Legislative update - February 17, 2010

This past Monday, Governor Pawlenty unveiled his proposal to balance the state’s budget by cutting through the state’s $1.2 billion budget deficit.  His cuts include another $181 million to state agencies and another $347 million to DHS. (continued)

He made initial cuts to nearly 100 FTE’s and additional cuts of 3-6% operating budgets for FY 2011.  The Senate majority leader said the Senate will likely match the Governor’s cuts to Higher Education, State Government, and health care.  The February forecast will also come out on March 2nd.  

House leadership continues to solicit feedback from Minnesotans on waste that can be cut from state government.  I would urge you to provide any possible input on budget savings ideas you can.  You may call the comment line at (651-297-8391 or 800-551-5520) or go to the web site at http://www.house.mn/redesign/  The six strongest and most promising ideas will be rolled into redesign legislation called the “Citizen’s Redesign Bill” that will receive a hearing.

MAPE Contract Ratification Legislation:
H.F. 2758 authored by Rep. Lillie and S.F. 2386 authored Sen. Metzen will ratify the negotiated state labor agreements including the current MAPE collective bargaining agreement.  H.F. 2758 received will receive a hearing in the House State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology and Elections committee today. 

Early Retirement Incentive:
The bills (Senate File 1679 and House File 1893) providing public employees, including retirement systems employees, a retirement incentive of up to 36 months of health insurance if you retire before July 15th, 2011  was left needing a full vote of the House of Representatives at the time of adjournment last session.  Under this legislation, the state would continue to pay the employer’s share of the health and dental premium for the employee and the employee’s dependents up to the determined amount of time.  As a result, this bill will be required to go back to conference committee before being voted on by both legislative bodies.  Current legislation allows for this incentive at the employer’s discretion.  MAPE is working with the Administration to ensure passage of the legislation.

Minnesota Health Plan:
H.F.135, the comprehensive single-payer health plan bill for all Minnesotan’s will receive a hearing in the House Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight committee on February 23rd at 2:45 in the State Office Building room 200.  To contact members of the committee to urge the bill’s passage, please go to http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/committeemembers.asp?comm=86139.

Whistleblower Legislation:
S.F.271 prevents an employer from taking action against an employee who communicates information that is believed to be truthful and accurate, and that relates to state services, including the financing of state services to a legislator, legislative auditor, or a constitutional officer.  The bill passed out of the Senate Judiciary committee and received its second reading on the Senate floor.

Bonding Bill and State Jobs:
The Senate’s version of the state’s bonding bill passed on a 52-12 vote.  Monday, the House version passed with 92 votes. With both bodies proposing a significantly larger bonding bill than the Governor’s $685 million at $1 billion, legislators hope to kick-start economic development across the state, improve and increase higher education investments, and improve the state’s clean water infrastructure and transportation.  The bills will need to go to conference committee to sort out some of their differences before final passage and being sent to the Governor.
The bill is designed to take advantage of as many federal and other non-state matches as possible.  To view the full proposals from the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Governor’s office, go to http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/fiscal/files/bond10.pdf . 

State Primary Election:
S.F. 2251, which changes the state’s primary election to August 10, passed by a 65-0 vote.  A companion bill is now making its way through the House of Representatives.

MAPE Government Efficiencies:
Bills have been introduced in the House (H.F. 2690 – authored by Rep. Tony Sertich) and Senate (S.F. 2169 – authored by Sen. Dick Cohen) to make MAPE suggested cuts to state government.  The legislation requires agencies to reduce contracts on outside vendors by at least the same percentage amount as the agency’s unallotments, prevents agencies from increasing designated managerial positions during a time of deficit and prevents out of state travel not associated with the agencies statutory mission or state emergency preparedness or response.

In Solidarity,

Richard Kolodziejski
MAPE Legislative Affairs Director