A bill that would make it quicker and cheaper for the state and local governments to consolidate ownership of public lands is on its way to the House floor.
HF3280, sponsored by Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake), contains several measures designed to make it easier for the state to exchange lands with counties, cities, tribal and other local government units. He explained that the bill would allow governments to forgo “full-blown” land appraisals in favor of an abbreviated process. The House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill April 14 and sent it to the General Register.
“If you look at Minnesota, where there is a large amount of public land … it looks like your grandmother’s quilt,” Dill said.
Dill said the proposal, which was brought forward by the Department of Natural Resources, would allow for better land management practices — especially in regard to state forests — and save the state $66,000 annually. He described the bill as noncontroversial.
Committee Chairman Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand Rapids) noted that the $66,000 in projected savings is “already spent” by HF1812, the House’s omnibus supplemental budget bill.
A companion, SF2651, sponsored by Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids), awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee.
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Foregoing the usual partisan warfare, all sides declare victory in 2008 session
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At Issue: Crossing the partisan divide
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At Issue: Taming the ‘Wild West’
Members aspire to streamline the legislative process
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Stepping Down: Three more say goodbye
Heidgerken, A. Peterson and Ruth make late departure announcements
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Published 5/30/2008
Minnesota Index
Figures and statistics on the 2008 legislative session
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Published 5/30/2008
Stepping Down: Reassessing priorities
After years of public service, Berns steps down to focus on his family
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Published 5/16/2008
Resources: Tallying the votes
What you should know first about how your legislator votes
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Published 5/9/2008
At Issue: A little-used tool in the toolbox
Governor can use unallotment to balance state’s budget if legislators do not
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Published 5/2/2008
Stepping Down: Seizing an unexpected opportunity
Paulsen leaving state House to run for the U.S. House
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Published 5/2/2008
Feature: Leap of faith
Legislators find political refuge in fellowship
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Stepping Down: Back to Bemidji
Moe takes a break from politics to focus on life at home
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Published 4/25/2008
At Issue: ‘Garbage’ or good legislation?
Omnibus bill can be one legislator’s junk, another’s treasure
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Published 4/11/2008
Stepping Down: Looking for better balance
After 12 years, Tingelstad to focus on family
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Published 4/4/2008
Stepping Down: Do right by the people
DeLaForest thankful for the ‘awesome responsibility’ of serving
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: Focus on family time
Finstad leaving to concentrate on his children
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: New house means leaving the House
Personal move leads to a professional change for Kranz
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: In the middle, a man apart
After 24 years in the House, Ozment prepares to step down
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: Rejuvenation for Walker
First black woman to serve in the House hopes for renewal time
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Published 3/28/2008
Minnesota Index
Session 2008 figures and statistics.
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Published 2/15/2008