175 67 Marilyn M. Lantry 24G Cap. 8017 Health & Human Services 323 Cap. 4151 3 Robert Lessard 328 Cap. 4136 Judiciary 27 Cap. 4191 47 William P. Luther 205 Cap. 8869 Local & Urban Government 235 Cap. 4150 44 Phyllis W. McQuaid 134 SOB 1279 Public Util. and State Reg. Indus. 235 Cap. 1767 26 Lyle G. Mehrkens 135 SOB 8075 Rules & Administration 208 Cap. 4196 49 Gene Merriam 24G Cap. 4154 Taxes & Tax Laws 205 Cap. 4839 65 Donald M. Moe 309 Cap. 4264 Transportation 303 Cap. 4186 2 Roger D. Moe 208 Cap. 2577 Veterans' & General Leg. 328 Cap. 1771 31 Tom A. Nelson 301 Cap. 4871 ,\ Phonr:: 52 Steven G. Novak 203 Cap. 4334 43 Gen Olson 116 SOB 1282 Index 231 Cap. 296-2887 17 James C. Pehler 306 Cap. 4241 Sec. of the Senate 231 Cap. 2343 10 Collin C. Peterson 205 Cap. 4135 Public Information B29 Cap. 0504 29 Darrel L. Peterson 120 SOB 3988 "Hotline" (daily schedules) 8088 * Capitol or State Office Building, Sl. Paul, MN 55155