MARCH 7, 2003 VOLUME 20, NUMBER 9

In this issue:

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID

BUDGET FORECAST, COURT COSTS, AND MORE HF668-HF773 ESSION S Weekly Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services. During the 2003-2004 Legislative Session, each issue reports daily House ac- tion between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions and upcoming commit- tee meeting schedules, and provides other information. The publication is a service of the Minnesota House. No fee. CONTENTS To subscribe, contact: Minnesota House of Representatives HIGHLIGHTS Public Information Services 175 State Office Building Agriculture • 5 Environment • 10 Law • 14 St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Business • 5 Family • 11 Local Government • 15 (651) 296-2146 or Children • 6 Government • 11 Recreation • 15 1-800-657-3550 Crime • 7 Health • 12 Safety • 16 TTY (651) 296-9896 Development • 7 Higher Education • 13 Taxes • 16 Director Education • 7 Industry • 13 Transportation • 17 Barry LaGrave Elections • 9 Insurance • 14 Assistant Director LeClair G. Lambert Editor/Assistant Director FEATURES Michelle Kibiger AT ISSUE: BUDGET— Lawmakers must account for an additional $125 mil- Assistant Editor Mike Cook lion in spending reductions according to the Department of Finance’s February forecast. • 19 Art & Production Coordinator Paul Battaglia AT ISSUE: LAW— Judicial branch officials say Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s proposed Writers budget would severely affect court operations in the state. • 20 Miranda Bryant, Patty Janovec, Jeff Jones, Tom Lonergan PEOPLE—Rep. Michael Beard (R-Shakopee) brings a background in busi- Chief Photographer ness, religion, and transportation to his new role as legislator. • 21 Tom Olmscheid Photographers PEOPLE—Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague) has been preparing for her role Andrew Von Bank, Kristine Larsen as policymaker since she was a little girl. • 22 Office Manager Nicole Wood PEOPLE—Rep. John Lesch (DFL-St. Paul) hopes to help his constituents connect with the issues at the State Capitol as a member of the House. • 23 Staff Assistants Christy Novak, Joseph Rude PEOPLE—Rep. Doug Lindgren (R-Bagley) brings many years of local gov- Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is published ernment experience to his role as lawmaker. • 24 weekly during the legislative session by the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services, 175 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing DEPARTMENTS/RESOURCES offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, Public Information Services, Minnesota House of Representatives, It’s A Fact: Gov. Stephen Miller • 4 Committee Schedule (March 10-14) • 29 175 State Office Building, St. Paul, Resources: State and Federal Offices • 25 Reflections: What’s in a Name? • 31 MN 55155-1298. Bill Introductions (HF668-HF773) • 26 Minnesota Index: Unemployment • 32

Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, 30% post-consumer content. On the cover: The striking architectural features that are the grand arches of the Capitol Rotunda catch and echo the sounds of many daily visitors to the building Cass Gilbert designed. —Photo by Tom Olmscheid

2 March 7, 2003 IRST READING F★ ★ ★

aid formulas and do not address county fund- ing. Both were presented by Rep. Ann Lenczewski Restructuring funding (DFL-Bloomington) to the House Taxes Com- mittee March 4. No action was taken, but both Pair of bills would alter the way that local government aid is bills may be included in the committee’s larger allocated to Minnesota cities omnibus tax bill, according to Rep. Ron Abrams, (R-Minnetonka), the committee chair and a co- sponsor on both bills. BY MIRANDA BRYANT funds have been targeted for specific mandated HF172 would gradually remove the 1993 he system by which the state gives money programs, including Family Preservation Aid grandfathered amount from the formula — to cities and counties for the provision of and County Criminal Justice Aid. which is the most contentious portion — and T government services needs a major over- So exactly how is an individual city’s aid al- replace it dollar-for-dollar with the “needs” vs. haul, according to top-level officials, includ- location determined? “ability to pay” component. ing the governor himself. A two-part formula considered the The most any one city stands to lose under A short-term fix has been proposed in Gov. “grandfathered” 1993 aid appropriation, and a HF172 is 3 percent annually of local govern- Tim Pawlenty’s 2004-05 budget, which in- city’s “need” and its “ability to pay.” The formula ment aid, Lenczewski said. However, some cit- cludes a deep $1.16 billion cut in state aid. And for determining need considers population, ies would eventually lose all state aid if the new while cities and counties continue to assess population decline, housing built before 1940, formula finds a city doesn’t need it. how the reduction would alter services pro- and commercial and industrial property values. Abrams said the bill appears to redistribute vided to residents, two bills presented In 2002, $565 million was distributed to cit- money from suburban and non-metro re- March 4 would create a longer-term solution. ies. Many recipients rely heavily on the aid, gional areas to smaller cities. Local government aid has two purposes: to including Albert Lea, Duluth, Willmar, St. Paul, Lenczewski responded by asking members reduce property taxes, and to bring equity to and Minneapolis. And some get no aid, such to focus on the bill’s policy and not on the communities by providing state money for as Edina, while others receive minimal amount their community would lose or gain. services, including police and fire, road main- amounts, such as Twin Cities suburbs Eagan, The bill, she said, would do away with two tenance, and administration. Woodbury, Shoreview, Plymouth, Mendota things: the argument that local government aid Advocates say local government aid is criti- Heights, and Chanhassen. is unfairly allocated based on previous spend- cal to communities with low population Property taxes and local government aid are ing habits and not on need; and interest on growth and low property values, as well as for the two biggest revenue sources for most of the part of legislators and governors in tam- large urban cities with ever-growing needs. But the state’s 850-plus cities. pering with the formula to make it fairer. critics say local government aid is flawed be- HF172 and HF593 deal exclusively with city “We have a lot of members across the state cause it distributes money who are in similarly situated based on previous spending cities where one gets a lot of aid habits. Indeed, part of the com- and one doesn’t and they can’t plicated funding formula guar- really explain why,” Lenczewski antees cities their 1993 state said. allocation. She added, “I know this bill The history of local govern- is threatening, but I think it’s ment aid can be traced to a 1971 the right thing to do.” property tax reform measure The bill, which has been in- called the “Minnesota Miracle,” troduced in prior years by both ushered in by Gov. Wendell Republicans and DFL mem- Anderson, that relieved local bers, was enacted into law as property taxes of much of K-12 part of a 1993 local govern- education funding. Likewise, ment aid reform package, but local government aid also aims was repealed in 1994 before it to keep property taxes in check took effect. by distributing state sales and HF593 is probably more income taxes to needy cities. controversial, Lenczewski said. While the program began It would add to a city’s tax with provisions for cities, coun- base the monetary amount a ties, towns, and special taxing city gives up by dedicating districts, today only cities re- PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL BATTAGLIA property taxes under tax incre- Lawmakers are grappling with proposed changes to the state’s local government ceive local government aid. aid system, which cities use for such services as public safety. Gov. Tim Pawlenty ment financing to improve- Counties continue to receive and State Auditor Patricia Awada have recommended large cuts in aid to cities to ments in the TIF zone. Adding state money, but since 1991 the help balance the budget for 2004-05. this amount to the formula

Session Weekly 3 would show that the given city has a greater ability to pay for its own government services, thereby reducing its need for state aid. Tax increment financing is a development tool that allows the additional property taxes generated by a new or improved development A multitalented Minnesotan to be used to pay for the costs of the develop- Miller served the state on the front lines, in the State Capitol, and elsewhere ment if the city finds that the development would not occur without such assistance. The names Sibley and Ramsey dominate An incident on Dec. 4, 1862 forced Miller Thus, the added property taxes generated from historical accounts of the state’s early days into what Burnquist called “a particularly a development could pay for land acquisition, and receive much of the acclaim for the difficult and delicate task.” While stationed site preparation or other development costs as success of the state in its early days. at Camp Lincoln, near Mankato, Miller was opposed to general government services. And Ramsey can be partially credited for guarding about 300 Sioux Indians who had Lenczewski said that cities voluntarily en- the impact of another early governor: been condemned to death for war crimes. In gage tax increment financing, and should not Stephen Miller. one of many instances, a group of enraged be able to argue for more state aid as a result. Miller served as the state’s chief execu- settlers attacked the camp with the intentions “A municipality is voluntarily choosing to di- tive from 1864 to 1866 – during the trying of killing the Indian prisoners. vert revenue when it decides — and no one times of the Civil War and the American Wrote Burnquist, “Though in can make them do this — to create the tax in- Indian conflicts in the state. sympathy with the public sen- crement finance district,” she said. He originally came from timent against the Sioux mur- Abrams put it another way. A city could al- Pennsylvania, on the advice of derers, Colonel Miller pledged low a department store to pay for its develop- his friend Alexander Ramsey to oppose mob law, and did so ment costs under tax increment financing. who touted the positive effects firmly.” Under current law, the city can then declare a the climate of Minnesota President Lincoln would ul- larger need for state aid and a lesser ability to would have on Miller’s health. timately grant clemency to 265 pay for its own governmental services — even Miller spent more than half of the Sioux, though 38 others if the property taxes it’s diverting provide for of his life in Pennsylvania, pri- were hung after Christmas that installation of marble floors in that depart- marily near Harrisburg, where year in the largest mass execu- ment store. he added miller, merchant, edi- tion in U.S. history. But Rep. Morrie Lanning (R-Moorhead) tor, and county and state offi- Miller was promoted again, Gov. Stephen Miller said that in 28 years of city government ser- cial to his list of credentials. this time to brigadier general in vice he never heard of a city intentionally us- He moved to Minnesota and settled near late 1863, but resigned a short time later ing tax increment financing to claim a larger St. Cloud in 1858, where he set up a mer- after being elected governor. need for state aid. If the issue is truly tax in- cantile. His political activism that began as He was described as a plain and practical crement financing, then that matter should be editor of the Whip newspaper, the Tele- governor, and during his early days he drew addressed separately, he added. graph, in Pennsylvania continued and in attention to the financial plights of soldiers Lenczewski argued, however, that the mat- 1860 he was selected as a delegate to the and their families. “His administration of a ters are intertwined in legislation. Some cities, Chicago convention for the newly formed single term of two years was mainly devoted she added, are not receiving aid they deserve national Republican Party. Miller was a to closing Minnesota’s connection with the because other areas have utilized tax increment strong supporter of Abraham Lincoln. various interests growing out of the Civil financing. And some cities receive no aid, such When the Civil War broke out in 1861, War,” wrote Burnquist. as Edina, even though its taxpayers’ money Miller and his son, Wesley, enlisted in the Minnesota ratified the 13th Amendment contributes to the larger state aid program. U.S. Army. Miller, 45, had no prior mili- abolishing slavery under Miller’s admin- “It’s easy to say there’s a drug out there and tary experience, yet within a month of his istration. And he also proposed that the the state’s addicted to it and if everybody’s enlistment he was appointed as lieutenant state begin using development advances, gonna have it well give me some, too,” colonel of the First Minnesota Regiment such as gas lights in the State Capitol. Lenczewski said. of Volunteers, known for its willingness to After leaving the governor’s office, Miller Neither bill has a Senate companion. support the Union’s efforts in the war. worked first for the Minnesota Gold Min- Pawlenty’s proposal would cut city aid by Wesley would ultimately die among the ing Company and then took a job as a su- 29 percent, or $435 million, leaving a thousands at Gettysburg. perintendent for the St. Paul and Sioux $1.07 billion appropriation in 2004-05. County “ Colonel Miller seemed instinctively to City Railroad Company. In 1873, he was aid would be cut 20 percent, or $189.4 million, grasp tactical matters and his personal elected to the Minnesota House where he leaving a $722.8 million appropriation. bravery was never called into question,” served one term. His cuts did not go as far as the 43 percent wrote future governor Joseph A.A. In the last few years of his life, he lived city aid reduction recommended by State Au- Burnquist. That bravery and resolve would in the southwest Minnesota communities ditor Patricia Awada to cities with populations be tested in December 1862. of Windom and Worthington. Some ac- larger than 2,500. Miller left the First Minnesota to accept counts suggest his final years were lonely the commission as colonel of the Seventh and economically poor ones for Miller. At Regiment. An injury after a fall from a age 65, he succumbed to gangrene, which If you have Internet access, visit the horse left him in charge of military camps had started in his left foot. Legislature’s web page at: in south-central Minnesota during the (M. KIBIGER)

http://www.leg.mn contentious days of the Dakota wars. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

4 March 7, 2003 IGHLIGHTS F EBRUARY 27 - MARCH 6, 2003 H★ ★ ★

Feedlot impacts on air, water, and soil qual- The 1,500-member Minnesota Veterinary ★ AGRICULTURE ity have been a longtime environmental con- Medical Association opposes the proposed cern since large farm operations have become consolidation. Feedlot concerns dominant in agriculture during the last 25 to Ben Pomeroy, chair of the group’s govern- Livestock feedlots of all sizes continue to 30 years. Within the last 10 years, the state has mental affairs committee, urged agriculture pose human health concerns and need to be lost “more than 6,000 farms,” Johnson said. committee members to oppose the governor’s closely monitored, according to a comprehen- “We have fewer farms and they’re becoming proposal, saying it would “destroy the inde- sive Minnesota Environmental Quality Board larger.” pendent status and effectiveness of the (ani- study reviewed March 5 by the House Agri- Besides health and environmental impacts mal health) board.” culture Policy Committee. of feedlots, the study includes extensive sum- “Why change our effective program for an Such was one of 12 policy priorities from a maries on agriculture economics, unknown?” Pomeroy said. recently released board study, which also rec- government’s role, soil, water quality and land Institute Executive Director Edgar Olson ommended increased state funding for feed- use issues, as well as social and community said the proposed 67 percent cut to the non- lot regulatory programs and research funding concerns. profit organization’s budget would render it for air and water quality issues. A 25-member citizens advisory committee, “non-functional.” George Johnson, board project manager of appointed by the board, provided oversight of Created in 1987 by the Legislature, the in- environmental impact statements, provided a the study and made 77 policy recommenda- stitute conducts research and training for summary of the $3 million, 7,000-page study, tions, including the 12 priority items. small and medium-sized, agriculture-related formally known as the “Generic Environmen- companies to help them develop value-added tal Impact Statement on Animal Agriculture.” products, like the renewable fuel biodiesel and The 18-volume study was funded by the Leg- Responding to possible cuts soy plastics. Olson said the group has projects islature in 1998 following a series of feedlot in 73 of the state’s 87 counties. controversies in rural Minnesota during the Two semi-autonomous state agencies and a horticulture society that traces state fund- Perry Aasness, assistant agriculture com- 1990s. The study wasn’t intended to “give an- missioner, said the department would exam- swers,” Johnson said. ing support back to 1873 face major changes, under the Pawlenty administration’s proposed ine the institute’s core functions should the No action was taken by the committee re- agency be merged with the department. “We garding the report. 2004-05 biennium budget. Representatives of the Minnesota Board of don’t know what it would look like in the end,” There are an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 he said. poultry, swine, or cattle feedlots in the state. Animal Health, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, and the Minnesota State Members of the state Horticulture Society had The lots, buildings, or a combination of the been expecting $164,000 from the state for fiscal two, are for breeding and raising livestock. Horticulture Society testified March 4 before the House Agriculture and Rural Develop- years 2004-05, and said that eliminating the an- Regulated by state law for several decades, nual state subsidy the group has received for feedlots are in confined areas and include ment Finance Committee. Gov. Tim Pawlenty recommends cutting the 130 years might trigger cuts in education pro- manure basins for the drainage of animal grams to rural Minnesota, fewer issues of the waste. institute’s two-year budget by $5 million, trim- ming the animal health board by $800,000, group’s magazine or elimination of children’s Although no specific examples were cited, programs. The group has 20,000 dues-paying Rep. Elaine Harder (R-Jackson), chair of the and eliminating state funding for the horti- culture society. He also proposes that the ani- members and publishes Northern Gardener, House Agriculture and Rural Development which generates advertising revenue. Finance Committee, said she was troubled by mal health board and the institute become part the study raising health concerns regardless of of the Agriculture Department effective a feedlot’s size. She said the study expressed “a July 1, 2003. The committee took no action on the bias about living with livestock.” Johnson said ★ BUSINESS feedlot management, “not the size,” determines governor’s budget recommendations. its impact on environmental quality. William Hartmann, state veterinarian and Chinese competition A number of committee members ques- executive director of the animal health board, Manufacturers in Greater Minnesota are tioned Johnson and Gregg Downing, a re- said the 28-employee agency’s $5.6 million facing increased competition from China. Yet search coordinator for the board, about citizen budget was cut $329,000 by the governor dur- most do not fully understand the degree to petitions that have halted some farm feedlot ing the current fiscal year and faces an addi- which China has made technological improve- expansions in recent years. tional 14 percent cut for 2004-05. The board ments to compete in a global economy. State environmental law allows 25 individu- monitors state livestock herds for disease, con- Such are results of a recently completed als from anywhere to sign a petition and raise ducts research and lab tests, and advises ani- study by Minnesota Technology Inc., a manu- potential environmental concerns regarding mal owners on disease prevention. facturing and technology economic develop- feedlots. Farmers and farm organizations have Hartmann is currently appointed each year ment group funded partially by the state. The complained to the committee that the petitions by a five-member advisory board made up of report was discussed March 5 at a meeting of provide an easy way for environmental groups three livestock producers and two veterinar- the tourism division of the House Commerce, to block feedlots. Downing said four out of ev- ians, all appointed by the governor. If the ani- Jobs, and Economic Development Policy ery five citizen petitions requesting environmen- mal health board becomes part of the Committee. tal assessment worksheets are denied by the Agriculture Department, the agriculture com- Specifically, the study found that companies board. The study did not address that issue. missioner would appoint the director. surveyed believed China was realizing

Session Weekly 5 manufacturing gains simply because of a helping those families function better. When cheap labor pool. They indicated that China that fails, out-of-home placements are could not produce high-quality goods, and ordered. that the country’s level of technology was in- The volume of out-of-home placements is ferior to theirs. unpredictable, making it difficult for counties In addition, many Greater Minnesota to anticipate the number that will arise in a manufacturers stated that they could address given year and the related cost. According to some of these competitive pressures through Jim Mulder, executive director of the Associa- sales and marketing measures. tion of Minnesota Counties, counties spent Such beliefs are seriously in error, indicated $180 million in 2002 on such placements. Minnesota Technology President Jacques Under Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s proposed LaRaea Starr tells the House Jobs and Economic Koppel. 2004-05 budget, a change in county aid fund- Development Finance Committee March 4 about There is, he said, “increasing recognition ing formulas would eliminate the Family Pres- the effectiveness of the Learn to Earn youth pro- that the Chinese government, as well as com- ervation Act and out-of-home placement gram. Other participants in the program that tes- tified are, from left, Aaron Walker, Amanda Tkaczik panies setting up businesses in China are in- program in 2005. The former represents and Stacey Schleeter. The quartet encouraged vesting heavily in technology and building $24 million; the latter, $53 million, said Jim members not to reduce funding for the program. state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.” Koppel, director of the Minnesota Children’s To compete, Minnesota manufacturers Defense Fund, a nonprofit organization de- Finance Committee. They indicated more must develop new business strategies, such as voted to children and working families. youth would be left to lives without direction developing propriety products and higher-tech The sum of these two cuts, Koppel said, rep- if budget cuts were realized. processes. resents 43 percent of the reductions counties “The streets recruit very hard,” said Kevin For example, said Koppel, northwest Min- would experience in state aid. Dildy, who works with youth in South Min- nesota is the only area served by Minnesota “Our concern is that while a lot of these pro- neapolis through Minnesota Youth Program. Technology that has seen a slight increase in grams are run out of the Department of Hu- Added participant Jennifer Robertson, “It manufacturing employment, and that increase man Services, they end up really hitting the turned my life around. It got me on track.” is only 0.5 percent. Koppel said this is due to ground at the county level,” Koppel said. The governor’s budget would chop companies like Arctic Cat recreational vehicles Every year about 11,000 children in Min- $2.5 million from Minnesota Youth Program, and Marvin Windows and Doors that own nesota are reported as victims of abuse. And leaving it with a base budget for 2004-05 of proprietary rights to their products. about 20,000 are removed from their homes, $10.8 million. Cuts to other programs include: Specifically, the survey found that 52 per- he added. • Youthbuild, $394,000 reduction, leaving cent of manufacturing companies surveyed “This is going to strain local budgets and $1.3 million base budget; are facing Chinese competition. Fifty percent it’s going to compromise those programs, and • Youth Intervention, $756,000 cut, leaving said that Chinese competition would hurt it’s a compromise we can’t afford,” Koppel said. $2.5 million base budget; and them, with the average business loss at 20 per- “We’ve never really gotten our arms around, • Earn While You Learn, $110,000 cut, leaving cent in 2003 and increasing to 35 percent in in Minnesota, the whole issue of child abuse a $366,000 base budget. three to five years. And, 36 percent said tax and neglect.” Minnesota Youth provides economically breaks and tariffs are necessary to address Pawlenty’s proposal would reduce county disadvantaged and at-risk youth with employ- competition. aid by 20 percent. Individually, counties would ment and training services year-round. It The Minnesota manufacturing industry lost realize cuts averaging 1.6 percent of total rev- works in all 87 Minnesota counties with par- 38,000 jobs between its peak employment in enues in calendar year 2003, and 2.8 percent ticipants ranging from 14 to 21. In 2002, about August 2000 and August 2002. Losses came in 2004. Total aid to counties would total 5,039 youth were placed in jobs. Eighty per- largely in industrial machinery and equip- $722.8 million in the next biennium, a reduc- cent of participants increased their reading ment, electronic equipment, printing and pub- tion of $189.4 million. and math skills, and 50 percent received aca- lishing, and air transportation. Koppel said the effect on children is broader demic credit. The committee did not act on the report. when cuts to the state Health and Human Ser- Youth Intervention consists of community- vices budget are considered. based programs throughout the state that keep troubled youth living with their families and CHILDREN out of more costly correctional institutions, ★ Helping through work foster homes, and residential treatment facili- ties. An average of 21,000 youth participate Youth who’ve obtained jobs and avoided Keeping children safe annually. lives of crime packed a hearing room March 4 Efforts to reduce child abuse and neglect Of the participants in 2001, 83 percent re- to advise against budget cuts to four state- would be hit hard under the governor’s pro- ferred for truant behavior had improved their funded youth employment, intervention, and posed cuts to county aid, according to those school attendance record. An additional jobs skills programs. testifying Feb. 27 before the House Taxes 89 percent referred for illegal activities had no Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s 2004-05 proposed Committee. further involvement with the juvenile justice budget contains $3.7 million in budget cuts Under a state aid program, counties receive system six months after program completion. to the programs. Participants in the programs funds for certain mandated programs, includ- Minnesota Youthbuild has nine programs of Minnesota Youth, Earn While You Learn, ing the Family Preservation Act and out-of- throughout the state with participants build- Youth Intervention, and the Minnesota home placements. Family preservation aid ing and rehabilitating low-income housing for Youthbuild Coalition testified before the aims to reduce the increased costs associated communities. In the process, said spokes- House Jobs and Economic Development with removing children from their homes by woman Joyce Eissinger, they work toward a

6 March 7, 2003 high school diploma or GED certificate and that perk,” he said. make a capital investment in the zone equal- learn technical skills, work behavior, and the Benson said the department will “walk, not ing 10 percent of its previous year’s gross rev- importance of civic engagement. run” in implementing the double-bunking enues. If neither measure is met, businesses In 2002, participants constructed or reno- policy, which should save nearly $10 million must pay the waived taxes. vated 150 units of low-income housing in the next two years. He said an inmate has Businesses could not, however, forgo prop- throughout the state, benefiting 401 already filed a lawsuit against the department erty taxes resulting from school levies or local homeowners and tenants and 195 homeless over the double-bunking proposal. general obligation bond debt service measures people. Among the programs eliminated under op- already in place. Furthermore, the property tax Tina Sweatt, representing the Beltrami and erating reductions are the Female Offender waiver applies to commercial and industrial Cass counties chapter, said Youthbuild is cru- Planning Unit and the Restorative Justice Unit. property, but not to land. cial in what are two of the poorest counties in Chemical dependence and sex offender evalu- The program would cost the state $4.7 mil- the state. ations, as well as education and religious ser- lion in lost tax revenue in 2004-05 and “Rural kids need this program — there is vices, would be scaled back under the proposal. $9.6 million in 2006-07. virtually nothing else,” Sweatt said. The committee took no action during the Legislators indicated that the program’s suc- The committee took no action on the bud- hearing. cess may depend on where zones are get proposals at the meeting. designated. A Senate companion bill (SF496), spon- ★ DEVELOPMENT sored by Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook), awaits a hearing before the Senate Jobs, Housing, and CRIME Tax-free zones Community Development Committee. ★ Calling it the most important piece of leg- islation the committee will deal with this year, Handling proposed cuts the House Jobs and Economic Development Minnesota Department of Corrections of- Finance Committee approved a tax-free zone EDUCATION ficials said that despite rapidly increasing ★ bill March 4 designed to give rural Minnesota prison populations, their agency will be able a shot in the arm. Department name change to absorb the cuts proposed by Gov. Tim Sponsored by Rep. Doug Magnus (R- A bill that would restore the name, “Depart- Pawlenty for the upcoming biennium. Slayton), HF3 now moves to the House Taxes ment of Education,” to the state agency re- Under the governor’s proposal, the depart- Committee. sponsible for K-12 public schools and ment budget would be reduced by $56.4 mil- The bill would allow the state to designate personnel was approved March 4 by the House lion. Most of that money will come from its 10 business zones of up to 5,000 acres each Education Policy Committee. operating budget and cuts in grants to local and five agricultural zones throughout Greater Sponsored by Rep. Randy Demmer (R- organizations. About $19 million would come Minnesota in which businesses would be free Hayfield), HF517 was referred to the House from housing short-term offenders in county of most taxes for up to 12 years. The idea is to Governmental Operations and Veterans Af- jails and double-bunking cells at some prison stimulate economic development by creating fairs Policy Committee. facilities. high-paying jobs beyond the Twin Cities met- In 1995, the former Department of Educa- Corrections Commissioner Joan Fabian ropolitan area. tion was renamed the Department of Children, told the House Judiciary Policy and Finance “We’ve gotta do something to make some Families and Learning by the Legislature, Committee March 5 that Minnesota’s practice changes here,” Magnus said, referencing grow- which approved a state agency reorganization of housing fewer inmates in favor of commu- ing income and population disparities be- led by Gov. Arne Carlson. At the time, more nity supervision has saved the state money tween Greater Minnesota and the than a dozen programs, including Head Start while still holding offenders accountable. Wis- metropolitan area. support, early childhood education, family consin has a prison population three times the Under similar programs, Michigan and services, child-care, child abuse, drug policy, size of Minnesota’s and annually spends twice Pennsylvania each have created 5,000 new jobs, and violence prevention were moved from six as much on its corrections department. Magnus said in a previous interview. state agencies, and combined with K-12 While he admitted to being initially against Rep. Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont) agreed. education. the idea of double bunking inmates in some “We will die out there, if we haven’t already,” Gov. Tim Pawlenty recommended the facilities, Deputy Corrections Commissioner Gunther said, noting school closures in his department’s name be changed in his Feb. 6 Dennis Benson said that he thinks the depart- district. “We need this.” State of the State address. The name change ment can safely create up to 569 new beds by If approved, cities, counties, townships, and “gets back to keeping the main thing the main the end of the biennium by using the practice school districts could apply for a zone to the thing,” Demmer said, partially quoting in parts of its Stillwater and St. Cloud pris- state Department of Trade and Economic De- Pawlenty’s speech. “It’s about educating kids.” ons. Both prisons are considered “close” se- velopment later this year. Zones could be sub- The department is discussing reorganiza- curity, one step down from the highest level of divided and be located in more than one tion and may recommend moving some pro- security. The majority of inmates are already government jurisdiction. grams under its jurisdiction to other state double-bunked at the department’s medium- Qualifying zone businesses would forgo agencies, said Jim Bartholomew, the depart- security prisons. Benson said double bunk- sales, income, and property taxes. Individuals ment director of government relations. He said ing could have benefits by encouraging good investing in the zone business would be ex- an announcement could be made the week of behavior. empt from applicable income and capital gains March 10. “Our main focus is success in “If people are coming (into prison) double- taxes. K-12,” Bartholomew said. bunked and they can move to a single-bunk To qualify, businesses must increase em- If approved, the department’s name change then certainly there is some value to having ployment by 20 percent in the first year, or would cost an estimated $38,000,

Session Weekly 7 Bartholomew said, mainly for changing the Seeking to be spared school program grants in the 2004-05 budget name on legal documents and the sign out- Four meetings’ worth of testimony from and save $11 million, while noting that fed- side the department’s leased office building in parents, school administrators, and lobbyists eral funding may be available for after school Roseville. Existing stationery would be used before the House Education Finance Commit- programs. In the current fiscal year, after until supplies are exhausted, he said. tee has revealed more than a few points of con- school grants were funded for $5.5 million, but Rep. Nora Slawik (DFL-Maplewood) said tention regarding the Pawlenty $3.8 million of that amount was held by the the name change and possible reorganization administration’s proposed K-12 education state to help balance the 2003 budget deficit. was causing “a lot of unrest” in the department budget for the next two years. Kim Stanley, of Bloomington, brought her because of potential impact on staff. Supporters of after school programs, ex- autistic son, Alex, to the March 4 meeting to The bill’s Senate companion (SF296), spon- tended-day/extended-school year programs, testify in support of early childhood special sored by Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina), awaits early childhood and family education, and education in her school district. The program action in the Senate Education Committee. English learning language programs — all helps children with learning disabilities “be- proposed for cuts by the administration in the come functioning adults,” Stanley said, while 2004-05 biennium budget – testified between 3-year-old Alex had fun playing with the com- Feb. 26 and March 5. The committee took no mittee room microphones. “It’s not the life he Creating charter schools action on the budget proposal at the hearings. chose, but it is the life he lives,” she said. The House Education Policy Committee “Please do not cut the after school program The governor’s budget proposes no cut in approved a bill Feb. 27 that would make it budget,” said Khao Insixiengmay, of Minne- Early Childhood and Family Education easier for school districts to create charter apolis, executive director of the Lao Parents (ECFE) programs in fiscal 2004, but an schools. and Teachers Association. “The southeast $11.8 million reduction for fiscal year 2005. Sponsored by Rep. Alice Seagren (R- Asian student is not doing well at school,” he Pawlenty’s proposal would keep early child- Bloomington), HF452 would add a section to said. hood programs, targeted for pre-school youth, the state’s charter school law and allow school The Southeast Asian Community Council, at little or no cost for low-income recipients boards “and one or more licensed teachers” to which the Lao PTA works with, has received but require higher-class fees for parents with form a charter school without the approval of about $40,000 from the state through After higher incomes. Critics of the proposal said it the commissioner of the state Department of School Enrichment Grants to sponsor tutor- would harm the “universality” of the programs Children, Families and Learning (CFL). ing and homework help programs for students that are popular with parents in higher income The charter school, under the proposal, in Hennepin County, said Cha Lee, the suburban districts, as well as lower income must implement the local school board’s “stra- council’s executive director. parents in urban areas. tegic plan for public education.” The sponsor- Pawlenty proposes to eliminate the after Jim Grathwol, representing Minneapolis ing school board would select up to two public schools, said Pawlenty’s proposal, “is members of the charter school’s board of di- really bad in some respects, but it could have rectors. “Elected school boards run schools been worse.” every day,” Seagren said. “They should have the Cutting the funding formula for extended capability to charter (a school) without going day and extended school year programs, as through the hoops of the CFL.” proposed by the governor, will hurt the dis- The bill was referred to the House Educa- trict, Grathwol said, because Minneapolis has tion Finance Committee, which Seagren chairs. 10,000 students in after school programs and There is no Senate companion bill. 16,000 in summer school. There are 78 charter schools in the state, cre- A cap on the number of students enrolled ated under a 1991 state law. A school board; in English language learning proposed by the an education district; a non-profit organiza- governor could adversely affect 4,000 of the tion that’s registered with the state Attorney 12,000 Minneapolis students enrolled in those General’s Office and has $2 million of assets; programs, Grathwol said. or a public or private four-year university or college, community college, or technical col- lege can create charter schools. Joseph Graba, a senior education policy fel- Prevailing wages low at Hamline University, and former House The state’s prevailing wage law for construc- member from 1971-77, testified in support of tion labor sparked some controversy March 4 the bill. He said current charter school spon- before the House Education Policy Commit- soring organizations often don’t operate the tee approved a bill that would release school school as a priority. “They all tell us this is districts from following that state requirement, not our main business.” He said the bill could among others. potentially lead to “new models” of charter Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Johnson (R-Ply- schools, founded by organizations solely fo- mouth), HF365 would also remove statutory cused on the school. restrictions that require school districts to re- Seagren said fears that charter schools Alex Stanley, left, of Bloomington plays with the serve small percentages of their general fund would take “the best and the brightest” stu- microphone as his mother, Kim, asks the House budgets for teacher and staff development and dents in a school district have not been real- Education Finance Committee March 4 not to cut class size reduction. The bill was referred to funding for the Early Childhood Special Education ized. “It’s been the opposite,” she said. the House Education Finance Committee. program because her son, who is autistic, has spe- Johnson accepted an amendment that re- “Charters have been created for at-risk and cial education needs. high-risk students.” moved from the bill a proposed repeal of the 8 March 7, 2003 state’s Jan. 15 deadline for teachers and school Bob Meeks, director of governmental rela- government” in the legislation. districts to negotiate contracts. He said it was tions with the Minnesota School Board Asso- Rep. Eric Lipman (R-Lake Elmo) said the a “toss up” whether the repeal would pass the ciation, said that association members agreed bill could give the governor too much power. committee, which includes a number of with the primaries, but they were concerned He cited the situation last fall when former teachers. about how the school districts would pay for Gov. Jesse Ventura called a special session to State law requires school districts funding them. Under HF471, the school district is re- deal with flood relief, and that those in com- construction projects with any portion of state sponsible for the cost of the primary. He also petition for his job would have been unable to general funds to accept bids from contractors said the bill would affect fewer than raise funds during the time if this bill were law that pay prevailing wage rates for labor. The 15 districts. at the time. prevailing wage rate for workers in the build- Knoblach said that in his district for the last Rep. Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) reminded ing trades is determined for geographical ar- election, the cost would have been approxi- members that the bill would apply to special eas through a survey conducted by the state’s mately $30,000-$40,000. Because the prima- interest groups, but not a private resident. Department of Labor and Industry. Prevail- ries are held once or twice in a decade, he said The bill, which has no Senate companion, ing wages are paid to union-represented and it’s “not an unreasonable expense.” now moves to the House floor. non-represented workers on a construction Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL-Mpls) said the de- project, according to Dick Anfang, represent- cision to hold a primary should be up to the ing the state’s building trades unions. He tes- school district, not the Legislature, since the tified against the bill. action is not state funded. Question timeliness Terry Tofte, superintendent of Northfield The bill next goes to the House Education The House Governmental Operations and Public Schools, testified in support of the bill. Policy Committee where Knoblach said he Veterans Affairs Policy Committee approved He said it would allow districts to accept a con- would take a closer look at the local costs of a bill March 5 that would require potential struction bid from a prevailing wage contrac- the bill. ballot questions to be submitted by a dead- tor “if they choose.” The Senate companion (SF490), sponsored line prior to an election to be considered for Anfang said both the state and federal pre- by Sen. Dave Kleis (R-St. Cloud), awaits ac- placement on the ballot. vailing wage laws are supported by unions and tion in the Senate Education Committee. Rep. Tony Kielkucki (R-Lester Prairie), the building contractors. “It’s not a union issue,” sponsor of HF504, says the legislation is to Anfang said. The law “provides a level playing field” for contractors bidding on publicly ELECTIONS SPECIAL ELECTIONS funded projects. ★ When Anfang suggested that lower wages Political contributions lead to less worker training and a “more dan- The House Governmental Operations and gerous work site,” he was interrupted by Rep. Veterans Affairs Policy Committee approved Philip Krinkie (R-Shoreview), who owns a a bill March 5 that would prohibit legislators non-union heating and cooling company. “I or constitutional officers from accepting cam- take some offense,” he said. “To say my em- paign contributions from special interest ployees endanger other people is absurd.” groups or political action committees during “I’m not going to apologize,” Anfang re- a special session. sponded. He said he’d provide studies that Rep. Dan Dorman (R-Albert Lea), the spon- prove his point. sor of HF539, said legislators “should play by An amendment proposed by Rep. Jim the same rules” during all times of session. The Davnie (DFL-Mpls) to remove the prevailing law currently applies only during the regular wage ban from the bill was defeated. session. A companion bill (SF564), sponsored by Statutes prohibiting contributions apply to Sen. Betsy Wergin (R-Princeton), awaits action candidates for the Legislature or constitutional in the Senate Education Committee. office, a candidate’s principal campaign com- mittee, or a party unit established by a party organization within the Legislature. School board primaries Those designated as groups who cannot A bill that would require school boards to contribute include a registered lobbyist, po- hold a primary if there were more than two litical committee, political fund, or dissolving candidates for a school board position, or principal campaign committee. more than twice as many candidates as posi- Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand Rapids), tions available, was approved March 5 by the the lone committee member to vote against the House Governmental Operations and Veter- bill, said he was a part of the original confer- ence committee in a previous session that cre- ans Affairs Policy Committee. PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID ated the current law. He said the reason they Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-St. Cloud), the spon- John Dooley, legal council for the Minnesota sor of HF471, described a 2001 school board didn’t include special session in the initial leg- Association of Townships, testifies before the election in St. Cloud where 12 people were islation was because a governor can call one House Governmental Operations and Veter- running for four seats. With so many candi- at any time. Therefore, if a legislator has a ans Affairs Policy Committee March 5 in sup- scheduled fundraising event, it might have to port of a bill that provides for a special dates he said the “will of the majority is in election to fill the vacancy if a town board or question.” be canceled or rescheduled. He said, “There’s more implications than just good, clean appointment committee fails to do so.

Session Weekly 9 clarify timelines that petition organizers must rain sensors in a competitive bidding • rustic camping would increase $3, from $8 meet in order for their proposals to be situation. to $11; and considered. Similar legislation passed the House and • semi-modern camping would also increase Kent Sulem, an attorney for the Minnesota Senate in 1999, but was vetoed by then-Gov. $3, from $12 to $15. Association of Townships, said petitions have Jesse Ventura. Based on recent campsite occupancy figures, been received as late as one week before an “Citizens who are heavy users of irrigation the change would generate an estimated election in the past. Because of a lengthy pro- systems and are concerned about the conser- $734,000 annually. cess to put the questions on a ballot, officials vation of water should be willing to pay a little Deputy Commissioner Mark Holsten ex- were unable to comply. extra for these devices in return for lowering plained that campgrounds are one of the Because current election law doesn’t specifi- their water bills, without the burden of a gov- department’s biggest “cost drivers.” When bud- cally state that a petition must be submitted ernment mandate that will be virtually impos- get discussions came down to keeping parks by a deadline, there isn’t anything to show a sible to enforce,” wrote Ventura in his veto open and supporting campgrounds, he said, resident why a question can’t be accepted, said message. “Manufacturers who are concerned the department determined it would have to Sulem. about being competitive would do well to ei- increase some fees to match those increased The bill doesn’t require a city to schedule a ther absorb the costs of these devices or dem- costs. special election when a submission is made, onstrate the value to consumers, without Some committee members also questioned however Minnesota statute does require a turning to government to force all competi- whether the DNR had looked at increasing special election if 20 percent of the voters at tors to act in a similar manner.” state park daily and annual sticker fees. the last municipal general election signed the Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) said she The department currently charges a daily fee petition and the question hasn’t been submit- supports the concept and would like to see of $4 at state parks and $20 for an annual ted in the previous six months. future discussions move toward mandatory sticker. Sales figures for the annual sticker are Approved by the committee, the bill next installation on old sprinkler systems that draw 110,000 per year, according to Parks and Rec- goes to the House floor. from depleted groundwater sources. reation Division Director Bill Morrissey. A Senate companion (SF384), sponsored by The bill now moves to the House floor. The “It seems to me it would help people make Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy), awaits ac- Senate does not currently have a companion a market decision” to put surcharges on those tion in the Senate Rules and Administration bill. parks that are heavily used and stressed, said Committee. Rep. Dennis Ozment (R-Rosemount), the committee chair. Pay to protect and play Perhaps the daily fee at popular parks could be increased to discourage overuse and en- Minnesotans could pay more for winter courage people to switch from a daily to an ★ ENVIRONMENT aeration permits and to camp in state parks, annual sticker purchase, suggested Rep. Phyllis under a plan presented by the Department of Sprinklin’ in the rain Kahn (DFL-Mpls). Natural Resources (DNR) to the House Envi- It’s home and garden show time across the The department’s proposed fee increases ronment and Natural Resources Finance state and many consumers are dreaming up could be considered for possible inclusion in Committee March 4. construction and landscape plans for this the omnibus environment and natural re- The DNR issues approximately 250 to 300 summer. sources finance bill. permits per year to lakeshore property own- If Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) has ers, lake associations, hunting and fishing his way, folks would set aside about 30 bucks clubs, and others to aerate public waters dur- to install a simple rainfall monitoring device ing the winter months. Soil and water semantics on their new outdoor sprinkler systems. Aeration is a management tool to prevent McNamara brought a bill (HF335) before The laws governing Minnesota’s 91 soil and winterkill of fish in ponds and lakes, but it does the House Environment and Natural Re- water conservation districts were first drafted present a public safety risk, said Ecological sources Policy Committee Feb. 27 that would in 1937 in response to Dust Bowl environmen- Services Director Lee Pfannmuller. Six people require all new landscape irrigation systems tal conditions. A bill sponsored by Rep. Ray died and there were several accidents associ- to be furnished with sensors to prevent sprin- Cox (R-Northfield) would update those policy ated with open water caused by aeration sys- klers from operating during rainstorms and statements to reflect modern land and water tems before the DNR stepped up permitting at times when the ground is saturated to a pre- management concepts. efforts in 1988. There has been one fatality programmed level. The bill (HF414) also would change the since then, and the aerator was not negligent, “It has great environmental value,” petition process to establish or terminate a she said. McNamara said, and it would reduce water conservation district and grant districts levy There is currently no fee for the program, bills. authority. although the department estimates that train- The most common rain sensor on the mar- The House Environment and Natural Re- ing, “Danger – Open Water” signs, and inspec- ket costs $29.87, John Mickman of the Min- sources Policy Committee approved the bill tions cost the state an estimated $62,000 nesota Nursery Landscape Association told Feb. 27. annually. Under the proposal, the department the committee, and typically only one device According to the Minnesota Association of would establish a $250 permit fee to recoup is needed for a residential system. Soil and Water Conservation Districts, addi- those costs. “I’m sure you’ve all seen lawn sprinkler sys- tional financing authorities would help dis- A second adjustment would increase three tems going off in a rainstorm,” Mickman said. tricts address a variety of emerging areas, state park camping fees: “It’s like,‘Give me a break.’” including the state’s contribution to oxygen • forest campground camping would increase Although this is a common sense measure, depletion, or hypoxia, in the Gulf of Mexico, $2, from $9 to $11; Mickman said, many installers do not include leveraging conservation programs associated

10 March 7, 2003 with the 2002 federal farm bill, and imple- fication of existing family law. While most of menting requirements associated with the pol- the language in the state’s divorce and child lutant load that water bodies can handle, custody laws would remain, it would be reor- known as the total maximum daily load. ganized within the law books into sections Current law states that “improper land use Smith says would be simpler to understand practices have caused serious wind and water and easier for judges and attorneys to erosion of the land of this state, the runoff of navigate. polluting materials, increased costs to main- The bill next goes before the House Judi- tain agricultural productivity, increased en- ciary Policy and Finance Committee. It cur- ergy costs and increased flood damage.” rently has no Senate companion. The bill would strike that introduction and replace it with what proponents describe as more positive language. “Maintaining and enhancing the quality of GOVERNMENT soil and water for the environmental and eco- ★ nomic benefits they produce, preventing deg- Deleting PrintComm radation and restoring degraded soil and water The Department of Administration’s print- resources of this state contribute greatly to the ing and duplication services are slowly being health, safety, economic well-being, and gen- eliminated. eral welfare of this state and its citizens,” the Legislators in the House Governmental bill reads. Operations and Veterans Affairs Policy Com- Members on both sides of the aisle ques- mittee heard testimony March 4 on how the tioned what the district representatives meant division has continued to lose money for the by “enhancing” soil and water quality and Barbara Starr from Ham Lake testifies March 4 before the House Civil Law Committee about a state, and why it’s in the middle of a lawsuit what kind of obligations the new language bill that changes family law statutes, including between the state’s unions and the state itself. would place on the private owners who hold provisions relating to marriage dissolution, child Current law says the administration com- 78 percent of the land in Minnesota. custody, child support, maintenance, and prop- missioner is appropriated money annually to “I think it’s valid to question their ambigu- erty division. operate a central duplication and printing ser- ity,” said Rep. Maxine Penas (R-Badger). vice, called PrintComm. In addition, all state 2001 U.S. Department of Agriculture report The bill now moves to the House Govern- agencies must make reasonable efforts to de- to dictate how much money it will cost to raise mental Operations and Veterans Affairs Policy termine if a state employee is available before the child or children. The report lists the aver- Committee with the understanding that Cox entering into a contract for professional or age cost of raising children for parents of vari- would continue to work with the Farm Bu- technical services. ous incomes. For example, the report specifies reau, Minnesota Association of Wheat Grow- A bill (HF555) sponsored by Rep. Phil the average urban Midwestern family earning ers, and others on clarifying the intent of the Krinkie (R-Shoreview) would repeal those $3,000 a month ($36,000 a year) spends 22.5 proposed language. statutes. percent of its income on raising a child, 36.3 Its companion (SF392), sponsored by Sen. He said there are two reasons why the print percent if there are two children, and 41.9 per- Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), awaits a hear- shop let go 34 employees in December when cent for three. ing in the Senate Environment and Natural administrators tried to shut the facility. Busi- That percentage would then be divided ac- Resources Committee. ness has declined because people now have cording to each parent’s contribution to the desktop printers, thereby eliminating a need monthly income total to determine what the for sending orders to the state division. Also, non-custodial parent must pay in child sup- the department hadn’t spent large amounts of port. That amount would then be reduced by FAMILY money to update equipment, so it’s more ben- ★ 20 percent in recognition of the higher cost of eficial to contract out printing jobs. Changing calculation formula maintaining two separate households. Representing the Minnesota Association of The way child support payments are calcu- Smith said the system he proposes bases Professional Employees, Brian Bergson said, lated in Minnesota would change under a bill child support orders on “what it actually costs “PrintComm never had a fair shake.” Because approved March 4 by the House Civil Law to raise a child” rather than on only one the previous administrations ignored the stat- Committee. parent’s income. utes, the state unions sued over the portion of Sponsored by Rep. Steve Smith (R-Mound), Provisions in the bill also provide for sepa- law relating to using state employees for ser- HF110 would use a so-called “income shares” rate child support calculations for low-income vices, he said. model to determine the payments required of parents, parents with joint custody, and fami- Kirsten Cecil, deputy commissioner for the a non-custodial parent. lies with more than six children. Parents could Department of Administration, said Under the system, courts hearing child cus- agree on a separate division of child support PrintComm has lost roughly $200,000 since a tody cases would have to take both parents’ costs with a judge’s approval. judge issued an order for it to continue op- combined income into account when setting The bill would also make it easier for par- erations and about $800,000 in the previous a payment rate for basic child support. The ents to request a hearing six months after the three years. Eight people work there now. She current system is based only on the income of initial court ruling to establish whether both said private sector printing companies are also the non-custodial parent. parents are complying with the order. seeing a decline in business because printing To figure out the exact amount, the bill Apart from the new child support system, is an optional expense. would direct judges to use statistics from a the 177-page bill represents a massive recodi- Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand Rapids)

Session Weekly 11 asked if the department was violating the law by eliminating the majority of jobs in the printing division. Krinkie said by enacting HF555, the lawsuit would be void. Rep. Bill Haas (R-Champlin) said the print- ing division has been looked at extensively and “it should be self sufficient, but it couldn’t be,” and therefore couldn’t compete with the pri- vate sector. He also said the more responsible approach is to save money by contracting out printing to the private sector. The bill was approved and goes to the State Government Finance committee. There is cur- rently no Senate companion to the bill. Andrea Rau, left, representing Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, testifies before the March 4 meeting of the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee in support of a bill that would require women seeking abortions to be given specific information at least 24 hours prior to the pro- cedure being performed. She is holding a photo, illustrating a living embryo. Testifying against the HEALTH bill is Teresa Nelson, right, representing the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union. ★ Another, proposed by Rep. Neva Walker portions of the cities of Bayport and Lake Notice before an abortion (DFL-Mpls), would have required abortion Elmo and the townships of Baytown and West Lawmakers on the House Health and Hu- providers to also provide women with infor- Lakeland. The area was designated in 1987 man Services Policy Committee approved this mation about family planning and birth con- with the discovery in the drinking water of session’s first abortion-related bill March 4. trol options. trichloroethylene, a chemical agent used to Sponsored by Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R- The bill has no Senate companion. It goes degrease airplane parts and is known to cause Lakeville), HF668 would require abortion pro- next to the House Civil Law Committee. cancer. At low levels, said Lipman, it can cause viders to provide women with certain headaches and skin irritation. At higher levels information at least 24 hours before perform- it can knock a person unconscious. ing an abortion. The risk can be eliminated, however, Safe drinking water Under the bill, a physician would be re- through the use of carbon water filters that People interested in building or buying quired to explain to a woman seeking an abor- Lipman said cost $2,000. homes in one portion of Washington County tion, in person or over the phone, the risks “It’s not Chernobyl,” said Lipman, but the would be informed that their drinking water associated with the abortion procedure, the risk is nonetheless significant. is polluted, under a bill discussed March 4 by probable age of the fetus at the time of abor- The bill, he said, addresses how potential a House committee. tion, and the medical risks associated with car- homebuilders and buyers should be informed The House Commerce, Jobs, and Economic rying a child to term. of the pollutant and by whom. This is particu- Development Policy Committee took no ac- Additionally, the bill would require that a larly important as the area develops, Lipman tion on HF276, sponsored by Rep. Eric woman be told about the father’s obligation added. Lipman (R-Lake Elmo), and the committee is to support the child if it were carried to term Current statute, according to Cindy expected to continue discussing the bill at a and any state Medical Assistance benefits that Weckwerth with the Washington County Pub- future meeting. might be available for prenatal, childbirth, and lic Health and Environment Department, re- The bill applies specifically to the Baytown neonatal care. Women would also be given the quires that real estate agents, developers and special well construction area, which includes opportunity to review pictures and printed land sellers disclose only the presence of a well information about the probable physical and physiological development of the fetus. Women would be required to certify in writ- ing before the abortion that they received the required pieces of information. The bill would also define an “unborn child” as a human from fertilization until birth. Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) called the language vague and said it could apply even to embryos created in fertility clinics but never meant for producing a pregnancy. An amend- ment that would have stricken the definition from the bill was defeated. A handful of other amendments sponsored by DFL representatives were also defeated. Among them was one moved by Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul) that would have ex- Cindy Weckwerth, program manager with Washington County’s Department of Public Health and empted rape and incest victims from the 24- Environment, urged members of the House Commerce, Jobs, and Economic Development Policy Com- hour information review requirement. mittee March 5 to approve a bill requiring disclosure about the presence of trichloroethylene in their local drinking water, whenever property is sold within the Baytown special well construction area.

12 March 7, 2003 and its level of functionality. It does not re- • Lakeesha Ransom, at-large student represen- Bruininks said that those base numbers, if quire that potential buyers be told of tative to the board who is currently a gradu- approved, would be the lowest since 1998. contaminants. ate student at the Twin Cities campus, has Since that time, he said, tuition has gone up The committee was given three letters writ- four years remaining on her term; roughly 80 percent, including 30 percent in the ten by homeowners who didn’t know of the • Frank Berman, at-large representative for last two years. A 15 percent increase would trichloroethylene until they began drilling four more years; and likely generate $52.5 million annually. wells on their property. • Richard “Pinky” McNamara, at-large repre- He also expressed concern that higher tu- But Susan Dioury, representing the Minne- sentative with four years remaining on his ition rates may force some top students to look sota Association of Realtors, said current dis- term. to other states, especially in the areas of sci- closure measures simply need enforcement. In addition, the Legislature elected current ence, medicine, and technology — areas that The larger environmental problem shouldn’t board chairwoman Maureen Reed to fill the he said are vital to helping position the future wait until the point of sale to be addressed, she remainder of a term vacated by the death of of the state. “I’m concerned that we’ll lose the added. William Peterson. Reed was not renominated capacity to keep our quality of life and main- The pollution source is under investigation, to fill the Sixth Congressional District seat she tain our lifestyle,” Bruininks said. “This is an but it’s believed to be related to the dumping held previously. However, the education com- historic opportunity to think about what kind of several hundred gallons of recycled trichlo- mittee nominated Reed to fill the at-large seat of future we want for us all.” roethylene off the Lake Elmo airport runway that Ventura appointed former-Regent Jean The university has a four-pronged approach in the 1970s, Lipman said. Keffeler to fill in 2001. The full Legislature to dealing with the financial woes, Bruininks A companion bill (SF163), sponsored by confirmed Reed’s nomination. said, meaning that students will not face the Sen. Charles Wiger (DFL-North St. Paul), In addition, three new members and one entire brunt of reduced state revenue. awaits a hearing before the Senate Judiciary reappointed one, who will all serve six-year Bruininks said other the areas include a re- Committee. terms, were elected to the board: duction in administrative and operative costs; • Dr. Patricia Simmons, a pediatrician from targeting eliminations, reductions, and con- Rochester, will represent the First Congres- solidations; and enhancing institutional rev- sional District; enues, such as charging more for some • David Metzen, current regent from Sunfish services. ★ HIGHER EDUCATION Lake, will represent the Fourth Congres- The university president isn’t a fan of the sional District; Pawlenty plan to take $30 million from the Joint convention elects regents • John Frobenius, a retired health care execu- university and $30 million from the Minne- The House and Senate met in joint conven- tive from St. Cloud, will represent the Sixth sota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) tion March 3 to elect nine members of the Congressional District; and and give it to the Higher Education Services University of Minnesota Board of Regents. • Clyde Allen Jr. of Moorhead, the state rev- Office to be used for state grants. “I’m not sure Four of those elected were previously ap- enue commissioner under Gov. Al Quie, that it makes sense to take from our core bud- pointed by Gov. Jesse Ventura. will represent the Seventh Congressional get,” he said. He said 40 percent of the The 12-member board, which must be District. university’s students are at the graduate, pro- elected by the Legislature, governs the univer- fessional, or non-degree levels meaning they sity. By law regents must be selected by May 7 get no state grant dollars. of each odd-numbered year. Terms are stag- Potential tuition costs gered, resulting in one-third of the board com- University of Minnesota President Robert ing up for appointment every two years. Bruininks said he cannot see how tuition at This year’s selection included so many can- the university will not increase by at least INDUSTRY didates because the Legislature was unable to ★ double digits in each year of the upcoming reach agreement on regents in 2001, and biennium. Keeping plants marketable Ventura was left to appoint members that “We’ll do all we can to keep tuition rates down Mining plants closing due to bankruptcy would be officially elected by the Legislature and live within the 15 percent,” he said, referring and other factors would be required to com- during the subsequent regular round of to Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s request that tuition be plete specific maintenance duties to keep the elections. capped annually at that percent increase to deal plant salable, under a bill approved March 4 Though some observers suggested this with proposed cuts to the university. by the House Commerce, Jobs and Economic year’s election might be contentious, there was Speaking March 5 before the House Higher Development Policy Committee. relatively little discussion of the candidates Education Finance Committee, Bruininks said Sponsored by Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL- during the joint convention’s lengthy voting tuition at the Twin Cities campus is currently Virginia), HF359 now moves to the House process. No other candidates were nominated $6,280 annually, and about the same at the floor. other than the slates approved by the joint edu- Crookston, Duluth, and Morris campuses. He Current law, passed in 1993, specifies that cation committee Feb. 26, though several said the total cost for a student with all associ- plant owners must perform maintenance for members abstained from voting or specifically ated costs, such as room, food, and books, is two years following plant closure. The idea is named other candidates in their votes. now in the $12,000 to $14,000 range. to keep the plant salable while the state and The members elected by the Legislature that As part of the governor’s budget reduction economic development groups seek a new were previously appointed by Ventura include: plan for the 2004-05 biennium, the university owner. But believing the bill lacked “teeth,” • Peter Bell, current chairman of the Metro- is to be cut by $179 million in general fund changes have been recommended by steel- politan Council, will represent the Fifth dollars ($89.5 million each year) to workers, many of whom won’t testify for fear Congressional District for the remaining $540.7 million in fiscal year 2004 and nearly of losing their jobs, Rukavina said. four years of his term; $543.9 million in 2005. Jerry Fallos, representing the Steelworkers

Session Weekly 13 concern that the bill micromanages plant op- The study would be overseen by the Depart- erations. And Bill Brice, director of the lands ment of Commerce. Two options exist — either and minerals division of the Department of a low-cost study by the House or Senate research Natural Resources, said plant closures are best staff, or a study by Department of Commerce dealt with individually, and should not be dic- staff at a cost of $25,000. However, the commit- tated by statute. tee was told the department does not have the However, Rep. Tony Sertich time to perform a thorough study and would (DFL-Chisholm) said the state could be left require the assistance of a consultant. In either funding closure costs of about $38,000 per case the Minnesota Joint Underwriting Associa- plant. Two mining operation bankruptcies are tion would also be asked for help. pending on the Iron Range, he added. Doyle said ambulance services would help A Senate companion bill (SF308), spon- gather study information, bringing down the sored by Sen. David Tomassoni cost. (DFL-Chisholm), awaits a hearing before the The bill would require the study to be sub- Senate Jobs, Housing, and Community Devel- mitted to the Legislature by Jan. 10, 2004. opment Committee. A Senate companion bill (SF299), spon- sored by Sen. Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples), awaits a hearing before the Senate Commerce and Utili- ties Committee. ★ INSURANCE Ambulance costs Insurance costs for ambulances have skyrock- ★ LAW eted in the past year and operators want to know why, as well as what they can do about it. Public notice required They would get help in studying the situa- The House Governmental Operations and tion through a bill (HF177) approved Feb. 27 Veterans Affairs Policy committee approved a by the House Commerce, Jobs, and Economic bill March 4 that would require a public no- Development Policy Committee. The bill now tice to be sent out when an administrative law moves to the House Jobs and Economic De- judge uses the “good cause exemption.” velopment Finance Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Marty Seifert Jerry Fallos, president of Local 4108 of the United According to O.J. Doyle, representing the (R-Marshall), HF534 would also allow the Steelworkers of America, testifies March 4 before Minnesota Ambulance Association, vehicle chief administrative law judge to review any the House Commerce, Jobs, and Economic Devel- and malpractice insurance premiums for am- disapproved rules by another administrative opment Policy Committee in support of a bill that bulances have risen so dramatically that some judge proposed under the exemption. would specify duties mining owners and opera- providers found it extremely difficult to ob- Kenneth Nickolai, chief administrative law tors must perform when a mining operation is closed. tain this year. The largest ambulance provider, judge in the Office of Administrative Hearings, unnamed by Doyle, saw general liability pre- said the process has created uncertainty in the of America, said the bill could prevent a reoc- miums rise from $3,497 in 2001-02 to public, because the agency doesn’t have to in- currence of a 1980s situation. Then, the Erie $128,650 in 2002-03. Vehicle liability premi- form the public when enacting an exemption, Mining Company plant (which later became ums shot up from $31,251 in 2001-02 to and has “lessened public trust in rulemaking.” an LTV Steel Mining Company plant) in Hoyt $112,473 to 2002-03. The mission of the office is to “provide a fair, Lakes closed its south side. The owners’ initial There has not been a spate of lawsuits, leav- prompt and impartial hearing process for citi- diligence to maintenance later waned, and the ing the industry perplexed at the increases, zens who disagree with actions taken by fine ore in the machines became like cement. Doyle said. government.” Only jackhammers could clean it up. The problem is exacerbated, he added, by According to its Web site, the office hears and “In essence it cost millions and millions of changes in federal Medicare reimbursement decides cases in three main areas: Administra- dollars to get the south side back into running policies for medical transportation. tive Procedure Act (APA) state agency con- shape,” Fallos said. In April 2002, ambulances throughout the tested cases and rulemaking hearings, local When LTV closed again, this time in 2001 United States were placed on a national fee government licensing and personnel cases, under different owners, many maintenance schedule and are prohibited from billing Medi- and workers’ compensation benefit hearings. chores also were left undone, he added. care patients for the non-reimbursable The judges in the independent state agency Under the bill, plant owners would be re- amount. Medicare accounts for about 40 per- can enact a “good cause exemption” in four quired to rotate major equipment, keep the cent of all ambulance revenue in Minnesota, sets of circumstances, including: to address a facility heated to enhance machinery lubrica- he said. serious and immediate threat to the public tion, and maintain fire prevention systems, “The ambulance services in Minnesota are health, safety, or welfare; and to make changes security, and utilities. facing a true crisis,” Doyle said. that do not alter the sense, meaning, or effect Cliff Tobey, a National Steel worker, said Ambulances are examining a myriad of cost of a rule. such duties are not extraordinary and are typi- reduction methods, including looking at in- Under the bill, a public notice would include cally performed during annual maintenance surance premiums. HF177, sponsored by Rep. an electronic notice on the state’s Web site, and shutdowns. Greg Davids (R-Preston), would help the in- a notice sent by mail or electronic mail to Rep. Arlon Lindner (R-Corcoran) expressed dustry address this particular element. people who have registered to receive this type

14 March 7, 2003 of notification. The contents of the informa- The bill (HF462) would appropriate $8 mil- sports organizations were facing investigation tion must include an explanation of why the lion in 2004-05 to the Department of Natural from the Minnesota Department of Labor and good cause exemption was justified, and a Resources for grants to the Metropolitan Industry for employing children between 11 statement that interested parties have five busi- Council to operate and maintain the regional and 14 years old as referees, umpires, and of- ness days to submit comments to the office of parks system. In addition to state funds, park ficials. administrative hearings. operations and maintenance are supported by The Child Labor Standards Act states that The bill now goes to the House floor. A com- local property taxes and user fees. no child younger than 14 years old may be panion bill (SF30), sponsored by Sen. Don The system is jointly managed by the Met- employed, save for as an actor or model, news- Betzold (DFL-Fridley), was passed by the Sen- ropolitan Council together with Anoka, paper carrier, or in the agricultural field. ate March 3. Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington Exemptions can be granted by the state on counties; the Three Rivers Park District of an individual basis. The bill, however, would Hennepin and Scott counties; the cities of outright allow 11- to 14-year-olds to officiate Bloomington and St. Paul; and the Minneapo- at sporting events. ★ LOCAL GOVERNMENT lis Park and Recreation Board. It includes safety mechanisms by restrict- “I find that they are very frugal in how they ing youth sports officials to overseeing games Paying more for a hospital spend their money and that’s very refreshing played by children younger than themselves. Cook County property owners could be here at the Legislature,” Tingelstad said of the Adult supervision by a member of the relevant subject to higher taxes for their district’s hos- park system management and volunteers. state or local sport organization would be re- pital operations, under a bill approved “This money goes a long way with our com- quired on the playing ground, as well as writ- March 4 by the House Local Government and munity and with our citizens.” ten acknowledgement by the child’s parent. Metropolitan Affairs Committee. Park visits have increased from 5 million per Reps. Paul Kohls (R-Victoria) and Ray HF312, sponsored by Rep. David Dill (DFL- year when the system was first created by the 1974 Vandeveer (R-Forest Lake) wondered aloud if Crane Lake), now moves to the House Taxes Legislature to nearly 30 million annually. the bill wouldn’t set a trap by prohibiting youth Committee. “The parks attract tourism and the dollars sports officials from overseeing older age Currently, the hospital district can levy for that flow into the state from tourism,” said bracket games. An unintentional violation, taxes up to $300,000 in a year. HF312 would Anoka County Parks and Recreation Direc- such as having a younger official fill in if a allow the hospital district to annually raise the tor John VonDeLinde. regularly scheduled official becomes ill, could levy by 3 percent for inflation without voter Other benefits of a thriving parks system subject the child’s employer to a $500 fine. approval. include promoting fitness, reducing youth Both representatives, however, voted for the A similar measure was requested last year, crime, and nurturing family ties, VonDeLinde bill. but legislators were unable to agree on the said. Regional trails also offer alternative Testifying in favor of the bill were the de- matter, according to nonpartisan House re- transportation routes and support 525,000 partment and numerous Minnesota youth search staff. commuter trips annually, he added. soccer and hockey organizations. Rep. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) expressed “The rationale behind state funding is that “With the growth of hockey within Minne- concern about the tax levy being raised with- regional facilities serve the same function for sota, the local organizations rely on this age out voter approval. But Rep. Ron Abrams (R- metropolitan area residents that state parks do level to officiate for their younger games,” said Minnetonka) said this provision could be in other parts of the state, and that the state as Bill Leslie, chief referee for Minnkota Hockey, discussed further in the taxes committee, a whole should pay its fair share of the acqui- a division of USA Hockey. which he chairs. sition and development of the regional system Added John Olson, president of the Lakeville The hospital, located in Grand Marais, is the as it does for state parks based on visitor ori- Soccer Club, “It’s a learning experience for only hospital for many miles in any direction. gin data and tax origin data,” according to the them not only as players, but once they earn The district operating the hospital was created Metropolitan Council’s Regional Recreation their certification as a United States Soccer in 1989 and is controlled by an elected board Open Space Policy Plan. Federation referee they also learn other aspects of directors. The bill will be considered for inclusion in of the game that they haven’t been exposed to A Senate companion bill (SF161), spon- the omnibus environment and natural re- previously.” sored by Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook), awaits sources finance bill. The Senate companion No Senate companion bill has been a hearing before the Senate Taxes Committee. (SF647) sponsored by Sen. Ellen Anderson introduced. (DFL-St. Paul) awaits a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee. RECREATION Trail connections ★ Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake) intro- Twin Cities region jewels Young officials duced himself at new member orientation last The Twin Cities metropolitan area regional Youths between ages 11 and 14 would be fall as the only legislator who drove a snow- parks system includes 34 parks, 10 reserves, allowed to work as sports officials for youth mobile to work that day. four special recreation areas, and 135 miles of sports events without filing for a child labor He meets regularly with snowmobile clubs multi-purpose trails. law exemption, under a bill approved Feb. 27. in the northeastern region of the state to dis- “It’s really our public jewel here for our The bill (HF446), sponsored by Rep. Lynn cuss the “joys and concerns over recreational quality of life in the region,” said Rep. Kathy Wardlow (R-Eagan), was approved by the opportunities up there,” he told the House Tingelstad (R-Andover) in support of a bien- House Commerce, Jobs, and Economic Devel- Environment and Natural Resources Finance nial regional parks funding bill she presented opment Policy Committee. It now moves to the Committee March 5 in support of a bill he is to the House Environment and Natural Re- House floor. sponsoring that would help complete a 2,100- sources Finance Committee March 5. Wardlow said the bill arose when youth mile snowmobile trail around Lake Superior.

Session Weekly 15 The bill (HF255) would provide the Depart- initial reservations were tempered by the allowing fire departments to ask county audi- ment of Natural Resources with $300,000 knowledge that these are the only cases in Lake, tors to add the vehicle fire fee to the person’s from the snowmobile trails and enforcement Cook, or St. Louis counties. property tax bill. account in the natural resources fund to pur- The lessees live on fixed incomes, Dill said, Currently, most vehicle owners pay fire de- chase easements between a Hermantown sec- and sometimes public policy decisions should partment fees resulting from vehicle fires tion of the Willard Munger State Trail and the be made “erring toward accommodating through their auto insurance policy. If the ve- North Shore State Trail just outside of Duluth. people and their lives.” hicle owner doesn’t have comprehensive insur- Clubs must obtain formal permission from “I had some sensitivity to this,” he explained, ance coverage or simply ignores the bill, the landowners to create trails along private prop- because similar concerns caused his mother fire department can turn to a collection agency. erty. These are friendly propositions in most to give up land in Voyageurs National Park. But this is often an expensive endeavor, said cases, but snowmobile trail easements are “like Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) said John Dooley, legal counsel for the Minnesota a daisy chain,” Dill said. “They can be inter- the bill would set a bad precedent. It’s sad, he Association of Townships. rupted anywhere along the line.” agreed, but the issue is bigger than these The new provision allowing a property lien Although it is unusual to purchase a per- examples. would not work, however, if the vehicle owner manent snowmobile trail easement, Dill said, “We’ve set bad precedent before,” countered is a renter or does not otherwise own taxable “the Hermantown land is in play at all times.” Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder). “It property, Dooley said. It is in this situation that Development pressures are making it more helps us look more humane” to show com- fire departments would most likely seek reim- difficult to finalize negotiations, Dill said. “We passion for people in their elderly years. bursement from the state account, he said. are trying to close the final gap of 50 to 70 The state could lose between $3,000 and The account would not receive any state landowners.” $8,000 per year under the modified rates, ac- money, but would instead be funded by fire Dill assured the committee that easement cording to Paul Pojar of the Department of service bills paid by people whose vehicles funds would come strictly from snowmobile Natural Resources Lands and Minerals Divi- caught on fire. dollars generated by registration fees and the sion. The department does not feel this is a However, it’s unlikely that the commissioner gas tax. Easement rights would be held by St. good policy, but due to the circumstances will of transportation would collect much money Louis County. not oppose the bill, Pojar said. for the account from bill payers, Dooley said. The bill will be considered for possible in- McNamara suggested that the committee In response to a question, Rep. Morrie clusion in the omnibus environment and could look at other ways to restructure the Lanning (R-Moorhead) was told by Dooley natural resources finance bill. The Senate com- terms such as recouping the lost lease income that HF213 could lead to similar legislation panion (SF173) sponsored by Sen. Tom Bakk from the final payoff to the lessees’ allowing fire departments to seek reimburse- (DFL-Cook) awaits a hearing in the Senate beneficiaries. ment for responding to vehicle accidents. Finance Committee. The bill will be considered for possible in- A Senate companion bill (SF78), sponsored clusion in the omnibus environment and by Sen. LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-Thief River Falls), natural resources finance bill. was approved by the Senate State and Local A Senate companion (SF465), sponsored by Government Operations Committee and re- Seasonal property leases Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook), has been referred ferred to the finance committee. Escalating lease rates on prime state-owned to the Senate Environment and Natural Re- A similar bill was passed by a number of property could drive a few elderly tenants away sources Committee. House and Senate committees last biennium, from their cabins along the North Shore, the but failed to survive when the Senate trans- House Environment and Natural Resources portation funding bill died. Finance Committee was told March 5. A bill, sponsored by Rep. David Dill (DFL- SAFETY Crane Lake), would modify the lease rates for ★ three seasonal properties on Horseshoe Bay Extinguishing costs ★ TAXES in Cook County. Fire departments would gain another Pay more for cigarettes “It is absolutely one of the most beautiful mechanism to be reimbursed for extinguish- Minnesota is missing out on a revenue en- places in all of Minnesota,” Dill said of the land ing car fires, under a bill approved March 4 by hancer and health care cost reducer by not in question. the House Local Government and Metropoli- raising cigarette taxes, according to the Min- Rates for the current leases are based on tan Affairs Committee. nesota Smoke-Free Coalition. appraisal values, Dill said, and two of the three The bill now moves to the House Transpor- The non-profit entity, representing more lessees are very near forfeiting at this point tation Policy Committee. then 300 organizations, testified Feb. 27 to the because of rates that have risen more than Sponsored by Rep. Greg Blaine (R-Little lack of a cigarette sales tax increase in Gov. Tim 60 percent to $4,500 per year. Falls), HF213 requires the commissioner of Pawlenty’s proposed 2004-05 budget. The current lease agreements are finite and transportation, as a last option, to reimburse Raising the tax by $1 would generate an the land will return to the state when the les- fire departments for expenses incurred while additional $260 million annually and save the sees die and their heirs are reimbursed for the extinguishing motor vehicle fires in trunk state $1 billion in long-term health care costs, value of the structures and improvements to highway or interstate rights-of-way. The maxi- Jeremy Hanson, the group’s advocacy direc- the property. The bill (HF498) would not mum reimbursable amount is $300 per tor, told the House Taxes Committee. More modify those terms, but it would adjust the incident. importantly, he added, is how the increased rate structure. However, fire departments would be re- cost could prevent 63,300 children from Dill said the proposal was not something he quired to employ other reimbursement meth- smoking. would normally present to the Legislature ods prior to seeking money from the account. Every year 5,600 Minnesotans die from given his background in civic affairs, but his The bill creates another such method by

16 March 7, 2003 tobacco-related illnesses. “That’s like having a (SF114) has been introduced by Rep. Sheila small town, like my home town, Ada, Minn., Kiscaden (IP-Rochester). Both await commit- disappear completely from the state every six tee hearings. months,” said Hanson. Since 1992, Minnesota has imposed a 48-cent sales tax on a 20-cigarette pack. To- ★ TRANSPORTATION bacco products, such as cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, and chewing tobacco, are subject to a Replenishing the airports fund separate tax that equals 35 percent of the The House Transportation Finance Com- product’s wholesale price. mittee is considering a bill that would replen- According to nonpartisan House Research ish any funds taken for budget-balancing staff, the two tobacco taxes will generate purposes from the state’s airports fund. $182 million between fiscal years 2002 and The bill (HF251), sponsored by Rep. 2005. Michael Beard (R-Shakopee), was heard Hanson said 21 states increased their ciga- March 5, and will be considered for the rette tax in 2002 and each saw a decrease in committee’s omnibus finance package. cigarette consumption and an increase in state Gov. Tim Pawlenty had proposed taking revenues. $15 million from the balance of the state air- A 2002 statewide poll found that 63 percent port fund to balance the 2003 budget. How- of Minnesota voters support a $1 tax increase. ever, the move would have required legislative “In fact, the cigarette tax is possibly the only action, and since the Legislature did not reach tax that voters actually like to increase,” agreement on the 2003 cuts, Pawlenty could Hanson said. only unallot general fund money – which does The Minnesota Smoke-Free Coalition rec- not include the airports fund. ognizes that many legislators have taken a no- The airports fund is administered by the new taxes pledge, Hanson said. But, he added, Minnesota Department of Transportation legislators could raise the cigarette tax while (MnDOT), specifically by the office of aero- Brian Ryks, chair of the Minnesota Council of Air- decreasing other taxes. nautics, which also takes its operating money from the fund. Revenue collected from three ports, testifies March 5 before the House Transpor- Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester) has intro- tation Finance Committee in support of a bill that duced a bill (HF29) that would raise the ciga- major areas supports the fund: aviation fuel would restore state airport funds if they are used to rette tax by $1 in order to repeal the gross tax, airline flight property tax (imposed on help balance the budget. Others appearing before earnings and health insurance gross premium commercial airlines in lieu of property taxes), the committee are, from left, Bill Towle, general man- and aircraft registration taxes. ager of the St. Cloud Airport, and Glenn Burke, vice taxes charged of MinnesotaCare hospitals and chair of the Minnesota Council of Airports. health care providers. A Senate companion bill The fund has a balance of $16.5 million. Beard said the intent of the bill is to recover any money in the fund that may be used to help balance the 2004-05 budget whenever TAXING DISCUSSION surpluses again become available – whether that’s at the end of fiscal year 2005 or some future biennium. “This is a specific user group,” Beard said, referring to the fact that the fund is fully sup- ported by aeronautics-related taxes. “This is not general fund money.” Brian Ryks, executive director of the Duluth Airport Authority and chair of the Minnesota Council of Airports, testified about the air- ports fund situation on behalf of the Minne- sota Council of Airports. The organization presented specific issues they hope the Legis- lature will address with regard to the fund: • Borrowing up to $10 million from the fund for budget-balancing in 2004-05, to be re- paid by July 1, 2006; • Increasing flexibility for airports to meet matching requirements for state and fed- eral funds; • Spending unreserved balances in the fund for construction and maintenance grants; PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID • Increasing the capacity for the hangar loan Tax Research Director Dick Gebhart, right, explains the Department of Revenue’s 2003 Tax Inci- dence Study during a March 5 hearing of the House Taxes Committee. Assistant Commissioner program; and of Revenue Raymond Krause, left, and Rod Hoheisel, tax research assistant director, also ap- • Appropriating $1.5 million in the coming peared before the committee. biennium from the fund to complete a long-range radar system in Alexandria. Session Weekly 17 Glenn Burke, director of the South St. Paul specifically reduce administration and district for high-frequency radio and electronic com- airport, said the airport council is concerned operating costs, as well as reduce central sup- munications for all state agencies, though the about the lack of traffic control coverage in port for district operations in such areas as agencies purchase their own equipment and the Alexandria area. training, troubleshooting for project develop- contract for service. “It’s the black hole of Calcutta,” Burke said, ment, and other technical problem solving. The reductions, Terry said, would slow re- describing how the Federal Aviation Admin- In addition, the proposed reductions would placement of general equipment by 50 percent, istration only allows one plane in the area at a slow the replacement cycles for equipment, and eliminate about 90 percent of the time because there’s no other way to assure including computers, Stehr said. department’s scientific equipment replace- safety without radar. Also, materials and research to support the ment budget. He said the reductions could Ray Rought, director of the aeronautics of- MnRoad data collection and analysis project have long-term implications regarding the fice for MnDOT said the project was slated for would be reduced. ability of public safety radio systems to be able 2004-05, prior to the Pawlenty plan to use the Stehr said the MnRoad project, which has to communicate with one another statewide. balance in the airports fund to reduce the gen- been in operation for about 15 years, helps the He emphasized, however, that the department’s eral fund deficit. department time its seasonal weight restric- primary goal with regard to the communica- The committee took no action on the bill at tions and has extended pavement life as a re- tions system is public safety. the meeting. Its Senate companion (SF223), sult. He estimated at least $20 million in The committee took no action on the pro- sponsored by Sen. Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples), savings from the research. posals at the meeting. awaits action in the Senate Finance Committee. In the areas of operations and maintenance, the department proposes trimming $35 mil- lion, primarily in reduced service levels to maintenance and operations activities such as MnDOT cutbacks questioned snow and ice removal, roadside mowing, and Members of the House Transportation litter and graffiti removal along state highways Finance Committee received a more detailed and interstates. The proposal also includes breakdown to the proposed reductions to the closing some rest areas in the state to save Transportation Department’s state road op- about $4 million. The conversation in the House Environ- erations budgets March 4. Bob Winter, district manager for the depart- ment and Natural Resources Finance Com- Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s budget proposes ment, said the reductions would affect a num- mittee March 4 strayed ever so briefly to $53.5 million in reductions to state road op- ber of performance measures for the division, speculate on the cause of fatalities on erations for 2004-05, all paid for from the including travel time reliability, pavement Minnesota’s frozen lakes. trunk highway fund. The reductions represent marking visibility, rest areas, and the life cycle “Gender, alcohol, and snowmobiles,” de- about 3 percent of the $1.9 billion state road of vehicles in the maintenance fleet. clared Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls). budget. Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul) ques- Committee chair Rep. Dennis Ozment Department officials testified that the reduc- tioned how the department chose the reduc- (R-Rosemount) said he could see a “Kahn bill” tions would not affect road construction tions it did, particularly when they could affect coming, in reference to some of her past pro- projects, but are intended to accommodate any safety. posals, including a bill that would eliminate additional road construction funding the gov- “Safety is a paramount concern,” Winter the prohibition of marriage between first cous- ernor may propose. The cuts would be ab- said. The department is trying to keep the state ins. sorbed by three general areas of service in the positioned “to continue to develop and expand “So, if I want to marry my first cousin…?” department: infrastructure investment and our existing system,” and those considerations asked Rep. Joe Hoppe (R-Chaska) in jest. planning, infrastructure operations and main- drove the decision-making, he said. “Don’t do it on a snowmobile while you’re tenance, and electronic communications. In addition, the governor’s budget proposes drunk,” replied Kahn. Dick Stehr, program support director for the a $1 million reduction to electronic commu- department, discussed the $17.5 million in nications functions in the department. Andy proposed reductions to infrastructure Terry, director of the office, said the depart- investment and planning. The cuts would ment provides the primary technical support Constitutional Officers Governor State Auditor Secretary of State TIM PAWLENTY (R) PATRICIA AWADA (R) MARY KIFFMEYER (R) 130 State Capitol 525 Park St. 180 State Office Building St. Paul 55155 Suite 400 St. Paul 55155 (651) 296-3391 St. Paul 55103 (651) 296-2803 1-800-657-3717 (651) 296-2551 Election Division: (651) 215-1440 Fax: (651) 296-0674 Attorney General Open Appointments: (651) 297-5845 Lieutenant Governor MIKE HATCH (DFL) Business Information & CAROL MOLNAU (R) 102 State Capitol Uniform Commercial Code: 130 State Capitol St. Paul 55155 (651) 296-2803 St. Paul 55155 (651) 296-6196 (651) 296-3391 Consumer Division: (651) 296-3353 1-800-657-3787

18 March 7, 2003 T ISSUE: BUDGET A ★ ★ ★

probabilities to how the economy will react to both factors. As a result, the models suggest About the same there’s a 60 percent chance of a short, success- ful war with Iraq and substantial economic February forecast represents smallest anticipated change in a stimulus package in late 2003 or early 2004; a decade, some additional reductions necessary 20 percent chance of a favorable victory with- out war scenario; and a 20 percent likelihood of a pessimistic outlook with war extending BY PATTY JANOVEC biennium. The forecast shows a reduced until at least summer 2003. The latter also con- t the Feb. 27 release of the state’s $80 million in K-12 education funding, based tains a two-quarter recession for 2003. February forecast, state Finance on fewer pupils in the system for calculation Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand Rapids) ACommissioner Dan McElroy said that purposes. Health and human services spend- asked Stinson if he would “bet the farm on it” although “there are no big surprises” in the fi- ing show a $40 million reduction due to drops referring to his confidence in the predictions. nancial document, both Minnesota and the in spending associated with the General As- Stinson said he would not. nation as a whole face an uncertain economic sistance Medical Care program, and Medical Explaining the outcomes further, Stinson future. Assistance long-term care waivers. said when he last talked with Global Insight As the budget situation now stands, the state Forecasts also representatives, will have to make up to $125 million in re- measure the over- they were less op- ductions to balance the budget through fiscal all economic out- timistic, but he year 2005. look both doesn’t know Finance Department officials explained to nationally and in where they are to- members of the House Ways and Means Com- Minnesota, where day. Futhermore, mittee that the forecast indicates an additional the economy con- he said, a no-war $25 million deficit from the previous forecast. tinues to lag be- scenario isn’t nec- However, the department accelerated forecasts hind the national essarily good for for human services and educational programs averages for em- the economy un- so Gov. Tim Pawlenty could include some of ployment growth. less one of two those numbers in his budget recommenda- More than things happen: tions Feb. 18. As a result, an additional 64,000 jobs have Saddam Hussein $100 million in reductions must be made to been lost in the has a heart attack, Pawlenty’s 2004-05 budget recommendations. past two years in PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL BATTAGLIA or the United As a result, the new forecast deficit is Minnesota, The Department of Finance’s February forecast shows that States continues $125 million more than the previous about 40,000 of Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s 2004-05 proposed budget does not to posture as if account for another $125 million in cuts necessary to bal- $4.2 billion projected for 2004-05. those are in ance the state’s budget by June 2005. we’re going to go Assistant Commissioner Peggy Ingison tes- manufacturing. to war. tified that Pawlenty accounted for the reduced The forecast says employment in transporta- Stinson explained there will be a special spending projections in human services and tion, communications, and the utilities sector forecast done in the fall to see if anything ma- education, but information regarding de- fell significantly more in Minnesota than na- terial has changed. McElroy indicated one creased revenues was not yet available when tionally and government in Minnesota, while could be done before the end of the legislative he put together his budget recommendations. growing, did not increase as rapidly as national session if necessary. That created the $100 million difference. averages. Both House Republicans and Senate DFL McElroy told the committee that the addi- The forecast indicates that the national re- responded in press conferences to the forecast. tional $11 million in cuts for fiscal year 2003 cession appears to be over, but the U.S. Senate DFL leaders said although not much could be expected from the governor in early economy is emerging slowly and continues to has changed, the outlook doesn’t look as posi- March, along with any other adjustments he struggle. However, the impending war with tive as the governor continues to assume. will make to the budget. He also emphasized Iraq, said State Economist Tom Stinson, makes Senate Majority Leader John Hottinger the February forecast was the “smallest change this forecast the most uncertain since the No- (DFL-St. Peter) said there are a lot of “ifs” in between two forecasts in a long time.” The last vember 1990 forecast prior to the Gulf War. the budget forecast with the potential for con- forecast was done in November 2002. The Department of Finance used forecast- tinual downfall in Minnesota’s economy. “De- Various sources are used to determine the ing models by an economic consulting com- tails do make a difference,” Hottinger said. state’s outlook including how much the state pany, Global Insight Inc. The company’s Republicans continue to hold the line on spends, how much is collected in revenue, and predictions depend on two factors, possible “no new tax burdens” for Minnesotans said the state’s budget reserves. war with Iraq and a federal economic stimu- House Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon). Reductions in spending account for part of lus package. Sviggum said the additional cuts make it “more the balancing act in the current and next On those topics, the models assign difficult rather than less difficult.”

Session Weekly 19 T ISSUE: LAW A ★ ★ ★

staff will mean the annual clearance rates for all cases will drop to 78 percent.” After a year, Court concerns Mott anticipates 500,000 cases would be back- Officials paint a dire picture for what governor’s funding logged. “Do that for two years, and we’re bur- ied so far under in the mess, that you’ll never proposal would mean for timely justice in the state get out,” he predicted. Mott said backlogs would result in slow- downs in child custody hearings, delays in is- BY JEFF JONES In a letter accompanying the governor’s suing restraining orders for battered women, he difference between what Gov. Tim budget, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Jus- injured people unable to collect damages, con- Pawlenty is proposing for the state’s tice Kathleen Blatz said the state runs the risk tract disputes put on hold, and criminal cases T judicial system in the next biennium and of running afoul of the state constitution if dismissed for lack of reliable evidence. what officials say they need could have a dire anything less than current funding levels are “You’ve got cases deteriorating over time, effect on the way cases are handled in Minne- maintained. In fact, she suggests an overall witnesses disappearing, memories fading,” he sota, court system officials say. increase in court budgets in order to maintain said. And he fears fewer out-of-court settle- The Minnesota Constitution requires the “core justice operations.” ments would occur because attorneys wouldn’t governor, as head of the executive branch, to State Court Administrator Sue Dosal said face the urgency of going before a jury. recommend a balanced budget. However, the the governor’s proposal would result in a Besides the administrative mess that could other branches may also submit budgets to 30 percent reduction in court staff due to rap- result, court officials say that delays of such legislators for consideration. For that reason, idly rising insurance prices, the high cost of magnitude could be in direct conflict with the two separate budget proposals for the state’s layoffs, and fixed costs like rent and judges’ Minnesota constitution. Among the state’s Bill judicial branch sit side by side in legislators’ salaries that cannot be reduced. of Rights, is the guarantee of judicial remedy thick budget books — one from the governor, In a court system already stretched to the in civil and criminal actions that occurs and one from the courts themselves. limit, such massive layoffs would have a dev- “promptly and without delay.” For his part, Pawlenty recommends a astating effect, Dosal said. “The bottom line “The upshot of all this is that it results I 10 percent cut from the base budget of today is we are handling a mountain of cases,” think in a very clear constitutional violation,” she said. A recent Mott said. “This is not to say that we’re going report from the to be irresponsible about the way we approach legislative audi- this. We will look at case processing priorities tor found that and certainly a homicide case is going to take Minnesota priority over a speeding trial.” judges handle Federal requirements that courts appoint a 49 percent more guardian ad litem to all children in all cases of cases each year child abuse or neglect have never been met, ac- than comparable cording to Blatz, putting the state at risk of los- states. Iowa, with ing some federal funding. State requirements that a smaller popu- judges appoint similar guardians in cases of tru- lation than Min- ancy and run-away children are also expensive. nesota, has more Committee Chair Rep. Steve Smith (R-Mound) judges. suggested the committee could look into giving Even at judges more discretion in such cases. Mott said current funding, without such relief, courts would incur the report found, $2.9 million in further expenses. PHOTO BY ANDREW VON BANK significant delays Other suggestions include increased use of Court officials are concerned that Gov. Tim Pawlenty ‘s proposed budget cuts for in case processing video or telephone conferencing in trials, clos- the judicial branch will create backlogs of thousands of cases. are caused by too ing some court facilities in Greater Minnesota, few judges, too changing certain laws to reduce caseloads, and Minnesota’s judiciary for the next biennium. A few public defenders, and little time for attor- raising court user fees or filing fees. letter from Finance Commissioner Dan McElroy neys to prepare for cases. As for raising fees, Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL- says the governor suggests the courts should “in- Despite delays, Second District Chief Judge Mpls) said courts need to retain the right to dividually redesign their operations to increase Thomas Mott said the system has handled the waive filing fees in cases of hardship. efficiencies while minimizing the disruption to problem well so far, but can’t be asked to The committee took no action at the hearing. public services as much as possible.” sustain any more cuts. “We have clearance rates Court officials told the House Judiciary of cases of about 100 percent. As many cases Policy and Finance Committee Feb. 27 that is that come in a year, we resolve in a year and go impossible. out,” he said. “This 30 percent reduction in

20 March 7, 2003 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

flies, I enjoy it. I’m in love with it,” he said. After college, Beard returned home and Guided by his past worked as an engineer trainee for the Penn- sylvania Central Railroad, which he calls the Backgrounds in business, religion, transportation have led best job he ever quit. Beard to the House of Representatives He left the job after a couple of years to come to Minnesota, but admits to missing it at times. “There’s something about rolling through town BY JEFF JONES always been easy. One of his business ventures and blowing your whistle and waving at the kids Rep. Michael Beard (R-Shakopee) says even failed and he has presided over difficult budget that’s just every boy’s dream come true. There’s a cloudy day is a nice day in Minnesota. decisions to make ends meet. “I’m intimately fa- nothing like pulling that throttle and feeling That might be easy to say for an amateur miliar with fear and terror,” he says. “Like, ‘Yikes, 14,000 horsepower kick you in the butt.” pilot like Beard, who it’s payday and I don’t have any money in the Transportation is among the things govern- enjoys soaring above bank.’ That’s a terrible thing to face.” ment ought to be about, Beard says. When it the clouds at least as Those experiences guide his work as a fresh- comes to building roads and infrastructure, much as driving be- man representative while the Legislature tries maintaining a court system, and providing neath them, but that to balance the state’s budget for the upcoming quality education, state dollars are well spent. optimism has deeper fiscal year. “Cutting budgets is never any fun, Beyond that, though, he suggests taking a hard roots. but it’s a very necessary thing,” he says. “And look at the way sales taxes are collected from Growing up in the after you’ve done it for 10 or 12 years — fat- cities and counties, the way money is distrib- foothills of Pennsylva- tening up in the good times and cutting back uted to local governments, and the way social Rep. Michael Beard nia, Beard often lived in in the lean times — you get a little less emo- services are administered. the shadow of mountains. “The sun would tional about it.” “We’ve got a great state that has done a lot of come up at 6:30 in the morning, but you wouldn’t see it ‘til after nine,” he said. “The sun might not set ‘til eight in the middle of “We’ve got a great state that has done a lot of things. Some great the summer but the last you saw of it was af- things. Some good things. But a budget crunch like we’re in now gives ter six.” us an opportunity to get connected to reality. What is the best stuff? We And on cloudy days? “They’d be right down may have to sacrifice the good to retain the best.” in the hills and we just felt kind of claustro- phobic. Here (in Minnesota), the clouds can — Rep Michael Beard be 600 feet above the ground and you can still see halfway to Hutchinson. It looks like a nice day to me.” Along with his business experience, Beard things. Some great things. Some good things,” When he and his wife, Karen, came to Min- brings a strong faith background to his work Beard said. “But a budget crunch like we’re in nesota to attend Bible college, they knew they as a legislator. His daughter, Amy, is the book- now gives us an opportunity to get connected to wanted to spend their lives here. “There was keeper and general manager for the Minnesota reality. What is the best stuff? We may have to more of an entrepreneurial spirit about the Christian Chronicle, where her father still serves sacrifice the good to retain the best.” place,” Beard said. “We liked it, we wanted to as publisher. “He wants to make the world a come back here and raise our kids.” better place,” she says. “He isn’t in charge, but It also gave him the opportunity to work he’s a tool being used.” DISTRICT 35A for himself. Beard says his relationship with God keeps He started Beard Communications, which him from thinking too much of himself. “He’s 2002 population: 36,485 produces a variety of Christian publications, the king, I’m a creature, I understand the rela- Largest city: Shakopee in 1987 and purchased the nondenomina- tionship there,” he said, laughing. County: Scott tional Minnesota Christian Chronicle newspa- His employees have seen his faith at work. “He Location: southwest Twin Cities per in 1995. Now 25 years old, the publication spends a lot of time in prayer before he makes a metropolitan area has a bi-weekly circulation of more than big decision,” says Michael Norman, the Top concern: “We have an excellent op- 20,000. Chronicle’s graphic designer. “He likes to know portunity to withdraw from things that Beard professes great respect for anyone all sides of a problem before making a decision.” we shouldn’t be in and reorient govern- trying to “make a go” in business. “You have Lisa Beard calls her father a visionary. “He ment to the issues at hand: education, transportation and the judicial system. to be out there every day selling yourself, sell- has big ideas,” she says. “His ability to network We must be about those.” ing your concept, your services, your business, is amazing.” – Rep. Michael Beard your idea,” he says. “Whether you’re selling Beard is happy to be sitting on the House corn or you’re selling newspapers.” Transportation Policy and Transportation Fi- Operating and building a company hasn’t nance committees. “If it floats, if it rolls, if it

Session Weekly 21 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

communities would be at the greater end of the cap” in her district, Brod said. Part of the plan Much like she did as a new city councilor, Brod has spent much of her time as a new leg- From the time she was a little girl, Brod has been preparing islator “really getting my arms around the for her a life of public service and her new role as legislator mechanics of this place.” “I’m on a quest for information, a quest for understanding how the Legislature works from BY PATTY JANOVEC their own different characteristics.” the inside,” Brod said. “Once I understand that While the siblings of Rep. Laura Brod Brod said that her campaign agenda in- I’ll be able to present my arguments, present (R-New Prague) were watching cartoons, she cluded focusing on economic development, my issues, and represent my district better than turned her attention, during her formative which can draw young people back to the ru- if I just dove in.” years, to the news of the ral areas, like New Prague with its welcoming The first bill Brod sponsored (HF450) day. She said that her and warm atmosphere. That’s exactly what she would give people who drive vehicles operat- father claims she has and her husband, Wade, decided to do when ing on fuel with an 85 percent ethanol blend been interested in gov- they had two children — now ages 7 and 5. the ability to use the high-occupancy vehicle ernment since the tender Following redistricting and discussion with (HOV) lanes. Brod said a citizen brought forth age of 5. her family, she decided to run for state office. the idea at a town meeting. Her attention to the Brod admits that balancing family life is a chal- She said that at a time of possible war alter- functions of local gov- lenge, but she said, “luckily I have extended native fuels are important and that the state ernment led her into ur- family that live in my town, and my husband needs to increase the ethanol market by un- Rep. Laura Brod ban and regional studies has a flexible job.” derstanding the need to reduce reliance on at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She Along with her job as a legislator, Brod is an foreign oil. said that education helped her land a position appraiser of agricultural and residential prop- HF450 awaits a hearing by the House Trans- on the New Prague City Council, an experi- erty. Because of the experience, she said that portation Policy Committee. Its Senate ence , she said that helped in her understand- ing of how local government works. “I’m on a quest for information, a quest for understanding how the Said Jerry Bohnsack, city administrator for New Prague, “She was only with us for four Legislature works from the inside. Once I understand that I’ll be able years, but we miss her.” to present my arguments, present my issues, and represent my When Brod was first elected to the council, district better than if I just dove in.” Bohnsack said she reminded him of a “little — Rep. Laura Brod girl,” listening and gaining knowledge on is- sues. Later, he said, she tackled a street recon- struction project and, “she asked questions you she understands market values, growth, and companion (SF466), sponsored by Sen. Thomas wouldn’t think of.” Her perspective, he said, tax issues. And with two children in public Neuville (R-Northfield), also awaits a commit- lent valuable insight into a complex situation. schools, she said she can relate to the educa- tee hearing. Bohnsack said Brod would later stand up tional needs of the area, as well. to a Citizen’s League report that surveyed taxes Schools, education, and economic develop- DISTRICT 25A in several communities, including New ment are all important to her district, Brod Prague. The report labeled the city with the said. But transportation is also coming more 2002 population: 36,729 highest taxes in the seven-county Twin Cities to the forefront since more residents drive into Largest city: New Prague metropolitan area. He said Brod “got to know the Twin Cities metropolitan area to work. Counties: Le Sueur, Scott, Sibley the tax system, asked a lot of questions” and Minnesota needs to get people moving, she Location: south-central Minnesota the city was eventually excluded from the sur- said, and “if there is a way we can increase the Top concern: “When I talk to people, the vey after she found that potentially unfair ability for people to get to their jobs without budget is definitely one, two, three and comparisons were made. He says she is “super losing money by sitting on a highway, I’m all four. We’re talking about the specific intelligent, but yet has a lot of common sense.” for it.” cuts, the ways government can work As a legislator Brod now represents a dis- Also becoming important, Brod said, is lo- better, ways that government is being trict comprised of small towns, where the larg- cal government aid. She said her area, like wasteful, quality of employees that work est population of any municipality is nearly many rural communities, depends heavily on in government.” 5,000. “It’s a fabulous collection of small towns those funds. Although Gov. Tim Pawlenty has – Rep. Laura Brod that are individual,” she said. “They each have proposed caps on the cuts, “most

22 March 7, 2003 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

law enforcement programs – the kind that work to enhance the livability of neighbor- Unlikely lawmaker hoods by reducing crimes such as prostitution and drug dealing. From aspiring priest to city prosecutor, Lesch hopes to He said he hopes to stay connected with his connect with constituents as new member of the House district by continuing to stay active in the com- munity and listen to the needs of his constitu- ents. He also said he will work to stay aware of BY MICHELLE KIBIGER followed through on it – just the guilt is over- their concerns, such as housing, jobs, eco- Rep. John Lesch (DFL-St. Paul) says he never whelming. Being raised that way is, I think, nomic development, and public safety. really imagined himself as a lawyer, or even a really important, because there’s the percep- Lesch said he’s keenly aware that a number legislator. In fact, as a teen, he began studying tion that people like lawyers and politicians of people in his district live paycheck to pay- to become a priest. overpromise and underdeliver.” check. He said all they want is the opportu- But a few key experi- He said he hopes to reach a balance in that. nity to have a good paying job and a roof over ences in his life led him Fellow freshman member Rep. Doug their heads. to the Minnesota House Meslow (R-White Bear Lake) has become a “When they need something like busing or of Representatives and close colleague of Lesch’s, whom Lesch says he when they need employment or when they gave him a passion for enjoys bouncing ideas off of to get Meslow’s need housing, it’s critical,” he said. “It’s the dif- public service. conservative viewpoint, and to help hone the ference between stability and poverty in a He was initially drawn idea and refine it. single paycheck.” to the Legislature “I know that I can trust what he says, and In addition, Lesch said, he thinks that gov- Rep. John Lesch through an internship when John tells me that’s the way it is, then ernment has been standing in the way of de- with former Rep. Andy Dawkins during the that’s good enough for me,” Meslow said. velopers who are willing to build quality 1997-98 session. Lesch said he became fasci- nated with the legislative process and the com- mitment to public service that members “Many people don’t feel connected to what’s going on at the Capitol exhibited, including Dawkins. because they’ve never been asked what their opinion is. And I tried to do that “He was not a typical legislator,” Lesch said when I went out to hit the doors (last) summer. But that was before I was of Dawkins. “He had an idea and he ran with it, no matter what people thought of it.” elected, too, so I want to get to know a lot more of the folks.” Now Lesch says he’s trying to employ the — Rep. John Lesch same principles in his new role as legislator. He has established two goals for this term: one successful piece of legislation addressing a “I think John is going to be a star in the House housing in the locations that need them most. need among his constituents, and meeting – a bright guy who is very committed to what He hopes to help ease regulations so builders more residents of District 66A, which includes he is doing.” can provide the housing that people need. parts of north and east St. Paul. After seminary, Lesch said the order sent him to Saint Louis University to continue his “Many people don’t feel connected to what’s DISTRICT 66A going on at the Capitol because they’ve never studies. But after meeting and seriously dat- been asked what their opinion is,” Lesch said. ing the woman who would become his wife, Lesch decided not to continue pursuing the 2002 population: 36,523 “And I tried to do that when I went out to hit Largest city: St. Paul the doors (last) summer. But that was before I priesthood, and ultimately he returned to the Twin Cities to attend the Hamline University County: Ramsey was elected, too, so I want to get to know a lot Location: north and east St. Paul law school. Lesch and his wife, Tina, settled more of the folks.” Top concern: “You hear employers, Re- into an apartment near the Hamline campus. Lesch grew up in Brooklyn Park. When he publican business owners, complaining was 17, he moved to Madison, Wisc. to attend The couple now have a young daughter. about housing, because they also know Holy Name Seminary. During those formative He said over the next several years they have that part of the reason we don’t have years, Lesch said he learned some important chosen to stay in the neighborhood, moving housing is because government has values that he carries with him today. about a half-mile east in each of their new resi- regulated it out. You can’t even approach He said he was always taught to be the kind dences. the job issue, until you have a housing ar- of person who means what he says, says what “The district that he lived in and that he rangement at least. That’s number one.” he means, and is true to his word. volunteered in and he got known in was the – Rep. John Lesch “If I say I’m going to do something, I (try district he was elected in,” Dawkins said. to) follow through on it or break myself try- Now a prosecutor with the city of St. Paul, ing,” he said. “And there are times that I haven’t the 30-year-old Lesch works with community

Session Weekly 23 EOPLE P★ ★ ★

He said he plans to take a “strong look” at the funding formula for local government aid. True to his roots “I have a hard time understanding why Min- neapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth get local gov- From township board to St. Paul, Lindgren wants to continue ernment aid when they have a tax base and sculpting quality legislation for his area can create revenue,” Lindgren said. “How does Bagley create a tax base? It’s just not there,” he said. With a population of just BY TOM LONERGAN he’s found a different tone than strict parti- over 1,000, losing 60 people a year is “a big Wherever Rep. Doug Lindgren (R-Bagley) sanship. “I’m finding out it’s more issue- deal” in Bagley. goes, a bit of his creativity is not far behind. based,” Lindgren said. His committee And education is a key issue, with a son in In his House office in St. Paul, there’s a small assignments include the House Environment college and a daughter in high school, he said. reception table Lindgren and Natural Resources Finance, Environment Lindgren’s gas station, which he worked at welded together from Policy, and Agriculture Policy committees. as a young man and now run by his son, car engine parts. On the The difficulties small towns in Greater Min- Jeremiah, provides service at the pump, with campaign trail last year, nesota are having due to declining population windshield washing, an oil check, small re- a 1963 Jeep that and slack economic development will be upper- pairs, and daily shoptalk. Lindgren said the Lindgren restored most in his approach to issues, Lindgren said. latter helped him develop a “common sense” pulled a caterpillar-like Jobs are scarce in towns like Bagley, and the approach to issues. 16-foot-long welded southern portion of his district – which includes “He sure has a knack for that political thing,” piece of empty Freon popular recreation areas like Itasca State Park – Jeremiah said. “He’s a pretty good talker and Rep. Doug Lindgren tanks. Painted green, offers mostly seasonal jobs, he added. he really, really listens to people. Lindgren’s “recycle-pillar” had spark plugs for State tax breaks for new or expanding busi- “During the campaign we heard from a lot of antennas. The piece “became a visual trade- mark of my campaign,” he said. “The kids got a kick out of it.” “I have a hard time understanding why Minneapolis, Lindgren has made a number of art pieces St. Paul, and Duluth get local government aid when from car parts and other scrap material readily available from the family-run gas station he they have a tax base and can create revenue.” owns in Bagley, west of Bemidji. — Rep. Doug Lindgren Creating legislation as a freshman represen- tative, Lindgren said, may prove to be a bit nesses in economically depressed areas are people that lawmakers in general seem more more challenging than his sculpture. “It’s re- important, Lindgren said, “but I’m not for giv- concerned about the Twin Cities area and lump ally hard coming down here and getting hit ing stuff away.” He favors approaches like tax everywhere else as Greater Minnesota.” Jeremiah with this huge budget deficit,” said the 52-year- increment financing which, he said, has been said. He said his father will “represent this area old Navy veteran. “A lot of your pre-conceived “a boon for Bagley.” The incentive approach and he’s serious about listening to people here.” notions are stripped away.” helped the town land Team Industries, a com- Asked if he or his dad is the boss when they For 18 years, Lindgren served on the Copley pany that makes transmissions for Polaris. In work together, the younger Lindgren said, Township Board of Supervisors. His wife, a tax increment district, a company’s tax bill “Mom’s the boss. She writes the paychecks.” Colleen, is the Bagley city clerk and accoun- is relieved initially, but eventually paid as the tant for the family business. His first taste of business prospers, Lindgren said. DISTRICT 2B making government work, Lindgren recalled, He said Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s proposal to cre- came when he wanted a road repaired in front ate up to 10 tax-free zones for businesses in ru- 2002 population: 36,482 of his house. “I was told, ‘Run for the town- ral Minnesota, “sounds like a good deal but it Largest city: Park Rapids ship board and fix it yourself,’” Lindgren said. could create a lot of controversy between differ- Counties: Beltrami, Clearwater, As with many new Republican representa- ent cities.” But, Lindgren added, the state needs Hubbard, Pennington, Polk tives, Lindgren was encouraged to run for the to respond to neighboring states like South Da- Location: northwest Minnesota House by Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon). kota “enticing business away with tax breaks.” Top concern: “Government is moving “I didn’t know him,” Lindgren said. “He called Local government aid is another issue that away from the common man. I don’t and said he wanted to meet me.” After lunch hits close to home. The state’s financial assis- like what that looks like. Common and a week to think about it, Lindgren said he tance provides 30 percent of Copley sense and accountability has left gov- was “hooked.” He won last November’s elec- Township’s annual budget, he said. “We didn’t ernment and we need to bring that tion by just 443 votes (2.94 percent). like unfunded mandates” from the state, back.” Lindgren said he’s the first conservative Lindgren added, “but then I get here and see — Rep. Doug Lindgren elected from the district in many decades. Yet, why they happen.” during his introduction to the House, he said

24 March 7, 2003 Minnesota State and Federal Offices U.S. Senators Senator 222 Main Street, Suite 200 Senator Mark Dayton (DFL) P.O. Box 937 Norm Coleman (R) SR-346, Russell Senate Office Building Biwabik, MN 55708 B-3 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (218)-865-4480 Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3244 Fax: (218) 865-4667 (202) 224-5641 Fax: (202) 228-2186 Fax: (202) 224-1152 2017 Highway 59 SE, Suite 24 Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 Court International Building Suite 298 (218) 681-2166 2550 University Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55111 (218) 681-2169 Suite 100 North (612) 727-5220 St. Paul, MN 55114 1-888-224-9043 E-mail: dayton.senate.gov/webform.html (651) 645-0323 Fax: (612) 727-5223 Web site: http://www.senate.gov/~dayton

U.S. Representatives

First District Fourth District 22 Wilson Ave. N.E., Suite 104 Eighth District Gil Gutknecht (R) Betty McCollum (DFL) St. Cloud, MN 56302 James L. Oberstar (DFL) 425 Cannon House 1029 Longworth House (320) 259-0099 2365 Rayburn House Office Building Office Building Fax: (320) 259-0786 Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2472 (202) 225-6631 E-mail: (202) 225-6211 Fax: (202) 225-3246 Fax: (202) 225-1968 [email protected] Fax: (202) 225-0699 Web site: http:// Suite 108 165 Western Ave. N., Suite 17 markkennedy.house.gov 231 Federal Building 1530 Greenview Drive S.W. St. Paul, MN 55102 Duluth, MN 55802 Rochester, MN 55902 (651) 224-9191 Seventh District (218) 727-7474 (507) 252-9841 Fax: (651) 224-3056 Fax: (218) 727-8270 Collin Peterson (DFL) 1-800-862-8632 2159 Rayburn House Chisholm City Hall Fax: (507) 252-9915 Web site: http://www.house.gov/ Office Building 316 Lake St. mccollum Washington, D.C. 20515 Chisholm, MN 55719 E-mail: [email protected] (202) 225-2165 (218) 254-5761 Web site: http://www.house.gov/ Fifth District Fax: (202) 225-1593 Fax: (218) 254-5132 gutknecht/ Martin Olav Sabo (DFL) 2336 Rayburn House Minn. Wheat Growers Bldg. Brainerd City Hall Second District Office Building 2603 Wheat Drive 501 Laurel St. John Kline (R) Washington, D.C. 20515 Red Lake Falls, MN 56750 Brainerd, MN 56401 1429 Longworth House (202) 225-4755 (218) 253-4356 (218) 828-4400 Office Building Fax: (202) 225-4886 Fax: (218) 253-4373 Fax: (218) 828-1412 Washington, D.C. 20515 286 Commerce at the Crossings Suite 107 Elk River City Hall (202) 225-2271 250 Second Ave. S. 714 Lake Ave. 13065 Orono Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55401 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Elk River, MN 55330 101 E. Burnsville Pkwy. (612) 664-8000 (218) 847-5056 (763) 241-0188 Suite 201 Fax: (612) 664-8004 Fax: (218) 847-5109 Fax: (763) 241-0233 Burnsville, MN 55337 E-mail: [email protected] 320 S.W. Fourth St. (952) 808-1213 38625 14th Ave., Suite 300B Web site: http://www.house.gov/sabo/ Centre Point Mall North Branch, MN 55056 Third District Willmar, MN 56201 Sixth District (651) 277-1234 Jim Ramstad (R) (320) 235-1061 Mark Kennedy (R) Fax: (651) 277-1235 103 Cannon House Fax: (320) 235-2651 1415 Longworth House Office Building E-mail: Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 E-mail: Access to e-mail through Web site. Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2871 [email protected] Web site: http:// (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6351 Web site: http://www.house.gov/ www.house.gov/oberstar/ Fax: (202) 225-6475 collinpeterson/ 1809 Plymouth Rd. S. 1111 Highway 25 North Suite 300 Suite 204 Minnetonka, MN 55305 Buffalo, MN 55313 (952) 738-8200 (763) 684-1600 Fax: (952) 738-9362 1-800-453-9392 Unofficial list as of 1/15/03 Fax: (763) 684-1730 E-mail:[email protected] Web site: http://www.house.gov/ramstad/

Session Weekly 25 ILL INTRODUCTIONS M ARCH 3 - 6, 2003 B ★ ★ ★ HOUSE FILES 668 - 773

Monday, March 3 HF679—Anderson, B. (R) HF690—Knoblach (R) Ways & Means Civil Law HF668—Holberg (R) Claims against the state payment provided for per- Guardian and conservator licensing provided, li- sons injured while performing community service censing board established, fees limited, and notices Health & Human Services Policy and sentencing to service work, and money required. Woman’s right to know act requiring informed appropriated. consent of a female upon whom an abortion is HF691—Hausman (DFL) performed, and providing civil remedies. HF680—Urdahl (R) Environment & Natural Resources Finance HF669—Holberg (R) Education Policy St. Paul Como Park Conservatory restoration Hearing required for the termination or non- project funding provided, bonds issued, and money Health & Human Services Policy renewal of a licensed or unlicensed coach or assis- appropriated. Woman’s right to know act requiring informed tant coach. consent of a female upon whom an abortion is HF692—Abeler (R) being performed, and providing civil remedies. HF681—Urdahl (R) Health & Human Services Policy HF670—Holberg (R) Environment & Natural Resources Policy Pharmacists scope of practice modified to include Greenleaf Lake State Park established in Meeker administration of influenza and pneumococcal Health & Human Services Policy County. vaccine. Woman’s right to know act requiring informed consent of a female upon whom an abortion is HF682—Kielkucki (R) HF693—Thissen (DFL) performed, and providing civil remedies. Education Policy Health & Human Services Policy HF671—Gunther (R) School bus safety training, safety responsibilities, Municipally operated ambulance services exempted and type III vehicle standards modified. from certain license application requirements. Regulated Industries Telephone company service promotions and pack- HF683—Harder (R) HF694—Abeler (R) ages regulated. Agriculture & Rural Development Finance Health & Human Services Policy HF672—Gunther (R) Agriculture and food sciences academy pre-design Massage and Asian bodywork therapist registra- and design funding provided, bonds issued, and tion system established, rulemaking authorized, Jobs & Economic Development Finance money appropriated. and criminal penalties imposed. Trade and economic development redevelopment account funding provided for grants in and out of HF684—Erickson (R) HF695—Marquart (DFL) the metropolitan area, bonds issued, and money appropriated. Education Policy Taxes Special education; Congress and the president me- Proposed property tax notice earlier delivery HF673—Haas (R) morialized by resolution to stop unfunded mandates required. and laws that support the over-identification of chil- Commerce, Jobs & dren with mental disorders in special education. HF696—Lesch (DFL) Economic Development Policy Judiciary Policy and Finance Comprehensive health association authorized to HF685—Ozment (R) offer policies with higher annual deductibles, writ- Criminal sexual conduct in the third- and fourth- Environment & Natural Resources Finance ing carrier contract extension permitted, and other degree crimes expanded. provisions clarified. Minnesota Zoological Garden; Phase I of the facili- ties and business master plan funding provided, HF697—Sykora (R) bonds issued, and money appropriated. HF674—Latz (DFL) Education Policy Governmental Operations & Charter school eligible sponsors expanded to in- HF686—Fuller (R) clude certain nonprofits. Veterans Affairs Policy Regulated Industries Local impact notes for state-mandated actions pro- Sale of alcohol to underage persons minimum ad- HF698—Opatz (DFL) visions expanded to include school districts. ministrative penalties provided. Education Policy HF675—Clark (DFL) Profile of Learning repealed, state standards for HF687—Simpson (R) educational excellence set, and legislative approval Judiciary Policy & Finance Regulated Industries required. Right to obtain judicial review of DWI-related Public Utilities Commission membership required vehicle forfeiture notice required to be printed in to include at least two members from outside the HF699—Opatz (DFL) Somali language. Twin Cities metropolitan area. Education Policy HF676—Boudreau (R) Profile of Learning repealed, state standards for HF688—Krinkie (R) educational excellence set, educational account- Health & Human Services Policy Transportation Policy ability provided, and legislative approval required. Persons who qualify as voluntary patients for treat- Regional rail authorities in the seven-county Twin ment of a mental illness clarified as not subject to Cities metropolitan area abolished. civil commitment. Thursday, March 6 HF689—Buesgens (R) HF677—Erickson (R) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Governmental Operations & HF700—Eastlund (R) Metropolitan Council use of energy forward pric- Veterans Affairs Policy Civil Law ing mechanisms authorized. Licensure requirements modified for architects, Civil action immunity provided for good faith re- engineers, surveyors, landscape architects, geosci- ports to or requests for assistance from law entists, and interior designers. enforcement.

HF678—DeLaForest (R) Civil Law Civil commitment technical correction provided.

26 March 7, 2003 HF701—Opatz (DFL) HF714—Seifert (R) HF727—Wilkin (R) Health & Human Services Policy Judiciary Policy & Finance Health & Human Services Policy Wholesale drug distributor requirements modi- Counties permitted to keep proceeds from for- Health coverage proposed mandates evaluation fied to include reporting of pricing criteria. feited bail. provided.

HF702—Hausman (DFL) HF715—Greiling (DFL) HF728—Clark (DFL) Jobs & Economic Development Finance Education Finance Jobs & Economic Development Finance St. Paul Raspberry Island and Upper Landing im- HIV/STI education in schools regional training HIV/AIDS in the workplace education provided provements funding provided, bonds issued, and site funding provided, and money appropriated. and money appropriated. money appropriated. HF716—Rhodes (R) HF729—Smith (R) HF703—Krinkie (R) Transportation Policy Judiciary Policy & Finance Governmental Operations & Taxicab vehicle qualifications requirements pro- Judicial standards board money appropriated. Veterans Affairs Policy vided for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, Legislators removed from various executive branch quarterly payment of fees permitted, and permit HF730—Howes (R) boards. transfers authorized. Commerce, Jobs & Economic Development Policy HF704—Brod (R) HF717—McNamara (R) Statutory home warranty exclusions for liability of Taxes Regulated Industries vendor and home improvement contractor Motor vehicle dealers authorized to pay sales tax or Hastings authorized to issue additional on-sale amended, statutory cure of defects provided, and use tax for use of a vehicle other than for demon- liquor licenses. limitation of actions based on breach specified. stration purposes, and loaner vehicles exempted from the motor vehicle sales and use tax. HF718—Beard (R) HF731—Kohls (R) Environment & Natural Resources Policy Judiciary Policy & Finance HF705—Severson (R) Scott County surplus state land sale authorized, Property manager background checks on Minne- Regulated Industries funds deposited in the wildlife acquisition account, sota computerized criminal history system Sartell authorized to issue additional on-sale liquor and money appropriated for wildlife acquisition. provided. licenses. HF719—Beard (R) HF732—Brod (R) HF706—Severson (R) Regulated Industries Jobs & Economic Development Finance Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Brewpubs authorized to make retail and wholesale Rural challenge grant program modified, contami- Municipal ordinance authority clarified relating to sales, and municipal liquor license limit removed. nation cleanup grant program administrative fund- affordable housing. ing limitations increased, and obsolete references HF720—Dempsey (R) eliminated. HF707—Thao (DFL) Taxes Civil Law Long-term care individual income tax credit HF733—Walker (DFL) Hmong marriage solemnization form provided. increased. Taxes Volunteer assistance delivery to low-income tax- HF708—Stang (R) HF721—Sykora (R) payers facilitation grant money appropriated. Higher Education Finance Education Finance Higher Education Services Office, Minnesota State Referendum revenue voter-approved adjustment HF734—Kielkucki (R) Colleges and Universities, University of Minne- authorized. Governmental Operations & sota, and Mayo Medical Foundation appropria- Veterans Affairs Policy tions provided with certain conditions. HF722—Erhardt (R) Linked bingo gaming provided. Transportation Policy HF709—Thao (DFL) Weight restriction exemptions provided for gar- HF735—Marquart (DFL) Health & Human Services Finance bage trucks and recycling vehicles. Civil Law Hennepin County new chance program funding Background study requirement exclusion for provided, and money appropriated. HF723—Erhardt (R) spouses provided. Transportation Policy HF710—Atkins (DFL) Seat belt law exemption provided for certain gar- HF736—Marquart (DFL) Commerce, Jobs & bage trucks. Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Economic Development Policy Lake improvement district board of directors elec- Obsolete mandatory retirement language deleted. HF724—Latz (DFL) tion procedure provided and certain notices Transportation Policy required. HF711—Dill (DFL) High-occupancy vehicle lane usage by certain other Environment & Natural Resources Policy vehicles allowed. HF737—Lesch (DFL) St. Louis County tax-forfeited land sale authorized. Judiciary Policy & Finance HF725—Biernat (DFL) Defendant attorney fee for certain appeals pay- HF712—Vandeveer (R) Judiciary Policy & Finance ment by government units not required. Environment & Natural Resources Policy Fire marshal permit required for indoor fireworks Washington County ditch maintenance provided. displays. HF738—Howes (R) Environment & Natural Resources Finance HF713—Hornstein (DFL) HF726—Hackbarth (R) Reforestation bonds authorized and money Commerce, Jobs & Education Finance appropriated. Economic Development Policy Independent School District No. 15, St. Francis, Video game sale or rental to minors prohibited for student safety improvements funded through pro- HF739—Borrell (R) certain games defined as restricted. ceeds from sale of certain school property. Civil Law Certain University of Minnesota claim data and food safety regulatory data classified as nonpublic.

Session Weekly 27 HF740—Hilstrom (DFL) HF753—Knoblach (R) HF765—Davnie (DFL) Governmental Operations & Ways & Means Education Policy Veterans Affairs Policy Transportation funding transferred and previous ap- Sexually transmitted diseases program provision General employees retirement plan certain retiree propriations cancelled, and money appropriated. modified. revocation of retirement annuity applications and disability benefit adoption allowed. HF754—Osterman (R) HF766—Greiling (DFL) Civil Law Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs HF741—Howes (R) Displaced person definition changed to correspond Arden Hills, Blaine, Circle Pines, Mounds View, Commerce, Jobs & with federal law. New Brighton, Roseville, and Shoreview multi-city Economic Development Policy housing authority established. Motor vehicle dealer advertising regulated. HF755—Abeler (R) Agriculture Policy HF767—Sertich (DFL) HF742—Wilkin (R) Monitoring agricultural chemicals in groundwater Education Finance Higher Education Finance responsibility transferred to commissioner of Alternative facilities program district eligibility Legislative approval of certain student fees required. health, definition of pollutant modified, pesticide expanded. restrictions authorized, pesticide fee increased, HF743—Greiling (DFL) money appropriated. HF768—Anderson, J. (R) Education Policy Governmental Operations & Nonpublic school compliance with state high school HF756—Rhodes (R) Veterans Affairs Policy graduation requirements required under certain Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Military certificates of discharge classified as pri- conditions. County levy authority modified to fund statewide vate data, and release procedures provided. public safety radio system. HF744—Erickson (R) HF769—Erhardt (R) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs HF757—Tingelstad (R) Governmental Operations & State Building Code municipal reporting require- Transportation Policy Veterans Affairs Policy ments modified. Special license plate authorization and issuance Public safety radio communications operators in- procedures established and “Rotary member” li- cluded in definition of essential employee. HF745—Adolphson (R) cense plates authorized. Transportation Policy HF770—Solberg (DFL) Southwest metropolitan area transit corridor certain HF758—Sertich (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Policy rail and bus transit actions by commissioner of trans- Education Finance Aitkin County Long Lake Conservation Center portation, Metropolitan Council, and Hennepin Independent School District No. 695, Chisholm, fund made a separate county enterprise fund. County regional rail authority prohibited. fund transfer authorized. HF771—Solberg (DFL) HF746—Cox (R) HF759—Abrams (R) Health & Human Services Policy Higher Education Finance Taxes Itasca County capitation payments recalculated. Meningococcal disease information reception and Property, income, corporate franchise, sales and signature of written waiver by higher education use, gross earnings, and other taxation administra- HF772—Swenson (R) students residing in on-campus housing required. tive changes and corrections provided and obso- Agriculture Policy lete laws and rules repealed. Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership HF747—Greiling (DFL) Council expiration date eliminated. Education Policy HF760—Abrams (R) Pupil fair dismissal law compliance by nonpublic Taxes HF773—Hilty (DFL) schools required in certain instances. Income, property, estate, sales and use, cigarette Judiciary Policy & Finance and tobacco product, and other taxation policy Electronic security system company employees and HF748—Gunther (R) and administrative changes made, Internal Rev- license applicant background checks required, pro- Jobs & Economic Development Finance enue Code conformity provided, civil and criminal cedures provided, discharge authorized, license Economic development, housing, jobs, and state penalties provided. endorsement disqualification authorized, and government finance funding provided, and money criminal penalties imposed. appropriated. HF761—Blaine (R) Education Finance HF749—Haas (R) Independent School District No. 486, Swanville, State Government Finance fund transfer for handicapped access improvements Legislative and general administrative state gov- to school buildings authorized. ernment expense funding provided, and money Where to find appropriated. HF762—Vandeveer (R) Transportation Finance information HF750—Smith (R) Significant local roads and local road improvement House Public Information Services Judiciary Policy & Finance fund bonds authorized and money appropriated. 175 State Office Building Corrections, public safety, courts, and other agen- (651) 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 cies funding provided; and money appropriated. HF763—Vandeveer (R) House Public Information Services is a Governmental Operations & nonpartisan office that provides committee HF751—Abrams (R) Veterans Affairs Policy meeting schedules; legislator information; Taxes Congress memorialized to work to protect and publications, including the Session Weekly Job opportunity building zone establishment au- America’s savings permanently. newsmagazine, educational brochures for all thorized, related tax incentives, zone aid, and levy ages, and member directories. All informa- HF764—Vandeveer (R) limits provided; and money appropriated. tion is available at no charge. Taxes Most of what this office publishes can be HF752—Harder (R) Congress memorialized to permanently repeal the viewed on the Legislature’s World Wide Web Agriculture & Rural Development Finance death tax. page. To connect, point your web browser at: Environmental, natural resources, and agricultural funding provided; and money appropriated. http://www.leg.mn

28 March 7, 2003 OMMITTEE SCHEDULE M ARCH 10 - 14, 2003 C ★ ★ ★

revenue reserved for staff development activities Schedule is subject to change. TUESDAY, March 11 from two percent to one percent of a district’s For information updates, call House Calls 8:15 AM basic general education revenue. at (651) 296-9283. HF558 (Abeler) A bill for an act relating to All meetings are open to the public. Transportation Finance education; authorizing school districts to pursue Sign language interpreter services: Room: 500S State Office Building additional revenue sources. (651) 224-6548 v/tty. Chair: Rep. William Kuisle To have the House committee schedule Agenda: Conclusion of MnDOT budget Taxes delivered to your e-mail address, direct presentation: federal funds, general support and Room: 200 State Office Building your Web browser to buildings. Chair: Rep. Ron Abrams http://ww3.house.leg.state.mn.us/ Metro Transit budget presentation. Agenda: HFXXXX Department of Revenue list/join.asp?listname=houseschedule Technical Bill. and fill out the subscription form on the Environment and Natural Resources Possibly other bills to be determined. Legislature’s Web site. Finance House committee schedules are also Room: 5 State Office Building Judiciary Policy and Finance available on the Web site at Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment Room: Basement Hearing Room http://ww3.house.leg.state.mn.us/ Agenda: Department of Natural Resources Chair: Rep. Steve Smith comm/scheduleall.asp budget. Agenda: HF110 (Smith) Family law reform and recodification including provisions relating to Jobs and Economic Development Finance marriage dissolution, child custody, child MONDAY, March 10 Room: Basement Hearing Room support, maintenance, and property division. Chair: Rep. Bob Gunther HF664 (Eastlund) Child support guidelines 12:30 PM Agenda: Governor’s Workforce Council. provided. Luke Weisberg. Governmental Operations and Veterans HF176 (Davids) Rushford Institute for Affairs Policy Environment and Natural Resources Policy Nanotechnology grant provided, and money Room: Basement Hearing Room Room: 5 State Office Building appropriated. Chair: Rep. Jim Rhodes Chair: Rep. Tom Hackbarth Agenda: HF681 (Urdahl) Greenleaf Lake State Agenda: HF391 (Olsen, S.) School districts Health and Human Services Finance authorized to convert, by election, from election Park established in Meeker County. Room: 10 State Office Building by district to election at large. HF327 (Hackbarth) Shooting range generally Chair: Rep. Fran Bradley HF390 (Erickson) Elections conducted by mail; accepted practices defined; and relation to local Agenda: Continuation of Presentation of county auditor approval requirement eliminated. ordinances, closing and relocations, and nuisance governor’s budget proposal by the Minnesota HF612 (Knoblach) Legislative candidate liability provided. Department of Human Services. expenditure reporting requirements provided. 12:30 PM HF212 (Abeler) Health occupations advisory Education Policy committees extended, including acupuncture, Room: 200 State Office Building Agriculture and Rural Development respiratory care practitioner, licensed traditional Chair: Rep. Barb Sykora Finance midwifery, and health professionals services Agenda: Presentation of preliminary work of Room: 5 State Office Building program advisory committees. the Academic Standards Committee by Chair: Rep. Elaine Harder Commissioner Cheri Pierson Yecke and Agenda: Overview of renewable fuels. Higher Education Finance department staff. Room: 5 State Office Building HF580 (Erickson) School district curriculum Transportation Policy Chair: Rep. Doug Stang and instruction required premised on abstinence Room: 200 State Office Building Agenda: Higher Education Services Office until marriage. Chair: Rep. Ron Erhardt (HESO) response to governor’s FY04-05 budget. Agenda: Presentation by MnDOT on congestion Witness: Robert Poch, Director, HESO 10:15 AM management. Presentations by transit advocacy groups. Health and Human Services Policy Education Finance Room: 10 State Office Building Room: 10 State Office Building Governmental Operations and Veterans Chair: Rep. Lynda Boudreau Chair: Rep. Alice Seagren Affairs Policy Agenda: Informational hearing on the economics Agenda: Continuation of governor’s 2004-2005 Room: Basement Hearing Room and market structure of radiation oncology. budget review. Chair: Rep. Jim Rhodes HF160 (Abeler) A bill for an act relating to Agenda: HF426 (Kuisle) Water quality 3:00 PM education finance; reducing the revenue assessment process rulemaking required. reserved for staff development activities from THE HOUSE MEETS IN SESSION HF517 (Demmer) Department of Children, 2 percent to 1 percent of a district’s basic general Families and Learning renamed the Department education revenue. of Education. HF422 (Abeler) A bill for an act relating to HF564 (Borrell) Open meeting law violations education; removing certain restrictions on administrative remedy provided, and civil distribution of staff development revenue. penalties prescribed. HF423 (Abeler) A bill for an act relating to education finance; reducing the required

Session Weekly 29 Commerce, Jobs and Economic WEDNESDAY, March 12 Legislative Report on Chronic Wasting Disease. Development Policy Room: 10 State Office Building 8:15 AM Governmental Operations and Veterans Chair: Rep. Greg Davids Affairs Policy Agenda: HF645 (Paulsen) Technology business Environment and Natural Resources Room: Basement Hearing Room licensing provisions modified. Finance Chair: Rep. Jim Rhodes HF547 (Davids) Farm implement dealers Room: 5 State Office Building Agenda: To be announced. warranty work payment regulated, and definition Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment of heavy and utility equipment modified. Agenda: Department of Natural Resources Transportation Policy HF710 (Atkins) Obsolete mandatory retirement budget. Room: 200 State Office Building language deleted. Chair: Rep. Ron Erhardt Transportation Finance Agenda: HF500 (Erhardt) Eminent domain; 2:30 PM Room: 200 State Office Building increasing the limit for reimbursement of Chair: Rep. William Kuisle appraisal fees. Capital Investment Agenda: Presentation by the Association of HF532 (Howes) Modifying provisions governing Room: Basement Hearing Room Minnesota Counties. use of highway right-of-way by snowmobiles. Chair: Rep. Phil Krinkie Other bills may be added. Agenda: Department of Administration: Update Jobs and Economic Development Finance on status of long-term lease-purchase Room: Basement Hearing Room 2:30 PM agreements for Health, Agriculture, and Human Chair: Rep. Bob Gunther Services office facilities authorized in Laws 2002, Agenda: National Federation of the Blind, Capital Investment Chapter 393, Section 13, subs 7 & 8. Jennifer Dunnan; Blind Incorporated, Dick Room: Basement Hearing Room Davis; Blind Citizen, Wally Hinz. Chair: Rep. Phil Krinkie State Government Finance Agenda: Description of Higher Education capital Room: 500N State Office Building Health and Human Services Policy project ranking/scoring methodologies: Chair: Rep. Bill Haas Room: 10 State Office Building University of Minnesota; MNSCU. Agenda: Fiscal overview of the Legislature and Chair: Rep. Lynda Boudreau Legislative Coordinating Commission. Agenda: HF321 (Cox) Authorize Northfield to Civil Law establish and operate related medical facilities at Room: 10 State Office Building Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs a site outside the city limits. Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Room: 200 State Office Building HF441 (Kohls) Carver County hospital Agenda: HF668 (Holberg) Woman’s right to Chair: Rep. Jerry Dempsey construction moratorium exemption provided. know act requiring informed consent of a female Agenda: HF415 (Borrell) Rockford removed HF647 (Swenson) Nicollet county nursing home upon whom an abortion is performed, and from the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan construction moratorium exception provided; providing civil remedies. Council. special moratorium exceptions modified. HF554 (Buesgens) Title examiner alternative HF437 (Bradley) Alternative quality assurance State Government Finance means of compensation provided. licensing system expanded, sunset eliminated, Room: 500N State Office Building HF444 (Swenson) Municipal contract judgment and money appropriated. Chair: Rep. Bill Haas awarding of attorney fees authorized in certain Agenda: HF407 (Howes) Minnesota cases. 10:15 AM Conservation Corps transferred to the Friends of the Minnesota Conservation Corps, assets Civil Law Education Finance transferred, and money appropriated. Room: 10 State Office Building Room: 10 State Office Building HF294 (Eastlund) Military reserve; state Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Chair: Rep. Alice Seagren employees called to active duty authorized to Agenda: Overview; cost shares child support Agenda: To be announced. receive payment of a salary differential, and reform, R. Mark Rogers, economic consultant. local governments authorized to pay similar HF513 (Kohls) Seat belt evidence admissibility Judiciary Policy and Finance salary. prohibition repealed. Room: Basement Hearing Room Chair: Rep. Steve Smith Regulated Industries Regulated Industries Agenda: Overview of governor’s Room: 5 State Office Building Room: 5 State Office Building recommendations by Uniform Laws Chair: Rep. Torrey Westrom Chair: Rep. Torrey Westrom Commission and Ombudsman for Corrections Agenda: To be announced. Agenda: HF687 (Simpson) Public Utilities HF432 (Meslow) First-degree murder definition Commission membership required to include modified relating to child abuse. at least two members from outside the HF550 (Hilstrom) Life imprisonment without THURSDAY, March 13 metropolitan area. possibility of release penalty provided for persons HF317 (Hackbarth) Anoka County facilities use causing the death of a child under 14 with 8:15 AM for commercial wireless service providers premeditation and intent. authorized, and lease of sites for public safety Environment and Natural Resources communications equipment permitted. 12:30 PM Finance Room: 5 State Office Building HF671 (Gunther) Telephone company service Agriculture Policy promotions and packages regulated. Chair: Rep. Dennis Ozment Room: 5 State Office Building Agenda: Department of Natural Resources Chair: Rep. Howard Swenson budget. Agenda: HF649 (Swenson) Chronic wasting disease control and wildlife health management provided, and money appropriated.

30 March 7, 2003 Education Policy Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Barb Sykora Agenda: HF697 (Sykora) Charter school eligible sponsors expanded to include certain nonprofits. HF471 (Knoblach) School district election primaries required. HF509 (Fuller) Indian scholarship program With its strong Scandinavian heritage is 1951-61 and 1963-71. For 12 of his 18 years authority transferred to the Higher Education it any wonder that the Minnesota Legisla- in the House, he shared his first and last Services Office. ture has been filled with those whose last name with Harold R. Anderson (1949- names end in “son” or some close 1965) from North Mankato. Jobs and Economic Development Finance variation? The two were in the Legislature in 1955 Room: Basement Hearing Room A record 87 lawmakers since 1858 have when the Chief Clerk’s office had the duty Chair: Rep. Bob Gunther carried the Johnson surname and an ad- of not only keeping accurate voting Agenda: To be announced. ditional three held the name of Johnston. records for the two Harold Andersons, but The first Johnson in the Territorial Legis- for four other Andersons, as well. In the Health and Human Services Finance lature was Parsons K. Johnson from St. Senate, the clerks had three Andersons to Room: 10 State Office Building Paul (1849 and 1856). In 1859 R.M. keep track of that year. Chair: Rep. Fran Bradley Johnson from Anoka became the first The first Anderson elected to state of- Agenda: HF151 (Seifert) Children eligible for Johnson to serve in the state’s Legislature. fice in 1859 was John A. Anderson from adoption assistance exempted from the prepaid The Legislature now has four individu- La Crescent. The newest Anderson to hold medical assistance program. als with Johnson as a surname: Sen. Dean office is freshman Rep. Jeff Anderson (R- HF278 (Bradley) Health care provider Johnson (DFL-Willmar), now in his sev- Austin). expenditure reporting requirements eliminated. enth term, and three members now serv- At the other end of the longevity scale HF412 (Abeler) Council on Disability sunset removed. ing their second term: Sen. Debbie Johnson is Rep. Irv Anderson (DFL-Int’l Falls) now More bills may be added. (R-Ham Lake), Rep. Jeff Johnson (R-Ply- serving his 16th non-consecutive term. His mouth), and Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL- 30 years of experience tie him for being 10:15 AM St. Paul). the most senior member in the House. Despite the popularity in the Legislature, Irv and Jeff are currently joined in the Environment and Natural Resources Policy just one person named Johnson has served Legislature by two others with the same Room: 5 State Office Building in the state’s top post. That was Gov. John surname: Rep. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo Chair: Rep. Tom Hackbarth A. Johnson from St. Peter who served one Township) in his fifth term, and Sen. Ellen Agenda: HF340 (Cornish) Natural Resources term in the Senate before he became the Anderson (DFL-St. Paul) in her fourth Department enforcement authority modified first governor to occupy the new Capitol term. relating to recreational areas. building in 1905. Three lawmakers — two Andersons and HF648 (Swenson) Private wildlife shooting Of the 11 John Johnsons who served, one Andersen — also served as governors preserves authorized anywhere in the state. another John A. Johnson from Preston, of the state: Wendell Anderson (1971-76), Judiciary Policy and Finance served eight years in the House, including C. Elmer Anderson (1951-55), and Elmer Room: Basement Hearing Room three terms as Speaker of the House (1925- L. Andersen (1961-63). Chair: Rep. Steve Smith 31). He then returned as a senator for an- Also, one Anderson (Sydney) and one Agenda: To be announced. other eight years. Two other Johnsons – Andersen (Herman C.) represented Min- Alfred I. (1941-58) and George W. nesota in Congress. Herman Andersen was Taxes (1925-36) – also served as speakers, from a state House member in 1935 before he Room: 200 State Office Building 1955-58 and 1935-36, respectively. was elected to Congress in 1939. Sydney Chair: Rep. Ron Abrams Minnesota has also had two people Anderson served in Congress from Agenda: Bills, to be determined. named Johnson represent the state in Con- 1911 to 1925. gress: Dewey W. Johnson from Minneapo- Only one other Andersen served in the 12:30 PM lis (1937-39) and Magnus Johnson of state Legislature: Rep. Richard Andersen Commerce, Jobs and Economic Kimball (1923-25, 1933-35). Both also from New Brighton (1967-74). Development Policy served in the Minnesota House, and While a prolific number of Andersons Room: 10 State Office Building Magnus Johnson also served in the state and Johnsons have contributed to the leg- Chair: Rep. Greg Davids Senate. islative process over the years, hundreds Agenda: To be announced. Harold J. Anderson, who recently called of others with very different names and to renew his Session Weekly subscription, backgrounds continue to contribute to the Higher Education Finance is one of 59 Andersons who has served in well-being of the state by making laws. Room: 300S State Office Building the Legislature. Chair: Rep. Doug Stang He represented Minneapolis from — LECLAIR GRIER LAMBERT Agenda: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) response to the governor’s FY04-05 budget. Witness: James H. McCormick, Chancellor, MnSCU. Laura King, Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, MnSCU.

Session Weekly 31 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55155-1298

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

INNESOTA M INDEX FOR MORE INFORMATION

For general information, call: Unemployment in Minnesota House Information Office (651) 296-2146 or The state’s unemployment rate in January 2003 (not seasonally adjusted), 1-800-657-3550 as percent ...... 5.1 Percentage in January 2002 ...... 5.2 To obtain a copy of a bill, call: Percentage in January 1993 ...... 6.3 Chief Clerk’s Office Percentage in January 1983 ...... 10.3 (651) 296-2314 National unemployment rate in January 2003 ...... 6.5 Percentage in January 2002 ...... 6.3 To find out about bill introductions or Percentage in January 1993 ...... 8.0 the status of a specific bill, call: Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December 2002, House Index Office as percent ...... 4.3 (651) 296-6646 State rank ...... 42 For an up-to-date recorded message National percentage rate...... 6.0 giving committee meeting times and December 2002 (not seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in agendas, call: Duluth-Superior area, as percent ...... 4.1 Committee Hotline St. Cloud area...... 4.0 (651) 296-9283 Twin Cities metropolitan area...... 3.5 Rochester area ...... 3.0 The House of Representatives can be Unemployment rate in highest counties in December 2002 (Marshall and reached on the World Wide Web at: Red Lake), as percent ...... 10.4 http://www.house.mn Percentage in lowest counties (Clay and Jackson) ...... 2.3 Estimated number of job vacancies in Minnesota from October to Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired. December 2002 ...... 55,200 To ask questions or leave messages, Number in the Twin Cities metropolitan area ...... 32,100 call: Approximate number of jobs available for every 10 unemployed TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or workers in fourth quarter of 2002 ...... 5 1-800-657-3550 One year earlier ...... 7 Percentage decline in the number of job vacancies in Minnesota Check your local listings to watch between the fourth quarters of 2001 and 2002 ...... 31 House committee and floor sessions Percentage decline between the second and fourth quarters of 2002 ...... 16 on TV. Of vacant jobs in the fourth quarter of 2002, percentage that were full-time ...... 57 Senate Information Median wage offer for all job vacancies in the fourth quarter of last year, (651) 296-0504 per hour ...... $9.50 1-888-234-1112 In 2001 ...... $9.31 Of all job vacancies in fourth quarter 2002, percentage in healthcare area ...... 22 Senate Index (651) 296-5560 Percentage in retail trade ...... 18

Manufacturing ...... 7 This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling Sources: Fourth Quarter 2002 Minnesota Job Vacancy Survey, Minnesota Department of Economic (651) 296-2146 voice, (651) 296-9896 TTY, or Security, Minnesota WorkForce Centers, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (800) 657-3550 toll free voice and TTY.

32 March 7, 2003