Legislative Notes for the Week of April 19-23, 2004

Expect Things To Start Moving On the Hill

With about 25 days left before lawmakers are required to finish the 2004 regular legislative session, the pace is expected to pick up at the Capitol. Lawmakers will be trying to balance the budget and agree on a capital bonding bill. Included in the mix will be other issues including gambling, social issues and stadiums. Buried in all this are the House and Senate higher education bills. They are incorporated into the education bills with elementary-secondary legislation, and the conference committee will look at both topics as the session closes. It is hoped that lawmakers will be able to complete their work without having to return for a special session called by the Governor.

Bonding Bill Clears Committee in House

Representative Phil Krinkie (R - Shorview) announced his recommendations for a $683 million bonding bill this week. The total capital spending would be $74 million below the level recommended by Governor Tim Pawlenty in February. State Colleges and Universities would receive $145.8 million under the proposal, which is about $57 million more than Pawlenty had recommended. The Capital Investment Committee held a hearing this week to adopt the language for each of the projects and move the bill to the House Ways and Means Committee for hearings next week. The House proposal includes $90.5 million for the University of Minnesota plus another $20 million for a research facility in Rochester with the Mayo Clinic. House members are also proposing an $18 million hockey arena at Bemidji State University, but the funding would come through the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission. Senators have yet to announce their decisions on a capital bonding bill. Both the House and Senate will pass bills and the differences will be resolved in a conference committee before the adjournment date of May 17.

Governor Announces Higher Education Study

Governor Pawlenty held a news conference this week to announce the co-chairs of the Citizen's League study on higher education. Twin Cities businessman Vance Opperman and Duluth businesswoman Rondi Erickson will co-chair the study that will focus on ensuring Minnesota has a comprehensive , high-quality, sustainable, integrated and accountable system of higher education. The Citizens League plans to conduct the study in four stages: 1) recruiting approximately 20 people to guide the study, 2) review of background materials, 3) public input and expert testimony, and 4) preparation of a final report. We will have more information on the study as the League starts to move forward.

Perkins Reauthorization Process Begins!

The House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Education Reform has scheduled its first hearing related to the reauthorization of the Perkins Act. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27, at 12:00 pm Central Standard Time, and will be titled "Examining Success in Vocational Education." The hearing will focus on local perspectives, with a future hearing, likely the following week, focusing on state and national perspectives.