HF2476-HF2741

FEBRUARY 4, 2000

VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1

SESSIONWeekly

A NONPARTISAN PUBLICATION ★ ★ ★

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES • PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

BONDING PLANS, AND TEST TROUBLES

In This Issue:

2000 LEGISLATURE CONVENES,

2 February 4, 2000

CONTENTSHIGHLIGHTS

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS/RESOURCES

Consumers • 5Crime • 5Development • 7Education • 7Employment • 9

Environment • 9Government • 10Human Services • 10Immigration • 11Local Government • 11

AT ISSUE: BONDING — The governor’s bonding plan is relatively lean, andsome lawmakers say it ignores critical needs.

AT ISSUE: TRANSPORTATION — The long, sometimes strange debate overlight-rail transit continues at the Capitol and the courthouse.

HISTORY — Gov. Floyd B. Olson advocated the switch to a unicameralLegislature in his 1935 inaugural address, but Olson, who was himself athird-party insurgent, made his advocacy of a one-house system seemlike a polite suggestion.

POLICY — Lawmakers this week heard two experts debate over the safetyof genetically altered foods.

PEOPLE — Participants in the YMCA’s Youth in Government programprove there are plenty of students interested in serious societal issues.The program teaches students the nuts and bolts of the lawmakingprocess.

It’s a Fact 4The 50 States 27Bill Introductions

(HF2476-HF2741) 21

Committee Schedule(Feb. 7-11) 28

Minnesota Index 32

SESSIONWeekly

Session Weekly is a nonpartisanpublication of the Minnesota House ofRepresentatives Public Information Office.During the 1999-2000 Legislative Session,each issue reports daily House actionbetween Thursdays of each week, lists billintroductions and upcoming committeemeeting schedules, and provides otherinformation. The publication is a service ofthe Minnesota House. No fee.

To subscribe, contact:Minnesota House of RepresentativesPublic Information Office175 State Office BuildingSt. Paul, MN 55155-1298(651) 296-2146 or1-800-657-3550TTY (651) 296-9896

DirectorLeClair G. Lambert

Editor/Assistant DirectorNick Healy

Assistant EditorMichelle Kibiger

Art & Production CoordinatorPaul Battaglia

WritersMike DeLarco, Jon Fure,David Maeda, Chris Vetter

Chief PhotographerTom Olmscheid

PhotographersLaura Phillips, Andrew Von Bank

Office ManagerNicole Wood

Staff AssistantsChristy Novak, Laurel Waldoch

Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is publishedweekly during the legislative session by the Min-nesota House of Representatives PublicInformation Office, 100 Constitution Ave., St.Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage paidat St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes toSession Weekly, Public Information Office,Minnesota House of Representatives, 175 StateOffice Building, 100 Constitution Ave.,St. Paul, MN 55155-1298.

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Recreation • 12Taxes • 12Transportation • 12Veterans • 13

On the cover: Speaker Steve Sviggum prepares to convene the 2000 House ofRepresentatives.

—Photo by Tom Olmscheid

Session Weekly 3

FIRST READING★ ★ ★

BY JON FURE

With one successful year of tri-partisan government behind them,House members started the 2000

Legislative Session on Feb. 1 with the solemnreminder of a member lost and raucous de-bate regarding standardized testing andprayers on the House floor.

Moments into the first floor session, Rep.Doug Reuter (Ind.-Owatonna) introduced ameasure to throw out the writing tests takenby Minnesota 10th graders before they couldbe sent to be scored.

The writing test is part of the state’s Gradu-ation Standards program, which means stu-dents must pass before they can get a highschool diploma.

Reuter said some 10th graders had objectedto the test question, which asked them to writeabout one thing they would change aboutthemselves.

He asked lawmakers to suspend normalrules and proceed with a vote on his proposalimmediately, instead of allowing it to be re-ferred to the House Education Policy Com-mittee to begin the committee process. ButReuter failed to persuade a two-thirds major-ity of his colleagues that such urgency wasneeded.

On the prayer issue, Reuter said House rulesthat require prayers to be nondenominational

Action begins at gavelThe 2000 session is expected to be brief but busy, much like theopening day, which included votes on two controversial matters

and to “respect the diversity” of the membersof the House are impos-sible to follow. No oneprayer could possibly re-flect the many differentbeliefs of the Housemembers, he said.

Rep. Peggy Leppik(R-Golden Valley) saidpeople who are invited togive a prayer on the Housefloor have for years beensent a letter asking them totry to keep their statementsnondenominational in na-ture. The House rulesadopted in 1999 simplyreflect the standard prac-tice, she said.

“It is not a gag; it is arequest to please bemindful of the fact thatthere is diversity in thisbody,” she said.

Reuter’s amendmentto alter the House rules,so they would only saythat each session wouldbegin with a prayer by thechaplain, failed to winenough votes.

While the 2000 Legislative Session beganwith little fanfare and an unusual amount ofaction, there was time to reflect on the loss ofa Capitol fixture.

House Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon)noted the absence of Rep. Willard Mungerwith a moment of silence. Munger, the long-est-serving member of the House, first electedin 1954, died in July 1999.

Newly elected Rep. Dale Swapinski (DFL-Duluth) will be serving the remainder ofMunger’s term.

House members applauded as Swapinskiwas introduced, and he said, “I feel honoredand privileged to sit in this seat that was soably filled by Willard Munger for many, manyyears.”

House Minority Leader Tom Pugh(DFL-South St. Paul) praised Munger’s impor-tant contributions to the state and invitedmembers and public to a memorial service inhonor of Munger planned for Feb. 7.

As it turns out, the first day may be a har-binger of what comes this year. The 2000 ses-sion is expected to be brief but busy.

The primary function will be to decide how

To our readers:Welcome to the second year of Minnesota’s 81st Legislative Ses-

sion. It’s the 17th year of publication for Session Weekly, and you maynotice some changes.

First, let’s talk about what hasn’t changed. We will continue to bringyou complete, no-nonsense coverage of House committee meetingsand floor action. And handy sections such as the Bill Introductionsand the Committee Schedule can be found, as always, in the back ofthe magazine.

The changes that have been made — some subtle, some not-so-subtle — are intended to make the publication more informative,easier to use, and more attractive.

The Highlights section, which is consistently the best-read part ofthe magazine, will continue to provide concise, straightforward re-ports on all sorts of bills.

A new section we’ve added, called At Issue, will offer in-depth sto-ries on major initiatives under consideration. This week, the sectionincludes pieces about the governor’s bonding proposal and light-rail transit.

To help you find the information you need, we’ve added an in-depth Contents section that will be on page 2 in every issue. It willoffer quick access to a list of the subjects covered in Highlights eachweek and of all the other articles and information.

We have made several other editorial and graphic changes in thepublication that we hope will make it more appealing to our readers.

Many of the ideas for changes in Session Weekly were taken fromthe survey of readers conducted at the end of the 1999 session.Thanks to all those who replied. We hope you are pleased with themagazine.

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please call us at651-296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 if you need answers to generalquestions or assistance in following the legislative process.

—LeClair G. Lambert

Rep. Joe Opatz (left) listens to debate while Rep. Matt Entenza and Rep. Ann Lenczewski confer on theHouse floor the first day of session.

4 February 4, 2000

IT’S A FACT

Depressed no moreA 70-year-old report shows many concerns remain, though

economic conditions are wildly different

In the late 1930s, Minnesota went

looking for answers to economicproblems that had gripped the state —

and the nation — for the entire decade.A special commission created to study the

state’s economic woes came up with a listof solutions that — unlikely as it may seemafter the boom of the late 1990s — includedmany ideas still advocated by some politi-cal leaders today.

The House passed a resolution in 1937that created the commission to examine thefactors slowing commercial and industrialdevelopment in the state. Two years later,the commission issued a report titled“There is No Lack of Markets.”

The title reflected the commission’s con-clusion that it wasn’t a lack of consumerneed that was hindering economic recov-ery. Rather it was the absence of purchas-ing power and the disparity betweenproducers and their ability to get fair mar-ket value for their goods.

In the report, the commission took greatlengths to make it clear that the downswingin the state’s economy was a direct result ofthe Great Depression, which had devastat-ing effects nationwide. Therefore, the reportsaid, complete recovery in Minnesota couldnot occur until the nation’s economystrengthened.

The commission noted that Minnesota’seconomy during the Depression declined ata sharper rate than the rest of the nationbut also was recovering at a quicker rate.Minnesota’s recovery was due in part to therelative strength of the state’s leading indus-tries — meatpacking, flour milling, newsprinting, book printing, and the productionof liquor.

But something else was holdingMinnesota’s recovery back.

“America has the manpower, machinesand natural resources, skill and brains,” thereport said. “Americans know how to pro-duce. Our factories, mines and farms are themost highly developed in the world. ButAmericans cannot buy the goods they pro-duce. We do not have sufficient buying

power. Wages and farm prices are too low.”Although Minnesota was a state that de-

pended heavily on its agricultural resources,the commission said, income from agricul-ture in 1935 accounted for only 18 percentof the total annual income of the state’speople.

To remedy the lack of purchasing power,the commission recommended that thestate move to guarantee farmers fair pricesfor their goods. The commission also citedthe growing control of corporate farmingas harmful to the Minnesota farmer.

“During the Depression, the position ofthe farmer has become worse,” the reportsaid. “The food trusts, with the power ofmonopolistic control, have protected theirprofits at the expense of the producer.”

The commission made other recommen-dations aimed at increasing consumer buy-ing power. It called for the state to upholdlabor’s power to bargain for a fair wage andto develop a tax system based on the abilityto pay.

The state also needed to develop a sys-tem of long-term planning and managingthe state’s resources, the commission found.Conservation of the state’s timber, water,and soil was key, the report said, because“the industries most important to the in-dustrial future of the state are those basedon our natural resources.”

Using tax concessions to attract indus-try ultimately was ineffective, the commis-sion concluded, because such moves onlytransferred Minnesota’s unemploymentproblem to neighboring states.

“Since Minnesota sells a large percent-age of its industrial products outside itsborder we do not gain when increasingunemployment cuts into this outside mar-ket,” the report said.

Seventy years later, Minnesota is in goodtimes, with unemployment low and con-sumer spending high. But the issues of con-cern in late 1930s — from the plight of thefamily farmer to the economic competitionfrom neighboring states — continue todraw debate at the Capitol.

to deal with another projected budget surplusand how much money to borrow for capitalprojects. But lawmakers likely will also act onmeasures to protect families from repeat sexoffenders and decide whether a proposal toreduce the size of the Legislature should ap-pear on the ballot in the November election.

Plans for dealing with the projected budgetsurplus were not discussed on the House flooron the first day of session, but House Repub-licans are proposing tax cuts and another re-bate as their major agenda for the session.

“As long as the state continues to take moremoney from our families than it needs, Re-publicans will continue proposing tax cuts,”Sviggum said.

The proposed tax cut would reduce the per-centage of state income tax charged to eachbracket: 0.75 percent in the middle bracketand 0.5 percent in the upper and lowerbrackets.

House Republicans are also proposing an-other sales-tax rebate, appropriations to re-duce property taxes, economic developmentprograms for rural communities, and one-time spending for road and bridge projects.

The recent abduction and murder ofKatie Poirier has influenced several crimeprevention proposals. Funding a statewidecomputer network that will prevent criminalsfrom hiding by changing their name or usingaliases and other proposals will be introducedand referred to as “Katie’s Law.”

The main function of the 2000 session will be todetermine how much money the state should bor-row by selling bonds to pay for capital projects. Gov.Jesse Ventura has recommended that the stateshould only sell $400 million in general obligationbonds. That number is based on the average size ofbonding bills in the past 15 years.

Ventura’s bonding proposal also includes revenuefrom $34 million in user-financed bonds, $27 mil-lion from the trunk highway fund, and $1 millionfrom the general fund. The proposal also wouldcancel $37 million that has been previously autho-rized for capital projects but has not been spent.

The governor’s plan would spend the funds toimprove public buildings, natural resources, or otherinfrastructure areas like roads and water treatmentfacilities.

The House Capital Investment Committee,chaired by Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-St. Cloud), will beputting together an omnibus bill with input fromthe other House finance committees. Thecommittee’s task will include proposing a totalamount to be bonded and a list of specific projectsto be funded.

All in all, it appears the 2000 session should beone featuring debate on a variety of issues of sig-nificance to many Minnesotans.

Session Weekly 5

F E B R U A R Y 1 - 3 , 2 0 0 0

HIGHLIGHTS★ ★ ★

★CRIME

★CONSUMERS

Tornado victims hit twiceTwo years after a tornado devastated

St. Peter, the town’s residents are still reeling,in part due to unscrupulous contractors whotook people’s money and didn’t complete thejob, said Rep. Julie Storm (R-St. Peter), whohas proposed a bill to protect homeowners.

Storm testified in favor of the bill (HF2563)before the House Civil Law CommitteeFeb. 2. The committee took no action on thebill, but the proposal is expected to come upagain during the next few weeks.

Storm shared horror stories about a con-tractor who col-lected money fromSt. Peter-areahomeowners, thendid not pay subcon-tractors. The sub-contractors thenplaced mechanicliens on thehomeowners, whothought they hadfinished paying forthe repairs.

“It’s taken twoyears, with no reso-lution,” she said.

Jerold Lucas, a St.Peter attorney, toldthe committee thatone particular con-tractor conducteddishonest deals with15 homeowners in the area. The contractoreventually went bankrupt, but the mechanicliens were already placed on the homes, Lucassaid.

“It was a nightmare,” Lucas said. “It is a timewarp. They couldn’t get out of it.”

Current state law says a builder, materialsupplier, or subcontractor can place a me-chanic lien on property if he or she is not paidfor work done on the property.

The bill would create stiffer penalties forviolators, said St. Peter resident Jerry Yushta,a police officer. In the St. Peter case, the con-tractor was charged with a gross misdemeanorfor each of the 15 cases.

Yushta said the contractor should facefelony charges for the amount of money hetook from the homeowners.

Storm said the contracting industry helpeddraft the bill’s language.

Capitol security needs helpThe Capitol complex might need a

makeover in the next few years to prevent pos-sible acts of terrorism or dangerous incidents,according to a recent report on complex se-curity.

Nicholas V. O’Hara, superintendent of theBureau of Criminal Apprehension, told theHouse Crime Prevention Committee onFeb. 3 about the planned upgrades to the Capi-tol that feature metal detectors, X-ray con-veyor belts, and fewer entrances accessible tothe public.

“This is a managed approach to access, nota restriction of access,” O’Hara said, explain-ing that people will still be able to enter theCapitol.

The report was initially released on Jan. 17.The proposal recommended by the task forcewould cost the state $3.07 million. O’Hara pre-sented four different protection packages,ranging from $1.8 million to $6 million.

O’Hara said the Legislature should create aCapitol complex security oversight commit-tee, which would be responsible for the devel-opment and implementation of securitymeasures.

The plan would require employees to carrycolor- and access-coded cards to movethroughout the Capitol complex. Vendors andother people who have business at the Capi-tol would be issued temporary identificationcards, the proposal states.

There are currently 37 doors providing ac-cess to the Capitol. Under the proposal, thepublic doors would be reduced to seven. Intotal, there would only be 14 public doors be-tween the Capitol, Judicial Center, and StateOffice Building, the report recommends.

O’Hara suggested the state increase secu-rity for the governor by assigning additionalstate troopers to the governor’s residence.Additional troopers should be assigned to fol-low the governor, the lieutenant governor, andlegislative and judicial officials, O’Hara said.

In addition, Capitol security should have a

uniform look so they are recognizable to thepublic, but distinguishable from other uni-formed officers.

Rep. Wes Skoglund (DFL-Mpls) objected tothe outfit changes, saying it is better for peopleto think Capitol security guards are police of-ficers. Skoglund suggested that people are lesslikely to commit a crime when they think anofficer is nearby.

The $3.07 million proposal includes $1.67million for screening devices and the accesscard system and $1.4 million for additionaltroopers, staff, equipment, and training costs.

The committee took no action on the taskforce’s recommendations.

Prison projects pitchedRepairs to aging facilities and new construc-

tion to handle emerging mental health andhigh security needs are the focus of theDepartment of Corrections’ capital budgetfor 2000.

Department officials presented their bond-ing requests to the House Judiciary FinanceCommittee Feb. 1.

Initially, corrections officials requested$25.6 million in bond funds for 2000. Gov.Jesse Ventura recommended funding for $19.5million, leaving two of the department’s ma-jor initiatives unfunded — a vocational build-ing at the Red Wing facility and an activitiesbuilding at Willow River.

Several of the state correctional facilities areold and deteriorating, said Dennis Benson,deputy commissioner of corrections. Theproject requests for this year reflect that, andmany of the concerns have been problems forseveral years.

Benson also said problems are approachingthe point where the facilities will no longer bein compliance with state fire and buildingcodes if they continue to deteriorate.

One project would fix the sanitary andstorm sewer systems at the Faribault prison.A former state hospital, the medium-securityprison for men is more than 100 years old.Recent tests show that high, unsafe levels offecal coliform have contaminated the nearbyStraight River. Cost of the sewer project is$10.6 million.

Officials have also proposed moving thecurrent health services department at themaximum-security Stillwater prison into theformer laundry area, at a cost of $1.8 million.The health facility is now located outside thesecure parts of the prison, which requires staff

Civil Law

Chair: Smith(R-Mound)Vice Chair: Seifert, J.(R-Woodbury)Minority Lead: Carruthers(DFL-Brooklyn Center)Members: 16(9 R, 7 DFL)

Scope: Reviews all areasof Minnesota’s civil laws,including family law, per-sonal injury law, probate,l a n d l o r d - t e n a n t ,nuisance law, and dataprivacy statutes.

HOUSE

COMMITTEEPROFILE

“They are eager to get rid of bad contrac-tors, too,” Storm said.

Rep. Dave Bishop (R-Rochester) liked thebill, but he questioned why the proposal onlyapplies to residential construction.

“There is no harm to the homeowner tohaving this uniform (for all construction),”Bishop said.

6 February 4, 2000

to transport inmates outside for medical careand increases risk, said David Crist, wardenat Stillwater.

Ventura also recommended $1.8 million infunding to repair the crumbling 85-year-oldprison yard walls that surround the Stillwaterfacility.

Also among Ventura’s recommendations is$855,000 to help build a high-security, self-contained unit at Oak Park Heights prison tohandle inmates who are a risk to themselves,other inmates, and staff. Most of the $13.9million total cost is being paid by the federalgovernment.

Two other projects backed by Venturawould renovate the food service building atMinnesota Correctional Facility-Lino Lakesfor $3.9 million and renovate a cottage at Min-nesota Correctional Facility-Red Wing formental health needs at a cost of $801,000.

The committee is expected to send its en-tire judiciary finance bonding plan to theHouse Capital Investment Committee in lateFebruary.

During the Department of Corrections presentation before the Judiciary Finance Committee, Jim Bruton,warden at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights, points out features of a proposed ad-dition of 60 cells to house the worst of the worst inmates.

Probation database plannedThe state Department of Corrections has

developed a pilot project to integrate proba-tion data statewide in the ongoing effort tocreate a single criminal justice informationsystem in the state.

The department presented its project to theHouse Judiciary Finance Committee Feb. 3.

The project would take data about currentand former probation cases and place it on asecure Internet site accessible by law enforce-ment personnel around the state.

Each user would have an identificationnumber or name and password to access the

system. It would be available only to law en-forcement, said Dennis Benson, deputy com-missioner for the department.

An official could search the database by us-ing a person’s first and last name or severalother identifying factors, including driver’slicense number or social security number. Inaddition, any aliases someone has used wouldalso be available.

For example, an officer makes a traffic stopand finds out the driver of the car is namedJohn Smith. The officer suspects Mr. Smith hasbeen drinking and checks his driving record.The database also would allow the officer tosee if Mr. Smith is on probation for a previ-ous drunken driving violation that may in-clude a “no drinking” provision.

The project is still in development stages.The department has been working on it forthe past 12 to 18 months.

Benson did not know exactly how much theproject would cost. He did say about $200,000had been transferred from the state Depart-ment of Public Safety for the project. He saidhe suspected it would cost more.

Minnesota prison costs highMinnesota spends about $85 per inmate,

per day to run the state prison system, correc-tions officials said at a Jan. 27 joint meetingof the House Judiciary Finance Committeeand Senate Crime Prevention and JudiciaryBudget Division.

The committees held the interim hearingto discuss ways of cutting operating costs inthe correctional system. Concerns were ini-tially raised after a 1996 Bureau of Justice Sta-tistics report listed Minnesota as the most

expensive state, spending $104 per day, per in-mate.

Corrections officials testified that since the1996 report, several changes have been madeto help lower the per diem costs to about $85a day on average.

A chart prepared by the department showsthe lowest per diem for 1999 was $75.55 a dayat the Stillwater prison and the highest was$137.96 a day at Oak Park Heights prison.

David Crist, warden of the Stillwater prison,testified that because Minnesota incarceratesthe most serious offenders, costs are going tobe higher.

Currently, the state has about 120,000people on probation. Most state prisoners havecommitted crimes against people, not prop-erty crimes.

Oak Park Heights prison, the state’s super-maximum security facility, takes the worst ofthe worst and costs the most per day to oper-ate, Crist said

Sen. Randy Kelly (DFL-St. Paul) said hewanted more information about how Minne-sota compares to other states regarding oper-ating costs and costs per inmate. Fiscal analystsfor both the House and Senate said statisticsfound in the annual corrections yearbook aretypically the most reliable, though it’s impor-tant to note how the figures are calculated.

For example, the 1996 report included over-all prison operating costs, including adminis-trative positions.

“Any way you calculate it, we are extremelyexpensive,” Kelly said.

Members of both committees asked correc-tions officials to provide more informationabout how Minnesota’s costs compare to otherstates.

The committees also briefly discussed waysto cut costs, including privatizing canteen ser-vices in the prison.

Tracking criminals statewideDeveloping an integrated statewide law en-

forcement database is a key priority, said thehead of the state’s Department of Public Safetyduring a Jan. 6 joint hearing of the HouseCrime Prevention and Judiciary Finance com-mittees.

“It’s clear as a bell this issue is the most im-portant in criminal justice,” said CharlieWeaver, commissioner of the department.“The governor is focused like a laser on thisissue.”

The interim hearing centered on an issueexpected to be discussed during the 2000 Leg-islative Session. Many people believe that lawenforcement would be aided by a better wayof tracking criminals through the differentjurisdictions in the state.

Session Weekly 7

Committee deadlinesfor 2000 session

Each year the House and Senate setdeadlines by which most bills must beheard in a committee and forwardedthrough the process.

Committee deadlines for this year willbe officially determined by a joint House-Senate resolution. While that resolutionstill must be formally approved, it isexpected to contain the followingdeadlines and language further definingeach deadline.

The first committee deadline will beFriday, March 3. By that date, bills mustpass out of necessary policy committeesin their house of origin.

The second committee deadline willbe Friday, March 10. By that date, billsother than those containing appropria-tions will have to be passed out of allpolicy committees in the both the Houseand the Senate.

The third deadline will beFriday, March 17. All omnibus financebills will have to pass out of committeeby that date.

Of course, there are exceptions to thedeadlines. The taxes committees andrules committees in both bodies are ex-empt. And a bill can be heard after thedeadlines if the rules committee in eitherbody grants its permission.

Officials want to avoid situations where alack of information allows a criminal to slipthrough the cracks. Say a suspect picked upon misdemeanor charges in Martin Countyhas a warrant for his arrest on a more seriouscharge in Ramsey County. If the MartinCounty officials don’t know about the war-rant, the suspect will soon be back on thestreet. A statewide tracking system would en-sure the information would be available.

Weaver described a Hennepin Countyproject that will link computer systems fromthe county courts, county attorney, sheriff, andprobation offices. The pilot project will serveas a model for the state. Establishing otherpilot projects through state grants would bethe next step, Weaver said.

Officials have not yet determined how muchsuch a statewide system would cost the state.The department plans to coordinate the for-mation of a group to explore alternative tech-nologies and offers from vendors.

Rep. Dave Bishop (R-Rochester) asked ifGov. Jesse Ventura will support funding foran integrated system, even though the gover-nor has said he will back only emergency fund-ing measures this session.

Weaver said it would be premature for theadministration to support funding withoutknowing what the actual costs will be.

★DEVELOPMENT

Housing, history get supportBonding recommendations totaling $6.5

million greeted the House Jobs and EconomicDevelopment Finance Committee at its firstmeeting Feb. 2.

The recommendations were part of thegovernor’s capital budget plan for 2000. Therequests before the committee equal just 37.5percent of the total requested by the state De-partment of Commerce, the Housing FinanceAgency, and the Minnesota Historical Society.

Among the governor’s recommendationsare $2 million for loans to local governmentfor publicly owned transitional housing forlow- and middle-income people. Gov. JesseVentura’s plan also calls for $2.5 million forthe energy investment loan program admin-istered by the Department of Commerce,which provides loans to public schools, cities,and counties to implement energy-efficientprojects.

The governor is also requesting $1.75 mil-lion for the Historical Society for statewideasset preservation efforts along with $250,000to restore furnishings in the State Capitol inpreparation for the building’s centennial cel-ebration in 2005.

Finally, the governor is requesting fundingfor a variety of wastewater treatment projects,Clean Drinking Water Act projects, and otherenvironmental programs.

Rep. Dan McElroy (R-Burnsville), the chairof the committee, said that along with thegovernor’s proposals, the panel will considermany of the 62 projects requested by local ju-risdictions that were not included in thegovernor’s capital investment requests. Thoseprojects total more than $407 million.

McElroy said that the committee wouldhold a hearing for any bill whose author hasrequested a hearing, on the condition that theproject met the Nov. 1 deadline for submis-sions and has a Senate companion bill.

He said one exception to these guidelineswould be a potential request from the City ofMinneapolis for money for the Guthrie The-ater project. That project is expected to comebefore the Legislature this year, although a re-quest has not yet been made.

★EDUCATION

Progress Report

BILL: HF2720SUMMARY: Requires de-struction of GraduationStandards writing testgiven to 10th gradersand retesting of allstudentsACTION: House rejectedprocedural move to passimmediately Feb. 1UP NEXT: Referred toHouse Education PolicyCommitteeSENATE: Awaits hearing inSenate Children,Families& Learning Committee

Writing test stands, for nowAn “urgent” attempt at revising a contro-

versial statewide 10th-grade writing test fellshort during the first day of the 2000 legisla-tive session, and will now be taken up by theHouse Education Policy Committee later thismonth.

The bill (HF2720) will now travel throughthe regular committee process, after a motionto accelerate a vote failed.

The statewide writing test, taken by Min-nesota sophomores during the last week ofJanuary, is requiredas part of the state’sGraduation Stan-dards program.Some students andtheir parents ob-jected to the test,which asked stu-dents to write anessay about onething they wouldlike to changeabout themselves.

Many peoplefeel the questionwas inappropriatebecause it touchedon issues of self-esteem. Even Christine Jax, commissioner ofthe state Department of Children, Familiesand Learning, suggested the question mayhave gone too far.

Rep. Doug Reuter (Ind.-Owatonna) intro-duced a bill Feb. 1 that would order destruc-

tion of the current test, require students to beretested by answering a different question, anddemand legislative approval of future testquestions.

“I don’t think I need to remind you that thisquestion went too far,” Reuter said.

Reuter moved that the House suspend nor-mal rules and allow members to vote on pas-sage of the measure without first requiring thebill to pass through committee.

He argued the House needed to vote on thebill right away because the state was ready tosend the tests to be scored. Delaying action,he said, would cost the state additional moneyto re-administer the test at a later date. Themotion to suspend the rules, which requireda two-thirds majority to pass, gained only 63of the 90 votes it needed.

Rep. Harry Mares (R-White Bear Lake),chair of the Education Policy Committee,urged members to vote against a suspensionof rules. Mares said it was only fair that thebill be heard by committee so that the publiccould have a chance to give its input.

Several members agreed that the questionwent too far, but were adamant the bill should

8 February 4, 2000

travel through the committee process wherethe public could comment.

Auditor eyes school financesA legislative auditor’s report released Feb. 2

says that Minnesota schools are in better fi-nancial condition than they were a decade ago.

And although more than one-third of thedistricts surveyed reported making cuts thisyear, the statewide teacher-student ratio is ex-pected to hold at or near the level of the lastacademic year.

The School District Finances report, whichpolled 79 percent of Minnesota’s school dis-tricts (accounting for 89 percent of publicschool enrollment), also indicated that moremoney is being received and spent on studentsthan 10 years ago.

The growth in spending has largely gone forinstruction or related activities, according tothe Office of the Legislative Auditor, whichproduced the report.

To illustrate that point, John Yunker, projectmanager for the office, said more of the state’sschool districts have added new programs thisyear than have eliminated them.

But the report notes that the statewide av-erage teacher salary has declined 4 percentsince 1989.

The dip in average teacher salary over thedecade can be attributed in part to a greaternumber of new teachers who enter at the lowerend of the pay scale being hired to accommo-date enrollment growth, Yunker said.

In a letter included in the report, ChristineJax, commissioner for the Department ofChildren, Families and Learning, said the re-port is both an accurate and fair portrayal ofthe trends in school district finance over thepast decade.

“Although the report indicates there is noevidence of a statewide financial crises in K-12 education,” Jax wrote, “we need to find waysto measure if Minnesota districts are makingthe most of current revenues, to tie spendingto measures of student success, and to developother accountability indicators to help guidedistricts and staff in making educational de-cisions.”

The report did not purport to measurewhether current education funding is ad-equate to educate students or whether thestate’s schools are making the most of the rev-enue they receive.

Vacancies may prompt changesAlternative ways to train and compensate

teachers were considered by the House K-12Education Finance Committee during an in-terim hearing held Dec. 15, 1999.

Officials estimate there will be 5,000

teaching vacancies statewide for the 2000-01school year, according to a report of the Min-nesota Department of Children, Families andLearning. By 2004, districts will need to re-place a total of 24,500 teachers.

National and local experts who testifiedduring interim hearings said teachers needmore opportunities for career advancementin the classroom and further development.They also said colleges and universities thattrain teachers need to work more closely withclassroom teachers.

“The days are gone when the people at thecolleges and universities do the research andthe people in the classrooms do the practical,”said Michael Tillmann, executive director ofthe State Board of Teaching.

A bill (HF1324) sponsored by Rep. GeorgeCassell (R-Alexandria) would establish grantsfor programs that link local districts withteacher training programs.

Local school districts could apply for oneof five $20,000 grants to begin a program thatestablishes those links by such methods asplacing teaching students in K-12 classrooms,encouraging certified educators to teachcourses, or encouraging post-secondary teach-ers to mentor.

Another bill (HF 1804), sponsored by Rep.Betty Folliard (DFL-Hopkins), would allowteachers to choose whether they are paid for a9-month or 11-month calendar. Those choos-ing the 11-month calendar would be requiredto spend the extra time on staff development.

“Many of our best teachers are alreadyworking that time,” Folliard testified. “Butthey’re still being paid on a 180-day (9 month)schedule. I just don’t think that’s right.”

The bills are expected to be considered bythe K-12 Education Finance Committee dur-ing the 2000 Legislative Session.

MINNESOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

House members cheer Minnesota Teacher of the Year Brett Smith during opening day proceed-ings in the House chamber Feb. 1. Smith, a teacher at O. H. Anderson Elementary School inMahtomedi, is one of four finalists for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

Report says more info neededA report presented to the House Education

Policy Committee Feb. 3 concluded there isn’tsufficient information to determine an accept-able standard for measuring overall schoolperformance.

Submitted by the Department of Children,Families and Learning, the report said officialscannot recommend a sufficient definition forlevels of pupil achievement and overall ac-countability.

The report also suggested that a study groupcontinue to work toward developing a com-prehensive model that not only holds studentsaccountable for achievement but also identi-fies indicators that gauge the effectiveness ofthe system that supports continued studentimprovement.

“We don’t feel it’s fair to put all account-ability on a student’s back until we’re able tofurther examine the impact a community’ssystem of support has on that student,” saidJessie Montano, assistant commissioner for thedepartment.

Officials assembled a group of educators toassist in the development of policies that sup-port a successful K-12 education system,Montano said. The group met over the pasttwo months to review and discuss research andliterature on educational reform and account-ability, but could not reach a satisfactory con-clusion.

The lack of a conclusion by the study groupand the department, however, frustrated some

Session Weekly 9

★EMPLOYMENT

lawmakers, including Rep. John Tuma(R-Northfield). Tuma asked Montano pre-cisely when the committee could expect to seea more decisive conclusion.

Montano was hesitant to give a definite an-swer and replied only by saying the depart-ment would continue to move forward asmore data became available.

The department previously submitted rec-ommendations in December 1998 definingstate expectations for student achievement.Once adopted, the expectations were to beused by the state and school districts to evalu-ate if each school site met the performancestandard for a particular year.

However, Montano said, shortly after Gov.Jesse Ventura took office in January 1999, theLegislature was asked to delay action on therecommendations and language contained inthe report, and another report was ordered forsubmission by January 2000.

After presenting the most recent report,Montano offered to speak later that day withconcerned committee members in private andtake further comment back to the departmentfor consideration.

Overview of job programsStudying the state’s employment and train-

ing programs is the first step toward improv-ing workforce development efforts, an officialfrom the Department of Economic Securitytold the House Jobs and Economic Develop-ment Policy Committee Feb. 3.

Jim Korkki, deputy commissioner with thedepartment, said the state has had 27 consecu-tive months of unemployment rates below3 percent. The department projects that by2006, there will be just 337,000 workers for416,000 new jobs.

The study was required as part of last year’somnibus economic development law. Rep.Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont) sponsored theoriginal legislation calling for the report.

It marks the first time the state has everlooked at all the workforce development pro-grams as a whole.

“It was never the intention to ax programs,”Gunther said. “It was the hope to provide leg-islative oversight for dollars paid by taxpay-ers. We can look at ways to consolidate someof the programs to serve the people of Min-nesota better.”

Korkki said the study examined programshelping individuals assume jobs or advance inthe labor market. But, he said, the informa-tion in the report is not comprehensive be-cause the data collected was self reported, wasnot verified by an outside entity, and involved

certain data privacy restrictions. The studylooked at 78 programs administered by 14state agencies and three federal agencies.

Those programs received $632 million instate funds, including $500 million from theMinnesota State Colleges and Universities sys-tem, and $255 million in federal funds.

Officials from the Department of Trade andEconomic Development presented an over-view of another study required by the 1999omnibus law, examining the state’s marketingplan for trade, tourism, and economic devel-opment activities.

Steve Markuson, the director of the Officeof Tourism, said the study found the statespends less than $10 million, or less than one-tenth of one percent of the state budget, an-nually on economic development marketing.

Markuson said the study concludes that anintegrated marketing approach between vari-ous state agencies and organizations will in-crease Minnesota’s competitive position in themarketplace.

★ENVIRONMENT

Environment &Natural Resources

Finance

Chair: Holsten(R-Stillwater)Vice Chair: Hackbarth(R-Cedar)Minority Lead: Osthoff(DFL-St. Paul)Members: 13(8 R, 5 DFL)

Scope: Reviews and rec-ommends funding forenvironment and naturalresources-related pro-grams. Oversees thebudgets of agencies in-cluding the Departmentof Natural Resources,Pollution ControlAgency, Office of Envi-ronmental Assistance,Minnesota Zoo, Legisla-tive Commission onMinnesota Resources,and the Board of Waterand Soil Resources.

HOUSE

COMMITTEEPROFILE

Ventura’s bond plan questionedThe debate over how much money to spend

on the environment-related capital projects be-gan Feb. 2 in the House Environment and Natu-ral ResourcesFinance Committee.

The panel heardan overview of Gov.Jesse Ventura’s $462million capital bud-get plan, which in-cludes $125 millionfor projects relatedto agriculture, pol-lution control, out-door recreation, fishand wildlife habitat,and other programsaffecting theenvironment.

Several lawmakersobjected to theamount of moneythat would be avail-able under Ventura’splan.

State agencies re-quested a total of$1.5 billion forcapital projects. Un-der the governor’sproposal, most ofthose requestswould be denied,which Rep. Jean

Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) said would create abacklog of maintenance projects that will needto be done in the future.

“How long will it take us to get out of thathole?” she asked. Repairs that are ignored tendto get worse — and more costly to fix — sheadded.

Rep. Tom Osthoff (DFL-St. Paul) ques-tioned the logic of the governor’s proposal,which is based on the average amount that hasbeen bonded in each of the last 15 years. Theamount of money to be bonded traditionallyhas been based on a percentage of general fundrevenue, Osthoff said.

To maintain the state’s bond rating, the stateshould spend less than 3 percent of its totalgeneral fund revenue in a biennium on debtservice. Under that guideline, the state couldauthorize more than $1 billion for fiscal years2000-2001, Osthoff said.

One consequence of the governor’s proposalis that a project to clean up the MinnesotaRiver would be only partially funded.Wagenius pointed out that the state is eligiblefor $163 million in federal matching funds,but only half of that could be collected underthe governor’s plan.

To be eligible for the entire $163 million,the state’s contribution would have to be $70million. The state has already allocated $10million for that purpose, and the governor’sproposal is to spend another $25 million.

Rep. Mark Holsten (R-Stillwater), chair ofthe committee, said he plans to begin hearingproposals soon from other House memberson environmental projects that could be in-cluded in the House version of the bondingbill.

DNR supports license fee hikeA proposal to raise hunting and fishing li-

cense fees has the backing of the MinnesotaDepartment of Natural Resources (DNR),which needs revenue to restore programs andstaff.

“This is not a total solution to the crisis infunding,” Deputy Commissioner Steve Morsesaid. “But it is important we do something thisyear.”

The issue was debated during an interimhearing of the House Environment and Natu-ral Resources Finance Committee held Jan. 11.Lawmakers are expected to take up the mat-ter again during the 2000 session.

The DNR is seeking a $1 increase for fish-ing licenses, a $2 increase for small-game li-censes, and a $3 increase for firearms deerlicenses. The Senate passed a similar proposalduring the 1999 session, but it failed to passthe House.

10 February 4, 2000

Under the proposal, the state would provide$1 in additional support for every $2 raisedby the fee increase. The department estimatesthe fee increases would raise $6 million.

The last hunting fee increase came in 1991,and the last fishing fee increase was passed in1997.

Morse said fishing and conservation groupssupport the proposed fee increases. The addi-tional revenue will go toward restoring cutsin jobs and programs.

Officials estimate the unreserved fund por-tion of the larger Game and Fish Fund willhave a negative balance in 2003. The Game andFish Fund is created through the license fees.

Morse said Gov. Jesse Ventura supports theproposed fee increase, but even with the ad-ditional revenue, the department still fallsshort of proper funding levels for its fish andwildlife programs.

Rep. Mark Holsten (R-Stillwater), commit-tee chair, said that the issue will be a majorfocus this session.

“Hopefully this committee and others inthe House and Senate will bring up awareness(of the need for additional DNR funding),”he said.

Rep. Tim Finseth (R-Angus) said it wouldbe difficult to support the DNR’s proposalbecause it doesn’t provide a long-term solu-tion to the lack of funds.

“This is a two year, short-term fix. It is notsolving anything,” he said.

★GOVERNMENT

No consensus on House prayerHouse rules regarding the prayer that opens

each floor session, a matter of emotional de-bate last year, made an encore appearanceFeb. 1, the first day of the new session.

Rep. Doug Reuter (Ind.-Owatonna) intro-duced an amendment to the Permanent Rulesof the House that would have eliminated lan-guage calling for “a nondenominational prayerby the chaplain that respects the religious di-versity of the House.”

In its place, Reuter sought to install word-ing simply requiring “a prayer by the chap-lain.” But his effort did not win enoughsupport on the House floor. The amendmentgot a 69-63 majority of votes, but it failed tomuster the two-thirds support (or 90 votes)needed.

The references related to religious diversitywere added to the House rules during the 1999session. House leaders said the memos sent tovisiting chaplains have long included suchprovisions, and by putting them in the rules,the practice was simply made official.

The matter was raised after a choir

performing as part of opening day events lastsession sang a song including references toJesus Christ.

In debating the issue Feb. 1, Reuter said thenew rule inhibits free speech and expression.

“If we tried to pass this as a law,” he said, “itwould be unconstitutional.”

Reuter, who left the Republican Party afterthe end of the 1999 session, noted the displea-sure some expressed about seeing the matterraised again, but he said he felt it was impor-tant to revisit.

“This is the last remaining thing for me tofix of my legislative career,” he said.

Several other lawmakers argued in favor ofthe proposed amendment. Rep. TonyKielkucki (R-Lester Prairie) said the existingrule does not allow people to hear the uniquebeliefs of others or to express their own reli-gious values.

“We need to learn to respect that diversityand to allow people to experience that,” hesaid.

Rep. Kris Hasskamp (DFL-Crosby) pro-posed an amendment that would haveremoved only the word “nondenominational”from the House rules. That amendment failedby a margin of 110-20.

State must get more into jobsDespite research indicating an increase in

the percentage of Minnesota welfare recipi-ents who are employed, a report presented tothe joint Legislative Audit Commission

Jan. 27 suggested that the state must do moreto help traditional welfare recipients.

The report found that compared with mostother states, Minnesota has more generouswelfare assistance levels and eligibility crite-ria, with less severe imposed sanctions, butalso lower participation rate by welfare recipi-ents in work-related activities.

According to the report, in welfare house-holds where at least one adult was eligible towork, fewer than 50 percent of them wereworking or involved in work-related activitiessuch as school. That could prove to be a prob-lem for the state in the future, said LegislativeAuditor James Nobles.

Minnesota could suffer financial penaltiesfrom the federal government if it fails to showthat at least half of its welfare recipients areparticipating in work-related activities in2002, Nobles said.

A work-related activity, according to thereport, includes schooling, job searching, oractual employment.

The report suggests that lawmakers shoulduse up more of the federal money the statereceives for programs to remedy the weak sta-tistics. By July of next year, Minnesota expectsto have $164 million in reserve.

Information provided by the Departmentof Human Services suggests the state has ex-tra money because it continues to receive $267million per year from the federal governmenteven though caseloads have declined.

The report also suggests the state imposestronger sanctions for people who aren’t mak-ing sufficient progress toward joining theworkforce by their established deadline. In

WELFARE PROTEST

JoAnn Gonzalez, right, holds a friend’s grandchild as another participant carries a sign in pro-test to welfare changes during a rally in the Capitol rotunda Feb. 1. Protesters expressed op-position to the five-year lifetime cap on welfare eligibility.

★HUMAN SERVICES

Session Weekly 11

★LOCAL GOVERNMENT★

IMMIGRATION

July 1997, the state limited welfare recipientsto 60 months of eligibility. Currently, the stiff-est penalty the state can impose on recipientsmaking little progress is a 30 percent reduc-tion of benefits.

Proposals for job-training programs, hous-ing stipends, and other services to plug thegaps in the state’s welfare program are ex-pected to surface in both the House and Sen-ate this legislative session.

Information on illegal employmentImmigration and Naturalization Service

officials (INS) would gain access to more staterecords, under a bill approved Feb. 2 by theHouse Civil Law Committee.

The bill (HF2522), sponsored by Rep. SteveSmith (R-Mound), would allow immigrationofficials to obtain employment records fromthe state Department of Economic Security.

The bill will stay within the committee fornow and is expected to be rolled into an om-nibus data practices bill later this session.

Charles Midby, special agent in charge ofthe regional INS office, told the committee heinvestigated an area employer last year thathad several illegal immigrant employees.Midby said he tried to get employment recordsthat showed the employer knowingly hired theillegal immigrants, but the Department ofEconomic Security refused to turn over therecords.

“We decided to proceed without the moreserious charges because we couldn’t get theinformation,” Midby said.

The company was still fined, but withoutthe serious penalties that could have comewith more information, he said.

Rick Caliguiri, budget coordinator withDepartment of Economic Security, said theinformation his agency collects is private andnonpublic, and the INS does not have statu-tory authority to gain the information.

The bill would allow agents access to it.Rep. Andy Dawkins (DFL-St. Paul) ex-

pressed concern about the proposal and ques-tioned how it would be known if immigrationofficials are investigating a company.

Rep. Wes Skoglund (DFL-Mpls) asked ifeconomic security officials can call immigra-tion agents when they suspect illegal immi-grants are working for a company.

“Is whistle-blowing going to get a [depart-ment] official in trouble?” Skoglund asked. “Ithink some of them are afraid. Are they introuble?”

Caliguiri assured Skoglund that no stateemployees would be in trouble, nor have anyemployees been disciplined in the past for

reporting information to the immigrationservice.

The bill would also allow immigrationagents to gain access to employment recordswithout the consent of the individualemployees.

Currently, the Department of EconomicSecurity is allowed under statute to dissemi-nate the information to the departments ofRevenue, Labor and Industry, and Trade andEconomic Development.

Assessments for rural addressesThe House Local Government and Metro-

politan Affairs Committee approved a billFeb. 2 to allow counties to use special assess-ment procedures for address signs related to911 emergency services.

In recent years, many rural residents re-ceived street addresses for the first time as aresult of enhanced 911 services. Many of thecosts of implementing that service were paidfor by telephone surcharges.

Terry Overn, Le Sueur County auditor, saidthe costs of house signs cannot be assessedunder current law. Special assessment can onlybe used for county state-aid highways, countyhighways, waterworks, and sewer systems.

Overn said the average cost of the specialassessment in his county would come toaround $25 per household. He said rural resi-dents see the benefit of having a street addressas opposed to a route or box number for po-lice, fire, and ambulance services.

Rep. John Tuma (R-Northfield), who issponsoring the bill (HF2549), said the assess-ment is akin to a user fee because residentsbenefit from the 911 services.

“Most of the rural residents I know wantthe signs. They appreciate them,” Tuma said.

Rep. Kris Hasskamp (DFL-Crosby) said shewas concerned that the bill would result in anincrease in property taxes and that the stateshould assist in helping to pay the costs be-cause it initiated the move to street addresses.

The bill was referred to the House TaxesCommittee.

Mandatory bike registrationA House committee approved a bill

(HF2489) that would allow municipalitiesselling impounded bicycles to require pur-chasers to register the bikes.

The registration fee is currently $9 for athree-year period.

Rep. Wes Skoglund (DFL-Mpls), the bill’sauthor, said the measure is in response to arecommendation of a bicycle theft task forcehe serves on. He said there are an increasing

number of “strong arm” thefts occurring inMinneapolis where riders are literally shovedoff their bikes by a thief.

Skoglund said in such instances that it isdifficult for a bike owner to prove that the bi-cycle belongs to him or her and not the per-petrator. He said the aim of the legislation isto return bicycles to their owners, as well asprevent thefts from occurring in the first place.

The House Local Government and Metro-politan Affairs Committee approved the billFeb. 2 and sent it to the House floor.

State mandates, local strainsLocal government officials often complain

about mandates from higher levels of govern-ment, especially when the higher level doesn’thelp pay for the costs of complying with themandate.

A recent report from the Office of the Leg-islative Auditor found that the state has sev-eral ways to resolve such conflicts betweenstate and local governments, but they are sel-dom used.

The report was presented to the jointLegislative Audit Commission Jan. 26.

One method involves local fiscal impactnotes that give lawmakers accurate informa-tion on the potential costs passed down tomunicipalities in order to comply with thepending legislation. The chair or ranking mi-nority member of the House or Senate taxcommittee can request a local fiscal impactnote from the state Department of Finance.

However, only eight local fiscal impact noteshave been prepared in the last two years.

A 1997 law requires the department to pre-pare a biennial local fiscal impact summaryreport that specifies local governments’ costsof complying with state mandates. Thedepartment’s first report is expected inSeptember.

Another option is for sponsors of pendingbills to be asked to provide a “mandate expla-nation,” which must have seven specific typesof information: policy goals of the bill, per-formance standards that allow flexibility forcompliance, how those standards govern staff-ing and other administrative requirements,revenue sources, reasons why voluntary com-pliance won’t work, input from affected agen-cies regarding their ability to implement theproposed mandate, and feedback from localgovernment officials in developing the pro-posed mandate.

Many of those subjects are discussed duringhearings on pending legislation, but accordingto the report, specific documents with all of thatinformation have not been requested or pre-pared. Mandate explanations can be requestedby a chair or ranking minority member of anylegislative committee.

12 February 4, 2000

Yet another remedy is to acquire a variancefrom a state agency, available for such thingsas child care licensing rules or water qualitystandards. Also, a local unit of government canapply for a waiver through the Board of Gov-ernment Innovation and Cooperation, or itcan request a state agency to amend or repeala rule through a petition process.

The report recommends that legislators usethe remedies already available, rather than try-ing to develop new ones.

★RECREATION

CELEBRATING PUBLIC SERVICE DAY

Good marks for running parksIncreasing demands for services at state

parks have caused Department of NaturalResources officials to make some toughchoices.

The Office of the Legislative Auditor re-cently evaluated the DNR’s process of mak-ing those choices and released a report on itsfindings.

The joint Legislative Audit Commission dis-cussed the report Jan. 26.

According to DNR surveys, park visitorshave consistently expressed satisfaction withcampgrounds, hiking trails, cleanliness of fa-cilities and other features of the parks. Thereport found that the DNR does a good job inbalancing its priorities among the various ar-eas of park management: maintaining parkfacilities, providing educational and recre-ational programming, and preserving thestate’s natural resources.

The DNR has rational standards for setting

priorities, such as ranking capital improve-ment projects and soliciting public input forprogramming decisions, according to thereport.

However, the report also listed some areasthat could be improved.

One concern is that preserving natural re-sources is a lower priority than maintainingcampsites and providing educational or “in-terpretive programming.” That programmingincludes presentations or tours given by natu-ralists, publications that teach park visitorsabout natural resources or environmentalproblems, and many other types of programs.

Bill Morrissey, director of the DNR’s Parksand Recreation Division, said that while pre-serving natural resources is important, it doesnot draw as much reaction from the public asa decision to save money by closing a camp-ground for the fall or spring seasons.

Morrissey added that the division has in-creased spending on preserving resources overthe last 15 to 20 years. Pine trees were removedfrom Itasca State Park that were at-risk forspreading disease, for example. Controlledburns to restore pine forests and harvestingnative prairie seed are other examples of thedivision’s resource management programs, hesaid.

Some of the funding for preserving naturalresources comes from sales of merchandiseand equipment rental in parks. That moneygoes into a revolving fund, the Working Capi-tal Account, which is spent on resource man-agement and interpretive programs.

Another concern is that assessing the con-dition and estimating repair costs of state-

owned buildings has been inconsistent. TheDNR is adding a new database for buildingmaintenance, which is expected to improvethat concern.

Also, the report recommends that the DNRcontinue including estimates of future oper-ating costs of new buildings in its biennialbudget requests.

★TAXES

★TRANSPORTATION

Closing a tax loopholeA change clarifying the assignment of non-

business income for non-Minnesota residentsis one of the provisions in the Department ofRevenue’s policy bill this session.

Department officials presented an overviewto the House Taxes Committee Feb. 3 of twobills proposing technical, administrative, andpolicy changes in the state’s tax laws.

The provision is a response to a MinnesotaSupreme Court ruling last year that held thatthe term “compensation for labor or personalor professional service” did not include wagespaid to an executive for managerial or admin-istrative work.

The court ruling meant that the plaintiff inthe case, Victor Benda, a Texas resident, didnot have to pay taxes on wages he earned whilein Minnesota.

“I am offended that Mr. Benda was able toget away with that,” Rep. Ron Abrams (R-Minnetonka), the committee chair, said.

The proposed change would replace theterms “labor or personal or professional ser-vices” with the word “wages” and thus wouldrequire wages earned by all employees forwork in the state to be assigned to Minnesota.

That way, Minnesota could collect incometax on the wages.

Jennifer Engh, deputy commissioner of thedepartment, said the change would result in a$2.3 million revenue gain for the state.

The committee took no formal action onthe bills, but Abrams said they would be con-sidered as part of the omnibus tax bill thissession.

Transit demands growingThe Twin Cities region should double its

fleet of buses in the next 20 years to keep upwith the area’s transportation needs, saidNacho Diaz, transportation planning directorfor the Metropolitan Council.

Diaz testified before a joint meeting of theHouse Transportation Finance and Transporta-tion Policy committees Feb. 2. He said doublingthe number of buses and creating dedicated

Stearns County Commissioner Rose Arnold waves to her fellow public servants after beingacknowledged by Speaker Steve Sviggum during ceremonies in the House chamber Feb. 3.Commissioner Arnold sent the speaker a letter that initiated “Celebrating Public Service Day,”which brought county, city and school board members to the Capitol to meet with their legis-lators.

Session Weekly 13

roads for buses could keep 200,000 vehicles offthe packed highway system each day.

“The Twin Cities continues to grow rapidly,”Diaz said. “But that leads to transit problems.”

There are 250,000 bus riders each day now,Diaz said. He hopes to increase that numberto 500,000 riders over the next 20 years.

The state would need to invest $440 mil-lion by 2010 in buses to double its numbers,according to a transit report. There also wouldbe additional operating costs of $70 millionper year, the report states.

To obtain more riders, the state muststrengthen its current bus system, develop anetwork of dedicated transit corridors andpromote development along those corridors,Diaz said.

A dedicated transit corridor, involving bothlight-rail lines and roads exclusively for buses,would speed passengers to their destination.

Along with more buses, the state must pro-vide more garages, more park and ride loca-tions, additional transit stations, and otherpassenger amenities, Diaz said.

Ted Mondale, chairman of the Metropoli-tan Council, told lawmakers he hopes that two,possibly three, dedicated busways can be builtduring the next 20 years. There are no plansfor light-rail lines outside of the HiawathaCorridor, he said.

There are currently 100 miles of congestionon metro highways, Mondale said.

“To do nothing now will ensure 300 milesof congestion in the future,” he said. “We knowcongestion is getting worse.”

Rep. Carol Molnau (R-Chaska), who chairsthe transportation finance committee, ques-tioned the funding requests for Minneapolis.

“We’re putting a lot of resources back intoan area that lost population,” Molnau said.

Metropolitan Council Transportation PlanningDirector Nacho Diaz presents an overview of theMet Council’s 2020 Transit Master Plan before ajoint meeting of the Transportation Policy andTransportation Finance committees on Feb. 2.

Suburban road funds uncertainAreas throughout the state need more

money for transportation infrastructure im-provements, state and local officials said at ajoint meeting of the House TransportationPolicy and Transportation Finance commit-tees Dec. 6, 1999, at the Woodbury City Hall.

Several local officials testified at the interimhearing in favor of full funding for the projectto reconstruct the Wakota Bridge on Interstate494 between Newport and South St. Paul so ithas four lanes of traffic heading both east-bound and westbound. The plan also calls forthe widening of U.S. Highway 61 from fourlanes to six lanes through Newport.

The Minnesota Department of Transporta-tion (MnDOT) estimates the cost of theproject at $168 million, nearly $50 millionmore than original numbers. The increasedcosts have prompted the department to pro-pose scaling back the project and delaying sev-eral portions until additional funding isfound.

Supporters stressed the importance of mov-ing ahead with the entire project now.

“The individual parts of the project are toointegrated with each other to remove themindividually,” said Craig Yolitz, chairman of theI-494 Wakota Bridge Coalition.

St. Paul Park Mayor Donald Mullan said theproject is essential to his community becauseof safety issues. Gas tankers traveling from theAshland-Marathon Petroleum refinery use thecity streets to avoid traffic bottlenecks, he said.

For Newport, the project affects both safetyissues and concerns over the long-term viabil-ity of the city, said Mayor Tim Geraghty.

“With a half-build, 800 gas tanker truckswill still rumble by our elementary schooldaily,” he said. “Residents and businesses willstill lose time, money and accessibility withinour own community.”

WWII memorial must waitThe House narrowly defeated a proposal

Feb. 3 to override Gov. Jesse Ventura’s line-item veto of $150,000 to plan and design amonument to honor Minnesota’s WorldWar II veterans.

The vote was 79-53 in favor of the override,but a two-thirds majority is needed to over-ride a veto — 90 votes in the House and 45votes in the Senate.

The override motion was made by Rep. IrvAnderson (DFL-Int’l Falls), who hadsponsored the legislation that was vetoed fromlast year’s bonding bill.

“It’s a disgrace,” Anderson said. “It’s a

★VETERANS

disgrace that we do not have a World War IImemorial in this state.”

Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) urged Housemembers to support the override, especiallybecause Ventura had stamped the bill with apicture of a pig, calling it a pork-barrel project.

But House Majority Leader Rep. TimPawlenty (R-Eagan) and Rep. Jim Knoblach(R-St. Cloud), chair of the House Capital In-vestment Committee, promised Anderson thathis proposal would be included in this year’sbonding bill.

Pawlenty said there is no reason to overridethe veto, which would be an “affront to thegovernor,” and that they should instead try tonegotiate with him and persuade him not toveto the proposal this time.

“We owe (World War II veterans) this, andwe will deliver it to them,” Pawlenty said. “It’sjust a matter of a few weeks away.”

In order to override a governor’s veto, themotion must pass through both the Houseand the Senate by a two-thirds majority. TheLegislature successfully completed one over-ride during the 1999 session — for the firsttime since 1982.

As the 2000 Legislative Session be-gins, the House includes 70 Republi-cans, 63 DFLers, and one Independent.The Senate has 41 DFLers, 25 Republi-cans, and one Independent.

The makeup of the House of Repre-sentatives changed slightly during theinterim.

Rep. Doug Reuter (Ind.-Owatonna)left the Republican Party shortly afterthe conclusion of the 1999 LegislativeSession and declared himself an Inde-pendent.

Later, the longest-serving member ofthe House, Rep. Willard Munger (DFL-Duluth), died at age 88. A special elec-tion to fill his seat was won by Rep. DaleSwapinski (DFL-Duluth).

14 February 4, 2000

AT ISSUE: BONDING★ ★ ★

BY MICHELLE KIBIGER

Two years ago, Gov. Arne Carlson responded to theprojected $1.3 billion surplus by proposing a$1 billion capital projects budget.

A modest proposalThe governor’s bonding plan is relatively lean, andsome lawmakers fear it ignores critical needs

This time around, it’s a new governor andan even bigger surplus. But Gov. Jesse Venturahas taken a different approach than his pre-decessor, submitting no supplemental budgetrequest and a $462 million capital budget,which lawmakers are calling “thin.”

Ventura’s plan adheres to the promise hemade last year that he would not recommendmore than $400 million in general-fundbacked bonding for 2000. He received requestsfor more than $1.5 billion in capital improve-ments, not all of which would be financed withgeneral obligation bonds.

The governor’s plan centers on investmentin state government infrastructure, specificallyrepairs for aging facilities. But he also placesemphasis on bonding for higher educationand K-12 education projects.

Leaders from both the Republican and DFLcaucuses in the House say the governor’s re-quests are low, especially considering the pro-jected $1.6 billion surplus and Minnesota’sstrong bond rating.

Some also want to pass supplemental bud-get appropriations this year, somethingVentura has said he won’t support.

Ventura’s plan technically calls for $499million in new projects for the state. However,through cancellations of old projects worthabout $37 million, the total new spending inhis capital budget is $462 million. Of that fig-ure, $400 million would be financed throughgeneral obligation bonding, $1 millionthrough the general fund, $34 million throughuser-financed bonds, and $27 million from thetrunk highway fund.

Just as the heft of Carlson’s bonding planraised a few eyebrows two years ago, currentlegislative leaders are concerned about howsmall Ventura’s proposal is.

“It’s something that we’ll be using as aguide,” said House Speaker Steve Sviggum

(R-Kenyon). “Two years ago, the bonding billwas huge. It was bloated. . .. This time aroundit is very thin.”

Preserving buildings and roadsVentura has proposed more than $65 mil-

lion for state facilities for asset preservationor to fix those currently out of compliance ordangerously close to violating various build-ing and safety codes.

Two such projects involve crumbling wallsaround the yard at the state prison inStillwater, estimated to cost $1.5 million, andthe replacement of the storm sewer at theFaribault prison at a cost of $10.6 million.

The governor has also recommended fund-ing to relocate several state offices that have

outgrown their facilities or can no longer usetheir facilities.

Among those is the Bureau of CriminalApprehension building and laboratory, whichis currently located in a former Departmentof Transportation garage. Ventura has recom-mended $58 million to construct a new facil-ity in St. Paul.

In addition, the governor is recommendingbonding $11 million to acquire property forfuture state development on the Capitolcomplex.

The governor’s plan also provides fundinggrants to political subdivisions including re-gional jail facilities, a sports complex inDuluth, several Minneapolis park projects,and an events center in St. Cloud.

However, another major part of thegovernor’s plan calls for $30 million for localbridge repairs and replacement. Last year,Ventura line-item vetoed $10 million forbridge repair.

Higher educationVentura’s plan calls for a total of $118 million

for the University of Minnesota and the Minne-sota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU)system.

Foremost among his recommendations is thegovernor’s support of the new biology research

The Arts Building on the West Bank campus of the U of M would be replaced under the governor’sbonding recommendations, which include a total of $54 million for the university.

Session Weekly 15

(86.6%)

G. O. Bonds $400 (General Fund Supported)General Fund $1G. O. Bonds $34 (User Financing)Trunk Highway Fund $27

(0.2%)

(7.4%) (5.8%)

(29.3%) State Government

(24.4%)

Environment

(23.7%)

Higher Education

(13.5%)

Transportation

(8.3%)

K-12 Education

(0.8%)

Economic Development

Governor’s Strategic Capital Budget PlanNew Spending = $462 million

General Obligation Bonds and Direct Spending = $401 million

Use of Funds($ in Millions)

Sources of Funding($ in Millions)

Sources: House Fiscal Analysis; Minnesota Strategic Capital Budget Plan: Executive Summary.

facilities at the U of M. Under his plan, $35 mil-lion would help finish the Molecular and Cellu-lar Biology Building on the Minneapolis campus.Another $10 million would match a private do-nation for the Microbial and Plant GenomicsBuilding on the St. Paul Campus.

The governor has also proposed $30 mil-lion for infrastructure and preservation workon the Minnesota State Colleges and Univer-sities campuses.

In addition, MnSCU would receive $34.3million for additional science labs atNormandale Community College, remodelingfor the science and general education build-ings at North Hennepin Community College,and a new information center and remodeledlibrary at Minneapolis Community and Tech-nical College.

The governor’s goal, his plan says, is to sup-port the state of the art research at the U of Mand help MnSCU campuses prepare collegeand corporate customers with the technicalskills they will need in the coming years.

Agriculture and the environmentVarious projects, including an initiative to

clean up the Minnesota River, are part ofVentura’s proposed $122 million for the envi-ronment.

The state has until Sept. 30, 2002, to comeup with a required match to receive $163 mil-lion in federal funds to retire 100,000 acres offlood-prone marginal cropland in the river’swatershed.

To that end, the governor has proposedabout $36 million for easement programs thatwould pay farmers to agree not to farm cer-tain marginal agricultural land.

In addition, Ventura has recommendedfunding of $26 million for water managementissues. Among the programs is a loan programfor local communities to improve wastewaterand drinking water. Another loan programwould help restore lakes, rivers and streams,and groundwater acquifers.

The governor has also recommended fund-ing of more than $14 million for state parks,trails, and forests.

K-12 initiativesPrimarily funded through local property

taxes, K-12 initiatives are often minor partsof the capital investment proposals. However,two prominent projects are highlighted in thegovernor’s plan.

Ventura wants $34 million for investmentsin several K-12 facilities that have demon-strated critical needs. Among projects identi-fied as critical are a new middle school in CassLake, an elementary school in Caledonia, andboth a middle and elementary school in RedLake.

The Ventura administration is also consid-ering a proposal for an enhanced financingprogram for the next operating budget thatwould help schools better address their facil-ity needs.

The governor also is seeking $17.7 millionto complete the East Metro Magnet School inSt. Paul. According to the plan, the school isdesigned to expand voluntary desegregationin participating school districts.

In addition, the plan calls for $3 million toplan a west metro magnet.

Republican and DFL plansEven though higher education projects

comprise nearly 25 percent of the governor’sbonding recommendations, leaders in boththe House Republican and DFL caucuses sayit’s not enough.

Sviggum said there are a number of criticalfacility needs beyond what the governor hasrecommended that need the Legislature’s at-tention.

House Minority Leader Tom Pugh (DFL-South St. Paul) agreed that the governor’s pro-posals fall far short of the goals his caucus has.

“Certainly we see great needs in the highereducation systems, especially when our busi-nesses are looking for skilled workers to filljobs in the state,” he said.

Both men also agreed the lack of a supple-

mental budget request from the governor’soffice will make things tight this session.Republicans have already proposed spending$400 million on transportation projects.

Pugh also discussed critical bridge andhighway repairs.

Both Sviggum and Pugh also said thereneeds to be more of a balance in the bondingbill between metro area projects and thosebenefiting Greater Minnesota.

Though both party leaders say the Legisla-ture will weigh the governor’s requests heavily,they’re concerned that too many importantprojects will be sacrificed if constraints are tootight.

“To get the concerns that we’re talking aboutin education and higher education wouldsqueeze out other projects,” Pugh said.

At the same time, Sviggum said, he’s wellaware there have to be limits because bond-ing bills are especially difficult to pass if theyare too high or too low.

“It’s just like a family budget,” he said.“Sometimes you need a repair. . . but you can’talways do them all in the same year.”

16 February 4, 2000

AT ISSUE: TRANSPORTATION★ ★ ★

BY DAVID MAEDA AND MICHELLE KIBIGER

Debate over light-rail transit will likely flareup during the 2000 session, in light of a cost-benefit analysis and a legislator’s lawsuitagainst Gov. Jesse Ventura and hisadministration.

Several committee hearings held during theinterim may have set the tone for the debate,with lawmakers and administration officialsclashing verbally over strategies for publictransportation.

In addition, some legislators see light-railtransit as a metropolitan issue that conflictswith other transportation needs in GreaterMinnesota. They’re concerned that the light-rail project is going to eat up the money forhighways in need of repair elsewhere.

“The lives we’re going to trade away in mydistrict for a train to nowhere is completelyunacceptable,” said Rep. Doug Reuter (Ind.–Owatonna) at a hearing of the House StateGovernment Finance committee Nov. 15. (U.S.Highway 14, which statistics show is one ofthe more dangerous roads in the state, runsthrough Reuter’s district. Many in southernMinnesota want state funds to improve thehighway.)

Officials from the Minnesota Departmentof Transportation presented a cost-benefitanalysis of the Hiawatha Corridor light-railtransit project at the November meeting.

The rail line will include stops alongHiawatha Avenue between downtown Minne-apolis, the University of Minnesota campus,the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Air-port, and the Mall of America. Current esti-mates say the project will cost about $548million to construct, with much of the fund-ing coming from the federal government.

According to the Transportation Depart-ment cost-benefit study, which includes op-erating, maintenance, and other costs upthrough 2028, the project will cost $765 mil-lion. The benefit gained is estimated at $379million.

Therefore, the state will likely spend twiceas much as it gets in benefit from the project,according to the study.

Benefits include saved time, reduced vehicle

Bumpy rideThe long, sometimes strange debate over light-railtransit continues at the Capitol and the courthouse

and bus accidents, and lower auto emissions,as well as reduced infrastructure expenses andlower parking and vehicle ownership costsbased on the assumption that more people willlive within the urban core because of the trans-portation options available.

The Legislature has provided $100 millionfor the project, or roughly 20 percent of theoverall construction cost. The federal govern-ment will pay for 50 percent, and the remain-ing 30 percent will come from HennepinCounty and the Metropolitan Airports Com-mission.

The controversy regarding the project stemsfrom steadily increasing cost estimates for lightrail. When the Legislature first considered theproject in 1998, cost estimates were $401 mil-lion, said Rep. Mike Osskopp (R-Lake City) atthe November hearing. Last session, costs wereestimated at $446 million. Now, officials say,it will cost $538 million to build the light-railline.

State law requires that when any projectcosts more than $5 million to construct, itmust undergo a cost-benefit analysis and thebenefit must outweigh the cost. If the projectdoes not achieve at least a one-to-one ratio,then the project will notgo forward, unless thegovernor finds that theproject is the most effec-tive way to achieve a pre-scribed goal.

After the study wascompleted, Transporta-tion Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg sent aletter, dated Oct. 28, 1999, to Gov. JesseVentura asking him to deem the project as themost effective way to begin developing a re-gional multi-faceted transportation infra-structure, including both buses and trains.

Ventura has signed a letter saying he agreesthat it is.

Nevertheless, members of the committeeexpressed their concerns about the project andits trend toward higher costs.

Rep. Philip Krinkie (R-Shoreview) said he isconcerned that the Transportation Departmenthas not been forthcoming with information.

Bob Winter, an engineer with the Transpor-tation Department, testified that throughoutthe process, officials have been giving legisla-tors project estimates in 1997 dollars to main-tain consistency. In other words, inflation andother factors that increase costs were not fig-ured in until now.

Krinkie’s concern about the lack of open-ness and information regarding the projectprompted him to file a lawsuit in RamseyCounty, demanding that the governor andCommissioner Tinklenberg comply with thestate law.

Krinkie, chair of the State GovernmentFinance Committee, filed the lawsuit as a citi-zen, not in his capacity as a legislator. In thesame capacity, several other lawmakers havesigned on to the lawsuit, filed Dec. 29, 1999.They are paying for the legal expenses out oftheir own pockets.

Despite the controversy over the Hiawathaproject, many legislators say it’s a worthy ideato pursue.

“The only problem with the project is thatwe’re probably doing it 20 years too late,” saidRep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) at the Novem-ber hearing.

Kahn also said other cities are leading theway in using light rail to cut congestion. It’sonly a matter of time before Minnesota shouldbe considering a system that serves the entiremetropolitan area, she said.

But lawmakers have also heard from sev-eral light-rail critics, including Jonathan

Richmond of the Kennedy School of Govern-ment at Harvard University, who summarizedhis 18-month study of light-rail projects acrossthe country at the Dec. 7 meeting of Krinkie’scommittee.

Richmond said research shows most light-rail projects are built without proper study ofalternatives and proceed with little assessmentin how the rail systems perform. In the projectshe examined, Richmond told lawmakers, lightrail has made little contribution to total tran-

“It is time to demystify this and separatethe myth from the facts.”

—Jonathan Richmond of the Kennedy School ofGovernment at Harvard University

Continued on page 31

Session Weekly 17

BY CHRIS VETTER

The farming sector in Minnesota has adoptedbiotechnology, or genetic engineering, as a nec-essary way to produce a higher yield and pre-vent insects from destroying the crops.

But questions over whether genetically al-tered foods are safe and healthy linger in theminds of many consumers.

Two doctors familiar with biotechnologydiscussed the issue Feb. 2 for the first event inthe annual Capitol Forum series at the Min-nesota History Center. House and Senatemembers were invited to listen to the discus-sion and ask questions.

Dr. Michael J. Phillips, executive director forthe Food & Agriculture Biotechnology Indus-try Organization, said genetically altered foodis completely safe. Currently, 75 to 80 percentof processed food is bio-engineered, he said.

Phillips said legislators must base any bill

POLICY★ ★ ★

Bread & butter issuesBiotechnology experts debate safety of geneticallyaltered foods as part of Capitol Forum series

include enhanced nutritional value — morevitamin A or iron — or exclude allergenic sub-stances, making the food safe for people whohave allergies, Phillips said.

While Phillips touted the products as abreakthrough for farmers and safe for con-sumers, Dr. Rebecca Goldburg from the En-vironmental Defense Fund, questioned thepotential unintended side effects of biologi-cally engineered foods. She referred to a May1999 Time article, which detailed how pollenfrom a genetically-altered plant was killing cat-erpillars.

“With biotechnology, we’re bringing in lotsof new things that have never been in the foodsupply,” Goldburg said. “Regulatory decision-making cannot be just about science. Andthat’s where the value of constituents come in.”

Goldburg said she expects constituents willprompt lawmakers to propose food-labeling

“I can assure you . . . if we did not have ac-cess to this biotechnology, our bad year thisyear would have been even worse,” Phillipssaid. “Farmers are very eager to have access tothose products.”

Goldburg countered, saying the geneticallyaltered crops don’t do Minnesota farmers anygood if foreign markets like Japan or Europerefuse to buy them out of fear.

Phillips said much of the fear in Europe isunfounded. He said Europe does not have anequivalent to the Food and Drug Administra-tion, and that those nations have been hit bybad foods, like beef tainted by the so-called“Mad Cow Disease,” which have made peopleunnecessarily leery.

Goldburg questioned whether biotechnol-ogy foods from foreign countries could bedangerous for Americans. Phillips said thereis no need to worry.

“No country can import food into ourcountry that is any less safe than what we havein our country, by law,” he said.

There is a potential harmful side effect tothe environment as well as to people,Goldburg said. For instance, genetic cropscould cross-pollinate with adjacent naturalplants. Goldburg fears weeds or insects couldbecome resistant to the altered gene.

Phillips said cross-pollination is not a con-cern because pollen from corn only travels afew feet, so it is not spreading to other fields.

Many legislators spoke highly of the forum.Rep. Bob Ness (R-Dassel) said genetics in foodis nothing new.

“This provides information to help legisla-tors relate to the issues and understand theissues,” Ness said.

Rep. Satveer Chaudhary (DFL-Fridley) saidmany people believe this is just a rural issue,but he had many people talk about biotech-nology at a recent town meeting.

“People in the suburbs are interested inwhat type of food comes out of Greater Min-nesota,” Chaudhary said. “We legislators haveonly gotten the first taste of this huge topic.”

Rep. Henry Kalis (DFL-Walters), a farmer,questioned whose scientific results the legis-lators should listen to. He said the genetic in-dustries are far ahead of universities inproviding information on genetics.

The forum was sponsored by the BlandinFoundation and leadership of both the Houseand the Senate. A second forum about bio-medicine policies will be held Feb. 9 at theMinnesota History Center.

proposals on facts, not fears from constituents.“You must begin with a foundation,”

Phillips said. “And that foundation must bescience.”

Biotechnology is the scientific manipulationof living organisms at the molecular geneticlevel, according to a summary report. Com-mon biotechnology products include a strainof corn resistant to the European corn borer,which eats the corn stalk, and soybeans thatare resistant to commercially producedherbicides.

Future genetically altered foods could

legislation for biotechnology foods. Phillipssaid such a measure is unnecessary. If a com-pany thought it would be profitable to labelfood as non-altered, it would do so, Phillipssaid.

Goldburg strongly disagreed, noting that allingredients in food are listed.

“You can read all the things,” she said.“People want to know what is in their food.It’s a problem.”

However, Phillips contended that geneticshas helped farmers cope with the lagging ag-ricultural economy.

Dr. Michael Phillips (left), from the Biotechnology Industry Organization, and Dr. Rebecca Goldburg, ofthe Environmental Defense Fund, debate the merits of genetically engineered crops.

18 February 4, 2000

HISTORY

BY JON FURE

In the 1930s, proposals to reduce the size of the MinnesotaLegislature were among the many ideas to help the state copewith the Great Depression.While the nationwide economic problems of that erainfluenced Nebraska’s switch to a unicameral Legislature, the

concept didn’t catch on in Minnesota.

Is less more?The long history of the unicameral issue inMinnesota includes a Depression-era pushby a third-party maverick

Gov. Floyd B. Olson, a member of theFarmer-Labor party, advocated the switch toa unicameral Legislature in his 1935 inaugu-ral address.

“I am heartily in favor of a unicameral Leg-islature and I recommend that you submit aproposal to the people of the state for the

establishment of that form of Legislature witha maximum membership,” Olson said, sound-ing something like the current occupant of thegovernor’s mansion.

But Olson, who was himself a third-party in-surgent, made his advocacy of a unicameral leg-islature seem like merely a polite suggestion.

“During past sessions ofthe Legislature many mem-bers of those bodies have in-formed me that the work ofthe Legislature is very diffi-cult because of the excessivenumber of members in bothHouses,” he said.

“Accepting that as an exist-ing fact, I hope I am notoverbold in suggesting toyou that in a program of re-duction in the agencies ofgovernment by you, yourattention should first be di-rected toward reduction inthe numbers of your ownmembership.”

The debate of the 1930swas just a part of the issue’scomplex history in Minne-sota and elsewhere. Whetherthe public is better served bya one-house legislature is aquestion that has been con-sidered long before Minne-sota became a state.

Olson saw a move toward unicameralism aspart of a larger effort to increase the effi-

ciency of government. He urged the Legisla-ture to examine the structure of governmentcarefully.

“There will be bills introduced in this sessionof the Legislature for the purpose of either re-ducing or abolishing various state departmentsand bureaus,” Olson said. “You have my assur-ance that I will cooperate with you in every wayin such an endeavor, where no useful public ser-vice is crippled or eliminated.”

Although the governor supported a one-house legislature, it wasn’t at the top of his listof proposed reforms.

Instead, Olson urged the Legislature to in-crease relief appropriations for drought-stricken farmers and unemployed people. Healso advocated redistributing wealth by re-forming the tax system.

Blaming large industries for the Depression,Olson sought to increase taxes on iron ore,chain stores, and other industries.

Olson also said that the cause of theDepression was not overproduction, but thatmassive unemployment and low wages forcommon laborers had led to “under-consumption.”

“We believe in restoring prosperity by re-storing the purchasing power of the men atthe bottom,” Olson said.

In the 1935 Legislative Session, a few billswere introduced that would have changed theLegislature from two chambers to one, butnone of those bills made it to Olson’s desk.One such proposal, sponsored by Rep. JohnW. Cox of Becker and Rep. John J. White ofOgilvie, sought to create a one-house Legisla-ture composed of an equal number of menand women.

In the early days of Minnesota’s statehood,leaders chose a bicameral system because of

its success elsewhere, according to The Debatesand Proceedings of the Minnesota Constitu-tional Convention, an 1857 report by FrancisH. Smith.

Minnesota’s Territorial Legislature in the1850s was patterned after Wisconsin’s bicam-eral system, one that had prevailed in all otherstates at that time.

In fact, the state’s early leaders did not de-vote much energy to other models for the Leg-islature. They focused on the pressing mattersof resolving statehood issues on the thresholdof the Civil War.

Photo by Robert M. Fraser, from The Political Career of Floyd B. Olson, by George H. Mayer, 1951.

Gov. Floyd B. Olson, a popular speaker among students, addresses acrowd at the University of Minnesota.

★ ★ ★

Session Weekly 19

Congress gave the Minnesota Territory per-mission to become a state in 1857. Minnesotanswere concerned with all of the nationwide ques-tions surrounding the threat of war, as well asbasic questions with becoming a state, such asdetermining the state’s boundaries, choosing thesite of the state capital, and designating publiclands for railroads and a university.

But even before statehood, the state’s twomajor political parties were jockeying for theright to control the Legislature. Even thougha slight majority of Republicans had beenelected, both parties alleged the other com-mitted election fraud.

Delegates from both parties met July 13,1857, in St. Paul to write the state’s constitu-tion. But each party refused to recognize theother, so they organized separately and eachparty wrote a separate state constitution.

However, neither side disputed the idea ofa two-house system. Both constitutions speci-fied there would be both a House of Repre-sentatives and a Senate.

There were other differences between thetwo documents, but the two sides ultimatelyworked them out to form the state’s first con-stitution, and Congress approved Minnesota’sstatehood May 11, 1858.

The makeup of state legislatures proved tobe a fundamental question during the form-

ing of the United States. Most colonies wereinfluenced by the two-chamber system ofBritish Parliament, where one chamber rep-resented a wealthier class than the other cham-ber that represented the common people,according to The Unicameral Legislature, a1938 book by Alvin W. Johnson.

However, Pennsylvania and Delaware hadunicameral Legislatures as colonies, and they re-mained so after the United States was born. Thepractice was short-lived, though, as both statesswitched to bicameral legislatures by 1790.

Vermont also was admitted as a state with aunicameral legislature in 1791, but it switchedto a bicameral system in 1835.

Georgia had a bicameral Legislature as acolony, and then it switched to unicameralafter it ratified the U.S. Constitution. But likePennsylvania and Delaware, Georgia adopteda new state constitution in 1790 that made theLegislature bicameral.

Many related issues influenced those changes.The rapid increase of immigrants in each

state caused larger cities to be disproportion-ately represented compared to rural areas.Voting districts were re-apportioned to reflectthe changing populations, and the two-cham-ber concept was designed to foster good law-making decisions while accommodating thevolatile electorate.

Members in one chamber, for example,would be elected to longer terms than mem-bers of the other body. Then the chamber withlonger terms would, in theory, make decisionswith a great focus on statewide impact.

In some states, members of that “upper”chamber, as the House of Lords in British Par-liament was sometimes called, would be ap-pointed instead of elected, or would be electedon an at-large basis instead of by district.Members of the other “lower” chamber wouldserve shorter terms, and each member wouldbe chiefly concerned with the needs of hisparticular district.

Also, the right to vote and to run for publicoffice in some states was only given to menbased on the amount of land they owned. Inmany states, two chambers had different eli-gibility rules based on land ownership, so thateach chamber would be responsive to a dif-ferent social class.

Proponents of a unicameral Legislature brought inthe best advocate they could find — former NebraskaCongressman George Norris, who led the successful ini-tiative campaign to change the Nebraska Legislaturefrom two chambers to one in 1934.

Well, it wasn’t the real Norris who came to St. Paul. Itwas current Nebraska state Sen. David Landis, a histori-cal reenactor who has served in his state’s unicameralLegislature since 1978.

Landis, decked out in period dress, played the role ofNorris during a Feb. 1 event at the Capitol. And he ex-plained the virtues of a one-house system.

“I believed it would be simpler for the voters to fol-low,” he said. “They could see and understand what theirelected officials were doing on their behalf and how suc-cessful they were.”

Under the bicameral system in Nebraska, conferencecommittees were used as a convenient excuse for law-makers who were trying to halt bills that were popularwith their constituents but were opposed by lobbyinggroups with a lot of money, Landis said.

It allowed lawmakers to tell their constituents, “Wedid the right thing,” only to have the bill die in the con-ference committee.

Nebraska’s initiative and referendum laws were a cru-cial factor in the state’s switch to a unicameral model.Those laws allow citizens to place proposed changes instate law on the ballot.

According to Landis, Norris “wore out two sets of tires”while driving around the state urging voters to supportthe unicameral initiative.

During the campaign at that time, Norris told audi-ences that the two-chamber system of U.S. Congress wasdesigned as a compromise between large and smallstates, but that the model doesn’t serve a purpose onthe state level.

Nebraska voters approved the initiative by nearly

Nebraskan gets into the act

In Virginia, for example, Thomas Jeffersonobjected to the state’s system because no differ-ence was apparent in the two chambers of thestate legislature. Both chambers served the sameelectorate, which he said was “superfluous.”

That same argument lies at the heart oftoday’s unicameral debate. The current

Minnesota system is set up so that membersof the House and Senate represent the samedistricts. The senator represents all 66,000people in the district and two House mem-bers split those constituents.

In Minnesota’s recent history, questionsabout the purpose of the bicameral system andabout the size of the Legislature have oftenbeen debated. But none of those proposalshave passed the Legislature or been put be-fore voters.

Historical reenactor and Nebraska stateSen. David Landis performs a program onthe history of the unicameral Legislature inhis state.

93,000 votes. The system seems to be there to stay,Landis said, because no initiative has yet been placedon the ballot to switch back to a bicameral legislature.

20 February 4, 2000

If all your news about today’s youth culture came through the massmedia, you would think the kids are only interested in trading Pokemoncards, listening to Britney Spears, and learning history by watchingRegis Philbin’s “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”

Hands-on governmentProgram gives students a chance to see the legislativeprocess from the inside

But as the participants of the YMCA’s Youthin Government program prove, there areplenty of students also interested in deepersocietal issues.

Nearly 1,500 high school students fromthroughout the state participated in a modellegislative session Jan. 13-16. The program,which begins in the fall, teaches the studentsthe nuts and bolts of the lawmaking process— from participating in mock caucuses, toholding committee hearings, to passing billson the House and Senate floors.

Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer used themodel session to stress the importance of get-ting involved at an early age and staying involved.

“The Constitution says we have a govern-ment of the people,” she said. “You are thepeople. Therefore, you are the government. Itis your government, and it is important tomake a life long commitment.”

Reg Pelowski, who was elected by his peersto serve as the speaker of the House, said thatone of the most beneficial outcomes in his fiveyears in the Youth in Government program isthat his perspective on issues and his point ofview have been broadened.

“Most of the people in my neighborhoodhave views that are similar to my own,” he said.“It’s been great to get to work with people withdifferent points of view from all over the state.”

Pelowski, who is from White Bear Lake, isthe nephew of Rep. Gene Pelowski (DFL-Winona). The younger Pelowski said thatwhile he isn’t sure he wants to follow his uncleinto politics, his experience has prompted himto want to learn more. He plans to studypolitical science in college next year.

Pelowski said the students work hard onresearching the topics for their bills and thatthe program tends to attract the more seriousstudents. “We get to meet a lot of great peoplehere,” he said.

Orville Lindquist, the state program

Melia Garza, a junior at Lakeville High School, and other participants in the annual YMCA’s Youth inGovernment Model Assembly are “sworn in” as members of the House of Representatives during openingday ceremonies in the House chamber on Jan. 13.

director, said the students take their partici-pation seriously, researching and proposingbills that they believe can actually improve aproblem in their community.

“A lot of the bills have meaning to them ortheir families,” Lindquist said.

Lindquist said that during the nine years hehas participated in the program he recalls acouple of student bills that led to actual

(State Targeting Accessible Recreation Trails),is well underway. According to the DNR, about65 state trails have been surveyed. Work on aportion of the Old Logging Trail in Wild RiverState Park measuring 2.6 miles has been com-pleted. Design work for building accessibletrails has begun in six other state parks includ-ing Jay Cooke and William O’Brien.

This year students saw a variety of areas toexamine and highlight. Among them were thestate’s abortion laws, a publicly funded base-ball stadium, and animal protection laws.

While many of the bills have local implica-tions a few attempted to address broader so-cial issues.

Rich Ahn, a Hastings student, said he re-searched a bill in Michigan to help him come upwith his proposal to make it mandatory thatwelfare recipients be drug-tested to remain eli-gible for benefits. Ahn said that as he researchedthe topic he became more and more convincedof the importance of finding ways to break thepoverty cycle in this country.

Lindquist said that it is refreshing to see thestudents come in with a determination to learnhow they can participate in the process tomake a real difference. He said that the pro-gram not only teaches them how to get in-volved, but also helps them establish somelong-term relationships with colleaguesthroughout the state.

“They get to meet a lot of people, and wewant them to have a good time,” he said.

legislation being drafted and passed into law.One was a 1995 bill sponsored by Rep. Ann

H. Rest (DFL-New Hope) that required theDepartment of Natural Resources (DNR) todevelop a five-year plan to construct or modifytrails in state parks to allow accessibility forhandicapped people. The measure was even-tually passed as part of that session’s environ-ment omnibus bill.

The initiative, known as Project START

PEOPLE★ ★ ★

BY DAVID MAEDA

Session Weekly 21

F E B R U A R Y 1, 2 0 0 0

HOUSE FILES 2476 - 2741BILL INTRODUCTIONS★ ★ ★

Tuesday, Feb. 1

HF2476—Orfield (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyTeachers Retirement Association(TRA) nonprofit agency teaching ser-vice credit purchase authorized for acertain member.

HF2477—Mulder (R)Civil LawConciliation court provided jurisdic-tion in actions against foreign anddomestic corporations if the plantiffresides in the county.

HF2478—Stanek (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyRe-employed annuitant earningslimitation eliminated for retirees serv-ing as substitute teachers.

HF2479—Stanek (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyTeachers Retirement Aassociation(TRA) improved money purchasebenefit program savings clause ex-tended to eligible members.

HF2480—Stanek (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyTeachers Retirement Association(TRA) benefit coverage adjusted forextracurricular activity managementcompensation amounts and rule-making required.

HF2481—Carruthers (DFL)Civil LawGovernment data copy charges modi-fied, copyright limited, local govern-ment private or confidential datadissemination authority limited,monitoring of citizens prohibited,data practices compliance officers re-quired, and remedies provided.

HF2482—Stanek (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyMinneapolis Police Relief Associationmembers provided optional futurecoverage under the public employeespolice and fire plan.

HF2483—Erickson (R)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyPollution Control Agency termina-tion of the Mille Lacs water resourcesagreement required.

HF2484—Kahn (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyUnicameral legislature provided with135 members, governor selection au-thorized, and constitutional amend-ment proposed.

HF2485—Erickson (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyAmerican Indian tribes prohibitedfrom making political contributionswith funds derived from casinooperations.

HF2486—Murphy (DFL)Crime PreventionFleeing a peace officer crime clarifiedto include tribal officers.

HF2487—Solberg (DFL)TaxesSales tax rebate filing deadlines ex-tended and money appropriated.

HF2488—Tingelstad (R)K-12 Education FinanceSchool facility commissioning costinformation inclusion in the indoorair quality review and comment pro-cess required.

HF2489—Skoglund (DFL)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsPolitical subdivisions authorized torequire registration of impoundedbicycles upon sale.

HF2490—Skoglund (DFL)Crime PreventionPredatory offender registration lawexpanded to include additionaloffenses.

HF2491—Skoglund (DFL)Crime PreventionKidnapping statute of limitationslengthened.

HF2492—Skoglund (DFL)Crime PreventionKidnapping statute of limitationsmodified.

HF2493—Skoglund (DFL)Crime PreventionKidnapping statute of limitationseliminated.

HF2494—Knoblach (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyLocal property tax and sales tax refer-enda provisions modified, reports tothe campaign finance and public

disclosure board required, public ex-penditures to advocate tax increasesprohibited, and ballot preparationguidelines provided.

HF2495—Gleason (DFL)Education PolicyMinnesota Amateur Sports Commis-sion exhibitions not qualifying as StateHigh School League activities re-pealed.

HF2496—Davids (R)CommerceDepartment of Public Service abol-ished, and powers and duties trans-ferred.

HF2497—Rifenberg (R)K-12 Education FinanceIndependent School District No. 299,Caledonia, maximum effort capitalloan authorized, bonds issued, andmoney appropriated.

HF2498—Seifert, M. (R)CommerceBarber shop registrations fees excep-tion provided.

HF2499—Rifenberg (R)CommerceMortgage registry tax exemption pro-vided for agricultural loans.

HF2500—Krinkie (R)State Government FinanceLight-rail transit project contract re-quirement language modified andusual state procurement laws explic-itly required.

HF2501—Lieder (DFL)Transportation FinanceLocal bridge rehabilitation and re-placement federal funding matchedwith state transportation bonds, andmoney appropriated.

HF2502—Wenzel (DFL)Transportation PolicyTrunk Highway No. 371 portionknown as the Brainerd bypassdesignated as C. Elmer AndersonMemorial Highway.

HF2503—Carruthers (DFL)Crime PreventionMisdemeanor and petty misde-meanor offenses provided increasedmaximum fines.

HF2504—Erickson (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyPrivate nonprofit organizations pro-vided funding to perform functions

on behalf of communities of color,conforming changes provided, andmoney appropriated.

HF2505—Leppik (R)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyAnnual state park permits effectivefor a 12-month period.

HF2506—Hackbarth (R)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyBlaze orange requirements modified.

HF2507—Carruthers (DFL)CommerceAuto insurance wage loss reimburse-ment coverage age threshold reducedfor retirees.

HF2508—Schumacher (DFL)Education PolicyMetro area school district definitionclarified.

HF2509—Skoe (DFL)TaxesLocal government aid base increasedfor eligible cities.

HF2510—Davids (R)CommerceGovernmental cable operatorsregulated.

HF2511—Anderson, I. (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyPartisan office candidates allowed toinclude a part of the name of a majorpolitical party on the nominatingpetition.

HF2512—Greiling (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyMinnesota State Retirement SystemGeneral state employees retirementplan (MSRS-General) late disabilitybenefit application authorized for aneligible former member.

HF2513—Vandeveer (R)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyWashington County authorized toprivately sell tax-forfeited landbordering public water.

HF2514—Rifenberg (R)TaxesDependent education expenseamount, maximum education creditamounts, and income limits annualinflation adjustment provided.

22 February 4, 2000

HF2515—Solberg (DFL)CommerceIndependent School District Nos. 508,St. Peter, and 316, Greenway-Coleraine, authorized to create schoolbanks for educational purposes andsunset eliminated.

HF2516—Smith (R)Crime PreventionHarassment definition and provisionsmodified relating to restrainingorders.

HF2517—Haake (R)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsLocal governing body members pro-hibited from serving on city chartercommissions.

HF2518—Haake (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyState employee government efficiencysuggestion program developed, in-come tax checkoff provided, andmoney appropriated.

HF2519—Bradley (R)Health & Human Services PolicyMinnesotaCare notice period reducedfor persons ineligible due to incomelimits and private health insurancecoverage information requirementexpanded.

HF2520—Wagenius (DFL)Education PolicyParents’ right to know; parental andemployee notification of pesticideapplication at schools required.

HF2521—Hasskamp (DFL)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsTownship of Lake Edwards namechanged to the township of LakeEdward.

HF2522—Smith (R)Civil LawFederal Immigration and Naturaliza-tion Service provided access to eco-nomic security data on specificindividuals or employers underinvestigation.

HF2523—Harder (R)TaxesBleacher safety materials sales anduse tax exemption provided.

HF2524—Folliard (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyAir toxics reduction plan and green-house gases reporting required.

HF2525—Biernat (DFL)Education PolicySatisfactory student performance onstatewide assessment tests requiredfor grade promotion.

HF2526—Biernat (DFL)TaxesSales tax rebate extended to all Min-nesota residents and filing time speci-fied.

HF2527—Biernat (DFL)Civil LawSole physical custody of a child modi-fication standards altered.

HF2528—Koskinen (DFL)Crime PreventionPeriodic background checks of rentalproperty managers conducted by thebureau of criminal apprehension.

HF2529—Johnson (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceReduced class size and full-day kin-dergarten programs provided in-creased funding, and moneyappropriated.

HF2530—Murphy (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyLegislative commission on pensionsand retirement actuarial cost alloca-tion modified.

HF2531—Greiling (DFL)CommerceMinnesota nonprofit employee ben-efit plan created and money appro-priated.

HF2532—Kielkucki (R)K-12 Education FinanceFive star school accreditation pro-gram established and money appro-priated.

HF2533—Kielkucki (R)Crime PreventionCorrectional fees allocated and pro-bation officer salary state reimburse-ment pro-ration eliminated.

HF2534—Davids (R)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyRoot River Trail designated as adogsled route.

HF2535—Sykora (R)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsShorewood authorized to establishwards and elect city council membersby wards.

HF2536—Sykora (R)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsExcelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven,Tonka Bay, and Greenwood autho-rized to establish an area fire protec-tion district.

HF2537—Gleason (DFL)TaxesNontaxable social security and dis-ability income included in the salestax rebate calculation.

HF2538—Kelliher (DFL)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsMetropolitan Mosquito Control Com-mission authority modified related tonatural resources adminstrated lands.

HF2539—Anderson, I. (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyWildlife management area designa-tion orders rescinded.

HF2540—Clark, K. (DFL)TaxesSales tax rebate extended to eligibletaxpayers and filing dates specified.

HF2541—Rest (DFL)TaxesSales tax rebate extended to eligibledependents and persons over age 65,filing dates extended, and money ap-propriated.

HF2542—Gleason (DFL)Taxes1999 sales tax rebate extended to de-pendents.

HF2543—Gleason (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicySpecial School District No. 1, Minne-apolis, teachers retirement fund asso-ciation prior service credit purchaseauthorized.

HF2544—Lieder (DFL)TaxesAgricultural relative homestead defi-nition expanded to include grand-children.

HF2545—Tingelstad (R)K-12 Education FinanceSchool facility continuous indoor airmonitoring required, portable class-room use limited, and operating capi-tal revenue portion reserved forfacilities purposes.

HF2546—Kielkucki (R)Health & Human Services PolicyNonprofit adult day training and ha-bilitation, and daytime developmen-tal achievement center services forchildren programs provided limitedliability.

HF2547—Lieder (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceIndependent School District No. 914,Ulen-Hitterdal, K-6 school buildingconstructed, bonds issued, and moneyappropriated.

HF2548—Anderson, I. (DFL)State Government FinanceVirginia to International Falls fiberoptic cable project appropriatedmoney.

HF2549—Tuma (R)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsEligible county enhanced 911 pro-gram expenses special assessment pro-cedure authorized.

HF2550—Storm (R)Civil LawPrivate college campus security per-sonnel authorized to receive tele-phone access to motor vehicleregistration information.

HF2551—Dawkins (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyPublic Employees Retirement Asso-ciation (PERA) police and fire planbenefits salary credit specified, anddepartment of public safety paymentsrequired.

HF2552—Anderson, I. (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceCounty stream maintenance programgrants provided and money appro-priated.

HF2553—Seifert, J. (R)Health & Human Services PolicySupportive housing and managed carepilot project appropriated money.

HF2554—Sykora (R)Family & Early ChildhoodEducation FinanceAdult basic education performanceaccountability system created anddata sharing provided.

HF2555—Carruthers (DFL)Civil LawCivil third-party liability imposed fordamages caused by intoxicated per-sons under age 21.

HF2556—Ness (R)K-12 Education FinanceTelecommunications access grants forschools continued funding providedand money appropriated.

HF2557—Ness (R)K-12 Education FinanceSecondary vocational education fund-ing reinstated and money appropri-ated.

Session Weekly 23

HF2558—Ness (R)K-12 Education FinanceCareer and technical agricultural edu-cation program funding authorized,and money appropriated.

HF2559—Howes (R)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyInland water sunken logs recoveryprovided.

HF2560—Kubly (DFL)TaxesYellow Medicine County law enforce-ment and family service center con-struction materials sales and use taxexemption provided.

HF2561—Kahn (DFL)Crime PreventionDNA; first and third degree criminalsexual conduct cases authorized toproceed without a named defendantwhen identifying DNA evidence ex-ists.

HF2562—Rest (DFL)Crime PreventionJuvenile court records availabilitymodified for child protection back-ground checks.

HF2563—Storm (R)Civil LawMechanics’ lien requirements andprocedures modified, penalties andcivil cause of action provided, andattorney fees authorized.

HF2564—Workman (R)Transportation PolicyPublic utility facilities relocated dueto light rail construction entitled toexpense reimbursement from thestate.

HF2565—Workman (R)Transportation PolicyPublic utilities incurring relocationexpenses due to light rail construc-tion prohibited from ratepayer costrecovery.

HF2566—Greiling (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyTeachers Retirement Association(TRA) eligible adminstrative errorinterest charges refund provided.

HF2567—Greiling (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceGifted and talented programs estab-lished as permanently funded com-ponents of general education revenue,and money appropriated.

HF2568—Clark, K. (DFL)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment PolicyYouthbuild; adultbuild program anddemonstration project created in con-junction with youthbuild to providejob training and affordable housingdevelopment, and money appropri-ated.

HF2569—Kielkucki (R)K-12 Education FinanceSchool food service appropriationprovisions modified.

HF2570—Bradley (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyEnergy code rules to remain in effectfor specified residential buildings.

HF2571—Carruthers (DFL)Crime PreventionConvicted or charged felon namechange standards provided, marriagelicense application notice required,criminal records expungement pro-visions clarified, and penalties im-posed.

HF2572—Tuma (R)Transportation FinanceDeputy registrars of motor vehiclesfiling fee increased.

HF2573—Holsten (R)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceNatural resources local initiativegrants, parks, and recreation areasappropriated money.

HF2574—Howes (R)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment PolicyCass Lake rest area and interpretivecenter construction provided, bondsissued, and money appropriated.

HF2575—Howes (R)K-12 Education FinanceIndependent School District No. 115,Cass Lake, maximum effort capitalloan approved and money appropri-ated.

HF2576—Tuma (R)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceRice County joint powers board grantprovided for Dundas to FaribaultMilltown trail acquisition and better-ment, and money appropriated.

HF2577—Westfall (R)K-12 Education FinancePelican Rapids library improvementgrant authorized, bonds issued, andmoney appropriated.

HF2578—Tuma (R)Higher Education FinanceFond Du Lac Tribal and CommunityCollege capital improvements autho-rized, bonds issued, and money ap-propriated.

HF2579—Lieder (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceFisher K-12 school building and com-munity center construction provided,bonds issued, and money appropri-ated.

HF2580—Kubly (DFL)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment PolicyUpper Minnesota Valley RegionalDevelopment Commission grant au-thorized for the Minnesota River tour-ism initiative, bonds issued, andmoney appropriated.

HF2581—Clark, K. (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyOvarian cancer blood test screeningand healing touch therapy health plancoverage required.

HF2582—Tingelstad (R)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceRice Creek Regional Trail in AnokaCounty previous capital improve-ment appropration provisions ex-panded.

HF2583—Anderson, I. (DFL)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment PolicyKoochiching County Minnesota coldweather testing center constructiongrant provided, bonds issued, andmoney appropriated.

HF2584—Wenzel (DFL)State Government FinanceMinnesota military museum im-provements authorized, bonds issued,and money appropriated.

HF2585—Anderson, I. (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyMinnesota-Ontario legislative com-mission authorized and money ap-propriated.

HF2586—Erhardt (R)TaxesVending machine items sales tax ex-emption provided and products speci-fied.

HF2587—Westfall (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyTeachers Retirement Association(TRA) improved money purchaseplan annuity election authorized foran eligible teacher.

HF2588—Mares (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyMonarch designated as the state but-terfly.

HF2589—Smith (R)Civil LawHealth care provider action expertreview certification regulated.

HF2590—Seagren (R)K-12 Education FinanceK-12 education code modified.

HF2591—Anderson, I. (DFL)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsKoochiching County economic de-velopment commission created.

HF2592—Winter (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyHealth care facilities provided auto-matic annual inflation adjustmentsand additional rate increases pro-vided.

HF2593—Haake (R)CommerceBoats permanently moored on LakeSuperior, St. Croix River, or Missis-sippi River authorized on-sale liquorlicenses.

HF2594—Murphy (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyTeachers Retirement Association(TRA) specified formula annuity per-centages increased.

HF2595—Abeler (R)Health & Human Services PolicySenior citizen drug program eligiblityexpanded to include Medicare en-rollees under age 65 and money ap-propriated.

HF2596—Hasskamp (DFL)CommerceAuto insurance mandatory wage losscoverage modifed relating to disabledpersons.

HF2597—Abeler (R)K-12 Education FinanceSecondary vocational education fund-ing reinstated and money appropri-ated.

HF2598—Abeler (R)Education PolicySchool districts allowed to dispose ofsurplus computers.

HF2599—Mares (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyPublic employees police and fire planone-time special optional annuity elec-tion authorized for specified formerconsolidation account retirees.

24 February 4, 2000

HF2600—Tunheim (DFL)TaxesFamily farm corporations and part-nerships specified shareholders au-thorized to reside off the homesteadproperty.

HF2601—Howes (R)TaxesCounties with more than one gamingcasino provided modified aid pay-ments.

HF2602—Howes (R)Civil LawWater buoy placement civil liabilityimmunity provided.

HF2603—Hackbarth (R)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyDisabled hunters use of motorizedvehicles authorized in wildlife man-agement areas.

HF2604—Hilty (DFL)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment PolicyNorthern Technology Initiative, Inc.created.

HF2605—Wenzel (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyHigher education retirement speci-fied vendor contracts extended,supplemental retirement plan partici-pants prior service credit purchaseauthorized, and maximum contribu-tion limits increased.

HF2606—Hilty (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyMinnesota State Retirement System(MSRS) prior service credit purchaseauthorized for an eligible member.

HF2607—Fuller (R)CommerceState university proximity statutoryrestriction exemption provided toBemidji for an on-sale liquor license.

HF2608—Westerberg (R)TaxesTelecommuting expenses income andfranchise tax credit provided for em-ployers.

HF2609—Peterson (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyPhysician licensure requirementsmodified.

HF2610—Boudreau (R)Crime PreventionCriminal vehicular operation defini-tion expanded.

HF2611—Dehler (R)Higher Education FinanceCommunity and technical collegeresident tuition rates provided to non-residents and contract requirementsspecified.

HF2612—Cassell (R)K-12 Education FinanceSchool administrator and teacher re-cruitment effort appropriated money.

HF2613—Boudreau (R)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyBig Woods Heritage Forest estab-lished through specified county boardresolutions.

HF2614—Kahn (DFL)Agriculture PolicyGenetically modified organism useregulated.

HF2615—Larsen, P. (R)TaxesChild passenger restraint systems salesand use tax exemption provided.

HF2616—Dawkins (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceYouth works grant funds authorizedto be used for percentage of adminis-trative costs, other costs designated,and money appropriated.

HF2617—McElroy (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyJoint standing committee systemadopted by the Legislature and con-ference committee appointment pro-cedure modified.

HF2618—Storm (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyTeachers Retirement Association(TRA) contribution provisions modi-fied for interfaculty organizationmember employees and year-roundprofessional teachers organizationofficers.

HF2619—Murphy (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyPublic employees post-retirementhealth care task force created andspecified supplemental plan contri-butions authorized.

HF2620—Bakk (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyArchery bow transport by boat andbowfishing permits authorized forpersons with physical disabilities.

HF2621—Folliard (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceSchool district health and safety pro-gram expanded to include studentand staff safety plans, and money ap-propriated.

HF2622—Tingelstad (R)Health & Human Services PolicyHomeless and runaway youth initia-tive created; and street outreach, drop-in services, basic center shelter, andtransitional living programs estab-lished.

HF2623—Anderson, B. (R)Health & Human Services PolicyInfant inborn metabolic defect test-ing and follow-up program expandedto include medium chain acyl-CoAdehydrogenase deficiency, rulesamended, and money approriated.

HF2624—Anderson, B. (R)K-12 Education FinanceIndependent School District No. 728,Elk River, debt service levy rate pro-vided.

HF2625—Anderson, B. (R)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment PolicyBuffalo community center grant pro-vided, bonds issued, and money ap-propriated.

HF2626—Kelliher (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceMinneapolis Park and RecreationBoard flood mitigation grant providedfor Lake of the Isles, bonds issued,and money appropriated.

HF2627—Luther (DFL)Crime PreventionFailure to provide proof of automo-bile insurance penalties increased.

HF2628—Tingelstad (R)Health & Human Services PolicyPlumbers required to be licensed inall cities, new installation inspectionrequirements established, feescharged, and restricted master plumb-ers licensed.

HF2629—Tingelstad (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyK-12 educational facilities indoor airquality standards provided.

HF2630—Luther (DFL)Health & Human Services FinanceMinnesota organ procurement orga-nization capital improvements grantprovided for organ, eye, and tissuedonation initiatives; and money ap-propriated.

HF2631—Abeler (R)K-12 Education FinanceSchool district levy for crime preven-tion increased.

HF2632—Luther (DFL)Health & Human Services FinanceNonprofit service dog organizationgrants provided, report required, andmoney appropriated.

HF2633—Luther (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceSchool health and safety program rev-enue eligibility expanded to includepupil and staff safety improvements.

HF2634—Anderson, I. (DFL)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsNorthern Itasca hospital district hos-pital board membership modified.

HF2635—Luther (DFL)Transportation PolicyDriver’s license applicants authorizedto make a donation for public educa-tion and information on anatomicalgifts.

HF2636—Mulder (R)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment PolicyLewis and Clark joint powers boardgrant provided for a rural water sys-tem, bonds issued, and money ap-propriated.

HF2637—Chaudhary (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicySenior citizen drug program eligibil-ity expanded and money appropri-ated.

HF2638—Buesgens (R)Transportation PolicyMotor vehicle registration informa-tion release fee exemption providedto towing companies relating to im-pounded vehicles and liens.

HF2639—Ozment (R)Health & Human Services PolicyOSHA; occupational exposure tobloodborne pathogens throughsharps injury reduction standards es-tablished.

HF2640—Haas (R)TaxesCity base aid and maximum aid in-creased for eligible cities.

HF2641—Fuller (R)CommerceSchool bank pilot project made per-manent.

Session Weekly 25

HF2642—Rhodes (R)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment PolicyBond requirement waivers providedfor eligible job search firms that wereformerly licensed employment agen-cies.

HF2643—Luther (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyClean health care services claimsprompt payment required of healthplan companies and third-partyadminstrators.

HF2644—Carlson (DFL)CommerceContinued employer-paid health in-surance coverage provided for depen-dent spouses of retirees.

HF2645—Trimble (DFL)TaxesOutdoor advertising devices consid-ered taxable property.

HF2646—Trimble (DFL)Higher Education FinanceMetropolitan State University, St.Paul region campus, library construc-tion provided; bonds issued, andmoney appropriated.

HF2647—Peterson (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceLac Qui Parle state park campgroundarea developed, bonds issued, andmoney appropriated.

HF2648—Erhardt (R)TaxesIndivdual income tax rates reduced.

HF2649—Abeler (R)Higher Education FinanceAnoka-Hennepin Technical Collegefacilities remodeled and repaired,bonds issued, and money appropri-ated.

HF2650—Stanek (R)Judiciary FinanceState and local law enforcement com-puter controlled driving simulatorsprevious grant appropriation elimi-nated.

HF2651—Tuma (R)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceLegacy 2000; statewide natural re-sources projects provided, bonds is-sued, and money appropriated.

HF2652—Goodno (R)CommerceBorder cities provided residentialbuilding energy code requirementsexemption.

HF2653—Smith (R)Education PolicyPublic school student conduct policycomponents modified.

HF2654—Seifert, M. (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyPost-retirement earnings limitationsraised for specified Minnesota StateColleges and Universities (MnSCU)plan participants.

HF2655—Leppik (R)Crime PreventionUnderage persons attempting to pur-chase alcohol or tobacco productswith false identification provided in-creased penalties and driver licensesanctions, and retailers authorized toseize false I.D.

HF2656—Wolf (R)CommerceAuto glass repair and replacementregulated, rebates and incentives lim-ited, and prompt payment required.

HF2657—Tomassoni (DFL)CommerceCommercial establishments wherewine is made for personal use and notfor resale exempt from licensing re-quirements.

HF2658—Koskinen (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyMinnesotaCare: employer-subsidizedhealth insurance options for eligiblechildren provided.

HF2659—Koskinen (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyNursing facility salary adjustment perdiem modified.

HF2660—Koskinen (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyCounty enhanced registration cat-egory required for exemptnonlicensed child care providers,county direct payments to licensedchild care providers required, andunlicensed child care extended forone year to specified providers.

HF2661—Clark, K. (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyCrime victims reparations not to beconsidered as assets for the purposesof determining medical assistance eli-gibility.

HF2662—Clark, K. (DFL)Crime PreventionCrime victim loss of income repara-tions time limit extended for thosewith continued disabilities.

HF2663—Carlson (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceVoluntary full-day kindergartenfunding established and money ap-propriated.

HF2664—Gray (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceVoluntary full-day kindergartenfunding established and money ap-propriated.

HF2665—Skoglund (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyFirearm hunting license certificationthat the holder is eligible to possess afirearm required.

HF2666—Mullery (DFL)Crime PreventionCrime of contributing to the delin-quency of a minor prosecution andpenalty provisions modified, and sen-tencing guidelines aggravating fac-tors specified.

HF2667—Mullery (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyState government minority employeerecruitment and retention plan re-quired.

HF2668—Mullery (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyAutomobile insurance geographicdiscrimination prohibited within theTwin Cities metropolitan area.

HF2669—Mullery (DFL)TaxesSales tax rebate eligibility extended toMinnesota veterans home residentsand money appropriated.

HF2670—Bradley (R)Health & Human Services PolicyFamily support grants and commu-nity-based waivered services simul-taneous receipt authorized for eligibleindividuals.

HF2671—Bradley (R)Health & Human Services PolicyMental retardation protection publicguardianship responsibility transferrecommendations developed and leg-islative report required.

HF2672—Westerberg (R)Civil LawSchool districts and their employeesprovided limited liability immunityfor good faith use and sharing of juve-nile data.

HF2673—Rest (DFL)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsPolitical subdivision corporation cre-ation standards established and exist-ing corporations continued.

HF2674—Finseth (R)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceRed River state recreation area estab-lished in Polk County, visitors’ centerand campground constructed, bondsissued, and money appropriated.

HF2675—Haas (R)CommerceVicarious liability insurance cover-age for punitive and exemplary dam-ages authorized.

HF2676—Carruthers (DFL)Transportation PolicyTrucks transporting gravel requiredto adhere to hours of service regula-tions.

HF2677—Ozment (R)Health & Human Services FinanceGoodhue County nursing facility rateadjustment provided and money ap-propriated.

HF2678—Nornes (R)Family & Early ChildhoodEducation FinanceEarly Childhood and Family Educa-tion (ECFE) previous appropriationsincreased for transitional housingprograms and emergency services.

HF2679—Sykora (R)Family & Early ChildhoodEducation FinanceFamily homeless prevention and as-sistance program appropriatedmoney.

HF2680—Jaros (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyPolitical party treasurers authorizedto sign political contribution refundreceipt forms.

HF2681—Juhnke (DFL)TaxesManufactured homes low marketvalue improvements property tax ex-emption provided.

HF2682—Hasskamp (DFL)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment FinanceCamp Knutson capital improvementsgrant provided and money appropri-ated.

HF2683—Mares (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyLocal police and fire consolidationaccounts and the public employeespolice and fire plan merger ambigu-ities clarified.

26 February 4, 2000

HF2684—Wolf (R)CommerceLegislative electric energy task forcesunset extended.

HF2685—Wagenius (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicySurvivor benefits extended for spousesof deceased Minneapolis Fire ReliefAssociation members.

HF2686—Wolf (R)CommerceLegislative electric energy task forcesunset extended.

HF2687—Wolf (R)CommerceMinnesota power plant siting act ex-emption modified for electric powergenerating plants.

HF2688—Broecker (R)Judiciary FinanceRamsey County Attorney’s Office do-mestic assault and child abuse pros-ecution unit established, grantprovided, and money appropriated.

HF2689—Solberg (DFL)Higher Education FinanceItasca Community College engineer-ing building constructed, bonds is-sued, and money appropriated.

HF2690—Solberg (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceItasca County Taconite trail headbuilding constructed, bonds issued,and money appropriated.

HF2691—Dehler (R)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsTown officer and employee person-nel data classification provided.

HF2692—Greenfield (DFL)Health & Human Services FinanceHennepin County nursing facility rateadjustment provided and money ap-propriated.

HF2693—Luther (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyIndependent medical examination ofautomobile accident victim beingtreated by a chiropractor required tobe conducted by a chiropractor.

HF2694—Ozment (R)CommerceVasa Township detached banking fa-cility authorized.

HF2695—Greiling (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyPolitical party caucuses participatingin the contribution refund programrequired to adhere to campaign con-tribution and spending limits,multicandidate party expenditureslimited, and maximum refund in-creased.

HF2696—Greiling (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyPolitical party independent expendi-tures on behalf of their own candi-dates limited in order to receive apublic subsidy.

HF2697—Buesgens (R)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsMetropolitan council, parks and openspace commission, sports facilitiescommission, and radio board abol-ished; powers and duties transferred;metropolitan wastewater controlcommission established; and moneyappropriated.

HF2698—Dorman (R)Agriculture &Rural Development FinanceEthanol producer payment eligibilityexpanded.

HF2699—Goodno (R)Health & Human Services FinanceNursing facility operating cost reim-bursement floor established.

HF2700—Davids (R)TaxesElectric generation peaking facilitypersonal property tax exemption pro-vided.

HF2701—Winter (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceK-12 education telecommunicationaccess grants expanded and moneyappropriated.

HF2702—Osthoff (DFL)Transportation FinanceSt. Paul: new Maxson-Dale businesscenter roads constructed, bonds is-sued, and money appropriated.

HF2703—Leighton (DFL)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment FinanceAustin Riverside arena expanded andremodeled, bonds issued, and moneyappropriated.

HF2704—Leighton (DFL)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment FinanceAustin historic paramount atmo-spheric theatre restoration grant pro-vided, bonds issued, and moneyappropriated.

HF2705—Lieder (DFL)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment FinancePolk County regional jail facility inCrookston provided, bonds issued,and money appropriated.

HF2706—Lieder (DFL)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment FinanceAda outdoor recreation complex de-veloped, bonds issued, and moneyappropriated.

HF2707—Juhnke (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyOrganization sponsored potluckevent requirements modified.

HF2708—Nornes (R)Family & Early ChildhoodEducation FinanceAdult basic education funding modi-fied, policy review board established,and money appropriated.

HF2709—Koskinen (DFL)K-12 Education FinanceReduced class size and full-day kin-dergarten programs provided in-creased funding, and moneyappropriated.

HF2710—Koskinen (DFL)Higher Education FinanceAnoka-Hennepin Technical Collegefacilities remodeled and repaired,bonds issued, and money appropri-ated.

HF2711—Osskopp (R)Environment & Natural ResourcesFinanceMazeppa dam removed, bonds issued,and money appropriated.

HF2712—Broecker (R)Judiciary FinancePrivate counsel retained for appeal orpostconviction matters required tomake transcript fee arrangementswith the state public defender.

HF2713—Rest (DFL)Health & Human Services PolicyFuneral acts and services regulated,and preneed arrangement require-ments established.

HF2714—Koskinen (DFL)TaxesSales tax rebate extended to eligibiledependents and persons over age 65,filing dates extended, and money ap-propriated.

HF2715—Daggett (R)TaxesLawful gambling tax rates reduced.

HF2716—Bradley (R)Health & Human Services PolicyTobacco settlement revenues cred-ited to the health care access fund,provider premium tax modified, andcontingent elimination ofMinnesotaCare provider taxes cre-ated.

HF2717—Anderson, I. (DFL)CommerceIntrastate long distance call tollcharges prohibited.

HF2718—McElroy (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyCouncil-assembly state governmentestablished, metropolitan councilcomposition modified, greater Min-nesota regional council created, andconstitutional amendment proposed.

HF2719—Lieder (DFL)CommerceRental automobile insurance cover-age regulated.

HF2720—Reuter (Ind.)Education PolicyCurrent state test of the basic require-ment for written composition de-stroyed, students required to beretested, and legislative approval ofthe test prompt required.

HF2721—Tunheim (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceLake Bronson State Park visitor’s cen-ter renamed the Victor Johnsonvisitor’s center and money appropri-ated.

HF2722—Tunheim (DFL)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsKittson County granted the authorityto disolve a town with less than fivefull-time residents.

HF2723—Ness (R)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsMcLeod County authority to tempo-rarily office in Glencoe Township ex-tended.

HF2724—Ness (R)TaxesLocal government aid base increasedfor eligible cities.

HF2725—Ness (R)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment FinanceDassel wastewater treatment plan ex-panded, bonds issued, and moneyappropriated.

Session Weekly 27

HF2726—Ness (R)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment FinanceLitchfield city library grant provided,bonds issued, and money appropri-ated.

HF2727—Ness (R)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment FinanceDassel Historical Society ergot mu-seum renovated, bonds issued, andmoney appropriated.

HF2728—Paymar (DFL)Crime PreventionInmates transitioned from punitivesegregation confinement to the gen-eral prison population, disciplinaryrules required, and felony sentencelength extended to include disciplin-ary confinement periods.

HF2729—Anderson, I. (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources PolicyAcquired natural resources land pay-ments to counties increased, infla-tion adjustment provided, andconsolidated conservation land titlesconveyed.

HF2730—Dempsey (R)Transportation FinancePort development assistance grantsprovided, bonds issued, and moneyappropriated.

HF2731—Davids (R)CommerceMotor vehicle manufacturers, dis-tributors, and factory branches un-fair practices regulated.

HF2732—Rostberg (R)Health & Human Services FinanceHome-sharing grant programextended and money appropriated.

HF2733—Mares (R)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicySoccer; Amateur Sports Commissionnew facilities plan developed andimplemented statewide, grants autho-rized, bonds issued, and money ap-propriated.

HF2734—Westfall (R)Environment &Natural Resources FinancePelican Rapids natural resources dis-trict office provided, bonds issued,and money appropriated.

HF2735—Lieder (DFL)Environment &Natural Resources FinanceAgassiz Environmental Learning Cen-ter residential dormitory constructed,bonds issued, and money appropri-ated.

HF2736—Tunheim (DFL)Health & Human Services FinanceRoseau County nursing facility rateadjustment provided and money ap-propriated.

HF2737—Solberg (DFL)Local Government &Metropolitan AffairsMunicipalities and veterans’ organi-zations authorized to donate to allpublic school programs and facilities.

HF2738—Mullery (DFL)Crime PreventionPeace officers authorized to trans-port alleged truants from home toschool or truancy service center.

HF2739—Solberg (DFL)Jobs & EconomicDevelopment FinanceItasca County railroad authoritygrant, Itasca County highway im-provement grant, and Nashwauk wellsand wastewater treatment facilitiesconstruction grant provided; bondsissued; and money appropriated.

HF2740—Rest (DFL)Governmental Operations &Veterans Affairs PolicyCharitable organization annual re-port filing extension granting author-ity provided to the attorney general.

HF2741—Dehler (R)Civil LawCollections; creditors authorized torefer unsatisfied conciliation courtjudgments to the commissioner ofrevenue.

THE

S TAT E S

50

Lawyers and officials in severalstates are keeping a close eye oncourt rulings regarding “right tofarm” laws that could change thelandscape of rural America.

Last February, the U.S. SupremeCourt chose not to hear a case fromIowa that overturned the state’s“right to farm” statute. The Iowa Su-preme Court ruled the statute un-constitutional.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s,states across the country enacted“right-to-farm” laws in response topressures caused by suburbansprawl.

The laws were meant to protectfarms by offering them a qualifieddefense to nuisance lawsuits byneighbors who objected to thesmells and noise generated by farm-ing activities.

Right to farm?Iowa case could put farmers in legal bind

In 1998, the Iowa Supreme Courtruled that by uniformly protectingfarmers from lawsuits, the law dimin-ished the value of neighbors’ land, al-lowing the taking of land withoutpayment.

The court reasoned that the Iowastatute created what amounted toeasements because it gave agricul-tural operations the right to do thingsthat could affect neighboring land-owners.

The law also prohibited those land-owners from bringing a legal actionagainst the agricultural operation, thecourt said. That meant Iowa farmscould create a nuisance and neigh-bors could take no legal action.

The U.S. Supreme Court justiceswithout comment refused to reviewthe decision.

Agricultural groups have said that

similar “right to farm” laws in otherstates could now be invalidated. Theprecedent set by the Iowa rulingcould stand because the SupremeCourt refused to review the case.

Some experts say the issue couldheat up as more and more peoplemove to the fringes of suburbia andinto rural areas, without thinkingahead about their farming neigh-bors.

Conflict between livestock pro-ducers and neighboring residents isincreasing in many areas. New resi-dential homeowners sometimes findthe noise and odors produced bylivestock operations offensive. Pro-ducers often feel that pressure tochange their practices is unjust, inpart because it comes from relativelynew residents of their communities.

*Bill introductions fromFeb. 3 were not available whenthis issue went to press. You canfind them in the next SessionWeekly.

28 February 4, 2000

F E B R U A R Y 7 - 11, 2 0 0 0

COMMITTEE SCHEDULE★ ★ ★

Schedule is subject to change.For information updates, call House Callsat (651) 296-9283.All meetings are open to the public.Sign language interpreter services:(651) 224-6548 v/tty.To have the House committee scheduledelivered to your e-mail address, send ane-mail message tojoin-houseschedule@ww3.house.leg.state.mn.usor direct your Web browser to http://ww3.house.leg.state.mn.us/scripts/lyris.pl?join=houseschedule and fillout the subscription form on theLegislature’s Web site.

MONDAY, February 7

8 a.m.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES FINANCE10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Kevin GoodnoAgenda: Presentation of capital bondingrequests, Elaine Timmer, AssistantCommissioner, Department of HumanServices.HF2630 (Luther) Minnesota organprocurement organization capitalimprovements grant provided for organ, eye,and tissue donation initiatives; and moneyappropriated.

JOBS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Dan McElroyAgenda: HFXXXX (Howes) Adds funds to thenearly-depleted Tourism Revolving Loan Fund.HF2725 (Ness) Dassel wastewater treatmentplan expanded, bonds issued, and moneyappropriated.HF2726 (Ness) Litchfield city library grantprovided, bonds issued, and moneyappropriated.HF2727 (Ness) Dassel historical society ergotmuseum renovated, bonds issued, and moneyappropriated.Report on fiscal reforms for the State Servicesfor the Blind (SSB). Testimony from theDepartments of Economic Security andFinance and SSB.

TRANSPORTATION FINANCETour of MnDOT Waters Edge Building1500 West County Road B2Roseville, Minn.Chr. Rep. Carol MolnauAgenda: Tour will depart from east side ofState Office Building (outside of Secretary ofState’s office) at 8 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

***NOTE TIME CHANGE***GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS &VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICYBasement Hearing RoomState Office BuildingChr. Rep. Jim RhodesAgenda: HF1250 (Kahn) State and localelection voting age changed from 18 to 16, andconstitutional amendment proposed.Note: There will be a short videopresentation.

10 a.m.

CIVIL LAWBasement Hearing RoomState Office BuildingChr. Rep. Steve SmithAgenda: HF537 (Boudreau) Complementaryand alternative health care freedom of accessact adopted.

ENVIRONMENT &NATURAL RESOURCES FINANCE10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Mark HolstenAgenda: Department of Natural Resourcesbonding recommendations:NB-2 State park betterment and rehabilitation.NB-15 State park acquisition.NB-4 Trust fund lands.NB-1 Dam repair/reconstruction/removal.NB-3 Flood hazard mitigation grants.NB-8 SNAs and Prairie Bank.NB-12 Metro greenways.

HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCE300S State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Peggy LeppikAgenda: Overview of workforce developmentprograms in prisons, Department ofCorrections.Bonding process overview, Department ofFinance.

K-12 EDUCATION FINANCE5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Alice SeagrenAgenda: HF2663 (Carlson) Voluntary full-daykindergarten funding established and moneyappropriated.HF2529 (Johnson) Reduced class size and full-day kindergarten programs provided increasedfunding, and money appropriated.HF1330 (Mahoney) Sober high school pilotprogram grants provided and moneyappropriated.HF2616 (Dawkins) Youth works grant fundsauthorized to be used for percentage ofadministrative costs, other costs designated,and money appropriated.HF2567 (Greiling) Gifted and talentedprograms established as permanently fundedcomponents of general education revenue, andmoney appropriated.HF1804 (Folliard) Licensed K-12 teacher staffdevelopment training opportunities andadditional salary provided.

Property Tax Division/TAXES200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Ron ErhardtAgenda: Update on the property taxadministrative process by the Department ofRevenue.

12:30 p.m.

FAMILY & EARLY CHILDHOODEDUCATION FINANCE5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Barb SykoraAgenda: TANF overview: Brent Gustafson,Department of Finance; Cherie Kotilinek,Department of Children, Families and Learning(DCFL); Michael O’Keefe, Commissioner,Department of Human Services.Integration of early childhood initiatives, KarenCarlson, Assistant Commissioner, DCFL.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT &METROPOLITAN AFFAIRS200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Peg LarsenAgenda: Presentation by Legislative Auditor:Report on State Mandates on LocalGovernments.Geographic Information Systems (GIS)presentation: description of the technology andits use by local governments; identification ofissues.Other business to be announced.

Legislative Audit Commission118 State CapitolChr. Rep. Dan McElroyAgenda: Review of the Financial Audit Reporton the Chicano Latino Affairs Council.Review of the Financial Audit Report on theMinnesota Indian Affairs Council.

***CANCELED***Regulated Industries Subcommittee/COMMERCE10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Ken WolfAgenda: HF2496 (Davids) Department ofPublic Service abolished, and powers and dutiestransferred.Note: This bill will be heard on Wed., Feb. 9.

3 p.m.

The House meets in Session.

7 p.m.

Joint HOUSE GOVERNMENTALOPERATIONS & VETERANS AFFAIRSPOLICY/ SENATE ELECTION LAWS200 State Office BuildingChrs. Rep. Jim Rhodes,Sen. John MartyAgenda: Joint unicameral hearing.HF159 (Sviggum); SF43 (Spear) Unicamerallegislature provided, and constitutionalamendment proposed.Note: Gov. Ventura will be testifying.

Session Weekly 29

TUESDAY, February 8

8 a.m.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES POLICY10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Fran BradleyAgenda: HF2699 (Goodno) Nursing facilityoperating cost reimbursement floor established.HFXXXX (Seifert, J.) Nursing facilityreimbursement increases.

JOBS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Arlon LindnerAgenda: HF2820 (McElroy) Pilot projectsfunded to extend high-speed Internet access tobusinesses in areas not served by quality accessto the World Wide Web.Continued discussion on the Inventory ofEmployment and Training Programs Report,Department of Economic Security.

JUDICIARY FINANCEBasement Hearing RoomState Office BuildingChr. Rep. Sherry BroeckerAgenda: Continuation of Ombudsman forCorrection presentation, David Larson,Ombudsman for Corrections and DianeGrindy, Assistant Ombudsman for Corrections.Department of Public Safety-MN Center forCrime Victim Services, Laurie Ohmann,Director of Center for Crime Victim Services.HFXXXX (Stanek) Training facilities;Testimony from Paul McCullough,Bloomington Police Department and JerryBoespflug, Maple Grove Police Department.HF2650 (Stanek) State and local lawenforcement computer controlled drivingsimulators previous grant appropriationeliminated.

TRANSPORTATION POLICY5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Tom WorkmanAgenda: To be announced.

8:30 a.m.

STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE300N State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Philip KrinkieAgenda: Y2K Final Report, Department ofAdministration.Update on income tax re-engineering,Department of Finance.

10 a.m.

CRIME PREVENTIONBasement Hearing RoomState Office BuildingChr. Rep. Rich StanekAgenda: School Safety Task Force update, Rep.Andy Westerberg.HF1502 (Rhodes) Bias crimes providedadditional penalty enhancements.HFXXXX (Stanek) Department of Corrections;creation of law enforcement agency.

EDUCATION POLICY200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Harry MaresAgenda: HF2720 (Reuter) Current state test ofthe basic requirement for written compositiondestroyed, students required to be retested, andlegislative approval of the test prompt required.Other items to be determined.

ENVIRONMENT &NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Dennis OzmentAgenda: SF83 (Stevens, Ozment) Wetlandsregulations simplification and consolidation.Delete everything amendment.HFXXXX (Haas) DNR enforcement bill.

TAXES5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Ron AbramsAgenda: HFXXXX (Paulsen) Department ofRevenue insurance tax recodification bill.Others may be added.

12:30 p.m.

AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENTFINANCE10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Bob NessAgenda: Testimony on the poultry industryand avian pneumovirus.

CAPITAL INVESTMENT5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Jim KnoblachAgenda: Overview of the governor’s 2000Capital Budget Recommendations by theDepartment of Finance.

COMMERCE200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Greg DavidsAgenda: HF2656 (Wolf) relating to consumerprotection; regulating auto glass repair andreplacement; and restricting certain rebatesand incentives.HF2675 (Haas) authorizing insurancecoverage for vicarious liability for punitive andexemplary damages.HF2719 (Lieder/Davids) regulating rentalvehicle auto insurance coverage.Other bills to be announced.

2:30 p.m.

Liquor Subcommittee/COMMERCE200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Erik PaulsenAgenda: Presentation by House Research onthe restrictions of shipping liquor within thestate.Discussion by proponents and opponents ofdirect shipment.Note: This meeting was rescheduled fromJan. 19.

6 p.m.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES POLICY10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Fran BradleyAgenda: HF1769DE (Abeler) Senior citizendrug program eligibility expanded and moneyappropriated.

Legislative Commission on Pensionsand Retirement10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Harry MaresAgenda: PERA-P&F; consolidation accountmerger technical corrections.PERA-P&F; consolidation accounts; modifysurvivor benefits.HF2551 (Dawkins) PERA-P&F; purchase ofsalary credit by St. Paul police officer onintergovernmental transfer.PERA local correctional plan; membershipeligibility revision.SFXXXX (Neuville) TRA; purchase of pre-age25, pre-1957 teaching service credit.HF2566 (Greiling) TRA; refund of interestcharges caused by administrative errors.HF2512 (Greiling) MSRS-General;authorization of late disability benefitapplication.SF1846 (Pogemiller) MTRFA; membership forteacher union business agent.HF2289 (Carlson); SF2121 (Junge) MTRFA;purchase of school social worker independentcontractor service credit.HF2476 (Orfield) MTRFA; service creditpurchase for Loring Nicollet-BethlehemCommunity Center teaching service.Other items as designated by the commissionchair.

WEDNESDAY, February 9

8 a.m.

GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS &VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICYBasement Hearing RoomState Office BuildingChr. Rep. Jim RhodesAgenda: HF159 (Sviggum) Unicamerallegislature provided, and constitutionalamendment proposed.

HEALTH & HUMANSERVICES FINANCE10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Kevin GoodnoAgenda: Presentation of capital budget requestfor building occupied by the Department ofHealth (717 Delaware St.) given by DavidJohnson, Assistant Commissioner, Departmentof Health and Kath Ouska, AssistantCommissioner, Department of Administration.Presentation of capital budget requests given bythe Veterans Homes Board.

JOBS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Dan McElroyAgenda: HF2682 (Hasskamp) Camp Knutsoncapital improvements grant provided andmoney appropriated.HF2703 (Leighton) Austin Riverside arenaexpanded and remodeled, bonds issued, andmoney appropriated.HF2704 (Leighton) Austin historic paramountatmospheric theatre restoration grant provided,bonds issued, and money appropriated.HF2705 (Lieder) Polk County regional jailfacility in Crookston provided, bonds issued,and money appropriated.HF2706 (Lieder) Ada outdoor recreationcomplex developed, bonds issued, and moneyappropriated.HF2739 (Solberg) Itasca County railroad

30 February 4, 2000

authority grant, Itasca County highwayimprovement grant, and Nashwauk wells andwastewater treatment facilities constructiongrant provided; bonds issued; and moneyappropriated.

TRANSPORTATION FINANCE5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Carol MolnauAgenda: MnDOT bonding requests: localbridges; St. Cloud headquarters; Detroitheadquarters; Moorhead truck station; TrafficManagement Center.

10 a.m.

CIVIL LAWBasement Hearing RoomState Office BuildingChr. Rep. Steve SmithAgenda: HF1865 (Pawlenty) Stay-at-homenursing mothers excused from jury duty.HFXXXX (Holberg) Revisor’s bill.HF2527 (Biernat) Sole physical custody of achild modification standards altered.HF2555 (Carruthers) Civil third-party liabilityimposed for damages caused by intoxicatedpersons under age 21.

ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCESFINANCE10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Mark HolstenAgenda: Department of Natural Resourcesbonding recommendations:NB-5 Forest roads and bridges.NB-14 State forest land acquisition.NB-16 Forest recreation facility rehabilitation.NB-10 Reforestation (governor zeroed out).NB-6 Fisheries acquisition.NB-7 RIM - fisheries improvement.NB-9 Stream protection and restoration.NB-17 Water access, fishing piers.

HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCE300S State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Peggy LeppikAgenda: Overview of Minnesota StateColleges and Universities bonding requestsand priorities.

K-12 EDUCATION FINANCE5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Alice SeagrenAgenda: HF2569 (Kielkucki) School foodservice appropriation provisions modified.HFXXXX (Solberg) Greenway Schools.HF2579 (Lieder) Fisher K-12 school buildingand community center construction provided,bonds issued, and money appropriated.HF2633 (Luther) School health and safetyprogram revenue eligibility expanded toinclude pupil and staff safety improvements.HF2621 (Folliard) School district health andsafety program expanded to include studentand staff safety plans, and money appropriated.HF2631 (Koskinen) School district levy forcrime prevention increased.

12:30 p.m.

FAMILY & EARLY CHILDHOODEDUCATION FINANCE5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Barb SykoraAgenda: Childcare program integrity.Testimony from Dan Haley, Department ofHuman Services; Tom Guthery and MichaelKline, MN Fraud Investigators Association.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT &METROPOLITAN AFFAIRS200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Peg LarsenAgenda: HF590 (Anderson, B.) Privateproperty rights protection act adopted.HF591 (Anderson, B.) Private propertyprotection act adopted.HF2521 (Hasskamp) Township of LakeEdwards name changed to the township ofLake Edward.HF2722 (Tunheim) Kittson County grantedthe authority to dissolve a town with less thanfive full-time residents.Other business to be announced.

Regulated Industries Subcommittee/COMMERCEBasement Hearing RoomState Office BuildingChr. Rep. Ken WolfAgenda: HF2496 (Davids) Department ofPublic Service abolished, and powers and dutiestransferred.

3 p.m.

CAPITAL INVESTMENT5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Jim KnoblachAgenda: To be announced.

THURSDAY, February 10

8 a.m.

HEALTH & HUMANSERVICES POLICY10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Fran BradleyAgenda: HFXXXX (Nornes) Nursing facilitycase mix and MDS assessment systemsconsolidated.HFXXXX (Howes) Senior Prescription Drugdiscount cards limited.

JOBS & ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT POLICY200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Arlon LindnerAgenda: HF2642 (Rhodes) Bond requirementwaivers provided for eligible job search firmsthat were formerly licensed employmentagencies.HF2839 (Storm) Providing funding for the e-Business Institute.HF2840 (Cassell) Providing support for thedevelopment of workforce identificationsystems.

JUDICIARY FINANCEBasement Hearing RoomState Office BuildingChr. Rep. Sherry BroeckerAgenda: HFXXXX (Broecker) Regional jails.Testimony from Kevin Corbid, Association ofMinnesota Counties and Gary Waller, GaryWaller and Associates, Inc.Overview of the courts budget, Sue Dosal, StateCourt Administrator.

TRANSPORTATION POLICY5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Tom WorkmanAgenda: To be announced.

8:30 a.m.

STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE300N State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Philip KrinkieAgenda: HF2500 (Krinkie) Light rail transitproject contract requirement languagemodified and usual state procurement lawsexplicitly required.

10 a.m.

CRIME PREVENTIONBasement Hearing RoomChr. Rep. Rich StanekAgenda: HFXXXX (Stanek) Felony DWI.

EDUCATION POLICY200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Harry MaresAgenda: Listening and Learning Report,Lieutenant Governor Mae Schunk.Other items to be determined.

ENVIRONMENT &NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Dennis OzmentAgenda: HF2505 (Leppik) Annual state parkpermits effective for a 12-month period.HFXXXX (Swenson) State park boundary bill.HF2534 (Davids) Root River Trail designatedas a dogsled route.HF2506 (Hackbarth) Blaze orangerequirements modified.HFXXXX (Hackbarth) Archery bow fishing.HFXXXX (Bakk) Archery bow fishing.HF2559 (Howes) Inland water sunken logsrecovery provided.

TAXES5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Ron AbramsAgenda: To be announced.

Gov. Jesse Ventura is the 38th person toserve as Minnesota’s chief executive, but heis one of only a handful to hail from thesuburbs. Ventura lists Maple Grove as hisofficial hometown. Former Gov. ArneCarlson had a home in Shoreview. A lookback shows only two other governors fromsuburbia. Harold LeVander and HaroldStassen both came from South St. Paul, aplace with a history and personality thathardly fit the profile of a bedroomcommunity.

More than a dozen governors camefrom either St. Paul or Minneapolis, and therest came from towns all across the state— from Hibbing to Worthington and fromAskov to Appleton. St. Peter has sent fourgovernors to St. Paul — the most of anyoutstate town — but the last one servedmore than 90 years ago.

Session Weekly 31

12:30 p.m.

AGRICULTURE &RURAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Bob NessAgenda: HF2698 (Dorman) Ethanol producerpayment eligibility expanded.

CAPITAL INVESTMENT5 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Jim KnoblachAgenda: Overview of the regional jail facilitiescapital budget request.Overview of light rail transit by the MinnesotaDepartment of Transportation.

COMMERCE200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Greg DavidsAgenda: HF2183 (Davids) Motor vehicle salesand distributions regulated, unfair practicesspecified, and civil remedy provided.HF1394 (Pawlenty) Uniform commercial codesecured transactions provisions adopted, andrevised article 9 provided.Other bills to be announced.

3 p.m.

The House meets in Session.

Immediately Following Session

Elections & Rulemaking Subcommittee/GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS & VETERANSAFFAIRS POLICY400N State Office BuildingChrs. Rep. Marty Seifert, Rep. Steve Dehler

Agenda: HF933 (Holberg) Legislative andcongressional districts coordinated.HFXXXX (Seifert, M.) Secretary of State’stechnical bill.HF301 (Knoblach) Legislature size fixed afterthe 2000 census.HF2570 (Bradley) Energy code rules to remainin effect for specified residential buildings.Additional bills to be announced.

FRIDAY, February 11

8 a.m.

GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS &VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICYBasement Hearing RoomState Office BuildingChr. Rep. Jim RhodesAgenda: HF159 (Sviggum) Unicamerallegislature provided, and constitutionalamendment proposed.

HEALTH & HUMANSERVICES POLICY10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Fran BradleyAgenda: Department of Human Servicesreport on policy considerations for nursingfacilities.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES FINANCEChr. Rep. Kevin GoodnoNote: The Health and Human ServicesFinance Committee will not meet today.

sit ridership, has actually decreased thenumber of people riding buses, and hasshown little effect on improving congestionor air quality.

He said supporters of light rail often basetheir support on the colorful role trains andstreet cars played in the nation’s history.

“It is time to demystify this and separatethe myth fromthe facts,” hesaid.

R i c h m o n dsaid the politi-cal debate ac-companying this decision making detractsfrom the facts. He said rather than politi-cizing the process lawmakers should look atthe most cost-effective ways to improvetransportation systems, which usually in-cludes improving existing bus service.

Randal O’Toole, an economist from theThoreau Institute, an environmental protec-tion nonprofit organization, said that the

What’s on theWeb

Session Daily is the new online companionto Session Weekly magazine, which is pub-lished by the nonpartisan House Public Infor-mation Office.

As the name suggests, the Web page offersnews from the House on a daily basis, so youcan stay on top of major events at the Capitol.Brief but informative updates about dailycommittee and floor action are posted before8 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Session Daily includes the latest Housecommittee schedule and offers links to usefulresources, such as bill introductions and pageswith information about lawmakers and com-mittees. You can also view an archive of previ-ous Session Daily postings.

Be sure to bookmark Session Daily andcheck back regularly.

To find the page, just go to the mainHouse of Representatives site(www.house.leg.state.mn.us) then click onthe link labeled “Session Daily.”

10 a.m.

CRIME PREVENTIONBasement Hearing RoomState Office BuildingChr. Rep. Rich StanekAgenda: HFXXXX (Fuller) DWIrecodification.

ENVIRONMENT &NATURAL RESOURCES FINANCE10 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Mark HolstenAgenda: Department of Natural Resourcesbonding recommendations:NB-18 Trail acquisition - Paul Bunyan Trail.NB-19 Lake Superior safe harbors.G-1 Metro regional parks capital improvement.G-2 State trail connections.NB-11 RIM Critical habitat match.NB-13 RIM Wildlife development.

HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCE300S State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Peggy LeppikAgenda: Overview of Minnesota StateColleges and Universities bonding requestsand priorities continued.

K-12 EDUCATION FINANCE200 State Office BuildingChr. Rep. Alice SeagrenAgenda: To be announced.

TAXESChr. Rep. Ron AbramsNote: Tax committee will not meet today.

debate surrounding Minnesota’s light-railproject is similar to others he has followedacross the country.

“Minneapolis is suffering from a seriouscase of light-rail envy, a highly contagiousdisease of American cities which there is nocure,” he said.

O’Toole described the “disease” as spend-ing hun-dreds ofmillion ofdollars on“Disneyland-like rides”

that produce no benefit to communities.He also said the Transportation

Department’s analysis was flawed becausethe benefits of light rail were accepted with-out asking whether the same benefits couldbe achieved through other means at a lowercost.

Continued from page 16

“Minneapolis is suffering from a seriouscase of light-rail envy.”

—Randal O’Toole, the Thoreau Institute

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55155-1298

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: STEVE SVIGGUM

MAJORITY LEADER: TIM PAWLENTY

MINORITY LEADER: THOMAS W. PUGH

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For general information, call:House Information Office(651) 296-2146 or1-800-657-3550

To obtain a copy of a bill, call:Chief Clerk’s Office(651) 296-2314

To find out about bill introductions orthe status of a specific bill, call:House Index Office(651) 296-6646

For up-to-date recorded messagegiving committee meeting times andagendas, call:Committee Hotline(651) 296-9283

The House of Representatives can bereached on the World Wide Web at:http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us

Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired.To ask questions or leave messages,call:TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or1-800-657-3550

Check your local listings to watchHouse committee and floor sessionson TV.

This document can be made availablein alternative formats.

I N N E S O T AM I N D E X

Minnesota’s budgetNovember 1999 forecast surplus for 2000-01 biennium, in billions ......................... $1.58March 1997 Minnesota Planning projected state and local revenue

shortfall for 2002-03 biennium, in millions ...................................................................... $200March 1997 Minnesota Planning projected state and local revenue

shortfall for 2004-05 biennium, in millions ...................................................................... $400Percent probability that a U.S. recession will occur in late 2002 ...................................... 35Total spending for 2000-01 biennium passed in 1999, in billions .............................. $23.6Governor’s 2000 capital budget plan for state construction projects,

in millions .....................................................................................................................................$462Amount to be financed with general obligation bonds (paid from thegeneral fund), in millions ........................................................................................................$400

Amount spent in capital project law passed in 1998, in millions ................................ $999Total financed through general obligation bonds, in millions ................................. $438Total financed through general fund cash, in millions ................................................ $500

Amount in 1998 bonding law for University of Minnesota constructionprojects, in millions ............................................................................................................... $138.3Amount for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, in millions .................. $143.1State correctional facilities, in millions .............................................................................$14.2

Amount in 1998 and 1999 bonding laws for Hiawatha Corridor light-railtransit project, in millions .......................................................................................................$100

Amount included in governor’s 2000 capital budget plan for K-12 facilityneeds, in millions ......................................................................................................................... $34

Amount included in governor’s 2000 capital budget plan to construct anew Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Facility in St. Paul, in millions .................... $58

Current balance in state’s budget reserve, in millions ..................................................... $622Permanent income tax cuts passed by 1999 Legislature, in billions ........................... $1.3State tax collections during fiscal year 1999, in billions ............................................ $11.569

Total collected in income taxes, in billions .................................................................. $5.027Total collected in sales taxes, in billions ........................................................................ $3.849Total collected in state license taxes, in millions ........................................................... $562Total collected in cigarette taxes, in millions .................................................................. $190

Sources: Minnesota Data Book for Legislators, 1999, House Research Department; Laws of Minne-sota, 1998; Laws of Minnesota, 1999; Minnesota Strategic Capital Budget Plan: Executive Summary,2000, Office of the Governor; Staying Within Our Means, 1997, Minnesota Planning; January 2000Economic Update, February 1999 Economic Forecast, and November 1999 Economic Forecast,Department of Finance.