Legislature Adjourns Sine Die

Posted by John A. Knapp on May 11, 2012

The State Legislature finalized three major bills—the tax bill, bonding bill, and the stadium bill—this week after long floor debates and dozens of amendments. Lawmakers ultimately put their stamp of approval on the three major bills which still need to be signed by Governor Dayton.

Bonding Bill

House Members brought HF 1752, the 2012 Capital Investment bill, to the floor for a vote Monday. After a vote to suspend the rules, the House voted 97-33 to approve the borrowing bill. The legislation was sent over to the Senate where it was considered immediately, and two amendments were adopted,  increasing the size of the overall bill: $500,000 for a South Saint Paul Floodwall Extension and $2,000,000 for the Tubman Center in Maplewood, a facility for women and children escaping domestic violence. Senate members voted 45-22 on the borrowing bill. The House concurred with the Senate amendments, rather than appoint a conference committee to work out the differences. Projects included in the bill are:

  • $64 million to the University of Minnesota for asset preservation projects
  •  $132 million for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities asset preservation and replacement projects
  • $49.4 million for various Department of Transportation costs
  • $30 million for flood mitigation
  • $78.5 million to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). $47.50 million is for projects of the agency’s choosing.

Tax Bill

Lawmakers moved quickly after Governor Dayton’s speedy veto of the Omnibus Tax Bill last week. Tax Chairs Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston) and Sen. Julianne Ortman (R-Chanhassen) went to work on a compromised version, HF 247, after expressing their disappointment in the veto. Omnibus Tax Bill #2’s Conference Committee Report passed in the House by a 73-56 vote and in the Senate, 41-24. Omnibus Tax Bill #1, had the same number of votes in both chambers.

In his veto letter of HF 2337, Dayton reiterated his refusal to sign any legislation that increases the State’s deficit in future years, a message he has conveyed to the Legislature all year. The second Tax Bill, though scaled down, is projected to increase the deficit by $46 million in the 2012-2013 biennium and over $70 million for the 2014-2015 biennium. The bill’s authors are hopeful it will see Dayton’s signature.

Stadium Bill

The issue that dominated the media this Legislative Session, a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, was finally put to a rest this week. HF 2958, authored by Rep. Morrie Lanning (R-Moorhead) and Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmount) was approved in the House and the Senate. Approval of the new stadium came after long floor debates and consideration of over six dozen amendments. Lawmakers voted 73-58 late Monday night in the House and 38-28 after midnight Tuesday night in the Senate.

The final plan is for a $975 million stadium with a seating capacity of 65,000, to be constructed downtown Minneapolis at the current Metrodome location. The new stadium will have a fixed-roof though the team’s owners may decide to put on a retractable roof—an expense they would have to cover. The Vikings will sign a 30-year lease, receive the revenue from the field’s naming rights, and is responsible for any cost over-runs. The Vikings will cover $477 million of construction costs, the City of Minneapolis will pay $150 million, and the State will spend $348 million. Vikings’ officials affirmed all along that $427 million would be the absolute most they are able to contribute. Negotiations in conference committee drove the number up and the team ultimately signed off on the cost. The State’s contribution will come from a modernization of lawful, charitable gambling by implementing electronic pulltabs and bingo around the State. No General Fund money will be used and no new taxes will be implemented. A conference committee was appointed to settle the discrepancies between the House and Senate bills and the committee’s report was made available late Wednesday evening. Final approval of the stadium came after 4:00 a.m. Thursday morning in the House (71-60) and Thursday afternoon in the Senate (36-30). Immediately following the final votes on the Stadium the 87th Legislature adjourned sine die.

Legislator Retirements

Retirement speeches followed the  stadium vote and despite rumors, there were no surprise announcements. Rep. Ron Shimanski (R-Silver Lake) lost his endorsement bid to Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen (R-Glencoe) and, though he hadn't said anything official, had indicated that he would abide by the endorsement. Rep. Tom Rukavina, a 26-year veteran of the Minnesota House of Representatives announced Friday he would not be seeking re-election. Rukavina said in his tenure, he has tried to make life better for the people of Minnesota, in particular on the Iron Range and Northeastern Minnesota. He cited a changing atmosphere at the Capitol as one reason for his retirement. “I recall a kinder and gentler time here,” he said in a letter addressed to his colleagues and friends. Rep. Rukavina’s announcement was the 37th this year.

Nine members of the House are running for seats in the Senate: Rep. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo Township), Rep. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-Minneapolis), Rep. Connie Doepke (R-Orono), Rep. Keith Downey (R-Edina), Rep. Kent Eken (DFL-Twin Valley), Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake), Rep. Branden Petersen (R-Andover), Rep. Bev Scalze (DFL-Little Canada), and Rep. Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake). Twelve additional House members retiring are: Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Savage), Rep. Denise Dittrich (DFL-Champlin), Rep. Marion Greene (DFL-Minneapolis), Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL-Roseville), Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson), Rep. Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph), Rep. Kate Knuth (DFL-New Brighton), Rep. John Kriesel (R-Cottage Grove), Rep. Mike LeMieur (R-Little Falls), Rep. Pat Mazorol (R-Bloomington), Rep. Mark Murdock, (R-Ottertail), and Rep. Nora Slawik (DFL-Maplewood). Rep. Carol McFarlane (R-White Bear Lake) and Rep. Tom Tillberry, (DFL-Fridley) both lost their endorsement bids but haven’t officially announced their retirements. McFarlane was matched up with House Majority Leader Matt Dean (R-Dellwood) after redistricting. Tillberry’s constituents chose to endorse former House Representative Connie Bernardy at the district convention.

Thirteen retiring state senators are: Sen. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley), Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Minneapolis), Sen. Gretchen Hoffman (R-Vergas), Sen. Mike Jungbauer (R-East Bethel), Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Minneapolis), Sen. Amy Koch (R-Buffalo), Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyndon), and Sen. Doug Magnus (R-Slayton), Sen. Mary Jo McGuire (DFL-Falcon Heights) Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina), Sen. Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista), Sen. Claire Robling (R-Jordan), and Sen. Mike Parry (R-Waseca) who is running for U.S. Congress in Minnesota’s first Congressional District. After redistricting matched Sen. Al DeKruif (R-Madison Lake) and Sen. Julie Rosen, DeKruif said he would not seek re-election and he is now rumored to be reconsidering.

Tom Hanson's Career Profile in Capitol Report

Posted by John A. Knapp on May 07, 2012

Our own Tom Hanson was profiled in the April 26, 2012, edition of the Saint Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report. The article's author interviews some of Tom's colleagues, and outlines his career where he started out in Washington, D.C. as U.S. Rep. Arlan Stangeland's press secretary, his stint as leadership staff in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and then his work in key positions for former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

To read the article, click here to download the PDF version.

Lawmakers Struggle to Find Session Closure

Posted by John A. Knapp on May 04, 2012

Lawmakers scrambled this week to piece together key bills and shape an exit strategy after disregarding their self-imposed adjournment deadline of April 30th. House Majority Leader Matt Dean (R-Dellwood) said Tuesday that doing what is in the best interest of Minnesotans superseded meeting their own deadline. The pressure is on now to meet a Constitutionally imposed session limit of 120 days per biennium. Monday, May 7th will be day 117.

Gaming Agreement

House members voted on Monday to concur with Senate amendments to HF 2795, a bill authored by Rep. Joe Hoppe (R-Chaska). Hoppe’s bill originated as a veterinarian measure to allow the Racing Commission some flexibility in setting equine drug standards. An amendment was added by the Senate author, Sen. Claire Robling (R-Jordan) that allows Canterbury Park and other horse tracks to expand the number of card-game tables and also raises betting limits. The Legislation is the result of an agreement between horse tracks and tribal casinos. Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) said the agreement is “akin to bringing the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings together”.

The Stadium Saga Continues

GOP Leaders came forward Tuesday with an alternative to the Viking’s Stadium bill that is currently sitting on the floor of the House and the Senate. Their last-minute proposal would fund $250-$300 million of the stadium’s cost through the bonding bill instead of proceeds from a lawful charitable gambling expansion. Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) said the plan laid out in legislation authored by Rep. Morrie Lanning (R-Moorhead) and Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmount) did not have enough support from the majority caucuses because of  the gaming expansion. The Speaker said the plan to use General Obligation (GO) bonding as a funding mechanism had significant support in the Republican caucus. The Legislature did not meet Wednesday, and instead used the day to determine the feasibility of bonding for a new stadium. After talks with Minnesota Management & Budget, the Vikings and other stakeholders, concluded that there were too many impediments to bring this forward as a GObonding project and the proposal was dismissed.

Governor Dayton dismissed the idea as “harebrained” and too last-minute. Dayton had originally asked that all stadium proposals be submitted by January 12 of this year. Minority Leaders Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) and Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook) called on the Republican Majority to bring the existing plans to the floor for a vote. Senate Majority Leader David Senjem (R-Rochester) and Speaker Zellers joined Rep. Dean at a press conference Thursday to announce that their last minute plan was no longer viable. Zellers said that the full House would take a vote on Monday although he doesn’t think the stadium bill will have the votes to pass in its current form.

Transportation

The Senate took up SF 2321, otherwise known as Omnibus Transportation #2, on Tuesday. The bill allows for construction projects that are funded with dedicated Trunk Highway money to continue in the event of a government shut down and allows Metropolitan Council funding to suburban transit providers. A measure was added in the House to require only one license plate on the rear bumper of automobiles. The amendment, however, failed in the Senate. A Conference Committee will meet Saturday to work out the differences.

HHS Omnibus Bill

Governor Dayton signed the Omnibus Health and Human Services (HHS) Bill, on Tuesday May 1. The bill restores $18 million in cuts to HHS services that were made during the 2011 budget compromise, restores emergency medical assistance, and delays a 20-percent reduction in pay for Minnesotans employed as personal care assistants to look after a relative. HF 2294, sponsored by Rep. Jim Abler (R-Anoka) was approved by the House with an overwhelming bipartisan 128-2 vote. The companion authored by Sen. Hann (R-) passed unanimously in the Senate. Dayton said the bill is a remarkable example of bipartisan negotiation on the part of the legislature and the administration.

Legacy

Dayton also signed the Omnibus Legacy Bill, on May 1. The Legacy Bill spends almost $100 million for endeavors proposed by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, including $10 million for a new invasive species research center at the University of Minnesota. The bill also provides $80,000 for public broadcasting programming to memorialize the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War and the Dakota Conflict of 1862, and $600,000 to reimburse filmmakers producing documentaries in Minnesota. In 2008, voters authorized a sales tax increase through the Legacy Constitutional Amendment. Revenues from the tax increase are directed to the clean water fund, the outdoor heritage fund, the arts and cultural heritage fund, and the parks and trails fund.

Fireworks

On Thursday, the Senate unsuccessfully attempted to override Governor Dayton’s veto of SF 1694, a bill to legalize the sale and use of additional kinds of fireworks in Minnesota. The measure failed after a 37-29 vote—40 votes were required to successfully overturn Dayton’s veto. Rep, John Kriesel (R-Cottage Grove) and Sen. Jungbauer (R-East Bethel) authored the bill that passed easily in both bodies (48-17 in the Senate and 77-50 in the House). Governor Dayton vetoed the bill late Saturday night. Dayton’s veto letter cited safety concerns and listed over 50 organizations in the State that had urged him not to sign the bill.

Game and Fish Bill

The Omnibus Game and Fish Bill which includes an increase in hunting and fishing license fees, establishes a wolf hunting season, and measures to combat aquatic invasive species was signed into law on Thursday. HF 2171 by was opposed by various environmental groups who say it weakens wetlands protections and oppose a wolf hunting season that concedes with the deer hunting season and weakens protections of wetlands. The bill did not include the “Mother’s Day Amendment”, an idea offered by DFL members to move the State Fishing Opener up one week to May 6 from May 12 (Mother’s Day).

Bonding

Republican leaders announced early in the day on Thursday that the House and Senate had come to an agreement on a $496 million bonding bill and would be taken up on the floor in at least one body later in the day. Sen. Senjem said first that the Senate was prepared to take it up but later retracted his statement saying the legislation needed to originate in the House. The House, however, adjourned Thursday evening without taking up the bill. Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker), Chair of the Capital Investment Committee said he tabled the bill after Dayton threatened another veto. The Governor was reportedly disappointed with the funding gap between the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Howes said the negotiations would continue but the overall spending bill would not exceed $496 million.

Tax Bill

Dayton vetoed the Omnibus Tax Bill, HF 2337, Friday morning, about 12 hours after the bill was presented to him. The Governor said he made it very clear this week that he would not sign a bill that jeopardizes the future of Minnesota. “I have consistently said that tax cuts had to maintain the current budget reserve,” he said.  The Omnibus Tax Bill Conference Committee Report passed this week in the House (73-52) on Tuesday and in the Senate on Thursday (41-25). Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston), Chair of the House Taxes Committee branded the bill as “Smoking’ Hot” The Legislation included $48 million in tax cuts for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 and $141 million in FY 2014-2015, a sales tax exemption for business purchasing capital equipment, and an Angel Investor Tax Credit for start-up businesses. Dayton said the Tax Bill did have some beneficial provisions and is willing to work with legislators to craft a compromise in the short time left in session that encourages job growth but “not at the expense of our future”.

Vikings Stadium Issue Dominates Final Legislative Days

Posted by John A. Knapp on May 03, 2012

Lawmakers missed their self-imposed deadline of Monday, April 30 in order to continue negotiations on three key bills: an omnibus tax bill, a capital bonding bill, and a bill for a new Vikings stadium.  House Majority Leader Matt Dean (R-Dellwood) said Tuesday if House Republicans wanted to meet the deadline they could have but they are looking out for what is in the best interest of Minnesotans.  The Republican-led Legislature decided to take a break Wednesday in hopes of reaching a deal with Governor Dayton on the three remaining items of legislative business.  The House will reconvene Thursday at noon and the Senate, Thursday at 3:00 p.m.  The last day the Legislature can meet in 2012 is May 21 or sooner if it exhausts its six remaining legislative days.

After months of negotiations, Republicans came forward Tuesday with an alternative plan to fund the construction of a new Vikings stadium through the bonding bill.  GOP leaders said the previous proposal, a bill authored by Rep. Morrie Lanning (R-Moorhead) and Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmount), did not have enough support from legislators.  The lack of support was mostly due to its funding plan that would use proceeds from expanding lawful gambling to cover the State’s share of the stadium’s cost.  Deputy Senate Majority Leader Julianne Ortman (R-Chanhassen) said Tuesday that this plan makes perfect sense and that funding the stadium through the bonding bill would be advantageous because it reduces the overall cost and is not paid for with gambling revenue. “Bonding for State infrastructure is what the State Legislature does,” she said.

Republican and DFL leadership met with Governor Dayton Wednesday to discuss the feasibility of the new plan.  Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) characterized the meeting as “fruitful, direct, and outcome-based.”  Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook) said figuring out if general obligation bonds are appropriate will require a great deal of vetting. “General obligation bonds require a public purpose. There is a serious question whether a private tenant can enter into an exclusive 40-year lease of a public building and have that still meet the general purpose requirements under the Constitution,” the Minority Leader said.  Bakk called on Senate Majority Leader David Senjem (R-Rochester) to let the Senate vote on the plan that has been sitting on the floor of the Senate.  He said it has already been vetted, having passed through five Senate committees and received bipartisan votes in each committee.  House Minority Leader Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) agreed, describing the previous plan as the only legitimate plan, having been through the committee process. “That is still a plan we need to move forward on,” Thissen said.  Governor Dayton was slightly more optimistic and pronounced the new plan “absolutely worth pursuing.”  However, much work needs to be done to flush out the details of the new stadium funding proposal.

Republicans admitted there were a lot of unanswered questions and even called the new plan “embryonic.” At this time, the proposal is not supported by the Vikings, the City of Minneapolis, or Governor Dayton.  The Governor has been a long-time supporter of building a new stadium for the Vikings and included it as a key component of his jobs plan prior to the 2012 session.

Rep. Lyle Koenen Elected to State Senate; Retirements Announced

Posted by John A. Knapp on April 11, 2012

Rep. Lyle Koenen (DFL-Clara City) won a special election yesterday to fill the seat of deceased Senator Gary Kubly in Senate District 20. Koenen won with 54% of the vote defeating Republican Gregg Kulberg (40%) and Independence Party Candidate Leon Greenslit (5%). Senate District 20 includes Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Renville, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties. A special election has not been called to fill Koenen’s House Seat, District 20B.

Nine other current State Representatives have announced their candidacy for Senate seats in the fall elections. They are: Connie Doepke (R-Orono), Keith Downey (R-Edina), Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake), Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-Minneapolis), Branden Peterson (R-Andover), Bev Scalze (DFL-Little Canada), Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake), Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck), and Kent Eken (DFL-Twin Valley). Other House retirements include Mark Buesgens (R-Savage), Denise Dittrich (DFL-Champlin), John Kriesel (R-Cottage Grove), Kurt Bills (R-Rosemount), Nora Slawik (DFL-Maplewood), Ron Shimanski (R-Silver Lake), Marion Greene (DFL-Minneapolis), Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph), Kate Knuth (DFL-New Brighton), Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson), Mark Murdock (R-Perham), Pat Mazarol (R-Bloomington), and Mindy Greiling (DFL-Roseville).

Twelve state Senators have announced retirements this year: Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyndon), Amy Koch (R-Buffalo), Al DeKruif (R-Madison Lake), Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley), Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista), Linda Higgins (DFL-Minneapolis), Doug Magnus (R-Slayton), Geoff Michel (R-Edina), Mike Parry (R-Waseca), Ken Kelash (DFL-Minneapolis), Mary Jo McGuire (DFL-Falcon Heights), and Mike Jungbauer (R-East Bethel).

A number of former lawmakers have announced their intent to seek office again. Running for House seats are: former DFL Sen. Rick Olseen, former DFL Rep. Connie Bernardy, former DFL Rep. Will Morgan, former DFL Rep. Willie Dominguez, former DFL Rep. David Bly, former DFL Rep. Paul Rosenthal, former DFL Rep. Sandy Masin, and former Republican Rep. Ron Erhardt who is running as a member of the DFL party. Running for the Senate are: former DFL Sen. Kevin Dahle, former GOP Sen. Carrie Ruud, former DFL Sen. Jim Carlson, former DFL Rep. Ted Suss, and former GOP Sen. David Gaither.

Minnesota Legislature Takes A Break

Posted by John A. Knapp on April 06, 2012

The Minnesota Legislature had another busy week in St. Paul with hours-long floor sessions that included the passage of many omnibus bills and approval of conference committee reports. Lawmakers are now headed home for their annual Easter/Passover break. Both bodies will reconvene on Monday, April 16 at Noon.

The Omnibus Game and Fish Bill, approved by the House Tuesday, includes the “Mother’s Day Amendment” successfully offered by Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake). The Amendment changes the State’s fishing opener from May 12 (Mother’s Day) to May 5. The change is only effective for 2012. The legislation authored by Rep. Tom Hackbarth (R-Cedar) also establishes a $26 wolf hunting fee to fund a wolf management and monitoring account, sanctions electronic sales of hunting and fishing licenses during a government shutdown, and incorporates the recruitment of new anglers and hunters, including women and minorities, into the Department of Natural Resources’ mission.

On Wednesday, the House passed a provision to move the primary election date from August to June after members voted 66-65 on an amendment offered by Rep. Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) to HF 2545. If approved by the Senate, the new primary election date will be the first Tuesday following the third Monday in June. Passage of the amendment was close—Rep. Mary Franson (R-Alexandria) changed her vote at the last second, allowing the amendment to prevail. The August primary election date is one of the latest in the country.

The House approved the Omnibus Legacy Bill sponsored by Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City), providing a total appropriation of $97,420,000 for heritage funds in the fiscal year 2013. The nearly $100 million bill contains $2,900,000 for the Department of Natural Resources to acquire wildlife management areas, $900,000 for the Minnesota Historical Society, $80,000 for public broadcasting programming that commemorates the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War and the Dakota Conflict of 1862, and $600,000 for a new film production incentive program administered by the Department of Administration reimbursing eligible producers for production costs incurred to produce a documentary or film in Minnesota.

The controversial Voter ID constitutional amendment is now up to the voters to decide in the November election. The amendment saw its final approval after both bodies approved the Conference Committee Report, which cleared up the differences in the House and Senate bill language. Voters will see this question on the ballots: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to require all voters to present valid photo identification to vote and to require the state to provide free identification to eligible voters, effective July 1, 2013?”

House members voted 74-52 to pass the Omnibus Environment Bill authored by Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings). The bill includes $32.2 million for environmental enforcement; $11.3 million for lands and minerals management; and $3.4 million for renewable energy projects, measures to allow state parks and recreation areas and the Minnesota Zoo to remain open during a government shutdown, and several provisions to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota.

The Senate passed the Omnibus Health and Human Services Bill (HF 2294) sponsored by Sen. David Hann (R-Eden Prairie) on Thursday afternoon. The legislation includes $22 million in new spending as a result of an announcement by Governor Dayton this week that health plans would repay $73 million to the government due to a cap on Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) profits. The bill partially restores the Emergency Medical Assistance program, temporarily restores pay for personal care attendants (PCAs) who attend to relatives, and provides dialysis and cancer treatments for non-citizens. The House companion bill was passed on March 29. The bills will eventually go to a conference committee to sort out any differences. Sen. Hann said Thursday that the bill won’t be perfect for everyone but it’s his intention to produce a bill with broad support from the Legislature that the Governor will sign into law.

Governor Dayton vetoed the Omnibus Education Finance bill which would use the State’s budget reserves to pay back the school aid shift, money borrowed during the 2011 State government shutdown. Dayton said he shares the Legislature’s desire to pay back the schools as quickly as possible but would prefer to do it by using revenues raised from closing corporate tax loopholes. Senate Majority Leader David Senjem (R-Rochester) and Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) both called the veto disappointing.

The Governor also vetoed SF 2014, sponsored by Sen. Benjamin Kruse (R-Brooklyn Park), a bill modifying the terms of Metropolitan Council members to staggered, four-year terms. Dayton quoted former Governor Pawlenty who vetoed similar legislation in 2008 saying the Council’s current structure “was the result of reforms intended to increase Metropolitan Council accountability.”  Dayton said this bill removes that accountability.

Federal PAC Campaign Finance Quarterly Reports due April 15

Posted by Tammera R. Diehm on April 06, 2012

Most people think of April 15 as the deadline for filing their income taxes, however, there is another important filing deadline that takes place on that date as well. Federal PACs that file quarterly reports must submit an April quarterly report no later than April 15, 2012 (monthly filers must submit their report no later than April 20). The quarterly report should reflect all activity between January 1 and March 31, 2012. Unlike the IRS, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) does not extend filing deadlines when the filing date falls on a weekend or holiday. Because of this, unless you file electronically or deliver your report using an overnight delivery service, your PAC report must be received by the FEC no later than the close of business on the last business day before the deadline. Electronic reports are considered timely if they are filed by 11:59 p.m. (in Washington DC) on the filing date. If your paper report has been provided to an overnight delivery service on or before the filing date (for delivery on the next business day), the report will also be considered filed on-time. Please note that once you file electronically, you do not have the option of switching to the paper filing system.

To receive reminders from the FEC about reporting deadlines, PAC treasurers should be sure to include an email address on the PAC's Statement of Organization as the FEC no longer mails notices.

Minnesota PAC reports will be due in June, watch Inside the Minnesota Capitol for further updates.

Final Committee Deadline Met

Posted by John A. Knapp on March 30, 2012

Senate Republicans released a bonding bill this week that is very different from the House version. The $497 million bill includes $25 million for State Capitol restoration; the House has a separate bill that provides $220 million for the renovations.  The bill includes $20 million for local bridge replacement, $36 million for supportive housing infrastructure, and $32 million for the Rochester Convention Center, $10 million for the St. Cloud Civic Center expansion. The Senate version also includes $75 million more for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities than the House version. The bill was approved by the Senate Finance Committee Thursday and is on its way to the Senate floor for a vote.

The House passed their Omnibus Health and Human Services Bill Thursday evening by a 78-50 vote. DFLers tried unsuccessfully to reinstate reimbursement rates for personal care assistants who provide care for their relatives. House Minority Leader Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) said there is something fundamentally wrong with asking people caring for their disabled relatives to pay more but to give tax cuts to millionaires. Thissen said the bill is essentially a healthcare payment shift. “We're saying we’ll pay for this—but not until next year,” Thissen said. Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka), the author of the bill said it contains some really good provisions. The bill creates new options and new freedoms and is going to make a difference for the disabled, Abeler said.

The Senate passed the Omnibus Liquor Bill Wednesday by a 58-4 vote. The bill was amended on the floor to include a provision allowing beer to be sold at the University of Minnesota’s TCF bank stadium. For the first time since the stadium opened in 2009, liquor may be sold in stadium suites as well as designated areas in and around the stadium. The House passed their version of the bill Friday by a 107-16 vote.

The House Ways and Means Committee approved the Transportation Omnibus bill and it is now headed to the House floor. The bill includes a provision allowing driver's license and identification card fees to be paid by credit or debit card with a convenience fee, allows a person under age 18 to complete the classroom/theory portion of driver’s education online, and expands the authority for buses to operate on freeway shoulders.

The House passed a bill which will allow tickets for major sporting and entertainment events to be resold. Opposition to the bill came from members who believe the bill will greatly increase ticket prices by helping out large-scale, out-of-state, ticket scalpers. Some venues currently require a credit card and photo identification when presenting event tickets, making it difficult for parents to buy concert tickets for their children or friends to buy tickets for friends. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Hoppe, passed the House by an 83-50 vote. The Senate companion has stalled in the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

The Senate Finance committee met this morning to take up the bills listed above. In a move that caught many by surprise, the Racino bill was added as an amendment to HF873. Senator Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista) presented the bill and the Committee Chair, Claire Robling (R-Jordan) offered her Racino bill as an amendment to the House File. Senator David Hann (R-Eden Prairie) offered a variety of amendments including prohibition of advertising appealing to younger audiences, prohibition of promotions, restriction on hours of operation. Sen. Robling offered an amendment restricting liquor on the gaming floor. All amendments failed as did a number of procedural motions to move the bill to the Health and Human Services Committee by  Hann and to move the bill to Local Government and Elections Committee by Dick Cohen (DFL-St. Paul). Cohen also tried to lay the bill on the table which was also defeated.

The bill, with the Racino added, passed out of the committee to the Senate floor on a voice vote. When division was called only three raised their hands in opposition Cohen, Hann and Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls). The bill will now go to the Senate Floor where it can be taken up for a floor vote of the full Senate. Because it is a House File, if the bill passes the Senate, the House could simply vote to concur which is an up or down vote with no amendments.

Legislature Meets First Committee Deadline

Posted by John A. Knapp on March 16, 2012

The Minnesota Legislature had a busy week at the Capitol, working to meet their first deadline. The deadline for committees to act favorably on bills in the house of origin is midnight on Friday. Committees must act favorably on bills that met the first deadline by next Friday, March 23. Major tax, appropriation and finance bills must be acted on favorably by Friday, March 30. If committees in either body approve legislation that does not meet these deadlines, the bill must then be approved by the House or Senate Rules Committee.

Weekly Highlights

  • SF 2391, the Vikings Stadium bill, was heard in the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee Wednesday and was eventually laid over without a vote after two hours of discussion and testimony. Ted Mondale, Chair of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, appeared before the Committee to outline the proposal agreed upon by the State, the City of Minneapolis, and the Vikings. Mondale, who has been working closely with Governor Dayton and legislators, said he believes the plan is financially viable and does not include any new taxes or use of the State’s general fund.  The State would pay about 35% of the billion dollar cost by introducing electronic pull tabs. Opponents of the bill question whether the pull tabs would raise the $350 million that is needed.
  • Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) introduced an alternative bill in February that would fund construction of a football stadium with user fees. The bill was heard Friday morning in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. The bill was recommended to pass after a party-line vote and sent Senate Taxes Committee.
  • The “Right to Work” constitutional amendment had its first hearing in the Senate on Monday. If passed, Minnesota voters will be determining whether the State Constitution should be amended to allow workers the freedom to choose whether or not to join and pay dues to a union. After passage on a party line vote, the bill was sent to the Senate Rules Committee although a hearing has yet to be scheduled. Senate Majority Leader David Senjem (R-Rochester) has said he doesn’t think the amendment has enough support to pass. The bill has not had a hearing in the House.
  • House and Senate transportation committees approved omnibus bills this week without a Metro Transit fare increase as originally proposed by Republicans. DFLers said the plan for fare increases would unfairly burden urban transit riders.
  • The House voted 74-59 Thursday evening to pay back a portion of the $770 million that was borrowed from State payments to local school districts.  The shift was part of the agreement to end last summer’s state government shutdown. Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) said that tapping into the budget reserves is possible with the new surplus announced with the February budget forecast. DFLers opposed the move and advocated for the elimination of tax breaks for businesses to pay back the schools.

Lawmakers Remember Senator Gary Kubly

Posted by John A. Knapp on March 09, 2012

Legislative activities were put on hold on Wednesday as lawmakers honored the life of Sen. Gary Kubly (DFL-Granite Falls). Kubly, a 15-year veteran of the Legislature, died March 2nd after battling Lou Gehrig’s disease. All Senate committee hearings and most meetings in the House  were cancelled Wednesday to allow legislators to attend the funeral in Granite Falls.

Governor Dayton announced Wednesday that a special election will be held Tuesday, April 10th to fill Kubly’s seat. If necessary, a primary election will be held Tuesday, March 27th. Local party units are meeting this weekend and candidates will emerge early next week.                                                                                                                                          

Stadium Bill To Be Introduced Monday

A Vikings Stadium bill will be introduced in the House and Senate on Monday. SF 2391, authored by Senate Majority Leader David Senjem (R-Rochester), Minority Leader Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook), and Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont) will be the Senate stadium vehicle. A press conference was held last week to announce that an agreement had been reached between the team, the State, and the City of Minneapolis. About half of the funding for the $975 million stadium would come from the Vikings. Thirty-five percent of the funding would come from the State, paid for by charitable electronic pull-tabs. The City would chip in 15% from downtown sales taxes.

The bills still need to go through a lengthy committee process. Senjem and Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) have both said they believe a stadium bill will need to be fully vetted. Lawmakers must act fast as the first committee deadline, “for committees to act favorably on bills in the house of origin”, is Friday, March 16th at midnight.

Constitutional Amendments

HF 2738, the companion to the Senate’s bill proposing a constitutional amendment requiring photo identification to vote, had its first hearing this week. The bill, authored by Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake), was passed in the House Government Operations and Elections Committee after a 9-6 vote and sent to the House Ways and Means Committee. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, who has already appeared three times before Senate committees on the issue, testified in opposition to the bill.

On Thursday, the Senate voted 34-30 to move SF 1705,  the “Right-to-Work” constitutional amendment, from the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The move was requested by Sen. Dave Thompson (R-Lakeville), the author of the bill, to send it to a friendlier committee. If the bill passes, voters will see this question on the November 2012 ballot: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to guarantee all citizens the individual freedom to decide to join or not join a labor union, and to pay or not pay dues to a labor union?”. All DFLers and Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) voted against moving the bill. The Judiciary Committee will hear the bill Monday morning at 8 a.m.