tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2009:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70 2008-05-30T20:31:15Z League notes from the desk of Minnesota Fantasy Legislature commissioner Michael Marchio. Movable Type 4.21-en tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18085 2008-05-20T21:30:51Z 2008-05-30T20:31:15Z

The 85th Legislative session now belongs to the ages, and I think we can say it was a good one. The governor got a property tax cap, we'll have the first new state park in 30 years put on Lake...

Michael Marchio good one. The governor got a property tax cap, we'll have the first new state park in 30 years put on Lake Vermilion if all goes according to plan, and the first steps in health care reform were pushed through. The Central Corridor is on track, and there's more transportation funding on the way. Everyone compromised, and everyone pretty much got some of what they wanted. This is the way things are supposed to work in civics books, and a productive session like this was a good present for lawmakers to give the state on its 150th birthday. On Sunday, the last day of the session, the Capitol was filled with people from all over the state who came to celebrate the Sesquicentennial and watch the fireworks burst over the marble dome later that night. It's an inspiring thing, in a way, that in a democracy the bosses - the people - wear sweatshirts and jeans and their employees - the lawmakers - wear suits. Session came to a close right before midnight, but not before Rep. Mark Olson (IR-Sherburne) gave a windy speech on Real ID. Hey, it just wouldn't be right for the session to end any other way. After, retiring lawmakers in the House gave their parting speeches, and the mood changed to something akin to a high school graduation, relieved that it's over, but a little melancholic that this was the last time they would all be together in one room. Party divisions disappeared and lawmakers spoke to each other not as members of the majority or minority, but as colleagues, something you might wish they'd do more during the session. Rep. Chris DeLaForest (R-Andover) and Rep. Neva Walker (DFL-Minneapolis) gave especially good ones, and I'd encourage you to watch them all here. The speeches begin at 1 hour and 20 minutes in. They, along with Reps. Brad Finstad (R-Comfrey) John Berns (R-Wayzata) Scott Kranz (DFL-Blaine) Frank Moe (DFL-Bemidji) Aaron Peterson (DFL-Appleton) Connie Ruth (R-Owatonna) Kathy Tingelstad (R-Andover) Erik Paulsen (R-Eden Prairie) and Bud Heidgerken (R-Freeport) won't be coming back for another session. But the best was from Rep. Dennis Ozment (R-Rosemount), a 24-year veteran at the Legislature respected across the aisle. I've taken a bit of the audio from his speech, and you can listen to it here. His are wise words for lawmakers, and if they're heeded, might produce fewer sessions that die in partisan acrimony as the clock runs out. There's a phrase they use around the Capitol, the "end-of-session depression." It's kind of strange, when you think about it. Lawmakers and staff go through a truly remarkable amount of stress during a session, beginning their day earlier than most people and working late into the night, sometimes until 3 or 4 a.m. for little pay and less public appreciation, and many are far away from their families for weeks at a time. To be sad to see that end might seem odd, but I think I know what they're talking about. There is something about the workings of government, smoothly churning or sometimes - okay, a lot of times - just clanking along, that becomes reassuring and even fun. The call of the roll, the suspense of a narrow vote, the heated banter - these things become welcome additions to our lives for a few months, and I for one can't wait for them to begin again next January. We certainly had a lot to follow, with 1,703 House bills and 1,531 Senate bills introduced this session alone, and a record total of 4,256 in the House and 3,889 in the Senate for the biennium. I want to thank everyone who commented on the blog and participated in the MFL. You folks are the reason we brought the MFL back for a second year and will be the reason if we bring it back next year. It's been an honor to serve as your commissioner during the session. ]]> tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18054 2008-05-19T20:41:36Z 2008-05-19T21:21:19Z

Here's an exclusive first look at the 2010 gubernatorial race: No, actually that sign is a joke that Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul) put together for her colleague in the House, Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia). Your Commish is hard at...

Michael Marchio No, actually that sign is a joke that Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul) put together for her colleague in the House, Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia). Your Commish is hard at work entering bills your lawmakers passed and the governor signed over this last weekend. I'll have a session recap and some parting thoughts for you tomorrow, so do check back. ]]> tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18033 2008-05-19T04:43:06Z 2008-05-19T04:50:12Z

Congratulations, lawmakers, the 85th Legislative session is over. Retiring lawmakers in the House are giving speeches, and I'd encourage you to watch....

Michael Marchio House are giving speeches, and I'd encourage you to watch. ]]> tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18031 2008-05-19T03:51:32Z 2008-05-19T04:08:45Z

Sen. Murphy just did his impression of how Sen. Pogemiller walks (think a guy hurling himself forward holding invisible briefcases), Sen. Metzen threatened to send the sergeants after him, and then did his impression of House Chief Clerk Albin Mathiowetz...

Michael Marchio Sen. Murphy just did his impression of how Sen. Pogemiller walks (think a guy hurling himself forward holding invisible briefcases), Sen. Metzen threatened to send the sergeants after him, and then did his impression of House Chief Clerk Albin Mathiowetz for everyone. Over in the House, Rep. Paul Kohls asked whether the Speaker had any duct tape so they can get members to pipe down and end this session on time. And guess what? She did! tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18030 2008-05-19T03:18:07Z 2008-05-19T03:51:19Z

It sounds like the Senate is about ready to call it a session after all. Sen. Pogemiller and Sen. Clark just thanked staff, committee chairs, the minority lawmakers everyone involved in the process for their work this year, and Sen....

Michael Marchio It sounds like the Senate is about ready to call it a session after all. Sen. Pogemiller and Sen. Clark just thanked staff, committee chairs, the minority lawmakers everyone involved in the process for their work this year, and Sen. Senjem is handing out some thank-you's of his own. It wouldn't be right for the House to finish before the Senate, and it doesn't look like they will. They're still discussing the omnibus fish and game bill, but look like they're close to a vote. tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18028 2008-05-19T02:46:50Z 2008-05-19T03:15:26Z

Sen. Tarryl Clark's HF3796, the constitutional amendment to have a citizen's council set lawmaker pay, is being intoduced on the Senate floor. The mood in the Capitol suggested that lawmakers were about to call it a session, but maybe not....

Michael Marchio HF3796, the constitutional amendment to have a citizen's council set lawmaker pay, is being intoduced on the Senate floor. The mood in the Capitol suggested that lawmakers were about to call it a session, but maybe not. Here's the wording of the question: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to remove legislators' ability to set their own salaries and per diem, and instead establish a citizens-only council to prescribe salaries and per diem for legislators?" Sen. Geoff Michel says that they spent nine years on the constitutional amendment for ourdoor heritage funding, and doesn't think its okay they're going to spend a half an hour on this one. He says if they want a pay raise, then they should vote for one. To clarify, no one knows whether the citizen's council would raise or lower lawmaker pay. Sen. Dennis Fredrickson (R-New Ulm) says there's an inherent conflict of interest when lawmakers have to set their own pay, and he supports putting this amendment on the ballot. Here's who would be on it: One person from each congressional district appointed by the Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and one from each district appointed by the governor. Half appointed by each must be registered members of whatever party has the most members in the Legislature, and the other half, the party with the second most members, so half must be DFLer and half Republicans. No love for the Greens or Independence Party. It was just tabled, and the Senate is now taking up SF2651, the omnibus fish and game bill. UPDATE: It passed unanimously. ]]> tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18027 2008-05-19T01:42:55Z 2008-05-19T02:46:34Z

Some Iron Rangers are expressing their anger about the Lake Vermilion State Park, arguing that in an area as economically distressed as theirs, taking more land of the tax rolls won't help. "The problem is now we have no place...

Michael Marchio Some Iron Rangers are expressing their anger about the Lake Vermilion State Park, arguing that in an area as economically distressed as theirs, taking more land of the tax rolls won't help. "The problem is now we have no place to work, all we can do is paddle," said Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake). Rep. Tom Rukavina said that he's sick of hearing about the "pristine forests", and that the governor didn't seem to care that much about the Range when he vetoed their other bonding projects, like new science classrooms at Mesabi Range Community and Technical College. He was interrupted by loud bangs over the top of the Capitol, and Speaker Kelliher told him she thought he was causing fireworks. If anyone could do it, it would be Rep. Rukavina. "Send these people a message, God," he yelled. Damn the fireworks, full speed ahead. The best speech, though, probably belongs to Minority Leader Seifert. He said he didn't feel good about the bill, about how it was crafted behind closed doors, over the objections of the lawmakers and the constituents most directly affected. He said he knows they need 81 votes to pass this, and that the governor wants the park, but that members should be able to vote their conscience. Rep. Seifert has been known to throw a cherry bomb or two of his own on the floor, as any leader must, but in the Commish's opinion, Rep. Seifert sounded downright statesmanlike tonight, and his appeal to lawmakers, while less fiery than Rep. Rukavina's, was even more effective. I'll link to his speech tomorrow. The bill passed, 107 to 26, and the House has gone to recess until around 9:45. The Senate's debating the omnibus tax bill, and I'll update you when we get a vote on that. UPDATE: The tax bill has been passed 56-11. tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18026 2008-05-19T00:54:38Z 2008-05-19T01:43:05Z

Those were the words of Speaker Kelliher as the vote came in on HF3149, the omnibus tax bill. Whenever there's a last minute vote change, the Speaker announces it, and when she announced that one, applause broke out. When Rep....

Michael Marchio Those were the words of Speaker Kelliher as the vote came in on HF3149, the omnibus tax bill. Whenever there's a last minute vote change, the Speaker announces it, and when she announced that one, applause broke out. When Rep. Mark Buesgens votes with the majority for a bill, you know you've reached a healthy compromise. Minority Leader Seifert also rose to say he supported the bill. The vote for that bill went 129 to 3. Very kumbaya, over in the House. There House is sounding notes like they're about ready to close this thing down. Majority Leader Sertich is thanking the staff. "It takes a lot of people to make us look good[...]they're here before we get here and have to clean up when we're done," he said. tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18023 2008-05-19T00:20:33Z 2008-05-19T00:46:37Z

The Senate just passed two of the big three bills, with the bonding and budget bills sailing through easily. Every DFLer voted for the bonding bill, even Range lawmakers skeptical of the Vermilion project, along with Sens. Steve Dill, Dennis...

Michael Marchio The Senate just passed two of the big three bills, with the bonding and budget bills sailing through easily. Every DFLer voted for the bonding bill, even Range lawmakers skeptical of the Vermilion project, along with Sens. Steve Dill, Dennis Frederickson, Michelle Fischbach, Joe Gimse, Geoff Michel, and Julie Rosen for a total of 50-17. The budget bill had more mixed dissent, with protest votes coming from Sen. John Marty and Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes on the DFL side, probably because of cuts to human services in the bill. That one passed easily too, though, 56-11. They've recessed to go participate in an event for the state's birthday party, taking place on the Capitol mall, but when they get back, they'll have to take up the last big one, the tax bill. The House has just come back from recess and they're working on that right now. For once, House lawmakers are keeping their comments short, sweet and on point, and the Senate's the one with all the soliloquies. We still have nearly 5 hours left before mandatory ajournment, so don't worry, I'm sure we'll get some from the House too. tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18021 2008-05-18T21:32:36Z 2008-05-18T22:15:43Z

Here's an interesting little factoid. Bonding bills need 60 percent of the vote in each chamber to pass. This usually isn't a problem at all, because pretty much every member has a project included in the overall bill. Everyone votes...

Michael Marchio HF615, Rep. Neva Walker's sex ed bill after Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove), never one to be shy with amendments, offered this one: "Section 1. [120B.21] TEACHING OF HOMOSEXUALITY OR BISEXUALITY. A school district must not authorize or permit the promotion of homosexuality or bisexuality or allow the teaching of homosexuality or bisexuality as an acceptable lifestyle. This promotion or teaching is prohibited." They've recessed for right now, we'll see it they take it back up this afternoon after they get some of the big bills out of the way. Over in the House, HF1812, the budget balancer just passed 115 ayes to 19 nays, and Rep. Sertich said they're going to recess for an hour until the bonding bill, tax bill and fish and game bill are ready for votes. UPDATE: The Senate and House have both decided to recess for an hour.]]> tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18018 2008-05-18T19:42:36Z 2008-05-18T20:48:53Z

That light at the end of the tunnel isn't an oncoming train, but this budget's going to have money for one on University Avenue. A breakthrough has been reached, and we'll have more details soon. What we know is that...

Michael Marchio details soon. What we know is that it will include money for the Central Corridor line, a new nursing facility at the Minneapolis Veterans Home, a new state park on Lake Vermilion, a 3.9 percent cap on property taxes, a Mall of America tax deal and a health care reform bill that was approved in the wee morning hours today. Both the Mall deal and the health care reform were whittled down to make them acceptable to all parties. The House has begun taking up some conference committee reports, and so far we've seen: HF2748, a bill to establish a rural health co-operative, SF3363, Sen. Cohen and Rep. Solberg's bill to provide more information to the Legislature on budget forecasts, and HF3376, Rep. Neva Walker's Minnesota Family Investment Program that includes a child care advisory task force. So the real question at this point is how talkative your lawmakers will be on the floor today. Now that the fabled "universal deal" has been reached, will the leadership use some gentle force to quiet the more verbose members? We know that the tax bill and budget balancer are going to get votes, but those constitutional amendments and others are still waiting for final approval. How many of them will make the midnight deadline? Watch the House or Senate online. ]]> tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18012 2008-05-18T06:54:52Z 2008-05-18T07:45:03Z

Well, it's just past 2:00 a.m. but the Senate and House are about to take up Sen. Linda Berglin and Rep. Tom Huntley's heath care reform bill, SF3099. A deal was reached on it hours ago, but other budget negotiations...

Michael Marchio Well, it's just past 2:00 a.m. but the Senate and House are about to take up Sen. Linda Berglin and Rep. Tom Huntley's heath care reform bill, SF3099. A deal was reached on it hours ago, but other budget negotiations meant it had to wait until all that was squared away to get a vote. The scene inside the Capitol right now is a strange one. The only souls left in the building are staff, lobbyists and the press, and I've seen lawmakers sprawled out on benches trying to get some rest. Most of them are playing the same waiting game as all the rest of us are, with leadership calling them to caucus, giving periodic updates on budget negotiations. Many have that slightly bleary look in their eyes that only 16 straight hours rotating in and out of chamber can do, but they're still surprisingly alert. This is the first time the Commish has been present in the waning hours of a session, but it seems to me that time could have been used more constructively. The House and Senate began session around 10 this morning, and were in until about 11:30. They took time out to go to the state's sesquicentennial events around lunch, and came back for, all told, about a combined 4 hours of debate broken up through the afternoon and night. Some of the bills awaiting action have nothing to do with the budget deal, and I don't see why lawmakers couldn't have processed some of them while House and Senate leaders worked out budget kinks with the governor. Perhaps the governor is looking for promises on which ones will or will not get a floor vote in those last hours of session Sunday. The Senate just passed the health care reform bill by a vote of 62-5. Lawmakers are tripping over some routine parliamentary stuff, probably an indication that these hours are best avoided in crafting legislation smoothly. Minority Leader Seifert just walked past the conference room between the House gallery and the room where Republicans caucus, and said "Everyone looks chipper." We don't, but it's nice of him to say. tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18010 2008-05-18T03:47:06Z 2008-05-18T04:57:52Z

SF2492 would create a Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. This group would decide where some of the money for the dedicated natural resources funding would go if the Constitutional amendment is adopted in November. It passed, easily. Speaking of Constitutional...

Michael Marchio SF2492 would create a Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. This group would decide where some of the money for the dedicated natural resources funding would go if the Constitutional amendment is adopted in November. It passed, easily. Speaking of Constitutional amendments, Rep. Lyndon Carlson's one which would allow leadership and majority of members on the Rules Committee in each chamber to call special sessions without the governor's approval has just been brought up on the floor. A big stack of amendments are starting to pile up for this one. I don't think the Republicans like it very much. Rep. Carlson rose on a point of personal priviledge to point out that 268 amendments have been prepared for HF1812, the omnibus budget balancer. He said if they spend 10 minutes on each one (that's much quicker than they usually process amendments) it would mean 2,680 minutes, or 44 hours of debate on that bill alone. That's a long time to debate one bill. Minority Leader Seifert pointed out that the Legislature didn't even meet on Wednesday, that they spent time talking about letting dogs into cafes, gorilla cages and all manner of other things during the session, and that if the Legislature is going to do something as serious as change the constitution, it deserves some debate. They're recessing and Rep. Seifert says that it could be 3:00(!) a.m. before the Health Care reform bill is finished getting drafted. Earlier tonight, I stopped by the food cart on the second floor in the Capitol. I noticed a sign on the cash register that said "ibuprofen is available," and told the cashier that's a smart thing to be selling on a night like this. He said something to the effect of "Selling? We're giving those things away." Lawmakers and MFL Commissioners will no doubt be grateful.]]> tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18008 2008-05-18T03:06:57Z 2008-05-18T03:33:01Z

Looks like your Commish was wrong about that time, but the good news is that the House is about to begin any minute now. Did you know that Sen. Satveer Chaudhary has a TV show? One where he goes fishing...

Michael Marchio here. Everybody knows Sen. Chaudhary is an avid outdoorsman in addition to being chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, but the Star Tribune has a story on whether Sen. Chaudhary has ventured into the ethical wilderness because of his relationship with snowmobile manufacturer Arctic Cat. He apparently got a deal from the company on a snowmobile he used on his show, and offered a failed amendment to get the DNR to buy snowmobiles exclusively from Minnesota companies, of which Arctic Cat is one. UPDATE: The House is back, everybody. Watch here. ]]> tag:minnesota.publicradio.org,2008:/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature//70.18007 2008-05-18T01:28:05Z 2008-05-18T04:06:52Z

The House and Senate have been in recess since around 4:00, but, if you can believe it, the budget negotiations looks like they're entering their last stages. Health care reform has been agreed on, and it sounds like the length...

Michael Marchio The House and Senate have been in recess since around 4:00, but, if you can believe it, the budget negotiations looks like they're entering their last stages. Health care reform has been agreed on, and it sounds like the length of the 3.9 percent property tax cap is the main issue now. The Senate is looking for a one-year deal, the governor three years, according to reports, and the governor is also looking to get an income tax exemption for military pensions. Some other big questions we'll hopefully get answered in the next hours: -Will the Mall of America tax deal make be included in the tax bill? -What, if we get one, will be included on the new bonding bill? Central Corridor? Lake Vermilion State Park? a new veteran's home? All three? -Will we get a chance to weigh in on Constitutional amendments this November? There are two potential amendments. One allows legislative leadership to call a special session, and the other that would set up a council to determine lawmaker pay. If I hadto make a wager, I'd guess that lawmaker salaries would be more likely to get taken up, but both chambers are going to be pressed for time, and I don't know if these will be that high a priority with all the other issues. -Will lawmakers attempt to override the governor's veto on the K-12 school financing bill? There are probably a lot of anxious lawmakers who want to brag about that one -Whatever happened to the medical marijuana bill? Did somebody get the munchies and forget where they left it? Lawmakers are on the clock, and bills can only be passed today and Sunday, though they can meet on Monday to discuss Twins scores or whatever, just nothing that can be counted. There's a rule that lawmakers can't meet past midnight, but if the chambers approve, it can be suspended, so that's a near certainty tonight. The same legislative day can be extended until 6:59 a.m. and at 7:00 the next day begins. Back in the day, lawmakers used to throw a blanket over the clock and keep session going, because, hey, who knows what time it is with the clock covered. The Commish has also heard exclusive word about a potential gubernatorial ticket for 2010. Keep checking back through the night, managers. We're in the home stretch.