Friday, January 28, 2011

Budget reductions begin; Dayton expected to release bonding next week; President gives State of the Union address

Legislative Update
January 28, 2011

Round one of budget cutting passes House floor


The first major piece of legislation passed the House this week, when lawmakers adopted HF 130 by a vote of 68-63 Thursday evening. Legislative leaders say the bill, which cuts almost $1 billion, is the first step in balancing the $6.2 billion budget deficit. The proposal includes a cut of $23 million to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system's base each year, bringing the annual base down to $582 million. Opponents of the bill argued the reductions would lead to higher property taxes and increased tuition at colleges and universities. Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, criticized Republicans for cutting funding to the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and said the bill would force them to raise tuition.

Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Mary Liz Holberg, R-Lakeville, said the bill would give lawmakers a head start on addressing the deficit. "The only way to eat a hippo is a piece at a time," Holberg said. The Senate is expected to take up its version of the bill next Thursday, and then a conference committee will be formed to work through the differences in the bill. One of the major differences is the amount Minnesota Management and Budget is required to cut from state agency budgets. The House bill requires cuts of $200 million to be made from state agencies, but the Senate amended its version earlier this week in committee to a required cut of $125 million. Both the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system are exempt from those cuts; however, the Office of Higher Education is not exempt.

Another difference between the House and Senate bills is that the House bill includes language regarding freezing state workers’ salaries. According to the measure, effective July 1, 2011, a state employee may not receive a salary or wage increase, with the exception of an employee who is promoted or transferred to a position with greater responsibilities and with a higher salary or wage rate.

Gov. Mark Dayton has said he does not support either bill and wants a budget deal that addresses the entire $6.2 billion budget deficit. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, said lawmakers are working to put together a package that addresses the full budget deficit and indicated the public should see something soon after the state budget forecast comes out the end of February. Koch also said they would be releasing committee budget targets around the same time.

Assistant DFL Caucus Leader, Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, said most of the senators voted for the cuts in the bill last year, but there are parts of the bill that have not been fully vetted through the committee process. Bonoff said the governor has not weighed in on the cuts as they were unallotments made by then Gov. Tim Pawlenty. She said lawmakers need to be thoughtful and understand the implications of every cut.

Dayton expected to play first bonding card Monday

Gov. Mark Dayton is expected to release the details of his bonding package Monday, and spokeswoman Katherine Tinucci said Dayton’s plan is to offer half of the $1 billion in his own preferred projects and let the Legislature propose the second half. Other than a Capital Investment overview hearing in the House last week, legislative leaders have not shown a great interest in funding bonding projects this year. House Majority Leader Rep. Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, said today, “It’s the wrong time to take out the credit card.” Dean did indicate that the door needs to remain open for emergencies, such as anticipated flooding throughout the state. He did say they are looking at how to recoup and redirect dollars from last year’s bill for projects that have not yet begun.


New senators get to know the system


Members of the Senate Higher Education committee heard about the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system this week from Board of Trustees Chair Scott Thiss, Chancellor Jim McCormick, President Kevin Kopischke of Alexandria Technical and Community College and President Richard Davenport of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Thiss said one of the biggest issues legislators face is how Minnesota will best prepare for a return to economic prosperity. He said the colleges and universities play an important role with campuses located throughout the state. Each year, the system produces nearly 35,000 graduates, of which more than 80 percent stay in Minnesota to work or continue their education.

Sen. Claire Robling, R-Jordan, asked how the colleges and universities are responsive to the needs of employers with ever-changing technology and knowledge. President Kopischke replied that the real heroes are the faculty. He said faculty members are the key to making programs work in this fast-changing world. Senators were also interested in the open access mission at the two-year colleges, with discussion turning to the alignment of a high school diploma with the expectations of college. Committee members will continue discussion of developmental and remedial education Monday.

President Obama talks education in State of the Union

In this week’s State of the Union address, President Obama proposed a five-year freeze in discretionary domestic spending and vowed to veto any bill containing earmarks. He said this would reduce the deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade. Obama did say however, that education and research are vital to the nation’s long-term growth and competitiveness and said he would spare them from the spending freeze. Currently, the government is operating at last year’s 2010 spending levels under a continuing resolution that expires March 4.

Obama also called for passage of the Dream Act, which would provide a path to citizenship and student aid for undocumented students. He said, “Today, there are hundreds of thousands of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens. Some are the children of undocumented workers, who had nothing to do with the actions of their parents. They grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag, and yet they live every day with the threat of deportation. Others come here from abroad to study in our colleges and universities. But as soon as they obtain advanced degrees, we send them back home to compete against us. It makes no sense.”

Obama reiterated his goal to once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020 and said in order to compete, higher education must be within the reach of every American. “Over the next 10 years, nearly half of all new jobs will require education that goes beyond a high school education. And yet, as many as a quarter of our students aren't even finishing high school. The quality of our math and science education lags behind many other nations. America has fallen to ninth in the proportion of young people with a college degree,” Obama said.

Here's What's Happening at the Capitol:

This schedule shows all meetings that we are aware of at the time of publication that MAY have an impact on the system. This schedule may change. Please watch the House and Senate schedules posted on the Legislature's web site.

Monday, January 31

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

1:00 PM
Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Mike Parry
Agenda: Department of Military Affairs Overview and Department of Veteran Affairs Overview

3:00 PM
Senate Higher Education
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Michelle L. Fischbach
Agenda:Getting Prepared: A 2010 Report on Recent High School Graduates Who Took Developmental/Remedial Courses

3:00 PM
House in Session

3:00 PM
Senate Education
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Gen Olson
Agenda: Commissioner Brenda Cassellius, Ed.D
Minnesota Board of School Administrator appointee confirmations

Tuesday, February 1

8:15 AM
House Education Reform
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Sondra Erickson
Agenda: Minnesota Department of Education Data Systems
Aimee Rogstad Guidera, Executive Director, Data Quality Campaign

8:30 AM
Senate Finance
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Claire A. Robling
Agenda:
S.F. 56-Thompson: School district and charter school salary freeze imposition; safe schools levy set aside requirement removal; staff development reserved revenue and school district contract deadline and penalty repeal.
S.F. 40-Olson, G.: Teacher licensure provisions modifications; alternative teacher preparation program and limited-term teacher license establishment.
S.F. 69-Olson, G.: Home schools mandates and reporting requirements reduction.

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: Basement Hearing Room, State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: Getting Prepared: A 2010 Report on Recent High School Graduates Who Took Developmental/Remedial Courses

3:00 PM
Senate Education
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Gen Olson
Agenda: Minnesota Dept. of Education Data Systems
Aimee Rogstad Guidera, Executive Director, Data Quality Campaign

4:30 PM
House Ways and Means
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg
Agenda: HF55 (Hackbarth) Stream easement acquisition provisions modified; state park, state forest, and land exchange provisions modified; state parks and state forests added to and deleted from; and public and private sales, conveyances, and exchanges of state land authorized.
HF1 (Fabian) Environmental permitting efficiency provided, and environmental review requirements modified.
HF79 (Davids) Dependent health care coverage to adult children through age 26 for tax year 2010 federal extension conformed.
HF63 (Garofalo) Teacher licensure provisions amended, alternative teacher preparation program and limited-term teacher license established, and report required.

Wednesday, February 2

10:15 AM
House Government Operations and Election
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Joyce Peppin
Agenda: HF212 (Beard) Public employee definition modified.
HF62 (Ward) Workers Memorial Garden on the State Capitol grounds updated to include a reference to the Milford Mine Disaster in Crosby that occurred on February 5, 1924.
Overview presentation by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission

3:00 PM
Senate Higher Education
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Michelle L. Fischbach
Agenda:Higher Education budget and funding overview. Presented by Maja Weidmann Senate Fiscal Analyst

Call of the Chair
Senate in Session

Thursday, February 3

8:15 AM
House State Government Finance
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Morrie Lanning
Agenda: Finish up Public Pension fund overview from January 18th:
Mary Vanek, Executive Director of Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA); Laurie Hacking, Executive Director of Teachers Retirement Association (TRA); and Dave Bergstrom, Executive Director, or another representative of Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS)
HF110 (Kahn) Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement membership increased.

8:30 AM
Joint Meeting: Senate Finance and Taxes
Room: 15 Capitol
Chairs: Sen. Claire Robling and Sen. Julianne
Agenda: State Budget Trends Study Commission Report presentation - Kevin Goodno, Co-Chair
State Rankings presentation - Mark Haveman, Executive Director Minnesota Taxpayer Association

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

Friday, January 21, 2011

Budget plans announced; Salary freeze bill introduced; Governor names higher education commissioner; Bonding bill disagreement; Board approves plan

Legislative Update
January 21, 2011


Leadership rolls out phase one of budget balancing plan

Republican legislative leadership introduced an early action budget bill this week that proposes $1 billion in cuts. The House Ways and Means Chair Mary Liz Holberg, R -Lakeville, said this is phase one of the budget adjustment, and leadership plans to pass legislation prior to Feb. 10 in order to see a reduced deficit in the February forecast. When leadership was asked if they’re going to send the budget reduction bill to the governor right away or sit on it since the governor called the bill “piecemeal cuts and partial solutions,” Speaker Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove, said they will respect the process but “won’t wait around until April and let everything come to a screeching halt.” Zellers said he wants to be respectful of the governor and his administration since the governor is still appointing his cabinet.

Senate Finance Chair Claire Robling, R-Jordan, said the bill enacts the reductions made in last year's budget-balancing bill. The bill would make more than $840 million in one-time spending cuts permanent, including $584 million in cuts to tax aids and credits, $185 million to higher education, and $72 million to various health and human services programs. Robling said the bill also asks for Minnesota Management and Budget to identify $200 million in savings that could be achieved by capturing unspent funds in agencies’ budgets.

For the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, the reduction in the bill to the system's fiscal year 2011 budget is $50 million. This would bring the current annual state funding level of $605.5 million (which is slightly below the fiscal year 2002 funding level) to $582 million. Laura King, vice chancellor and chief financial officer of the system, addressed the $23 million cut to the base each year, telling committee members each cut makes the execution of the system’s mission harder. Fiscal Analyst Doug Berg said the cut is a 7.2 percent reduction to the system base and a 6.9 percent reduction to the University of Minnesota's base. There was much discussion in the House Higher Education committee regarding the cut's impact on campuses, and Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, unsuccessfully made a motion to lay the bill on the table until they had a better sense of the impact. The bill passed by a vote of 8-7 and heads next to the Ways and Means committee on Monday morning. The Senate is expected to take up the bill Wednesday in the Finance committee.

House Minority Leader Rep. Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, said this first budget bill is not the direction lawmakers should take and that piecemeal budgeting is not going to work. Thissen told the media he hopes Republicans will explain next week why they are in such a hurry to pass along a property tax increase and tuition increase to Minnesotans.

Majority Leader Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, said, “This is not a normal year when lawmakers can slowly work their way into session.”

You may view the bill here.

Salary freeze bill gains traction in House
A bill that would freeze state employees’ salaries beginning July 1, 2011, and lasting indefinitely cleared the House State Government Finance committee this week and is on its way to the Ways and Means committee. Prior to the 12-8 party-line vote, members discussed the bill’s merits. At a time when many employees in the private sector have lost jobs or taken pay cuts, author of HF 127, Rep. Denny McNamara, R-Hastings, said it’s fair to hold public employee wages flat. He argued that allowing employees to accept raises at a time when the state is cutting its budget could result in layoffs. “I would prefer to see as many state employees keep their jobs as possible,” McNamara said.

Rep. Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, called the idea of freezing pay “a perfectly reasonable position” but argued the issue would be better handled through the state’s normal labor contract negotiations.

Committee Chair Morrie Lanning, R-Moorhead, said that while lawmakers traditionally use a hands-off approach to collective bargaining for state employees, it is appropriate for the Legislature to require a pay freeze in a time of deficits.

The bill affects employees in all three branches of state government but would not prohibit employees who are promoted or transferred to different jobs from accepting increased salaries. Minnesota Management and Budget has estimated a cost savings at $64 million over the next biennium. There is no companion bill in the Senate at this time.

You may view the bill here.

News from the governor’s office
Gov. Mark Dayton continues to build his administration, with the addition of Sheila Wright to head the Office of Higher Education. Wright is dean of the Hamline University School of Education. According to Dayton’s news release, “Dr. Wright has dedicated her career in education to addressing the crucial issues of teacher quality and the achievement gap, working in P-12 and higher education, as well as in state government and non-profit organizations.” Wright also has served as associate dean of academic programs and a faculty member in the School of Education at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, and taught at Carleton College in Northfield and Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Also this week, Gov. Dayton named northern Minnesota developer Mark Phillips as the new commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development. Dayton said the appointment helps him underscore his commitment to new jobs. Phillips, who works for Kraus-Anderson Construction, said he shares Dayton's strategy to engage the business community and make use of all the available tools in state government.

Dayton also announced this week that he will give his State of the State speech in the House chambers at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 9.

Disagreement on bonding bill
House Capital Investment committee members met this week for the first time this session to review the capital budget process. Gay Greiter, budget coordinator with Minnesota Management and Budget, said in her testimony that an off-year bonding bill typically has been for "emergencies" and the governor is not required to submit a capital budget recommendation, but she said he indicated he plans to do so this year.

Gov. Dayton has said he will introduce a $1 billion bonding bill later this month and that half of his proposal will fund the projects vetoed by former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, while the other half could be assigned by legislators. House Chair Larry Howes, R-Walker, said in this week’s Capital Investment meeting that if a project is in a lawmaker’s community or region, it's probably considered an emergency. Senate Capital Investment Chair Sen. David Senjem, R-Rochester, said he has no immediate plans to meet as a committee.

Board of Trustees approves 2011 legislative agenda
At this week’s Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees meeting, the board reviewed and approved the 2011 legislative agenda, which states: The members of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees will advocate for:

The board-approved biennial budget request of $1.26 billion, the amount set in current law.

Potential opportunities for capital budget funding to completeprojects that were approved in 2010 but not funded.

State and federal financial aid policies and formulas that have an overall benefit to students attending Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

Actions that would enhance the system’s ability to meet its strategic plan and action plan goals:

Increase persistence and completion rates of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

Increase the percentage of students enrolled in one or more college-level courses in science, technology, engineering and math.

Increase the percentage of credits provided through online and blended courses.

The members of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees will oppose:

Actions and policies that would restrict the ability of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to maintain quality, preserve access and serve students.


Here's What's Happening at the Capitol:

This schedule shows all meetings that we are aware of at the time of publication that MAY have an impact on the system. This schedule may change. Please watch the House and Senate schedules posted on the Legislature web site.

Monday, January 24
10:15 AM
House Ways and Means
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg
Agenda: HF130 (Holberg) Fiscal year 2011 appropriations reduced, policies changed, and appropriation reductions made for fiscal years 2012 and 2013; and tax aid, credits and payment reductions made.

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

3:00 PM
Senate Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Michelle Fischbach
Agenda: Overview presentation from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

3:00 PM
Senate Education
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Gen Olson
Agenda: S.F. 40-Olson, G.: Alternative Teacher Licensure

3:00 PM
House in Session

Tuesday, January 25
8:15 AM
House State Government Finance
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chairs: Rep. Morrie Lanning
Agenda: Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Department Overview:
Jim Schowalter, Commissioner
Lori Mo, Assistant Commissioner, Accounting Services
Kristin Dybdal, Assistant Commissioner, State Budget Director
Judy Plante, Assistant Commissioner, State Human Resources
Nathan Moracco, Director State Employee Insurance (SEGIP)
MMB will also give an overview and answer questions on the recently released "Workforce 2010" report.

10:30 AM
Senate Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Geoff Michel
Agenda: S.F. 1-Michel: Discussion of SF 1.

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: State Office Building Basement Hearing Room
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: Overview of Private Higher Education in Minnesota:
Minnesota Private College Council
Minnesota Career College Association

1:00 PM
Senate Agriculture and Rural Economies
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Doug Magnus
Agenda:
Summary of the Department of Agriculture Livestock Investment Grant Program
Presentation by Minnesota Farm Bureau
Presentation by Minnesota Farmers Union
Overview of the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI)
Overview of the NextGen Energy Board

3:00 PM
Senate Education
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Gen Olson
Agenda:
Testimony on mandate relief
S.F. 56-Thompson: School safe schools levy set aside requirement removal; school district and charter school salary freeze imposition; staff development reserved revenue and school district contract deadline and penalty repeal.

Wednesday, January 26
8:15 AM
House State Government Finance
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Morrie Lanning
Agenda: Panel Discussion on Innovation and Transformation Opportunities in Government: This is a follow up discussion on the recently released Minnesota Commission on Service Innovation Report released in December 2010.

8:30 AM
Senate Finance
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Claire A. Robling
Agenda: S.F. 60-Robling: 2010 legislative-enacted budget reductions extended

10:15 AM
House Government Operations and Elections
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Joyce Peppin
Agenda: HF173 (Peppin) Sunset Commission created, and sunset and review of state agencies provided.
HF2 (Banaian) State budget priority-based process created, sunset process established for state agencies, and money appropriated

3:00 PM
Senate Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Michelle Fischbach
Agenda: Minnesota State Grant Program Overview from Minnesota Office of Higher Education and follow-up information from Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

3:00 PM
Senate Education
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Gen Olson
Agenda:
S.F. 55-Hann: Charter school authorizer approval deadline modification.
S.F. 69-Olson, G.: Home schools mandates and reporting requirements reduction.

Thursday, January 27
8:30 AM
Joint Senate Meeting: Committee on Finance; Committee on Taxes
Room: 15 Capitol
Chairs: Sen. Claire A. Robling, Sen. Julianne E. Ortman
Agenda:
State Demographics, Presenter - Tom Gillaspy, State Demographer
Tax Expenditure Reports, Presenter - Dr. Paul Wilson, Research Director, MN Dept of Revenue

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: State Office Building Basement Hearing Room
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: Legislative Reports from the Office of Higher Education:
Achieve Scholarship Program
Intervention for College Attendance Program (ICAP)
Reducing Textbook Costs

1:00 PM
Senate Agriculture and Rural Economies
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Doug Magnus
Agenda:
Summary of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) program
Presentation from the University of Minnesota

Friday, January 28
2:00 PM
Joint Meeting: Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth
Room: Hibbing Community College
Chairs: Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, Sen. Geoff Michel
Agenda: Discussion on environmental permitting/jobs and economic growth

Friday, January 14, 2011

First week finished; House learns about system; Jobs and zero-based budget priorities set; Teacher preparation discussed; Sertich takes new post

Legislative Update
January 14, 2011

First full week at the Capitol wraps up

It was a productive week at the Capitol, House Majority Leader Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, told the media today. Committees held overview hearings throughout the week to bring freshmen legislators up to speed on the issues. The House Higher Education Policy and Finance committee received an overview on higher education from Legislative Analyst Kathy Novak and Fiscal Analyst Doug Berg. Novak explained to members there are two public systems - the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system - and provided information on private postsecondary education. Novak said Minnesota has approximately 180 private postsecondary institutions with a physical presence in the state, with undergraduate enrollments ranging from under 10 students to more than 10,000 students. Members also heard about the state grant program and how money is appropriated through the state.

Senate President Michelle Fischbach, R-Paynesville, characterized the week in the Senate as quiet, and recognized some of the highlights of the week as the introduction of the jobs bill, zero-based budgeting bill and the nuclear moratorium bill, and the legislator per-diem reduction of $10. Fischbach said while there have been a couple bumps in the road, things are going well and moving along.

Dean said legislators are looking forward to receiving Gov. Dayton’s budget plan Feb. 15. “But don’t look to us to wait until the fifteenth to start working on a budget,” Dean said. Legislative leadership will not wait to provide a reaction, but will deal with the budget immediately, he said, indicating that bills will be introduced in the near future that deal with the $6.2 billion deficit, including specific budget reduction items. When asked if leadership will sit down with the governor prior to acting on a bill, Dean said they will try to find areas of common ground, even before the bill goes to conference committee. Dean also echoed what other leaders have said the last couple weeks. They will not be talking about cuts, but rather funding priorities within the state’s means, he said.

DFL leaders also spoke to the media today, and Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, characterized the week as good, with the highlight being the “One Minnesota” conference held at the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. All 201 legislators attended the conference with the emphasis on how to move Minnesota forward. Bonoff said, “We have to move beyond the elections, beyond the rhetoric, and do what’s best for all Minnesotans.”
When asked what the working relationship is like with the new leadership, House Minority Leader, Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, said there is mutual respect, but indicated there will be disagreements. Bonoff said that a lot depends on the chairs of the committees, and gave the example of Sen. Claire Robling, R-Jordan, chair of the Finance Committee, who reached out and met individually with each committee member. Bonoff also said the DFL caucus is making sure the DFL committee leads meet regularly with policy staff in the governor’s office to provide for a cohesive form of communication between the Legislature and governor’s office.

Lawmakers will not be holding meetings in St. Paul Monday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, but Dean said they will jump in with both feet Tuesday.

House committee learns about system

House Higher Education Policy and Finance committee members, both new and veteran members, received an overview from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system this week. Chancellor Jim McCormick told committee members that the system is the largest provider of higher education in Minnesota, educating 63 percent of all Minnesota undergraduate students, and the 32 colleges and universities provide an immeasurable benefit to the people of Minnesota, contributing greatly to the quality of life and economic vitality of the state.

Board of Trustees Chair Scott Thiss explained the Board's strategic plan and how it has provided guidance to the colleges and universities. Thiss gave an example of how the system's colleges and universities continue to innovate, telling members that Northland Community and Technical College is helping to create a new industry by training technicians who can be certified in unmanned aviation maintenance. This is just one of the many examples on the college and university campuses.

President Kevin Kopischke, Alexandria Technical and Community College and President Edna Szymanski, Minnesota State University Moorhead, gave committee members a brief introduction to each college and university in the system and provided an example of how each institution plays a critical role in building the local and regional economies. Kopishke said that Alexandria recently signed an agreement with Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest industrial automation company, to expand worker training in central Minnesota. Committee members also learned that the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation named Riverland Community College as the 2010 Partner of the Year for capitalizing on the assets of new immigrants and minority populations to help increase community vitality in southern Minnesota.

Szymanski educated committee members on the seven universities in the system, and said her own university, Minnesota State University Moorhead, working with the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation and their Tri-College partners, have developed a concentration in vaccinology to fill a growing need in the regional workforce. Another example she provided was Winona State’s Composite Materials Engineering program. Szymanski said it is the only undergraduate engineering program of its kind in the United States.

System officials anticipate being back in front of the committee to talk about the budget in the near future. Committee members are scheduled to learn about the Minnesota Office of Higher Education on Tuesday next week.

First up, job creation and zero-based budgeting

Lawmakers introduced the first bills of the session this week with the focus on job creation and the budget. The Senate explained SF 1, a bill that provides businesses with regulatory relief and $200 million in tax cuts. Author of the bill, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Geoff Michel, R-Edina, said, “We want to make Minnesota the best place to start a business and expand a business.” The bill would phase in a 50 percent reduction of the business income tax rate, and gradually drop over the next six years. Business property taxes would be rolled back to 2009 levels. The estimated cost for both tax breaks is $200 million over the biennium. Michel said senators plan to roll up their sleeves and move the bill through the committee process.

Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, said about the bill that she hopes lawmakers would do the tough work first. She said while legislators have to make sure we have a thriving business climate, the biggest issue facing the state is the budget deficit. Bonoff said the concern is the first bill creates more of a deficit, and doesn’t explain how it will address it.

HF 2 was also unveiled this week by chief author Rep. King Banaian, R-St. Cloud. Banaian said the bill is about priority-based budgeting and establishes a “sunset review” every 10 years to determine whether agencies should be abolished or reorganized. He said the goal is to examine how the state can best deliver its services rather than just growing agencies’ budgets. Banaian said that by the end of 10 years, the Legislature and the Office of the Legislative Auditor will have looked at every regulation within state government. “It's what we owe to the people of Minnesota,” he said.

Teachers remain top issue at Capitol

With just two weeks into the session, teacher issues - whether it’s licensing or improving teacher effectiveness - continue to dominate the policy scene at the Capitol. This week, House Education Reform committee members heard from Board of Teaching Executive Director Karen Balmer about a redesign of how Minnesota evaluates teacher preparation programs. Committee Chair Rep. Sondra Erickson, R-Princeton, and committee members have said that improving teacher effectiveness is a priority this session.

Balmer said the new initiative, Program Effectiveness Reports for Continuing Approval, or PERCA, will soon be field-tested and should launch in about a year. The initiative will use more data collection and performance measurement to assess the performance of first-year teachers who graduated from certain four-year education programs. Teachers’ results would be compared with their teacher training program to measure the program’s effectiveness.

The committee has also been discussing alternative paths to teacher licensure. Rep. Carlos Mariani, DFL-St. Paul, past K-12 education chair and sponsor of an alternative teacher licensure bill last session, is sponsoring HF 3, which would establish an alternative by allowing qualified candidates in programs approved by the Board of Teaching, such as Teach for America members, a two-year provisional license as a way to acquiring a standard teaching license. Candidates in such programs would be the teacher of record in a classroom and would have to meet other criteria, such as having a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 grade point average, passing a basic skills tests and participating in at least 200 hours of instruction. Mariani said he is carrying the bill not as a criticism of teachers in general, but because it’s a way to meet teacher shortage in some subjects and districts.

Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, co-author of an alternative teacher licensure bill in the Senate, said it’s time to tone down the rhetoric and sit down and talk about the issue. House Majority Leader Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, listed alternative paths to teacher licensure as a highlight for the coming week in the House.

Rep. Sertich resigns to lead the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board

After being appointed commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, or IRRRB, this week, Rep. Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, gave his farewell speech on the House floor. “I love, love, love this building, and I love representing the people who elected me,” he said. “This is closing a chapter of my life, which is so sad, but I am so excited for the future.”

The IRRRB is an economic development agency with the mission to advance growth on the Iron Range. Sertich said he is a product of where he grew up, and expressed his excitement at returning to the Iron Range. In his farewell address, Sertich thanked the people of the Iron Range for the honor and privilege of serving as their state representative.

A special election has been called for Feb. 15 to fill Sertich’s seat. If a primary is needed, it will be held Feb. 1.

Gov. Dayton also appointed retired Major General Larry Shellito this week, who recently retired as the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, to lead the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Shellito has a close tie to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system as a past president of what is now Alexandria Technical and Community College.

Here's What's Happening at the Capitol:

This schedule shows all meetings that we are aware of at the time of publication that MAY have an impact on the system. This schedule may change. Please watch the House and Senate schedules posted on the Legislature web site.

Monday, January 17

Offices are closed to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 18

8:15 AM
House State Government Finance
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chairs: Rep. Morrie Lanning
Agenda: Public Sector Pension Informational Overview and Update
Testifying:
Lawrence Martin, Executive Director of Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement;
Edward Burek, Deputy Director of Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement; Mary Vanek, Executive Director of Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA); Dave Bergstrom, Executive Director of Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS); Laurie Hacking, Executive Director of Teachers Retirement Association (TRA); and Howard Bicker, Executive Director of Minnesota State Board of Investment

8:15 AM
House Education Reform
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Sondra Erickson
Agenda: HF3 (Mariani) Alternative teacher preparation program and limited term teacher license established.
HF63 (Garofalo) Teacher licensure provisions amended, alternative teacher preparation program and limited-term teacher license established, and report required.

10:15 AM
House Taxes
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Greg Davids
Agenda: HF79 - Conforming to the federal extension of the exclusion of dependent health care coverage to adult children through age 26 for tax year 2010
HFXXXX (Mahoney) Establishing a Minnesota science and technology program

10:15 AM
House Government Operations and Elections
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Joyce Peppin
Agenda: Public Sector Pension Informational Overview and Update:
Testifying:
Lawrence Martin, Executive Director of Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement;
Edward Burek, Deputy Director of Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement;
Mary Vanek, Executive Director of Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA);
Dave Bergstrom, Executive Director of Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS);
Laurie Hacking, Executive Director of Teachers Retirement Association (TRA); and
Howard Bicker, Executive Director of Minnesota State Board of Investment

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance Committee
Room: Basement Hearing Room, State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: Minnesota Office of Higher Education overview

3:00 PM
Senate Education Committee
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Gen Olson
Agenda:
Teacher Licensure
Presentation by Katie Balmer, Executive Director of the Minnesota Board of Teaching;
John Melick, Director Educator Licensing Division of the Minnesota Dept. of Education
Public testimony about the teacher licensing process - as available

3:00 PM
House in Session

Wednesday, January 19

8:15 AM
House State Government Finance
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chairs: Rep. Morrie Lanning
Agenda: Overview of State Labor Negotiating Process and Contracts
Testifying:
Greg Hubinger, Director of Legislative Coordinating Commission;
Barb Holmes, Assistant Commissioner & State Labor Negotiator for Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB)

10:30 AM
Senate Jobs and Economic Growth
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Geoff Michel
Agenda: Overview from Minnesota Department of Labor/Introduction of Commissioner Ken Peterson
S.F. 1-Michel: Introduction and discussion of property tax provision of SF 1.

2:30 PM
House Capital Investment
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Larry Howes
Agenda: Introductions
Committee guidelines
Gay Grieter, Capital Budget Coordinator for Minnesota Management & Budget
Meeting Documents: Capital Budget Process

Minnesota Debt Management


3:00 PM
Senate Education Committee
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Gen Olson
Agenda: Teach for America - Testimony by Daniel Sellers, Executive Director of Teach For America, Twin Cities

3:00 PM
Senate Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Michelle Fischbach
Agenda: Overview presentation from the University of Minnesota

Thursday, January 20

8:30 AM
Senate Finance
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Claire A. Robling
Agenda: Continuation of budget overview presentation by Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis Staff

8:30 AM
Senate Taxes
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Julianne E. Ortman
Agenda: SFXXX Federal conformity bill related to income tax treatment of dependent health care coverage for adult children 26 and under.
Overview on Tax Aids and Credits

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance Committee
Room: Basement Hearing Room, State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: University of Minnesota overview

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Session priority- budget; Committee details shared; Governor sworn into office, names administration; Top ten federal issues

2011 legislative session gets underway with $6.2 billion budget deficit looming

The 87th legislative session got underway Tuesday with mostly ceremonial floor sessions. 36 new members were sworn-in in the House; 33 new Republicans and 3 new Democrats. Republicans now hold the majority with a 72-62 split. In the Senate, 24 new members were sworn into office; 21 new Republican members and 3 new DFL members. For the first time in 38 years, the Republicans now hold the majority in the Senate by a split of 37-30. The election brought along with it many changes, including office locations. A condensed 2011-2012 legislative roster with offices and telephone numbers can be found at:
www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/2011-2012/info/roster.pdf

In the House, Rep. Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove, was elected Speaker of the House on a partisan vote of 72-61. In his acceptance speech, Zellers said to his fellow House members, "Our job now is to govern." Zellers also called on business people, teachers and others to bring their ideas and solutions to the Capitol to help balance the budget. He said the old way of doing things are no longer going to work. "We have a daunting task ahead of us," Zellers said, and asked his fellow legislators to start working on the issues they agree on first. The new House Minority Leader is Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis.

The Senate elected Sen. Michelle Fischbach, R-Paynesville, as the first woman President of the Senate by a vote of 62-5. Senators adopted Senate Resolution 1, which names a majority leader and minority leader; Sen. Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, will serve as Majority Leader and Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, will serve as Minority Leader. The Senate also elected Cal Ludeman as Secretary of the Senate.

Majority Leader Koch addressed the body, thanking many for assistance with the transition to leadership. She said the most important lesson Republicans learned over the last 38 years is how to treat members of the minority party. Over the course of the session, Koch said there will be differences between Republicans and Democrats, but there will also be agreements, and asked her colleagues to be prepared for long days and hard work ahead of them.

Legislators are faced with resolving the $6.2 billion state budget deficit this session. Koch said, "We are committed to spending within our means. We are not interested in raising taxes," and House Majority Leader Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, said lawmakers will overhaul state agency budgets, and will ask state agencies to justify their budgets by looking at what they are currently doing.

Republican leadership spoke to the media today and Deputy Majority Leader Sen. Geoff Michel, R-Edina, indicated they will announce a jobs bill Monday morning as they begin setting top priorities, including how to help job creators and position Minnesota to come out of the recession. Majority Leader Koch said the Senate intends to change the rules on the Senate floor Monday to provide for a ten percent reduction in per diem for members, as well as implement a ban on out-of-state travel reimbursement. Zellers said instead of focusing on whether or not to raise taxes, they will turn the conversation to how to spend the available $32 billion and fund priorities within their means.

Legislators must complete their work this session by the constitutional adjournment date of Monday, May 23. With a divided government once again (Republican Legislature and DFL Governor), lawmakers will likely need all five months to balance the budget.

New leadership appoints committees

With new legislative leadership at the helm, the committee structure has been changed for the 2011-2012 biennium. House and Senate leaders have said they want to make the legislative process more user-friendly, while remaining fair and transparent. The House has reduced the number of committees, divisions and subdivisions from 36 last year to 24, and the Senate has decreased committees from 25 to 16. "We have reformed government starting with ourselves," Speaker Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove, said. "We think we can be a little more efficient and effective in the way we run government." Legislative leaders said they also wanted to line up committees better so that conference committees, assigned to work through the differences in the bills between the House and Senate, will compare bills that address the same issues.

Information on all the House committees can be located at www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/commemlist.asp. Senate committee information is at www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/committees/index.php?ls=#header

Committee assignments for the House and Senate higher education committees are as follows:
House Higher Education Policy and Finance
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-2:15 p.m.
Room: Basement Hearing Room

Members:
Rep. Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls, Chair
Rep. Bob Dettmer, R-Forest Lake, Vice Chair
Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, DFL Lead
Rep. King Banaian, R-St. Cloud
Rep. Mike Benson, R-Rochester
Rep. Kurt Daudt, R-Crown
Rep. Connie Doepke, R-Orono
Rep. David Hancock, R-Bemidji
Rep. Pat Mazorol, R-Bloomington
Rep. Bruce Vogel, R-Willmar
Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights
Rep. Terry Morrow, DFL-St. Peter
Rep. Kim Norton, DFL-Rochester
Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona
Rep. Jeanne Poppe, DFL-Austin


Senate Higher Education Policy and Finance
Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Room: 107 Capitol

Members:
Sen. Michelle Fischbach, R-Paynesville, Chair
Sen. Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, Vice Chair
Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul, DFL Lead
Sen. David Brown, R-Becker
Sen. John Carlson, R-Bemidji
Sen. Joe Gimse, R-Willmar
Sen. John Pederson, R-St. Cloud
Sen. Clair Robling, R-Jordan
Sen. David Senjem, R-Rochester
Sen. Ron Latz, DFL-St. Louis Park
Sen. Tom Saxhaug, DFL-Grand Rapids
Sen. Kathy Sheran, DFL-Mankato
Sen. Rod Skoe, DFL-Clearbrook
Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm

Governor Dayton takes oath of office

Gov. Mark Dayton, along with the other constitutional officers, was sworn into office this week, becoming Minnesota’s 40th governor. On Monday, Dayton said he plans to focus on three things; jobs, balancing the budget and improving public services. Dayton plans to focus on bringing more jobs to Minnesota to get Minnesotans working again. He attributed, among other things, the state’s colleges and universities as an advantage to putting Minnesota back to work.

Dayton also recognized the budget situation as an urgent priority and said, "Some people think eliminating a $6.2 billion deficit, almost 20 percent of expected revenues, will be simple and easy. I don't." He continued to say, "My proposed budget solution will be reasonable, balanced, and painful - because I see no easy alternative." He asked those who believe the state budget can be balanced without a tax increase, including no property tax increase, without destroying Minnesota’s schools, hospitals, and public safety, to send him the bill so he can sign it immediately.

Dayton’s third focus will be on improving services provided to citizens, starting with education innovation. Dayton said, "Better education for everyone is essential to getting Minnesota working again, and to keep Minnesotans working in the future. To give everyone the skills necessary to succeed in an ever more competitive global economy. Doing so must be everyone's shared responsibility."

The full text of Gov. Dayton’s speech can be found at http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/pressreleasedetail.jsp?id=9252.

Dayton continues to shape his administration

Gov. Dayton continued building his administration this week making appointments in addition to those already named to cabinet-level positions. Earlier, Dayton appointed Ken Peterson as Commissioner of Labor and Industry, former senator David Frederickson as Commissioner of Agriculture, and Tom Sorel in Transportation. More recent appointments include Jim Schowalter as the Minnesota Management and Budget, or MMB, commissioner. Schowalter was most recently MMB deputy commissioner and coordinated the agency's financial, debt management, human resources and labor activities.

Dr. Brenda Cassellius was named Education Commissioner. Cassellius is most recently an Associate Superintendent in Minneapolis Public Schools, where she leads 19 middle and high schools. On Wednesday, Cassellius appointed her staff, including Jessie Montaño as Deputy Commissioner. Montaño has 35 years of service to the Department of Education serving as Acting Commissioner of Education and Assistant Commissioner.

Commissioner Cassellius appointed Charlene Briner Communications Director, who has ten years experience in communications, media and public affairs. Brian Shekleton was appointed Government Relations Director, and Karen Klinzing was appointed temporarily as Acting Assistant Commissioner. Klinzing has served for the past four years as Assistant Commissioner and for six months as the Deputy Commissioner.

Dr. Edward Ehlinger, with the University of Minnesota Boynton Health Services, was appointed the Commissioner of the Department of Health. "Dr. Ehlinger's long experience in public health and in leading a key Minnesota health facility will position him well to lead the Minnesota Department of Health and to restore our state's former preeminence in national health care initiatives," Dayton said.

Mike Rothman was named Commerce Commissioner and Myron Frans was named Commissioner for the Department of Revenue. Rothman was most recently an attorney with the firm of Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A., and Frans was most recently a tax attorney at the law firm of Faegre & Benson LLP.

Newly appointed Commissioner Frans will not join the Dayton Administration on a full-time basis immediately. Dayton said, "I respect his need, as the CEO of a successful and growing business, to conclude those responsibilities properly. In the meantime, he will advise me on a voluntary part-time basis, and the Revenue Department will be very capably managed by former Commissioner and now Deputy Commissioner, Dan Salamone."

Most recently, Dayton chose Nature Conservancy assistant state director Tom Landwehr to lead the Department of Natural Resources, or DNR. Before working for the Nature Conservancy’s Minnesota Chapter, Landwehr spent 17 years at the DNR as a scientist and wildlife manager.
The director for the Minnesota Office of Higher Education has not yet been appointed.

Important dates for the 2011 Session

January 3, 2011 New Governor Takes Oath of Office

January 4, 2011 2011 Legislative Session Convenes

January 2011 Governor’s State of the State Address

February 15, 2011 Deadline for Governor’s Budget Recommendations

Late February 2011 February Economic Forecast Released

May 23, 2011 Last Day of Session

New face for the 112th Congress

The 112th Congress convened Wednesday with Republicans taking control of the House and electing Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, Speaker by a vote of 241-173. Boehner said he will run the House in a more inclusive and businesslike way. The new Republican majority got down to business and changed House rules that would require spending increases to be directly offset with cuts elsewhere. This change will help Republicans, who are joined by 87 new members, repeal the health care legislation and cut federal spending, a promise made on the campaign trail.

The Senate also convened Wednesday and still maintain a Democrat majority by a split of 53-47, a reduction of 6 seats.

A change for Minnesota is the new Congressman from the eighth district, Chip Cravaack. Congressman Cravaack was officially sworn-in on the House floor this week and said of his first day as a congressman, "It was informative, it was hectic and it was wonderful. I'm very proud to be here and very humbled to be here."

Issues most likely to affect public higher education across the country

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities, or AASCU, has prepared a list of what they believe to be the top 10 issues most likely to affect public higher education across the nation this year. They based it on an environmental scan of the economic, political and policy landscape surrounding public higher education, as well as a review of recent state policy activities and trends. The complete document can be found at www.congressweb.com/aascu/docfiles/PM-Top10for2011.docx.pdf. Below we take a look at the 10 issues and see how they compare to what’s happening in Minnesota.

1. State Operating Support for Public Higher Education

AASCU reports, "States’ financial support for higher education has been pared back considerably during the past two years. Combined with strong growth in student enrollments, this has resulted in a sharp decline in states’ per-student spending." This is a top issue for higher education in Minnesota as higher education competes to be a funding priority for lawmakers while facing a $6.2 billion budget deficit. This is coupled with a divided government; a Legislature who has said they want to cut spending and a governor who would like to raise revenue.

2. State’s College Completion and Educational Attainment Agendas

Leading this movement for a greater rate of college completion is President Barack Obama, who has called for the United States to regain its former first place status of having the highest proportion of young adults with some type of post-secondary education. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system continues to support efforts related to this national goal as demonstrated by the Board of Trustees strategic direction 1: Increase access, opportunity and success. Initiatives such as Students First and established goals for improved persistence and completion rate of underrepresented students, and online education offerings, all support this effort.

3. College Readiness

AASCU reports that the lack of alignment between high school and college expectations contributes to high postsecondary remediation rates and hinders college completion. The Board of Trustees is currently studying the pros and cons of moving responsibility for remedial education from the universities to the colleges, and will make a decision on implementation by June 21, 2011. A study session was held in December 2010 to review schools of thought and best practices in remedial education, related demographic information and the achievement gap, and current best practices within the system.

4. Tuition Prices and Policy

AASCU reports that tuition prices and tuition policy will continue to be a major focus for state lawmakers in 2011, and this holds true as well for Minnesota lawmakers. With record enrollment, a large budget deficit, and varying legislative opinions on raising taxes; legislators, colleges and universities, and students and families, are faced with difficult choices. The trend of shifting responsibility for higher education funding from the state to students and families is evident across the nation.

5. State Student Aid Program Financing

With ever-tightening state budgets, there is concern across the country of decreasing state financial aid budgets, coupled with an increase in demand for financial aid. This is also true in Minnesota. Students in Minnesota experienced for the first time last year, a $42 million state grant shortfall, which resulted in reduced grants or students losing their grant altogether. With more students seeking a postsecondary education, there is a larger demand for the state grant program.

6. Student Enrollment Capacity

AASCU reports, "States throughout the nation have announced record student enrollments for the current academic year," and this is no different for Minnesota. States, including Minnesota, are experiencing enrollment increases with declining state appropriation. Many colleges in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system are experiences record enrollment increases and space has become an issue.

7. State Data System Development

AASCU reports that 23 states link, share and/or exchange data with their K-12 state education agency, and 26 do so with a labor/workforce agency in their state. However, their ability to address major policy issues varies widely. This continues to be an issue for Minnesota as the state works to improve longitudinal data reporting capacity under current data practices law.

8. Economic and Workforce Development

AASCU reports, "State lawmakers are calling for public colleges and universities in particular to be more responsive to regional workforce needs." Jobs and growing Minnesota continues to be a top issue for the governor, House and Senate. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system continues to be responsive to the job-training needs in Minnesota.

9. States’ Political Climate

AASCU reports, "Unlike other policy areas, higher education has generally been at the periphery of state-level partisan battles, leaving it somewhat protected from state politicians’ ideologically-driven agendas." They continue to say, "While those general philosophies will remain intact, there may be some impact on higher education due to a fiscally conservative movement that thrust many new politicians into state legislatures and governorships-some with little, if any, higher education policy-making experience." While the House and Senate higher education committees in Minnesota include many freshmen, it is too soon to predict their impact on higher education policy.

10. States’ Regulatory Framework

AASCU claims that due to the lack of funding for higher education this biennium, lawmakers are looking at other ways to help public colleges and universities contribute to broader state education and economic development goals, including regulatory reform. Cutting "state-imposed bureaucratic red tape" that may hinder the ability to fully maximize higher education’s public purpose missions is a legislative interest in many states. Mandate reductions for the system were worked through immediately after the higher education system merger and reduced and eliminated many barriers. The system continuously reviews policy and procedures for existing barriers.

Stay informed

Legislative news, both state and federal, can be found at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities government relations Web site, blog, Facebook page and Twitter page. They can be located at the below sites:

Government Relations Web site:
http://www.govtrelations.mnscu.edu/

Government Relations Blog:
http://mnscufan.blogspot.com/2010/05/policy-bill-passes-budget-talks.html

Government Relations Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Minnesota-State-Colleges-and-Universities/110872937120

Government Relations Twitter:
http://twitter.com/mnscufan

Here's What's Happening at the Capitol:

This schedule shows all meetings that we are aware of at the time of publication that MAY have an impact on the system. This schedule may change. Please watch the House and Senate schedules posted on the Legislature web site (http://www.leg.state.mn.us/).

Monday, January 10

8:00 AM
Regent Candidate Advisory Council
Room: 400N State Office Building
Chair: Jane Belau
Agenda: Candidate Interviews

9:00 AM
Senate Rules and Administration
Room: 112 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Amy Koch
Agenda: TBA

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

12:30 PM
House Veterans Services Division
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bruce Anderson
Agenda: Introductions of committee and staff
Jim Cleary, House Research, committee overview
Military affairs presentation, Brigadier General Joe Kelly, the assistant adjutant general of
the Minnesota National Guard and the deputy commissioner for the Department of Military Affairs

1:00 PM
Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Mike Parry
Agenda: Minnesota Management and Budget Overview

3:00 PM
Senate Higher Education Committee
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Michelle Fischbach
Agenda: Minnesota Office of Higher Education overview

3:00 PM
House in Session

4:30 PM or Immediately following Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Matt Dean
Agenda: Welcome & introductions
HR policies, staff, miscellaneous personnel reports
House policies and resolutions

Tuesday, January 11

8:00 AM
Regent Candidate Advisory Council
Room: 400N State Office Building
Chair: Jane Belau
Agenda: Candidate Interviews

8:15 AM
House State Government Finance
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Morrie Lanning
Agenda: Member and staff introductions
Helen Roberts, Fiscal Analyst: overview of the jurisdiction of the State Government Finance committee
Mark Shepard, House Research: overview of mandated reports within jurisdiction of committee

10:15 AM
House Taxes Committee
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Greg Davids
Agenda: Introductions
Committee priorities
Background on Minnesota tax system

10:30 AM
Senate Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Geoff Michel
Agenda: TBA

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: Basement Hearing Room - State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: Introductions
Committee Procedures
Overview of Jurisdiction and Accounts

1:00 PM
Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Economies
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Doug Magnus
Agenda: Introductions/Overview from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture

3:00 PM
Senate Education Committee
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Gen Olson
Agenda: Committee introductions
A presentation by Cecilia Retelle of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce entitled "Wanted: Prepared Workforce; Needed: Education Reforms"

Wednesday, January 12

8:00 AM
Regent Candidate Advisory Council
Room: 400N State Office Building
Chair: Jane Belau
Agenda: Candidate Interviews
All-day legislative conference

Thursday, January 13

8:30 AM
Senate Finance Committee
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Claire Robling
Agenda: Introductions
Budget Overview - Matt Massman, Lead Fiscal Analyst - Senate Counsel, Research and Fiscal Analysis

8:30 AM
Senate Taxes Committee
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Julianne Ortman
Agenda: Committee Introduction, General Overview Minnesota Tax System

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities overview

3:00 PM
House in Session

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Legislature convenes today, schedule posted

When the House and Senate convene the 2011 session today at 12:00 p.m., the House will have 36 new members; 33 new Republicans and 3 new Democrats. The Republicans are now in the majority with a 72-62 split.

In the Senate, 24 new members will be sworn into office today; 21 new Republican members and 3 new DFL members. For the first time since 1972, the Republicans now hold the majority in the Senate by a split of 37-30.

The membership roster for 2011-2012 is available on line here.

The election brought along with it many changes, including office locations. A condensed 2011-2012 legislative roster with updated offices and telephone numbers can be found here.

Gov. Mark Dayton, along with the other constitutional officers, were sworn into office yesterday. Dayton said he plans to focus on three things; jobs, balancing the budget and improving public services. Dayton also continues to build his administration, appointing Jim Schowalter as the Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner. Schowalter was most recently MMB deputy commissioner and coordinated the agency's financial, debt management, human resources and labor activities.

Dr. Brenda Cassellius was named Education Commissioner. Cassellius is most recently an Associate Superintendent in Minneapolis Public Schools. She leads 19 middle and high schools and is responsible for the achievement of over 18,000 students.

Legislators must complete their work this session by the constitutional adjournment date of Monday, May 23, 2011. This gives lawmakers approximately five months to solve the $6.2 billion state budget deficit. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, said about balancing the budget, "We are committed to spending within our means. We are not interested in raising taxes."

House Majority Leader Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, said lawmakers will overhaul state agency budgets, "We’re going to be saying [to state agencies], 'Let's justify your budgets. Let's go through them. What are you currently doing that you need to stop doing? What are you currently doing that you need to do less of? And what aren’t you doing that you need to start doing?'"

With tough decisions to be made and a divided government (Republican Legislature and DFL Governor), the rumors floating around the Capitol include a long, drawn-out session with potential gridlock.

Legislative news, both state and federal, can be found at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities government relations Web site, blog, Facebook page and Twitter page. They can be located at the below sites:

Government Relations Web site

Government Relations Blog

Government Relations Facebook

Government Relations Twitter

Today at the Capitol

12:00 PM
House in Session (televised and webcast live)

12:00 PM
Senate in Session (webcast live)

Looking Ahead

Wednesday, January 5
10:30 AM
Senate Jobs and Economic Growth
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Geoff Michel
Agenda:
Committee Introduction
Testimony/Overview from Grow Minnesota

1:00 PM
Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Mike Parry
Agenda:
Introductions
Committee Jurisdiction Overview
Peter Hutchinson Presentation

Monday, January 10
8:00 AM
Regent Candidate Advisory Council
Room: 400N State Office Building
Chair: Jane Belau
Agenda: Candidate Interviews

Tuesday, January 11
8:00 AM
Regent Candidate Advisory Council
Room: 400N State Office Building
Chair: Jane Belau
Agenda: Candidate Interviews

Wednesday, January 12
8:00 AM
Regent Candidate Advisory Council
Room: 400N State Office Building
Chair: Jane Belau
Agenda: Candidate Interviews