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Vol. 2 No. 2 1975 House Information

, , • , , Attorney General Warren Spannaus, above, and law enforcement nin·''""'""'"' spoke in favor of a handgun registration bill before the House Crime Prevention and Corrections Committee. The bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Berg (D-Mpls) provides for regulation of handgun sale, purchase transfer of handguns. Committee Chairman Donald Moe said the committee will vote on the bill later this month after hearing from opponents and proponents the measure. h I i I Momentum behind a proposal to raise Patton's bill would raise $24.8 million prices. Road construction jobs would the state gasoline tax has lost speed in for the state trunk highway system; $11.6 stimulate the state economy by increasing both legislative bodies. The House bill, million for county state-aid highways; and employment, Marzitelli said. authored by Rep. Al Patton (D-Sartell), $3.6 million for municipal and state aid Opponents to the two cent increase told came to a temporary halt on the House streets. transportation committee members that floor while a Senate companion bill met Patton said that inflation has forced up alternative sources of funds should be a roadblock in committee. construction costs. As a result, more considered. A representative of the Min­ Rep. Patton requested a delay in dis­ money is needed to build and maintain nesota Transport Services Association cussion of his bill, H.F. 140, when it came adequate roads. said that increased transportation cost before the House February 20. Debate Commissioner of Highways Frank due to the tax increase would be passed on this bill was postponed until March Marzitelli told the House Transportation on to consumers. The spokesman advocated 6. Senate committee members may not Committee that the Highway Department review of the entire Highway Depart­ take action for some time. will run out of money for road construc­ ment budget, "We don't want the Legis­ If enacted, the measure would raise the tion June 30. lature to come back every year to talk state gasoline tax from seven to nine Commissioner Marzitelli said the bill about a gas tax increase." cents a gallon. Funds raised by the two will provide money to improve farm-to­ cent increase would be used to build and market roads. Better roads would hold maintain state highways and streets. down transportation costs and consumer , , , Five of Minnesota's congressional delega­ tion visited the Minnesota House of Representatives last month during a recess in the U.S. House. The Representatives addressed the full body of the House and then answered questions mem­ bers conceming state and federal issues. left to right above are Congressmen Bill Frenzel, 3rd Dis­ trict, who served in the Minnesota House to 970; Donald Fraser, 5th District, a state senator from to 962; Thomas Hagedom, 2nd District, served in Minnesota House from 970 to 1 far right, top, is Congressman Richard Nolan, 6th who was elected to the Minnesota House in 1968 and 970; and lower right, James Oberstar, 8th District.

In addition to regular committee meet­ l st District (southeastern Minnesota) Kathryn Vander Kooi; ___ _ _ ings and House sessions, members of the Regent David Utz (Rochester) renomi­ 7th District (northwestern Minnesota) Minnesota House of Representatives have nated; Regent L. J. Lee (Bagley) renominated; been meeting to select University of 2nd District (southern Minnesota) 8th District (northeastern Minnesota) Minnesota regents. The Board of Regents Regent Lauris Krenik (Madison Lake) - Erwin Goldfine, Duluth businessman, sets policy for the University. renominated; nominated to replace retiring Regent Regents are elected formally at a joint 3rd District (suburban Hennepin County) Fred Cina. convention of the House and Senate. The Robert Latz, Golden Valley attorney, The terms of at-large Regents Neil joint convention is scheduled for March nominated over Regent John Yngve. Sherburne (St. Paul) and Wenda Moore 20 in the House Chambers. 4th District (most of Ramsey County) (Minneapolis) expire this year. At-large Traditionally, eight regent candidates George Latimer, St. Paul attorney, candidates are being interviewed by the are chosen by legislators in each congres­ nominated to fill the seat being vacated House Higher Education Committee and sional district. Four regents are chosen by retiring Regent Elmer L. Andersen. the Senate Education Committee. The com­ at-large. Under the regents voting system, 5th District (most of Hennepin County) mittees will meet jointly March 18 to legislators cast up to four votes according - Regent Lester Malkerson (Minneapolis) recommend a slate of up to nine candi­ to the population they represent in each is not up for reelection this year; dates for the at-large positions to be voted congressional district. 6th District (southwest to central Min­ on by the joint convention of the House House and Senate members met together nesota) - Lloyd Peterson, Paynesville and Senate March 20. to select their congressional district's can­ turkey grower, nominated over Regent didate. Candidates chosen by each dele­ gation are traditionally elected at the joint convention. Of the current membership of the Minnesotans could choose their own would be granted unless intent to defraud board, Elmer L. Anderson, Chairman and last names under a bill sponsored by Rep. could be shown. 4th district Regent, and Fred Cina, 8th Phyllis Kahn, Minneapolis DFLer. The Under the bill marital status and sex district Re_gent, are retiring. Regents measure allows people to keep their birth would not be considerations. There would Lester Malkerson, 5th district, George names, take the name of their spouse, or be no presumption that either marriage Rauenhorst (Olivia), at-large, and Loanne create a new family name after marriage. partner would take the name of the other. Thrane (Chanhassen), at-large, are not Only the courts can grant name changes In ~ases where the marriage relation- up for reelection this year. under the current state law. If the bill 1s granted a dissolution the bill The candidates for regents by congres­ approved by the full House becomes law, allows people to change back to their sional districts and at-large seats are as individuals could change their names former names without the court's dis­ follows: petitioning the court. Name cretion. Veterans seeking government jobs in In the final version of the bill, veterans the service. Veterans could use their Minnesota will still be given some pre­ would be given a five point edge on civil points to get one job or for one_ promotion. ference under a bill passed 98 to 34 by service examinations. Veterans with ser­ Opposition to the bill was led by Rep. the House of Representatives. A bill to vice connected disabilities could add 10 Al Patton (D-Sartell) who wanted no time limit veterans preference in obtaining points to their exam. limit, unlimited use, and·· !ifetime use of · and advancing in Civil Service employ­ Rep. Berglin's original proposal pro­ bonus points for veterans competing for ment was offered by Rep. Linda Berglin vided for one-time-only use of bonus civil service jobs. (D-Mpls.), and after weeks of committee points within 10 years of discharge from hearings and floor debate, compromise legislation was given approval by the full House. The bill was amended on the House floor to end absolute veterans preference on the local government level arid veterans preference could not be used for pro­ The House Education Committee Two girls' athletics coaches said the motions. bill didn't go far enough in allowing However, no time limit was set on use heard more public testimony Feb. 26 on a bill requiring equal opportunity for boys separate girls' teams. One advocated a of veterans preference, and veterans also and girls in school athletics. The bill, completely separate sports program for would be allowed use of preference any sponsored by Rep. Phyllis Kahn (D-Mpls.), each sex, while the other urged adoption number of times in obtaining jobs. would make all elementary school ath­ of State High League guidelines. letics coeducational and would permit A spokesman forthe High School League single-sex teams in upper grades only to said the League has already adopted rules give boys and girls equal opportunity to which support the intent of the bill, and take part. he added, "School boards should manage Under a stop-gap measure passed by extra-curricular affairs. We express con­ Citizens opposed to Minnesota presi­ the Legislature in 1974, unrestricted cern that the bill, with its good intention dential primary made their views known separation by sex is currently permitted. will confuse the situation when it needs at a House subcommittee hearing Feb­ Unless the Legislature acts before July clarity." ruary 25. The opponents, mostly DFL l, 197 5, the Hum an Rights Act will make At an earlier heari.ng on the bill, some party activists, said the bill would weaken all segregated teams illegal. committee members expressed concern the political parties. The bill would permit single-sex teams about girls facing boys in contact sports. · The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tad Jude only to provide boys and girls with equal Rep. Kahn said team members would still (D-Mound), would set up a Minnesota opportunity to take part. If schools pro­ be chosen according to size, weight, and presidential primary on the same day as vide boys' and girls' teams in the same skill considerations. She said schools the primary in Wisconsin, on the first sport, an essentially equal amount must wouldn't have to have two teams in any Tuesday in April. Minnesota repealed be spent on each student, and all players sport, as long as both boys and girls could its primary law in 1959. must have similar equipment and essen­ try out for existing teams. Candidates could file in person, or tially equal access to facilities. Among witnesses supporting the bill supporters could put a candidate on the All schools are urged to offer mixed were two girls from the Twin Cities area. ballot. Delegates to national party con­ play wherever practical. Schools have a An 11-year-old Minneapolis girl and a ventions would be distributed according one-year grace period to set up equal 17-year-old high school junior urged the to primary results. facilities and coeducational athletic pro­ committee to allow co-ed teams. Former Gov. Karl Rolvaag said a string grams, under the Kahn bill. Two witnesses from the Minneapolis of primaries across the nation would be Opponents of the bill were equally public school system also supported the extremely hard on candidates, both divided between those who said the bill proposal. A high school principal told the physically and financially. St. Paul Mayor didn't allow enough leeway for separate committee, "Because of the disparity that Lawrence Cohen said he is "an absolute teams, and those who said no separate has existed there is a case for separating firm believer" in the caucus system of teams should be allowed. some teams, if the resources are equal. endorsement. The director of the women's division of The value placed on competition should Advocates of the bill testified at a the state Human Rights Department said be the same for all." House General Legislation subcommittee there was no disagreement on the goal hearing February 10. Rep. Jude told of equal athletic programs for all stu­ An attorney for a suburban school dis­ committee members that a Minnesota dents. "Department guidelines, in effect trict opposed the bill. He said the measure and Wisconsin vote would provide the since 1974, provide a means to compen­ goes too far. "In our zeal to provide nation with a Midwest outlook on the sate for current inequities between boys' equal participation, we may have a num­ candidates. and girls' programs." "These guidelines ber of teams with only one exceptional Proponents said that a primary could interpret the Human Rights Act. Boys and girl competing." involve 10 times as many Minnesotans girls could try out for any team, with size A spokesman for the State Human as the current political party caucus and skills determining who made the Rights Department told the members, "The system for endorsing candidates. They team." Department is unalterably opposed to said a primary would make it easier for A spokesman for the Urban League introducing into law the provision for night workers and servicemen to have a said the bill proposes "separate but separate, but theoretically equal facili­ say in picking nominees for President. equal" programs, and that his group ties for athletics." The Elections Subcommittee will further rejected that philosophy. A member of the Committee Chairman Carl Johnson debate the bill before deciding whether or Minneapolis Civil Rights Department said more testimony would be heard not to refer it to the General Legislation said, "If we start here with separate before the committee takes any action on committee for further discussion. facilities, where do we stop?" the bill. n r Speaker of the House Martin Sabo son, Minneapolis; and Kenneth Zubay, has named a special committee to study Rochester. the question of legislative pay and per Rep. Voss said the committee is holding diem expenses. public hearings on the issue and studying The committee is instructed to come the State Personnel Board's recommenda­ up with recommendations on both per tions for salary adjustments. The Personnel diem (compensation for daily expenses) Board recommended last fall that legis­ and salary by March 31. The recommen­ lators receive $13,500 a year in salary plus dations will be reported to the full House $10 per diem for metropolitan legislators and may include possible legislation. and $17.50 for non-metropolitan legis­ Legislators are now paid $8,400 a year lators to compensate for meals and other in salary, plus $25 per diem expenses for out-of-pocket expenses. The figures were those who move away from their homes based on a model for comparable work during the session. in state and local government and would The committee is chaired by Rep. Gor­ be subject to cost of living adjustments. don Voss (D-Blaine). Other members are: Minnesota House Minority Leader Henry Democrats - House Majority Leader was named one of ten Young Irvin Anderson, International Falls; Ray Minnesotans" of 1975 by Minnesota Faricy, St. Paul; Neil Haugerud, Preston; cees earlier this year. Savelkoul, Phyllis Kahn, Minneapolis; William Kelly, Material contained in this newsletter is is an attomey from Albert Lea, and serves East Grand Forks; Al Patton, Sartell, as chief spokesman for the Republican current up to March 7, 1975. The progress on the House floor. He was first and Ted Suss, Prior Lake. of certain legislation and additional in­ to the House in 1968 and represents Republicans House Minority Leader formation pertaining to certain issues District 31A, which includes parts of Free­ Henry Savelkoul, Albert Lea; Arne Carl- will be reported in future issues. born and Mower Counties. s Several bills which intend to reduce the ment, staffing, and effectiveness are some "Minnesota has one of the best Legisla­ size of the Minnesota Legislature are of the many issues that will be studied by tures in the nation now, but I feel that to being studied by the House General Legis­ the subcommittee. make democracy work, people must know lation Subcommittee. Proponents for a smaller Legislature say who it is that represents them." Five bills have been introduced which the reduction will make the Legislature Arguing against the idea that a smaller would reduce the current 201 member more efficient and provide more time Legislature would lead to full time legis­ Legislature by as many as 69 House for individual research and careful debate. lators, Faricy said that with a larger dis­ and Senate seats. Minnesota currently Opponents argue that with a smaller trict, he personally would want to spend has the largest state Senate in the nation Legislature each member would have more time in his district to maintain con­ with 67 members, and 12th largest House more people to represent and be less tact with his constituents. with 134 members. effective. It is also argued that with fewer The 56 senators and 112 representatives The bills now before the subcommittee lawmakers, more staff would be needed, were arrived at through a House subcom­ are: which would increase the cost of running mittee. The numbers were proposed by H.F. 12 (Enebo), 33 senators and 99 the Legislature. Rep. Gerry Knickerbocker (R-Hopkins) representatives, beginning with 1979 ses­ Legislative districts are determined by because each figure is divisable by seven sion if approved by a constitutional amend­ population based on census figures. The and eight and would fit better in case ment. next federal census is in 1980 and districts there was ever redistricting according to H.F. 14 (Kelly, R.), 50 senators and 100 will be reapportioned according to those the states congressional districts. representatives, beginning with the 1983 population figures. Rep. Enebo, who proposes a Legislature session if approved by a constitutional Each state representative now repre­ of 132 members, said a smaller body amendment. sents 28,000 constituents, and each state would not reduce the effectiveness of the H.F. 37 (Faricy), 56 senators and 112 senator represents about 57,000 citizens. lawmaking body. Enebo based his representatives, beginning with the 1977 A bill last year offered by Rep. Ray proposal of a three to one ratio of House session. Faricy (D-St. Paul) would have reduced to Senate members on other states with H.F. 65 (Sieben, 55 senators and the size of the Legislature to 56 senators similar populations. 110 representatives, beginning with the and 112 representatives. The bill was "California has 20 million people served 1983 session. defeated in the House by a 65 to 65 tie by a Legislature of 120 members," Enebo H.F. 295 (McCarron), 40 senators and vote, and again by a 65 to 64 favorable said, "Minnesota has a population of 3.7 120 representatives, after the next vote. In the House, 68 votes are needed million served by a Legislature of 201 apportionment. for passage. The vote on the bill was members. I just don't think we need that - Chairman Bruce Vento (D-St. Paul) largely on a rural and urban legislator large of a Legislature to handle the job." said the committee will continue to dis­ split. "With fewer members, the Legislature cuss the concept of a smaller Legislature Rep. Faricy has a similar bill before the can be just as effective, even more effec­ rather than act on any particular bill. subcommittee this year and feels a smaller tive; and become more visible and more Citizen representation, cost savings, Legislature would improve the visibility responsible to the citizens of the state," accurate population figures for apportion- of the House and its representatives. Enebo concluded. s n o Non-smokers will have their own area bill. Opponents also argued that "places in public places and public meetings if a of work" should be exempted from the An additional $5 million in bonds to bill given approval by the House becomes bill. law. The bill was amended to exclude ware­ pay Vietnam-era bonus claims was signed Under a bill sponsored by Rep. Phyllis houses, factories and other places of work into law by Gov. Wendell Anderson fol­ Kahn (D-Mpls.) all public meeting rooms with high ceilings that insured proper lowing approval by each house. The fund set up by the 1973 Legislature and buildings have to establish nonsmok­ ventilation for cigarette smoke. But, Rep. has run dry, after paying about 138,000 ing sections. Public meetings are defined Kahn said, if the work space is small enough claims totaling $60 million. as those required by law to be open to so as to make it uncomfortable for the More than 4,600 veterans are still wait­ the public. -Smoking in such places as nonsmoker, the rights of the nonsmoker restaurants, bars, auditoriums, arenas, should be recognized. Enclosed offices ing for their bonus money, and up to or hospitals would be permitted only in which are occupied exclusively by non­ 7 ,000 veterans are eligible to apply. A designated areas. smokers are exempted from the bill. deadline for applications of December 31, The bill requires that bars and restaur­ Called the "Minnesota Clean Indoor 1976 is set by the measure. Rep. Joel ants without nonsmoking facilities post Air Act", the bill is co-authored by Jacobs (D-Coon Rapids) was sponsor a sign conspicuously at the entrance stat­ House Speaker Martin Sabo, a heavy of the bill in the House. ing that the building does not have accommo­ smoker, House Minority Leader Henry dations for nonsmokers. Savelkoul, Reps. B. J. Philbrook (D-Rose­ Doctors who testified in favor of the bill ville) and Ted Suss (D-Prior Lake). at a House Health and Welfare Commit­ The bill is before the full House for its tee meeting told legislators of the health consideration. hazards to nonsmokers from nearby Minnesota motorists will be legally able cigarette smoke. The proposal applies to to make a left turn at a red light on to one ·cigarettes, cigars and pipes. way streets if a bill approved by the House The doctor told the committee mem­ becomes law. bers that patients with lung diseases are Andy Brewer has been appointed execu­ The measure allows for left turns onto often irritated by cigarette smoke in pub­ tive assistant to Majority Leader Irvin one ways from one way streets at a red lic places, including hospitals. Other Anderson. Brewer was most recently light. If enacted, the law would be effec­ health hazards mentioned included the assistant director of the Minnesota tive August l, 1975. risk of heart attack, a rise in blood pres­ Bicentennial Commission and is a former Rep. M. J. "Mac" McCauley (R- sure, eye irritation, and allergic reaction. information director for the Public Ser­ Winona) Author of the bill said he isn't Opponents to the bill were concerned vice Commission. sure why the left turn wasn't included that restaurants and other places used by Brewer replaces David Bieging who in the 197 l law allowing for right turns the public would be required to install resigned in January to become a full time on red lights, but several states have ventilation systems to comply with the law student. laws allowing for both.

More than 150 social studies teachers ton, South St. Paul, Osseo, St. Paul, and session of the House followed by an evalu­ and administrators came to the Capitol Minneapolis. ation session with legislators and staff. January 23 to attend the first in a series The February 6 and 7 conferences Response to the conferences was enthu­ of three conferences on State Govern­ covered all phases of research, the bill siastic with most teachers requesting an ment. drafting process, and a visit to a floor expansion of the program. · They followed a day-long program that took them through a session on the paper work behind the introduction of legis­ lation and its final passage into law. At a mock session the group heard from House Speaker Martin Sabo and Leader Henry Savelkoul. Senate Majority Leader Nicholas Coleman talked to the educators at one of the afternoon sessions. Two members of the attorney general's staff gave an insight into how the execu­ tive branch of government has input into legislative action, with consumer's affairs as the case study. After an introduction into the functions of the House Research from a staff mem­ ber, the teachers concluded their day with a gallery view of the House in session. Those attending the conferences repre­ sented many areas of the state, including Isanti, Rush City, Waseca, Paynesville, Albany, Northfield, Aitkin, Anoka, Burns­ ville, Rosemount, BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE

Permit No. 4881 St. Paul, Minnesota

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Young Minnesota farmers will find it ing to continue farming," Mann said. "Our retmng farmer have first option m leas­ easier to take over the family farm if a goal is to promote more individual owner­ ing the land. proposal before a House subcommittee ship of farms, not government owner­ The program proposed by Rep. Mann is enacted into law. The House Family ship or corporate speculation." does not have any provisions allowing for Farms Subcommittee is meeting to dis­ The land transfer plan, called the land leasing, where the government cuss possible legislation which would Family Farms Security Act, is being would own the land and the farmer would establish a agricultural land transfer pro­ studied by the House Subcommittee on be the tenant. gram for the state. Family Farms, chaired by Rep. Willis The proposal asks that an appropriate The program would provide assistance Eken (D-Twin Valley). state department or agency would offer to retiring farmers who wish to sell their Rep. Eken said the committee will pro­ to purchase farm land from retiring far­ acreage, and offer financial assistance to bably take the issue to different areas of mers at market prices for the immediate young farmers making initial land pur­ the state to hold open hearings on the resale to beginning farmers. chases. The measure would give the state subject. Last summer a delegation of The measure was first introduced in the power to act as the transfer agent for farm House and Senate members went to House by Rep. Mann as a House Advisory property. Saskatchewan, Canada, to study a similar Bill, which is essentially a suggestion to Rep. George Mann (D-Windom), chief program. a committee for possible legislation. author of the original proposal said the Under the Canadian government pro­ Other authors of the bill are Rep. Eken, program is designed to aid beginning gram, a land bank commission purchases Frank DeGroat (R-Lake Park), Irvin farmers in the state. "Many families have land from retiring farmers who choose to Anderson (D-Intl. Falls), and Russell found it economically impractical for a enter the program, and then leases the Stanton (D-Arco). parent to transfer farm ownership to property to young farmers under a long their children or other individuals wish- term lease. Direct descendants of the t Five rural legislators propose a higher Sponsors of the bill are Reps. Irvin Several legislators will travel to Cook, limit on the value of state-owned timber Anderson (D-Intl. Falls), Douglas John­ Mn. to hold a public hearing on the issue sold informally by the Commissioner of son (D-Cook), Art Braun CD-Greenbush), and gather additional information before Natural Resources. The House members Norm Prahl (D-Keewatin), and John acting on the proposed bill. held hearing in northern Minnesota dur­ Biersdorf (R-Owatonna). ing the interim, and heard from a number of interested citizens. The bill they have introduced increases the informal sales limit from the current $500 to $1,500. Under the bill, no person could hold more than two permits to harvest state-owned The House of Representatives voted move the office to Prairie Village, Kan­ timber. Current law requires 30 days unanimously February 27 to urge that the. sas. Forsythe said the department noti_c_e when a formal timber sale is Department of Agriculture keep its Agri­ to cut costs, but further investigation planned. The bill would provide for 15 days cultural Stabilization office in Minnea­ show that it will save money by remain­ notice. polis. The next day, Rep. Mary Forsythe ing in Minneapolis. When county auditors post and publish (R-Edina), delivered a copy of the House notice of formal sale, interested citizens resolution to Secretary of Agriculture Rep. Claudia will be informed of time and place of the Earl Butz in Washington. the resolution. sale, and will be given a source of detailed Rep. Forsythe told House members that returned from information on the quantity and quality the Agricultural Stabilization and Conser­ culture Department of timber for sale. vation Office serves midwest farmers and plan to close the The bill will be heard by the House agribusiness, and provides a $3.5 million exoec;te~::L "It is essential for Environment and Natural Resources dollar annual payroll. to deliver the resolution Committee. The Agriculture Department wants to Meier said.