Legislative Notes for the Week of May 3-7, 2004

Difficult Week Ahead

Regardless of how or when the session ends it will be difficult for lawmakers to adjourn the session in a week. When you add up all the issues that need to be resolved and the political posturing that is taking place, there just isn't enough time remaining in the regular session. The leaders of the Legislature met this week; however, they did not make much headway. There are differences in how many conference committees Speaker Steve Sviggum ( R - Kenyon) and Majority Leader Dean Johnson (DFL - Willmar) believe they had agreed upon. It is hoped that they will be able to put together a package that is acceptable to members. If they cannot reach an agreement by May 17, they will have to adjourn and wait for Gov. Tim Pawlenty to call a special session. Stay tuned.

Senate Does Not Pass Bonding Bill

The Senate did not pass a $949 million bonding bill with $235 million for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities projects. Chief author Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL - Dillworth) and committee members brought the bill to the Senate floor with each of the Board of Trustees-approved projects funded in priority order. The only reduction from the board's request was for the repair and replacement funds (HEAPR); the requested amount was reduced from $100 million to $60 million. The bonding bill needs a vote of more than the 60 percent margin required for passage by the State Constitution. The bill needed 41 votes to pass, which means that votes from six Republicans would have been needed. The bill, which fell short by two votes, was defeated 39-28. Stay tuned for a possible reemergence of the bonding bill.

Budget Balancing Bill In Limbo

Resolving the $160 million deficit is high in Gov. Pawlenty's agenda for the session. However, the way to resolve the deficit has caused a great deal of controversy among legislative leaders. If lawmakers adjourn without an agreement on the projected deficit, the law will require the deficit to be paid from the State budget reserve account with over $500 million. Gov. Pawlenty also is looking at ways to protect the budget reserve account by ordering cuts in budgets or other cost cutting measures. Both houses have proposals for balancing the budget, and neither proposal makes additional cuts to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities appropriations from last session.

Stadium Support at University of Minnesota

Lawmakers are reviewing various stadium bills for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings with hearings in both the House and Senate. Also in the discussion is a bill sponsored by Sen. Geoff Michel ( R-Edina) for a new on-campus football stadium for the University of Minnesota. The university will raise 60 percent of the total cost and is seeking the remaining funding from the state. The bill received approval this week in the Senate State and Local Government Operations committee. Stay tuned for further updates as the bill moves through the committee process.

In Washington:

Higher Education Act Reauthorization House Bill Introduced

On May 5, "The College Access and Opportunity Act of 2004" was introduced in the House. This "super bill" has a primary focus on student financial aid, investments in student access, moves ahead the effort to expand the definition for schools to allow for increased competition for federal funding, and includes requirements for providing consumer information for parents and families.

The next hearing will take place with the full House Committee on Education and the Workforce on Wednesday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m. CST.

Minnesota's Senators Demonstrate Support for Career and Technical Education

Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) and Sen. Mark Dayton (D-MN) have both signed on to Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) "Dear Colleague" letter that asks the top Senate Labor-Health and Human Services-Education appropriators to reject President Bush's proposed FY 2005 reduction in Carl Perkins Act funding.

Perkins Reauthorization Discussions Begin in the House with Friendly Hearings

Opening remarks identified career and technical education as a "key component" of the nation's education and workforce preparation system, and Perkins as a "very important piece of legislation." Favorable remarks followed regarding the progress of integrating academic and technical education, secondary-post secondary transitions and the development of an accountability system. Concern was raised that overstressing academics might leave some students behind who have a natural talent or interest for technical skills or trades. Panelists were asked to provide input on barriers and/or obstacles "No Child Left Behind" has placed before career and technical education. It was clear that there is positive bipartisan support for Perkins reauthorization. Statements and questions focused on highlighting what is working, expanding these successes and continuing "this important national investment." Bill markup probably will not begin until sometime next month.