Consequence concerns considered

published 7/28/2008

The three-year, 3.9 percent cap on local property tax levies came as a surprise to local units of government during the waning hours of the 2008 session, giving them no time for input to the legislation.

Coupled with some state-to-county program funding shifts, the levy cap is problematic, Keith Carlson, Minnesota Inter-County Association executive director, told a House committee that is studying legislative reform. He called this an example of need for better coordination between legislative tax and spending committees, and said because of the number of committees this biennium, there were unintended consequences of one committee undermining another's actions.

Reform of the House committee structure, floor procedures, end-of-session deadlines and better use of legislative time are under consideration by the House Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections Committee.

Also testifying was Mark Anfinson, attorney for the Minnesota Newspaper Association. He said the process, which depends upon public trust, could be improved through better committee notice requirements; agendas that avoid last minute additions; coordination between the House and Senate on hearings of major issues; and by helping citizens better understand the process.

Rep. Gene Pelowski Jr. (DFL- Winona), the committee chairman, said a comprehensive list of reform suggestions could be ready when the committee next meets, possibly in two weeks. He hopes that by the end of August, there can be consensus on a formalized reform package, which the House could consider when it convenes in January.

- Lee Ann Schutz