Legislative Notes for the Week of April 26-30, 2004

Still Wondering How They Will Adjourn

Lawmakers are watching the clock and will have to adjourn May 17, whether they finish their work or not. The only consequence of not completing their work is the threat of a special session called by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. However, there have been so many special sessions in recent years that special sessions are not really very special or unusual anymore. It is possible that lawmakers could go home and let the budget balancing bill wait for the next session, when five months of the biennium still will be remaining. The projected budget deficit of $160 million is well within the budget reserve of $500 million, and the law requires the governor to use those funds first. We are watching for signs that legislative leaders are working behind the scenes on a session ending deal that will send them home on time.

Bonding Bill Clears House

Thursday's House floor session was a seven-hour marathon that ended with passing the bonding bill. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities would receive $147 million under the proposal authored by Rep. Phil Krinkie (R - Shoreview). Supporters of the colleges and universities fought off several attempts to divert higher education funding to the controversial North Star Commuter Rail Line. There were unsuccessful attempts to eliminate state college and university projects and also an attempt to reduce the HEAPR funding by $12.5 million and transfer those funds to the North Star Commuter Line. Fortunately lawmakers did not support the amendments. After a long and difficult debate, the House passed the bill 102 - 30.

Senators Ready for Bonding

Senators have been waiting for the House of Representatives to complete its bonding bill before they roll out their version. Chief author Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL - Dillworth) will manage the Senate action through committees on Tuesday, when the Capital Investment committee and Finance committee take up the bill. There could be a final floor vote by Thursday, which would set the stage for a conference committee that could meet starting the week of May 10, leaving only one week before adjournment.