SESSION WEEKLY A NON-PARTISAN PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JANUARY 27, 1995 VOLUME 12, NUMBER 4 WEEK IN REVIEW. . . JAN. 19 - 26, 1995 HIGHLIGHTS 1996-97 budget proposal . . . Carlson puts brakes on state taxing and spending True to his pledge, Gov. Arne Carlson's proposed no new state taxes -- and even some small tax breaks and the elimination of some fees -- in his proposed budget for the the next two-year spending cycle. "We want Minnesota out of the top 10 states in taxes," Carlson told reporters, legislators, and onlookers crowded into the governor's reception room Jan. 24. He said that "all parties agree that we're not going to raise taxes in 1996 and 1997." All told, the governor has proposed just under $18 billion in state spending for the next biennium. That's 6.5 percent more than the state spent in 1994-95, and what Carlson claims is "one of the lowest rates of growth in the past two decades." Carlson said this restrained growth of government spending is the "healthiest step that this state can take." (See related stories, page 4.) A majority of the increased funds would be earmarked for K-12 education, criminal justice, and health and human services. Funding for criminal justice -- more prison beds, hiring additional parole and probation officers, and public defenders -- would increase to $836 million, up $169 million from last biennium. While spending on the corrections and courts system is still a relatively small piece of the state budget as a whole -- about 4.6 percent under Carlson's plan -- it is one of the fastest growing areas of state spending. Carlson's proposal would be a 25 percent increase in spending, the largest percentage increase in any area of the budget. Total K-12 spending would be $5.6 billion in 1996-97, a $400 million, or 8 percent, increase over the previous biennium. This funding is tied to a recommendation that school districts have greater flexibility in how they use state aid. For example, Carlson would repeal the mandate that certain funds be set aside for staff development, so a district could use these funds for textbooks or other needs. Some education officials have charged that the governor's numbers are inflated, and that the actual increase is somewhere between 1 and 3 percent for the coming biennium. Health and human services, which includes big ticket items such as Medical Assistance, would receive $5.1 billion in 1996-97 -- a 20 percent increase over the previous two-year appropriation. Programs in this area of spending account for one of every four of the state's budget dollars The main innovation in the budget involves reconfiguring the delivery of local government aid. Efficiency in local government spending would be encouraged, Carlson says, by giving state aid and agricultural credits to local governments in the form of block grants to the 87 Minnesota counties -- instead of to 3,700 government units. These county Aid Distribution Councils, as they would be known, would be composed of representatives from all governmental units located within the county. Carlson said that this new arrangement will force cities, counties, and school districts to create a process for determining their needs and resources, and to "consolidate financial services. . . . The truth is we have way too much government." Proposed aid to local governments is actually $77 million less than was forecast last November to be distributed in the coming biennium by the Department of Finance. Since local governments have set their budgets by those numbers, some critics say that services will be cut to make up the difference. Spending on state government itself -- 3 percent of the total budget -- would be cut by 0.1 percent over the next two years. Carlson also proposed replacing the Department of Education with a Department of Children and Education Services. Children's programs now handled by four different agencies would be consolidated in the new department. The new department would eventually administer block grants to fund a variety of grassroots programs helping children and parents. Youth apprenticeship programs, touted in the State of the State Address as essential to prepare students for the emerging economy, would receive $5 million in the Carlson budget. Carlson expected that his budget would generate controversy because spending isn't going up enough in certain areas. "We won't spend enough," he conceded. "No budget ever has and this one is no different." The budget proposal does not advocate any "great changes in the way state government operates," said House Speaker Irv Anderson (DFL-Int'l Falls). He said that Carlson has failed to capitalize on "somewhat of a mandate from the people" in the recent election. "Instead of doing the same old thing, such as allowing the bureaucrats to make these important decisions, he ought to come in with innovative ideas," Anderson suggested. Portions of the budget recommendations will be heard in House committees in the coming weeks. -- Mordecai Specktor Swimming with the sharks Gov. Arne Carlson's proposal to trim state aid to local governments -- and to drastically alter the way it is delivered -- raised questions and eyebrows in the House Ways and Means Committee Jan. 25. The governor's $18 billion proposed budget would cut state aid to cities, counties, and towns by $77 million. Cuts in services would be expected because municipal budgets already have been set for the year and it is too late to raise local property taxes to recoup the governor's cuts. A total of $57 million would be trimmed this year, with the remaining $20 million subtracted next year. Commissioner of Finance Laura King told the committee that the reduction in state aid is small. "At seven-tenths of 1 percent, it shouldn't be an insurmountable reduction." Critics argue that a cut in state aid to local governments only increases the likelihood that local property taxes will increase to make up the difference. While the money issue has raised concerns, another of the governor's proposals for local governments has received even more attention. Carlson has recommended that local government aid no longer travel from St. Paul directly to each local government. Instead, each county would receive a block of money for all the local governments within its boundaries. New county boards, called the Aid Distribution Councils, would divide the money. The councils would be made up of county representatives and representatives from the cities, towns, and school districts within each county. "I'm not sure I heard the people of the state calling out for another layer of government," said Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls). The new boards would create competition among the local governments for money, not cooperation, she said. Kahn asked that people go to the shark tank at the Minnesota Zoo and "look what happens when you throw raw food into the shark tank." Majority Leader Phil Carruthers (DFL-Brooklyn Center) said that for some counties, the council would be unworkable. Hennepin County, for instance, has more than 100 taxing jurisdictions. "I look forward to seeing that meeting," Carruthers said. Minority Leader Steve Sviggum (IR-Kenyon) said the governor's proposals give local governments flexibility on how to spend state dollars. Besides, he said, he doesn't think the public really cares if the dollars are going to the county as long as the money is spent efficiently. Both DFL and IR lawmakers complained about the formula used to calculate how much state money goes to local governments. The governor's budget doesn't change the formula, but critics argued it should change to allocate money based on need. Rep. Dave Bishop (IR-Rochester) said the Legislature "does not have the political guts" to change the formula regardless of which political party is in power. Offices and prisons The purchase of a hospital near the State Capitol for state agency use, the construction of a new potato inspection facility in East Grand Forks, and the expansion of 24 juvenile beds at a state correctional facility in Sauk Centre are all included in the governor's budget proposal. The Legislature usually doesn't put together a state bonding bill for construction projects until the second year of Minnesota's two-year budgeting cycle. But Gov. Arne Carlson has found six projects he recommends state bonds be sold for this year. The projects total about $20.6 million for fiscal year 1995. "The six projects recommended in our capital budget are for emergencies and one-time market opportunities which cannot be delayed until the start of the 1996 legislative session," Carlson wrote in a letter explaining the projects. The projects include: -- $1.5 million to acquire HealthEast Bethesda Lutheran Hospital in St. Paul. The hospital, a neighbor to the State Capitol, is relocating its operations and has approached the state about buying the buildings on its 8.1 acres. Bonds would be sold to obtain an option to buy and convert the property for state use. -- $225,000 to build a new potato inspection plant in East Grand Forks. The new plant would replace and consolidate two facilities that currently exist in Crookston and East Grand Forks. -- $421,000 to renovate Alcott cottage at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Sauk Centre to house 24 juvenile males. -- $228,000 to demolish a nurses dormitory at the Moose Lake Regional Treatment Center. The 1993 Legislature enacted legislation to close the treatment facility and turn it over to the Department of Corrections to develop a 620-bed medium security correctional facility. The purpose of the demolition request now is to take advantage of federal dollars also available to help with the demolition. -- $9.2 million to match federal dollars and develop a Drinking Water Revolving Fund through the Department of Trade and Economic Development Public Facilities Authority. The new fund would be used to help upgrade public water systems in the state. The Department of Health estimates that, depending on the federal Environmental Protection Agency standards, 25 percent of the state's 1,688 public water systems will need repairs. -- $9 million to purchase the Water's Edge building in Roseville to house the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Metro Division Headquarters. The building on County Road B-2 would house about 689 employees. The Metro Division has leased portions of the building since 1993 and with the purchase would have access to all of it. The governor's bonding proposals now will be reviewed by the House and its Capital Investment Committee. AGRICULTURE Encouraging good land use A new pilot program that would give farmers in Houston County a hefty tax break for using good soil conservation practices was approved Jan. 23 by the House Agriculture Committee. The bill (HF91), sponsored by Rep. Virgil Johnson (IR-Caledonia), would reduce eligible farmers' tax liability by giving them a 1.5 percent reduction in the estimated market value of their tillable land. For an average Houston County farm (280 acres, about 90 of which are tillable), the average property tax break would amount to about $600 per year -- about a third of a farmer's total property tax bill, Johnson explained after the committee hearing. "The purpose of the program is to lessen soil erosion and to reduce non-point source pollution," Johnson told committee members. "Rather than mandate some of these things, I like to use the carrot approach." In Wisconsin's nearby Pepin County, cropland protected from excessive erosion increased from 49 percent to 86 percent under a similar program, said Johnson. In addition, the annual soil loss from erosion was reduced by 72 percent. Cropland can be protected by leaving crop residue in the field over the winter -- rather than plowing it up -- so less soil is carried off by wind and rain. Soil erosion is of particular concern in southeastern Minnesota because of the hilly terrain and because the Root and Mississippi rivers are nearby. To be eligible for the program, a farmer would have to meet new standards set by the Houston County Soil and Water Conservation District. The new standards are to be set by Sept. 1, 1995. Although the exact cost of the program in terms of tax dollars lost is not known, Johnson said it may be in the neighborhood of $50,000 per year. That led Rep. Marv Dauner (DFL-Hawley) to question whether there is enough state money to make up for the loss -- particularly after other counties clamor to join the project. And Rep. LeRoy Koppendrayer (IR-Princeton) questioned whether the tax break may be a bit too generous. The measure (HF91) now moves to the House Taxes Committee for further review. EDUCATION Free breakfast Students who eat their Wheaties with some juice and toast will be healthier and perform better in school, according to research on the effects of nutrition on learning. "School Meals Programs," a new report issued by a Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) advisory group, has recommended providing breakfast at no charge to all K-12 students -- in both public and private schools. Such a program would cost more than $61 million in additional state funds each year. The 1994 Legislature created the Universal Breakfast Pilot Program, which serves free breakfast to all students in four selected elementary schools. The program was lauded by students, teachers, and school administrators who testified before the K-12 Education Finance Division of the House Education Committee Jan. 20. Hans Christian Andersen Open School in Minneapolis participates in the universal breakfast program. Previously, free and reduced-price breakfasts were offered only to students from low- income families. Giving breakfast to every student prevents any welfare stigma that may occur. "Since all of us eat, nobody gets teased," said Shannon Davis, a fourth grader at Andersen. She said that the breakfast is good and her hungry classmates eat everything on their plates. Vern Stevens, principal of Dawson-Boyd Elementary School in Lac Qui Parle County, said that his 400 K-6 students participate in the pilot program. Before the free breakfast program, "we were noticing that throughout the morning, the school nurse was giving snacks to children who hadn't eaten breakfast," said Stevens. The breakfast at Dawson-Boyd takes just a little more time than the morning milk break. Stevens told committee members that students can carry breakfast trays back to their classrooms and participate in various activities while they eat. Recognizing state budget constraints, MDE advisory group member Jevne Kloeber, executive director of the Minnesota Early Childhood Care and Education Council, said that a universal breakfast program for just elementary schools would cost about $34 million per year in state funds. Doris Derelian, president of the American Dietetic Association, said adults have the ability to compensate for transitory hunger, but "kids just check out" -- put their heads down on their desks. Also, children who don't eat breakfast have more respiratory illness, according to Derelian. "On a given day across the United States, 28 to 33 percent of children in school haven't had an adequate meal to get them through the first hour of the day," said Derelian. "Health-related issues end up costing us in the long run. Children who don't learn cost us." More local control Gov. Arne Carlson's budget proposal released Jan. 24 calls for an 8 percent increase in K-12 education funding in the next two-year spending cycle and what he called "increased flexibility" so school districts can make more decisions on the local level. But some legislators argue that that small increase won't even keep pace with inflation. The governor's budget calls for a total of $5.6 billion in K-12 spending over the next two years -- up from $5.2 billion in the 1994-95 biennium. The proposal calls for an increase in funding from the current $3,150 per pupil to $3,220 next school year and $3,240 the following year. If the increase is measured by the per pupil allocation, it amounts to a 1 percent increase per year, Department of Education Commissioner Linda Powell explained to House Education Committee members Jan. 25. But those numbers don't take into account inflation, which the Department of Finance expects to increase by 3 percent each year, said Rep. Alice Johnson (DFL-Spring Lake Park). The governor's proposal also calls for the elimination of some state mandates that he argues narrowly limit how districts spend state appropriations. Instead, school districts would be given more leeway in using discretionary funds and also would be able to more easily transfer funds from one account to another. He wants to eliminate the penalty that is imposed on districts that maintain excessive fund balances, which he said will allow districts' greater discretion in how they spend their money. In addition, he advocated repealing a recent law that required class sizes in the lower grades to be smaller. In its place, districts would be able to spend $60 per pupil how they saw fit, including reducing class sizes, increasing parental involvement in schools, and providing teacher training. Also, school districts that prove they plan to implement the graduation rule may receive an additional $7 per pupil for the second year of the biennium, Powell said. The rule sets out certain standards students must meet before they are allowed to graduate. To contain education budget costs, Carlson said teachers should not have the right to strike if they refuse to negotiate with a school board that has agreed to arbitration. (Teachers would still retain the right to strike under other circumstances, however.) Legislators mainly questioned Powell on details of the governor's recommendations at the Jan. 25 meeting. The K-12 Education Finance Division will continue to review the budget. Grad rule update Minnesota's seventh graders probably don't dwell much on their eventual role as education pioneers. Those students, the graduating class of 2000, will be the first to face Minnesota's graduation rule when they enter ninth grade during the 1996-97 school year. They must meet the state-defined basic requirements in reading and mathematics before graduation, said Iris McGinnis, director of assessment with the state Department of Education. She gave House Education Committee members an update on the graduation rule at a Jan. 24 meeting. In 1993, the Legislature gave the Department of Education $10 million to develop standards that students across the state would be required to meet in order to graduate from high school. The law also said the standards could be put in place for students entering high school during the 1996-97 school year. The Department of Education is on target to begin implementation of the new standards, McGinnis said. They cover seven subject areas and will be phased in over a number of years. Students who enter high school during the 1996- 97 school year must achieve the basic requirements in reading and math before they can graduate, McGinnis said. Those who begin high school the next year must achieve those basic requirements, plus those for writing and science before graduation. And students who begin ninth grade in September 1998 must meet all seven basic requirements: reading, math, writing, science, geography, government, and physical health and safety. During that year, the schools also begin the second part of the graduation rule, called the 'profile of learning.' These are sub-parts to each of the seven basic requirements, designed to develop and enhance skills that complement the seven core skills. Currently, there are currently 14 Minnesota school districts testing the graduation rule. A cost study on the implementation of the graduation rule will be done by a Denver, Colo., consulting firm. Funds for the study will come from the 1993 appropriation to the Department of Education. Three representatives of Minnesota's higher education admissions departments also spoke to committee members about how the graduation rule will affect their admissions process. Cyndy Crist, associate vice chancellor of academic affairs for the State University System, said since 1989 the system has been redefining the classes that high school students must take before they can enroll in a state university. "We couldn't wait for the graduation rule to be done before we started defining. But we try to make sure we're flexible to make adjustments to [be in] sync with the rule," she said. ENVIRONMENT New car testing break Auto emission tests in the Twin Cities metropolitan area would be eliminated for cars less than six years old, under a bill proposed by Rep. Alice Johnson (DFL-Spring Lake Park). Johnson says exempting newer vehicles from the testing program, which is designed to improve air quality, wouldn't significantly affect the environment. Her bill, (HF2) was heard -- but not acted upon -- by the Government Efficiency and Oversight Division of the House Ways and Means Committee Jan. 20. A similar measure nearly became law last session, but was removed from the environmental finance bill during conference committee negotiations. Johnson said her bill is supported by some hard facts. Over a six-month period in 1994, the private firm contracted to measure vehicle emissions tested 5,634 1994 model cars. One failed, Johnson said. A 1994 University of Minnesota study further supports her position, she said. Huel Scherrer, who co-authored the study, told legislators the improvement in air quality in the metropolitan area is due to the growing number of newer cars on the streets. Newer cars emit less carbon monoxide and other hazardous emissions. After learning of the study, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, (MPCA) which oversees the testing program, spent almost $5,000 on a consultant to analyze the study. Also last year, Envirotest Inc. of Phoenix, Ariz., the private firm which administers the tests, spent $120,000 on radio, television, and newspaper advertisements touting the emission program's effect in cleaning up metropolitan air. Rep. Howard Orenstein (DFL-St. Paul), who chairs the oversight committee, called the advertisements "science by soundbite." He also said the MPCA sought to debunk parts of the University of Minnesota study. "Instead of a state agency giving balanced information, the wagons were circled and state money spent to inform the public of something that may not be accurate," Orenstein said. "We spent public money because we wanted to get the benefits of the program to the people," countered Peder Larson, assistant MPCA commissioner. Seven-county metropolitan area automobile owners spend $8 to get their vehicles tested, which they must do before they can renew annual tabs for their license plates, in accordance with a 1988 state law. The law, which took effect in mid-1991, was enacted as a way to get the Twin Cities metropolitan area in compliance with federal Environmental Protection Agency air quality guidelines. Envirotest tested more than 1.4 million vehicles at a cost to owners of $11.6 million from July 1993 to July 1994. The MPCA gets 93 cents of the $8 for administration costs. Envirotest gets the rest to administer the program. The division merely heard HF2. It did not approve it. The House Environment and Natural Resources Committee will first act on the bill. The newly created Government Efficiency and Oversight Division of the Ways and Means Committee held its first hearing Jan. 20 when it heard testimony about the Twin Cities area program to test automobile exhaust emissions. (See related story, on this page.) It marked the first in what the division chair promised would be a series of oversight hearings throughout this legislative session and into the interim between the 1995 and 1996 legislative sessions. Its mission: to probe perceived wasteful spending. "The new committee intends to be aggressive and to look into programs the whole year," said Rep. Howard Orenstein (DFL-St. Paul), chair of the division. On Jan. 31, for example, the committee will hold an open-ended hearing to give fellow legislators an opportunity to offer their ideas on where government programs could be trimmed or redesigned. Orenstein explained that the role of the committee "is still evolving." In some cases, the committee "might just shine light" on a particular issue, such as the automobile testing program, without taking any formal action. In others, formal action may be taken. "I think we're going to do a mixture of hearing bills and reporting them to other committees, along with oversight hearings that may or may not result in legislation," he said. The legislative oversight role is more common on the federal level than in state legislatures, where the tendency has been to go home after adjournment and turn everything over to the executive branch, he said. But he explained that Speaker Irv Anderson (DFL- Int'l Falls) made it clear that the committee should develop recommendations on how to improve government efficiency and to eliminate waste. ETHICS Confidential opinions Since a 1994 law change authorizing confidential advisory opinions by the Minnesota Ethical Practices Board, the number of folks asking for a ruling on state campaign finance laws or gifts to elected officials has skyrocketed. Some board members went before the Elections Division of the House General Legislation, Veterans Affairs and Elections Committee Jan. 26 to ask for help. Specifically, they want to change the 1994 law so that all advisory opinions are again public and can be talked about openly. During the past 20 years, the board has issued about 200 advisory opinions; 50 of those have come since July 1, 1994, said John Holahan Jr., chair of the Ethical Practices Board. The rush for advisory opinions, he said, comes from people using the confidential option to ask if what they're about to do is acceptable under the law. Another 1994 law change banning gifts to elected officials also has generated confusion and increased the opinion caseload. Prior to the 1994 changes, all advisory opinions were public and contained the name of the person requesting the opinion and the specifics of his or her situation. Now, the specifics of advisory opinions are not made public unless the individual or group requesting the opinion signs a waiver. The board does release general information on confidential cases but opinions turn on specifics and it is important to know the variables in each case. The problems, Holahan said, are many. First, the Ethical Practices Board is required to discuss all opinion requests, including confidential ones, in a public meeting. That is tricky considering they cannot speak anyone's name or any specifics of a confidential case. Second, it eliminates public comment that helps keep opinion requesters honest and the board better informed. Previously, requests for advisory opinions were printed in the State Register so anyone familiar with the situation could comment before the board and sometimes give its members more or different information that would help them formulate their opinions. Sometimes, for instance, people request an opinion but leave out several facts -- in essence, writing questions to get specific answers. Public commentary often helps board members make sure they have all the facts. Finally, because the board cannot release the specifics of a confidential opinion request or specifics on their ruling, they're getting multiple filings asking the same question. As a result, they're answering the same questions over and over again. The Ethical Practices Board is requesting several other law changes this legislative session. Among them, a request for its own independent counsel, instead of using an attorney from the Office of the Attorney General. There is a conflict, board members say, because the attorney general is an elected official and one of the people the board must monitor. Legislation to formalize the board's proposals is expected later this session. GOVERNMENT Lucrative jobs Lawmakers are more closely examining the way state departments are using contract employees. Rep. Joe Opatz (DFL-St. Cloud) wants to cut by 10 percent the amount of money state departments and agencies spend on private consutants. A bill containing a similar provision, co-sponsored by Opatz, was vetoed in 1993. His proposal (HF123) was heard -- but not acted upon -- by the Government Efficiency and Oversight Division of the Ways and Means Committee Jan. 24 The bill would force a $33 million cut in the amount of consultant and professional and technical contracts awarded in 1996-97, said Opatz. But the way contracts are administered and monitored is also a problem, according to Barb Goodwin, legislative affairs director for the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE). She told members a computer programmer hired on contract by the Intertechnologies Group in the Department of Administration made $235,647 for work performed from July 1, 1993, through Dec. 31, 1994. This person received $80 per hour. Another programmer made nearly $180,000 during the same time period. By law, a state employee in a particular agency cannot make more than the agency's head. When it comes to pay for a person working on contract -- someone not considered a state employee -- the sky is the limit. Goodwin said that state agencies spend more than $300 million per biennium on contracts for consultants and professional and technical services. Contracting by the state between 1988 and 1993 increased 83 percent, according to the Office of the Legislative Auditor. HIGHER EDUCATION Tuition increases Gov. Arne Carlson's proposed budget would spend $2.1 billion on Minnesota's colleges and universities during the 1996-1997 two-year budgeting period. He calls that a 3.7 percent increase, but many DFL legislators claim those numbers don't add up to much. "When I go into my district I won't be telling people this is a spending increase," said Rep. John Dorn (DFL-Mankato), whose district includes Mankato State University. A 1993 law calls for state spending on colleges and universities not to exceed $2.04 billion in the 1996-1997 biennium. The governor has recommended spending $79.3 million above that cap. Of that money, $969 million would go to the University of Minnesota, $905 million to the merged state university, technical college, and community college system, and $244 million to the Higher Education Coordinating Board, which distributes financial aid among other duties. The governor calls for a 3 percent tuition increase for post-secondary students in each of the next two years. But higher education officials say 5 percent increases will be necessary to offset declines in enrollment. Carlson also recommended colleges and universities find additional money by cutting waste and shifting money from programs that don't work to those that do. Ron Hackett of the Department of Finance detailed the governor's budget to members of the House Education Committee's Higher Education Finance Division and the University of Minnesota Finance Division Jan. 26. Like most state programs, Hackett said, colleges and universities will help pay for a recent $320 million court decision against the state. Their share amounts to about $9 million, or one-half percent of their budgets. For about 25 years, the state had taxed tax exempt bank portfolios. The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled the state must repay that money, but the governor has determined taxpayers won't foot the bill. State agencies and programs will. But Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL-Crystal), chair of the House Education Committee, said students will end up financing the court ruling by paying increased tuition and losing some school services. This biennium marks the merger of state universities, technical colleges, and community colleges. Carlson said costs for the merger have been estimated at more than $42 million for the 1996-1997 budgeting period alone. Gov. Carlson has earmarked $10.4 million for the merger in his budget proposal. "The governor has decided additional merger costs could be handled through reallocations within the system," Hackett said. For instance, the University of Minnesota and the merged system could save a combined $11 million over the next biennium by not replacing retirees, Hackett said. In addition, colleges and universities could save about $2.5 million during each of the next two years by reducing employer contributions to pensions by 0.8 percent. The 0.8 percent is extraneous and its elimination wouldn't affect employee benefits, he said. The Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement approves of the recommendation, he added. HOUSING Criminal background checks Embalmers and funeral directors receive a criminal background check -- insurance adjusters and veterinarians do, too. So why not people hired to manage apartment buildings? The House Housing Committee heard a bill Jan. 23 that stems from the summer abduction and murder of Kari Koskinen, a New Brighton woman believed to have been killed by her building manager. The manager, who hanged himself in his jail cell before charges could be officially filed, had two prior convictions for rape. The bill (HF72) requires apartment building owners to have the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) conduct a criminal history check on potential building managers who most often have keys to all the apartments. The bill creates the "Kari Koskinen Manager Background Check Act." Luanne Koskinen, Kari's mother, said any inconvenience or cost to apartment owners pales in comparison to the value of her daughter's life. "She was left out in the elements. . . She was afraid to report [the building manager] because her lease was coming up" and she couldn't afford a rent increase. The mother said her daughter had been having problems with the manager. "I made a promise to her . . . to make sure what happened to her won't happen to anyone else," Koskinen said. The bill does not say owners cannot hire someone with a criminal background but if they do, and something goes wrong, there is a greater chance they could be held liable in the courts, said some lawmakers. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL- Roseville) and Rep. Charlie Weaver (IR-Anoka), requires that managers who have lived in the state more than five years receive a statewide criminal history check and those who have lived in the state less than five years receive a nationwide check. The checks are to be done every two years. Managers, Weaver said, have "immediate access to the most intimate parts of a person's life." Greiling agreed. "Whether it is rental or owned, it is your home." Apartment building owners are to be notified if convictions for everything from theft and riot to murder, rape, firearms violations, and arson appear on an individual's record. Weaver estimated the statewide check, sent out by the BCA within 10 days of a written request, would cost $8 to $10. The nationwide check, which includes the fingerprints necessary to access the national computer system, could take up to six months and cost about $50. The sponsors explained that apartment owners may hire a manager applicant while waiting for the results from the BCA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Housing Committee is expected to continue discussing the bill Jan. 30. LABOR Workers' comp, small businesses Businesses with only a few employees should be able to pool together to buy workers' compensation insurance at rates cheaper than those offered through the state-run Assigned Risk Plan. That was among the major recommendations offered by the recently created legislative Workers' Compensation Task Force which has met five times since August 1994 to hear testimony on Minnesota's workers' compensation laws. Members met again Jan. 20 to approve a list of recommendations on how to improve the system. Those recommendations will be sent to House leadership as well and the House Labor- Management Relations Committee. "I know none of us consider these [recommendations] huge workers' compensation reforms, but I look forward to working toward that during the session," said Rep. Kevin Goodno (IR- Moorhead). "We can use these recommendations to look to where we agree." Rep. Ted Winter (DFL-Fulda), who chaired the task force, said the recommendations "looked at issues away from the constant areas of debate about workers' compensation." Task force members said small business owners should be able to "self insure." Currently, small employers make up the bulk of businesses insured through the state-run Assigned Risk Plan, which was described as a workers' compensation insurer of last resort for business owners who sometimes can't buy private insurance. By law, the Assigned Risk Plan must charge a rate higher than the market rate. The task force recommended creating a "market assistance plan" to help small business employers find private insurance so they don't have to enroll in the Assigned Risk Plan. Other task force recommendations included: -- Devising a system so disputes over medical bills can be resolved more efficiently. The Office of Administrative Hearings, where employees file workers' compensation claims, must deal with medical bill claims immediately. That means the system is frequently tied up with insurance companies and doctors arguing over a $200 medical bill. Other types of claims may be heard more readily if medical bills aren't placed on the fast track, he said. -- Eliminating "apportionment." Currently, more than one insurance company may pay a claim if an employee was injured at one job but changed jobs and was re-injured at the second job. The task force recommended that the most recent insurer should always pay the claim. -- Continuing the Office of Administrative Hearings' experiment in hearing cases by video conference. Under the experimental plan, judges can hear a case by video conference, even if the employee and the insurance company are in another part of the state. This ends costly drive time and overnight stays for judges. -- Increasing the $25 fee to appeal cases ruled on by the Office of Administrative Hearings. -- Allowing judges to consolidate cases. Currently, an employee could file three different claims for three different injuries. Those cases could be consolidated only with approval from the employee and the insurance company. The task force recommends letting the judge consolidate those types of cases. ---Using the recommendations of a working group of plaintiffs and insurance defense attorneys to simplify the workers' compensation law. NOTES Rep. Wayne Simoneau, chair of the House Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, began a Jan. 25 meeting critiquing the clocks in the State Office Building. The one in his committee hearing room was off. But at least it had hands. In fact, the DFLer from Fridley said there are lots of clocks in the State Office Building out of whack with reality. Hands regularly fall off and the clocks are too often inaccurate. Ron Davis, the plant maintenance engineer for the State Office Building, explained that the metal-piece clocks have been sensitive for years. They are not encased in glass so when people reach up and move the hands -- and they do -- the hands fall off. He spent time this week glueing on hands and working to reset the clocks. Simoneau's timing observations prompted this response from an anonymous lawmaker: "Do we need a bill to set the clocks?" Taxes sometimes feel like a criminal sentence imposed on citizens. Lawmakers, however, usually avoid mentioning the connection. Rep. Dave Bishop (IR-Rochester), in a impassioned speech about local property taxes and the need to fix a faulty formula that sends state aid to local governments, told fellow members of the House Ways and Means Committee Jan. 25 that property owners need to know what, specifically, their tax dollars are paying for. He went on to talk about "truth in sentencing" which brought laughter from the crowd. He meant "truth in taxation" and said: "I get the two mixed up." No one ever said complying with Minnesota's state tax system is easy. According to the Department of Revenue, there are 154 distinct types of taxes within the Minnesota tax system. The Department of Revenue collects $7.8 billion each year, according to information provided to the House Taxes Committee Jan. 24 by John Lally, deputy commissioner of revenue. How hard do the department's 1,300 employees work? Each year they handle 6 million pieces of mail, process 250 types of tax forms and returns, answer 1 million phone calls, audit or adjust 100,000 returns, and answer 10,000 letters. Hally said they get 97 percent of their revenue from "voluntary compliance" with state tax laws. Only 3 percent comes from audits or collection efforts. Those statistics are in keeping with the department's mission, which is "to achieve compliance with Minnesota's revenue system." In an unusual move, Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL- Mpls) grabbed the gavel from Rep. Willard Munger (DFL-Duluth), chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee and brought the Jan. 20 meeting to order. "You are my idol and my mentor, and I'm pleased to be here celebrating your birthday," Wagenius told Munger. In addition to the daily packet of committee paperwork, each member received a cupcake with a single candle placed in it. After a round of best wishes on his 84th birthday, and a singing of "Happy Birthday" led by Rep. Alice Hausman, it was Munger's turn to speak. He said the gavel-grabbing action by Wagenius, committee vice chair, was "unauthorized but I'm not going to punish her for it. I appreciate it." The elder statesman of the Legislature was visibly moved by the birthday celebration and accolades. Living up to his national reputation for pioneering environmental legislation, Munger advised members that if a person wants to "make it to 84 or 100 years, the only way to get there is to have a clean, livable environment." Then everyone blew out their candles. A new law is required to serve alcoholic beverages at Bronco Arena in International Falls for this summer's all-class Falls High School reunion. A bill sponsored by House Speaker Irv Anderson (DFL-Int'l Falls) would allow International Falls to issue a temporary seven-day liquor license to a non-profit organization. The license would be valid only in June and July 1995. Passage of the law is necessary because existing law prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages on school grounds. The legislation is endorsed by the local school board. The House Regulated Industries and Energy Committee approved HF26 Jan. 23. The bill now moves to the House floor. Organizational committee meetings tend to be dry affairs, often involving a review of committee rules and procedures. Such was the case at the opening meeting of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committe -- until Chair Rep. Willard Munger (DFL-Duluth) explained the "Cookie Rule." It mandates that new House members, and members of the House who do not serve on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, provide a batch of cookies to the committee when they are presenting a bill before it. They would prefer homemade. Gov. Arne Carlson's State of the State Address drew varied responses, but the stand-up comedy part went over big. After being ceremoniously ushered onto the House floor, Carlson turned to House Speaker Irv Anderson (DFL-Int'l Falls) and said, "Mr. Speaker, let me thank you for making this space available this afternoon." Those in the packed House chamber laughed at the barb, which appeared to be a reference to the simmering feud between the governor and Anderson over who controls some office space in the Capitol. Could there be a gold rush in Minnesota? According to William Brice, director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Minerals, "a fair number of corporations" have shown an interest in looking for gold deposits over the years. During an overview of DNR programs at a recent House Environment and Natural Resources Committee meeting, Brice said that five companies are currently exploring for gold in the "greenstones" -- deposits of volcanic rocks hundreds of feet below the surface. These deposits can be found north of a line running from around Browns Valley (on the bump in western Minnesota) up to Ely (in the northeast corner of the state). Diamonds also are found among the greenstones in Minnesota and Canada. "There is quite a bit of diamond interest in Canada," said Brice. "[But] I don't know of anyone who has ever found a [gem- quality] diamond in Minnesota," he added. As of January of this year, 10 companies held metallic minerals leases (other than for iron ore) issued by the DNR. Aside from gold, there is exploration for titanium and platinum in the geologic formation known as the Duluth Complex, in the southern Iron Range around Hoyt Lakes and Babbitt. While the DNR can guess what minerals the companies are looking for, the companies don't have to specify what they're up to. New members . . . Broecker frames conservative legislative agenda Running for the Legislature wasn't Rep. Sherry Broecker's idea. The Independent-Republican from Vadnais Heights wanted to focus time and energy on raising her children and managing her custom picture framing business, The Frame Broeckers (pronounced Brokers). It took some persuading from Gov. Arne Carlson to get her into the race against DFL incumbent Marc Asch. "When Arne called, I just really gave it some serious thought. I thought maybe I should give it a try, because if I didn't I would probably regret it later," Broecker recalled. "So I decided I should go for it." Carlson told Broecker that her experience in local government -- eight years as a member of the Vadnais Heights City Council -- would be valuable in the Legislature. "That was all I needed," she said. Broecker will keep her business going with some help from her sister and by "doing a lot of work on the weekends." She has told some of her corporate clients that they might have to wait a little longer for their framing jobs, and "they don't have a problem with that." Broecker is enthusiastic about her opportunity at the Legislature to "make a difference" for her constituents in the northern St. Paul suburbs. Reflecting on her city council service, Broecker described herself as a "consensus builder" who tries to bring contending parties together to resolve disputes. "I am pretty conservative," she allowed. "I just feel that people need to be accountable for their actions." Likewise, Broecker said parents have to teach their children to be accountable, and impart moral values that include giving something back to the community. As far as legislative priorities, Broecker succinctly declares, "People are fed up with taxes." She wants to bring down taxes by holding the line on government spending. Broecker cited her experience putting together budgets for Vadnais Heights, where the tax portion of the city budget was "so frugal that we received zero local government aid" over the last five years. She said there are inequities in the current system, which give large amounts of aid to cities with less fiscal discipline. Broecker and Rep. Harry Mares (IR-White Bear Lake) have sponsored a bill to eliminate unfunded state mandates for local school districts. She explained that some mandates from the Legislature force school districts to raise local property taxes. The bill specifies that a school district "need not comply" with a state program that does not fully fund a mandated program. Other legislative concerns mentioned by Broecker include welfare reform, bringing down the cost of workers' compensation insurance to employers, and imposing term limits. Broecker said she will serve no more than three terms. Before going into business for herself, Broecker worked at Burlington Northern for eight years. She is married with three teenaged sons, who help define her recreational interests. Broecker and her husband have been involved in a leadership program with a youth group at Grace Church in Roseville. She enjoys canoe trips in the Boundary Waters with the teenagers. "I'm the only female who likes to fish and clean 'em and cook 'em," she explained, so on the canoe trips the boys awaken her at sunrise to go fishing. "The last time I caught a 10-pound northern," she boasted. Fishing talent runs in the family: A photograph on her desk shows her son holding a 24-pound, 46-inch tiger muskie he caught in Forest Lake. When not out camping and hiking or downhill skiing, Broecker likes to relax and water ski at her family's cabin on Forest Lake. She also enjoys watercolor painting when time allows. Broecker pledges to dedicate herself to legislative work as she has committed herself to other political and civic pursuits. "Even though I don't have all the answers, I'm willing to listen and learn," she said. -- Mordecai Specktor District 53B Population: 33,153 Distribution: 98.45 percent urban; 1.55 percent rural County: Ramsey Largest city: Maplewood (portion) Location: north Metro Unemployment rate: 3.57 percent Residents living below poverty level: 3.19 percent 1992 presidential election results: Bush/Quayle 35.24 percent Clinton/Gore 40.39 percent Perot/Stockdale 23.59 percent Other: 0.78 percent Q & A Q. With all the laws currently on the books, has the Legislature ever thought of deleting or revising current law before enacting more laws? A. The Legislature regularly repeals laws. Ironically, however, it takes a new law to repeal an old law. In 1994, the Legislature passed a new law repealing a slew of laws already on the books that outlined how much cities and counties could levy in property taxes for such things as grasshopper control, Dutch Elm disease control, libraries, cemeteries, and municipal bands and orchestras. The laws were repealed because the Legislature earlier passed another law that eliminated municipal property tax levy limits. At the time the Legislature did away with municipal levy limits, however, members did not take such items as grasshopper control limits off the books. Another example occurred in 1993 when the Legislature, following a public outcry, repealed a controversial 1992 law that authorized a conference of chief judges to compile a list of misdemeanor offenses that would become petty misdemeanors. Petty misdemeanors are not considered crimes and the maximum fine is $200. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $700 fine. Come to the Capitol Visiting the Minnesota State Capitol complex can be a rewarding and educational experience for everyone. There are buildings to explore and tours to take almost any time you choose to visit. And when the Legislature is in session during the first part of every year, there are floor sessions to observe, committee meetings to attend, and legislators to meet. Remember that this is your state Capitol, and you are always welcome. Here's some general information to help you plan your visit. How to get here Location The Capitol complex is to the north of I-94 just minutes from downtown St. Paul. It is accessible from the east and west on I-94, and from the north and south on I-35E. I-94 eastbound: Exit at Marion Street. Turn left. Go to Aurora Avenue and turn right. Go one block, cross Rice Street, and enter Parking Lot D. I-94 westbound: Exit at Marion Street. Turn right. Go to Aurora Avenue and turn right. Go one block, cross Rice Street, and enter Parking Lot D. I-35E northbound: Exit at Kellogg Boulevard. Turn left. Go to John Ireland Boulevard and turn right. Metered parking spaces line both sides of the boulevard. I-35E southbound: Exit at University Avenue. Turn right. Go to Rice Street and turn left. Go one block and turn left to enter Parking Lot D. Parking Public metered parking is available in Lot Q, north of the Capitol at Cedar Street and Sherburne Avenue; Lot D, next to the State Office Building off Rice Street on Aurora Avenue; and on the orange level of the Centennial Office Building Ramp at Cedar Street and Constitution Avenue. All-day parking is available in Lot Q and in the Centennial Office Building Ramp. Capitol Security personnel will issue tickets for expired parking. Outdoor handicapped parking is available in Lot N, which is directly behind the Capitol, and in Lot D, which is off Rice Street on Aurora Avenue. Indoor handicapped parking is available on the lower level of the State Office Building Ramp; on the blue level of the Centennial Office Building Ramp; and on the entry level of the Administration Building Ramp (two stalls). Since parking is limited during legislative sessions, busing may be easier. Freeway express bus service is available. Bus number 94B takes you to the Capitol and the State Office Building. Call the Transit Information Center at (612) 349-7000 for schedule and route information. What to do Tours Tours of the Capitol are offered through the Capitol Historic Site Program of the Minnesota Historical Society. Tour guides lead the 45-minute tours on the hour Mondays through Fridays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (last tour leaves at 4 p.m.); Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (last tour leaves at 3 p.m.); and Sundays between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (last tour leaves at 3 p.m.). The tours are free of charge and begin at the Capitol's information desk at the end of the corridor to the right of the main entrance. Brochures in about 15 foreign languages also are available there. Tour participants may request customized tours that emphasize either the building's art and architecture or state government. Also, tours can be customized for senior citizens or grade school students. The society offers "Voice of the People: Your Role in Minnesota Government," a half-day educational session for students in grades 7-12. Historical society officials ask that groups of 10 or more call at least two weeks in advance to reserve a tour time. For more information about the tours or to reserve a time, call the Capitol Historic Site Program, (612) 296-2881. Legislative sessions Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate debate bills when the Legislature is in session. At the beginning of a legislative session, the pace of floor sessions is generally slow as new bills are assigned to committees and non-controversial items are discussed. At about the session's midpoint, however, the legislative pace quickens. The House meets at 2:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, and the Senate meets at 10 a.m. Mondays and at 8 a.m. Thursdays during the first few weeks. House floor sessions are scheduled for the afternoon because committees meet in the morning and early afternoon. As the session nears the end, however, both bodies may meet several times a day, often into the night. All House and Senate floor sessions are open to the public. Visitors interested in observing these sessions may call the House Chief Clerk's Office, (612) 296-2314, or Senate Information, (612) 296- 0504, with questions. Spectators may sit in the galleries of either chamber. Committee meetings Committees still consider bills several weeks after the session starts. Visitors wanting to attend a committee meeting may call the committee hotlines for prerecorded messages with the meeting times and agendas for each day: House, (612) 296-9283; Senate, (612) 296-8088. Printed agendas for the week also appear in each issue of the Session Weekly and the Senate Briefly. Committee meetings are open to the public. When a public hearing is scheduled the committee may listen to comments from the audience (when time permits) in addition to the scheduled speakers. Committees have different policies on hearing testimony depending upon their size and workload. Some committees hear general testimony at the subcommittee level, while others allow general testimony during meetings of the full committee. Informational handouts that committee members receive during meetings or hearings are considered public information and are available to the audience on a first-come, first-served basis. Major proposals on issues such as open enrollment or groundwater legislation often have several public hearings so committee members may listen to all arguments for and against a bill. Each committee has a chair, vice chair, administrator, and legislative assistant. A list of committees and members is available in the House Public Information Office in Room 175 of the State Office Building or the Senate Information Office in Room 231 of the State Capitol. Groups and individuals wishing to testify before a committee should call the appropriate committee's legislative assistant well in advance of the meeting and ask to be placed on the agenda. Committees prefer requests one week in advance but will accept later notification when unexpected issues appear on the committee schedule. A brochure containing tips on testifying at legislative committee hearings is available from the House Public Information Office. Legislators Representatives are busy but look forward to meeting with their constituents. You should contact your legislator's office to set up an appointment. Dining All buildings in the Capitol complex have their own cafeterias. The Capitol and State Office Building cafeterias are in the basement. The Transportation and Centennial buildings' cafeterias are on the ground floor of each building. The Veterans Service Building cafeteria is on the fifth floor, and the Capitol Square Building's dining area is on the lower level. The Capitol also has a snack bar on the second floor (where the House and Senate chambers are located) during the session. The Cafˇ Minnesota is on the first level of the new Minnesota History Center. All cafeterias serve breakfast and lunch. Group visits Sometimes groups plan a "legislative day" at the Capitol in order to express a particular viewpoint to legislators. Rooms for special conferences or speakers can be reserved by calling Betty Langenberger, (612) 296- 5974, room scheduler for the State Office Building; or Marilyn Hall, (612) 296-0866, or Marge Collins, (612) 296-4154, both room schedulers for the Capitol Building. If group members would like to meet with their individual legislators or testify before a committee (see "Committee meetings"), arrangements should be made at least a week in advance. Oftentimes, such groups have members wear a distinctive name tag or badge to indicate their concern about a particular issue. Groups planning a trip to the Capitol should remember that seating is fairly limited in some committee rooms -- particularly when the topic is controversial. Where to find information House Public Information Office 175 State Office Building (612) 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 Committee schedule: The Session Weekly includes the upcoming week's schedule, and the office has a prerecorded message, (612) 296-9283, that provides up-to-date information on meeting agendas, times, and locations. Legislator information: The office has a complete listing of telephone and room numbers for the representatives. Informational brochures: Many brochures for all ages are available at no charge. Chief Clerk's Office 211 State Capitol (612) 296-2314 Copies of bills: This office provides copies of bills at no charge, all agendas for House sessions, and the Journal of the House. House Index Department 211 State Capitol (612) 296-6646 Bills: The House Index Department, a part of the Chief Clerk's Office, has a computerized index available for public use. House Index lists bills by committee, topic, author, file number, and other categories. Bill status: House Index can also tell you the current status of legislation. Senate Information Office 231 State Capitol (612) 296-0504 This office is responsible for all information about the Senate, including the committee schedule, bill status, legislator information, and the distribution of bill copies. Senate Media Services B-44 State Capitol (612) 296-0264 This bipartisan office produces television programs, multi-media production, scriptwriting, photography and graphics. It offers live coverage of the Senate floor sessions and some committee hearings. Public Access Computer Room 181 State Office Building The room houses computers that the public may use to obtatin legislative information on a variety of subjects. The Mighty Mississippi . . . Just where are its headwaters? "The river itself has no beginning and no end. . . . What we call the headwaters is only a selection from among innumerable sources that flow together to compose it. At what point in its course does the Mississippi become what the Mississippi means?" The metaphysical question posed by writer T.S. Eliot has never been fully answered. Just where are the true headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi? Henry Schoolcraft is widely credited for determining its source as Lake Itasca in 1832. Four years later, Joseph Nicollet made the same journey and constructed an exhaustive and accurate map of the area. He discovered a stream flowing into the southwest corner of Itasca and called it Nicollet Creek, the "infant Mississippi." In 1881, Captain Willard Glazier paddled briefly upstream (after making most of the journey by wagon), took a quick look around, spied a 100-acre inlet stemming from Lake Itasca, and declared both Schoolcraft and Nicollet to be wrong. What he "discovered" was Elk Lake, already charted by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1875. Glazier -- "an unconscionable adventurer," according to historian William Folwell in his History of Minnesota -- tried to re-name Elk Lake after himself, and launched a self-promotion tour, following the Mighty Mississippi clear to New Orleans and peddling his fraud at every stop. He was well received. Newspaper accounts show that in St. Louis, Mo., they even named a day in his honor. Glazier pressed his claim as founder of the true headwaters "extensively and persistently" for years. Entire texts were written both supporting and refuting Glazier's claims. Upon returning home to Minnesota, Glazier published a book heralding this true "discovery" of the source of the Mississippi. To fatten the text, he borrowed liberally from the journals of those who had gone before him. "Schoolcraft's narrative was shamelessly plagiarized," Folwell wrote. In the fall of 1888, steps were taken to silence the "impudent claimant." Jacob Brower, who would later write an eight-volume series entitled Memoirs of Explorations in the Basin of the Mississippi, spent 30 days at the headwaters "in a careful examination of its topography," and fully exposing Glazier as a phony. Brower actually determined that after "tracing Nicollet's stream" through swamps, bogs, lakes, and underground streams, the ultimate high ground of Hernando de Soto Lake near the southern boundary of the current Itasca State Park is the river's source. But he also said that the river didn't begin until a number of sources combined at the common outlet of Lake Itasca. That winter, the 1889 Minnesota Legislature passed a law forbidding any school from using a geography text with Glazier's historical version of the headwaters. Specifically, it put into law the name of Elk -- not Glazier -- Lake. "That the lake known for many years to the Indians and early explorers as Elk Lake. . . . shall be known and designated hereafter on all official maps of the state," said the law. Any text giving any other name for Elk Lake "shall not be used in this state." The Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) has no official position on the headwaters, said Dennis Meissner, supervisor of manuscripts processing in the agency's research division. He does relate that Elk Lake does connect with Itasca by stream, and that speculation exists that Elk and Itasca were once one body of water. A 1979 MHS report, The Source of the Mississippi, says that "scientists and philosophers aside," Lake Itasca "has stood the popular test of time" and will remain "the acknowledged source of America's greatest river." -- John Tschida New members . . . A motivated Daggett speaks out, uses 'common sense' on issues These days, Rep. Roxann Daggett (IR-Frazee) often recalls an earlier time in her life: her freshman year in college. "I tell everyone I feel like I'm back in college. I've got a roommate, I'm away from home, I learn something at every meeting, I don't know where the rooms are, and I want to get an A-plus in good common sense," she said. Daggett, who became interested in politics after joining a teen Republicans league in eighth grade, came to the Capitol this session as a first-term legislator from Frazee, Minn., her hometown. Her experiences as a politically involved teenager never left her. She's stayed active all her life, serving as campaign chair for two of former representative Jim Evans' campaigns. He represented the area from 1976 to 1984. "I'm a legislator because a lot of people encouraged me through the years to run, but my kids were in school. Now they're working and there was no reason not to run, so this time I said I would," Daggett said. She attributes part of her election success to listening to constituent concerns. "By knocking on 10,000 doors and talking to constituents, I know they're concerned about welfare reform, the high cost of workers' compensation, and the money they spend in taxes. They're tired of mandates. I'll be on the watch for those things as I serve as their representative," Daggett said. Minnesota small business people pay more for workers' compensation insurance than those in other states, and that drives business from the state, she said. She knows about workers' compensation law firsthand. Her father-in-law founded a trucking line in Frazee 65 years ago. Her husband, Dave, along with other family members, now manages the family business. "Even though workers' compensation costs have adversely affected us for years, we have a loyalty to our area and we would like to see an improvement in the regulations," she said. As a member of the Labor-Management Relations Committee, she's now in a position to help push through such reforms. And speak up she will. Daggett doesn't suffer from the frequent first-year fear of speaking up in class or in committee. She's put her undergraduate degree in communications from the University of North Dakota to good use the past 14 years. In 1979, after winding up a stint as state president of the Minnesota Jaycee Women, she received a number of requests from community organizations for speaking engagements. She spoke frequently to fellow Jaycee Women on time management, by far her most requested topic. She soon found herself talking several times a week at community education classes, churches, and other local gatherings. Her primary talk is called "If You Don't Plan Your Time, Someone Else Will." She also speaks on getting rid of clutter and setting goals. Before long, people started asking her where they could get the "little red books" she jotted notes in to plan her day. This was before the age of time planning books, when such things were hard to find, Daggett said. She decided to market them herself. People who come to her seminars and speeches can still get one by filling out a request form, but she doesn't market them as heavily as she has in the past. If it's one thing Daggett understands it's time management. And now she needs as much time as possible for her legislative work. When she's not wearing her legislator or motivational speaker's hat, Daggett enjoys golfing, cross country and downhill skiing, and spending time at the family cabin on Lake Wimer. Time for those activities will be in short supply for awhile, but she's sure to ink some time for herself now and again into her little red book. -- Jean Thilmany District 11A Population: 33,145 Distribution: 32.52 percent urban; 67.48 percent rural Counties: Becker, Ottertail, Wadena Largest city: Detroit Lakes Location: northwestern Minnesota Unemployment rate: 6.49 percent Residents living below poverty level: 15.93 percent 1992 presidential election results: Bush/Quayle 40.99 percent Clinton/Gore 33.57 percent Perot/Stockdale 23.75 percent Other: 1.69 percent Do You Know When Ole Stengrimson wanted his name changed in the 1870s, he had to ask the Minnesota Legislature to enact a special law. The same goes for Gustaf Olson, Knud Pederson, and Torger J. Evenson. Who are these people? Who knows? They are among many in the 1800s who had special laws passed to change their names. Back then, new identities required a new law. Some Scandinavian immigrants with common names such as Johnson and Erickson (which mean son of John or son of Eric) changed their names to distinguish themselves from others. They sometimes chose to use their farm name from their native country. There were too many people with the same name and changing identity made it easier to figure out who was who, said Patricia Harpole, an author and retired reference librarian who worked for the Minnesota Historical Society for 30 years. "It made it easier to receive your mail and figure out who owned a particular piece of property." While many of the special law entries were for adopted children, some immigrants changed their name to make it easier to pronounce, sometimes because people regularly mispronounced it, she said. For instance, Minnesota law books show Charles H. Ljungquist changed his name to Charles H. Youngquist in 1879. In 1872, a law was passed stating that the district courts "hereafter have the exclusive right to change the name of any person . . . . " But the Legislature went right on passing special laws for name changes. Ole Peter Peterson opted to be called Otto Peter Valby. John M. Johnson changed his name to John N. Boxrud. And Musie Cary became Georgie M. Wilmarth. In 1881, the Legislature finally stopped enacting name-change laws after a constitutional amendment was adopted prohibiting a variety of special laws. Current law requires a personal court appearance -- with two witnesses vouching for your identity -- to obtain a legal name change. A bill that died during the 1994 session would have made name changes even easier and hoped to lighten district court caseloads. Under the bill, a person could have avoided the court appearance and filed a sworn petition, along with affidavits from two people vouching for his or her identity. In the Hopper . . . Jan. 20 - 26, 1995 Bill Introductions Monday, Jan. 23 HF135--Tuma (IR) Governmental Operations Legislators and constitutional officers compensation restricted. HF136--Clark (DFL) Housing Forcible entry and unlawful detainer court filing fee refund provided. HF137--Jacobs (DFL) Regulated Industries & Energy Electric utility competitive rate sunset provision abolished. HF138--Kahn (DFL) Governmental Operations Gambling department created; Racing Commission, Gambling Control Board, and State Lottery Board abolished and duties transferred. HF139--Pawlenty (IR) Governmental Operations Tenth Amendment; federal government mandate reporting and analysis required. HF140--Kahn (DFL) Governmental Operations State treasurer office eliminated and constitutional amendment proposed. HF141--Anderson, R. (DFL) Capital Investment Fergus Falls; Prairie Wetlands Environmental Learning Center appropriation purpose modified. HF142--Lieder (DFL) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections Precinct caucus, state, and presidential primary dates changed, absentee ballot deadline modified, voters guide distribution provided, presidential primary by mail allowed, filing fee increased, duties modified, and money appropriated. HF143--Greiling (DFL) Education School alternative staffing pattern pilot program established, and money appropriated. HF144--Jennings (DFL) Labor-Management Relations Workers' compensation benefits and procedures modified, and penalties provided. HF145--Brown (DFL) Judiciary Correctional officer defensive use of force authorized in certain correctional facilities. HF146--Hasskamp (DFL) Education Brainerd Technical College appropriation use authorized for athletic facility relocation. HF147--Ozment (DFL) Taxes Tax increment financing use restricted, and additional disclosure required. HF148--Simoneau (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Columbia Heights tax increment financing district exempted from LGA/HACA offset. HF149--Olson, E. (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs County economic development appropriation authority increased, and county approval required for use of county tax rate in tax increment financing. HF150--Jacobs (DFL) Regulated Industries & Energy Temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license term increase provided. HF151--Mares (IR) Housing Minnesota manager background check act adopted. HF152--Mares (IR) Governmental Operations Teachers Retirement Association member authorized to make lump-sum contributions to obtain full-service credit for sabbatical leaves. HF153--Tompkins (IR) Transportation & Transit Motor vehicle registration tax overpayment refund time limit established. HF154--Lieder (DFL) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections Earned income exemption provided for certain income earned for service in the armed forces. HF155--Cooper (DFL) Governmental Operations Firefighter state aid funding increase provided. HF156--Finseth (IR) Agriculture University of Minnesota appropriated money for wheat and barley scab research. HF157--Lindner (IR) Education Capital facilities revenue use for equipment authorized. HF158--Worke (IR) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Canada; Minnesota-Ontario fish importation restrictions removed. HF159--Murphy (DFL) Judiciary Finance Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program funding provided, and money appropriated. HF160--Leppik (IR) Health & Human Services Health care access denial physician review required. HF161--Leppik (IR) Health & Human Services Long-term hospital medicare inpatient rate adjustment provided. HF162--Bertram (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Stearns County required to pay refund to Melrose for money received for property acquisition. HF163--Leighton (DFL) Governmental Operations Firefighter state aid increase provided. HF164--Jefferson (DFL) Regulated Industries & Energy Public utilities area development rate plan sunset provisions abolished. HF165--Schumacher (DFL) Governmental Operations Firefighter state aid funding increase provided. HF166--Bettermann (IR) Judiciary Death penalty authorized for first degree murder and constitutional amendment proposed. HF167--Jefferson (DFL) Governmental Operations Voter registration and absentee voting requirements modified, and penalties imposed. Thursday, Jan. 26 HF168--Luther (DFL) Financial Institutions & Insurance Homeowner insurance nonrenewal based on claim amounts and not number of claims. HF169--Tunheim (DFL) Education Education appropriation limits repealed. HF170--Rhodes (IR) Judiciary Bias crime victims provided cause of action, and liability imposed for parents of minors who commit bias crimes. HF171--Rostberg (IR) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections Veterans homes resources account fund use authority clarified. HF172--Hackbarth (IR) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections Veterans homes board of directors expense allowance authorized. HF173--Pelowski (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Winona lodging tax revenue use provisions modified. HF174--McGuire (DFL) Regulated Industries & Energy Alcohol retailers and municipal liquor stores required to post signs warning of the dangers of alcohol consumption by pregnant women. HF175--Knoblach (IR) Transportation & Transit Bridge of hope designated on Trunk Highway No. 15 crossing the Mississippi River near St. Cloud. HF176--Skoglund (DFL) Judiciary Criminal sexual conduct crimes statute of limitations lengthened. HF177--Skoglund (DFL) Judiciary Patterened sexual offender sentencing law scope expanded; and sentencing law training required for judges, prosecutors, peace officers, and sex offender assessors. HF178--Skoglund (DFL) Judiciary Sex offender registration law expanded, and registration law violation penalty increased. HF179--Skoglund (DFL) Judiciary Sentencing to service program expanded, and money appropriated. HF180--Bishop (IR) Health & Human Services Vasectomy; informed consent required prior to procedure, and civil cause of action provided. HF181--Bishop (IR) Judiciary Sex offender release notification required; registered sex offender information release authorized; and HIV testing of convicted offenders law clarified. HF182--Simoneau (DFL) Financial Institutions & Insurance Automobile insurance medical expense benefits regulated; benefits offered through managed care plans; Department of Commerce benefit certification provided; and premium reductions and rules required. HF183--Peterson (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Swift County authorized to establish a rural development finance authority. HF184--Simoneau (DFL) Judiciary Civil action punitive damage awards regulated. HF185--Osthoff (DFL) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections Armory building commission member appointment flexibility provided; armory construction fund use authorized; armory site provision by municipalities clarified; site disposal provisions modified; and tax levy authority granted. HF186--Kelley (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs St. Louis Park special service district created; tax increment use restriction removed; and tax increment district exemption from LGA/HACA offset provided. HF187--Knight (IR) Ways & Means Appropriations not to exceed growth in state's personal income, and constitutional amendment proposed. HF188--Knight (IR) Taxes Valuation exclusion for improvements to certain residential property (This Old House Law) provided. HF189--Jaros (DFL) Governmental Operations Duluth Teachers Retirement Fund Association future service credit purchase authorized for certain retired Duluth technical college teachers. HF190--Simoneau (DFL) Financial Institutions & Insurance No-fault automobile insurance benefit payment coordination required. HF191--Knight (IR) Governmental Operations State employee growth limitation provided. HF192--Knight (IR) Taxes Income tax personal exemption subtraction provisions modified. HF193--Huntley (DFL) Health & Human Services Prepaid Medical Assistance demonstration project statewide capitation rate established by Department of Human Services commissioner. HF194--Knight (IR) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Mandate full funding required and constitutional amendment proposed. HF195--Knight (IR) Governmental Operations Legislature reduced in size to 51 senators and 102 representatives. HF196--Olson, E. (DFL) Regulated Industries & Energy Small telephone company regulatory clarification act adopted. HF197--Solberg (DFL) Education Itasca Community College student housing construction or acquisition provided, and bond issuance authorized. HF198--Johnson, A. (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Motor Vehicle Emission Control Equipment inspection program abolished. HF199--Johnson, A. (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Motor vehicle emission inspection requirement waived for newer vehicles. HF200--Swenson, H. (IR) Education Independent School District No. 422, Glencoe, authorized transfer of funds from debt redemption fund to capital expenditure fund. HF201--Peterson (DFL) Agriculture Ethanol producer payments modified, ethanol blender credits phased out, and money appropriated. HF202--Peterson (DFL) Agriculture Ethanol producer payments modified, and money appropriated. HF203--Johnson, R. (DFL) Health & Human Services Prepaid Medical Assistance demonstration project statewide capitation rate established by Department of Human Services commissioner. HF204--Dauner (DFL) Labor-Management Relations Workers' compensation insurance regulation and benefits modified, and money appropriated. HF205--Luther (DFL) Transportation Finance Division/Economic Development, Infrastructure & Regulation Finance Brooklyn Park right-of-way acquisition Metropolitan Council loan for proposed trunk highway No. 610 paid by MnDOT commissioner, and money appropriated. HF206--Osthoff (DFL) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections Adjutant general authorized to assign retired officers to active duty and recommend National Guard members for brevet rank; state service medal eligibility changed; military property disposition penalties changed; obsolete language removed. HF207--Lieder (DFL) Education Independent school district Nos. 526, Twin Valley, and 523, Gary, funds transferred to the Twin Valley and Gary successor school district. HF208--Osthoff (DFL) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections Governor's military duties and powers clarified; adjutant general designation language clarified; acceptance of money by adjutant general on behalf of state provisions clarified; land lease authority clarified; obsolete language removed. HF209--Lieder (DFL) Education Independent School District No. 600, Fisher, capital health and safety revenue use for purchase of portable classrooms authorized. HF210--Carlson (DFL) Transportation & Transit Minnesota identification card fee changed. HF211--Cooper (DFL) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections School district polling place number requirements specified. HF212--Kahn (DFL) Governmental Operations Parliamentary government provided and constitutional amendment proposed. HF213--Kahn (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Finance LCMR; Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources recommended projects appropriated money, and critical habitat matching account and environment and natural resources trust fund provisions modified. HF214--Murphy (DFL) Health & Human Services Prepaid Medical Assistance demonstration project statewide capitation rate established by Department of Human Services commissioner. HF215--Greiling (DFL) Governmental Operations Governor authorized to veto certain rules and terminate rule proceedings. HF216--Huntley (DFL) Transportation & Transit Motor vehicle registration fleet definition modified. HF217--Simoneau (DFL) Financial Institutions & Insurance Life insurance living benefits settlements regulated; NAIC viatical settlements model act adoption provided; and powers and duties prescribed. HF218--Lourey (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Minnesota rock, gem, and mineral interpretive center designed, and money appropriated. HF219--Murphy (DFL) Financial Institutions & Insurance Lyme disease treatment coverage required by health plans. HF220--Greiling (DFL) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections Special and primary elections conducted by mail in certain instances. HF221--Anderson, I. (DFL) Education Independent School District No. 362, Littlefork-Big Falls, capital loan approved, bonds issued, and money appropriated. HF222--Smith (IR) Governmental Operations Fiscal notes required to accompany each bill before the Legislature. HF223--Skoglund (DFL) Governmental Operations Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund member granted temporary survivor benefit option. HF224--Clark (DFL) Housing Transitional Housing Program exempted from sale restrictions on projects financed by state bond proceeds. HF225--Dempsey (IR) Health & Human Services Human services public Assistance eligibility provisions modified, Work First Program detailed and established, and money appropriated. HF226--Kelley (DFL) Health & Human Services Medical Practice Board to receive reports of insurance settlements from all persons regulated by the board. HF227--Kelley (DFL) Health & Human Services Medical care prior authorization prohibited by persons not licensed by the State Board of Medical Practice. HF228--Mulder (IR) Health & Human Services Physical therapy council, physician assistant advisory council, and respiratory care practitioners' advisory council reinstated. HF229--Schumacher (DFL) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections Town supervisor office vacancy filling procedure clarified. HF230--Simoneau (DFL) Judiciary Joint and several liability apportionment regulated. HF231--Kelley (DFL) Health & Human Services Medical practice license requirements for foreign applicants changed, and disciplinary procedures modified. HF232--Perlt (DFL) Governmental Operations Public contract oversight provided for certain state and metropolitan contracts. HF233--Cooper (DFL) Health & Human Services Home care services reimbursement methodologies modified and rates increased. HF234--Pugh (DFL) Labor-Management Relations Independent contractor workers' compensation provisions modified. HF235--Onnen (IR) Regulated Industries & Energy Nuclear power generators required to submit schedule for construction of high-level radioactive waste fueled reactors, and Department of Public Service to recommend funding options for construction. HF236--Greiling (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Metropolitan mosquito control district and commission abolished, penalties provided, and money appropriated. HF237--Olson, E. (DFL) Taxes Veterinarians exempted from sales tax for horse and agricultural production animal care material purchases. HF238--Ozment (DFL) Governmental Operations Legislature reduced in size to 64 senators and 128 representatives, and legislative district boundary provisions modified. HF239--Osskopp (IR) Judiciary Marriage contracts provided and pre-marriage counseling required. HF240--Farrell (DFL) Taxes Noncommercial seasonal residential recreational property tax class rates reduced. HF241--Kalis (DFL) Health & Human Services Prepaid Medical Assistance demonstration project statewide capitation rate established by Department of Human Services commissioner. HF242--Carlson (DFL) Education Educational savings plan accounts provided income tax exemption. HF243--Mulder (IR) Health & Human Services Prepaid Medical Assistance demonstration project statewide capitation rate established by Department of Human Services commissioner. HF244--Johnson, R. (DFL) Labor-Management Relations Governor's workforce development council established to replace the governor's Job Training Council. HF245--Garcia (DFL) Governmental Operations Legislative employee compensation governed by minimum wage and overtime pay laws. HF246--Lourey (DFL) Health & Human Services Prepaid Medical Assistance demonstration project statewide capitation rate established by Department of Human Services commissioner. HF247--Opatz (DFL) Health & Human Services Prepaid Medical Assistance demonstration project statewide capitation rate established by Department of Human Services commissioner. HF248--Solberg (DFL) Regulated Industries & Energy Pumped hydropower added to list of preferred alternative energy sources, and incentive payments provided for pumped hydropower facilities. HF249--Smith (IR) Health & Human Services General Assistance eligibility requirements to include provision of social security number, and county agencies required to verify alien status of noncitizens. HF250--Smith (IR) Governmental Operations Legislature reduced in size to 34 senators and 68 representatives. HF251--Kelso (DFL) Education Interactive television capital levy access increased. HF252--Tompkins (IR) Environment & Natural Resources Motor vehicle emission inspection requirement waived for vehicles less than five years old. HF253--Boudreau (IR) Education State academies for the deaf and blind governing laws clarified. HF254--Huntley (DFL) Health & Human Services Medical savings account act adopted. HF255--Van Dellen (IR) Health & Human Services MinnesotaCare modifications provided. HF256--Knight (IR) Governmental Operations Legislators residing within 60 miles of the capitol not to receive per diem payments. HF257--McGuire (DFL) Judiciary Tax data classification provisions modified. HF258--Kalis (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Finance Pollution Control Agency and Department of Health fines deposited in state general fund. HF259--Dempsey (IR) Governmental Operations State building code receipt rebates paid to municipalities, and money appropriated. HF260--Munger (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Western Lake Superior sanitary district bonding authority allocation provided. HF261--Bishop (IR) Judiciary Occupational therapists included in civil action limitation period for health care professionals. HF262--Leighton (DFL) Judiciary Mechanics' lien notice filing requirements modified. HF263--Skoglund (DFL) Judiciary Finance Crime information reward fund appropriated money. HF264--Skoglund (DFL) Judiciary Finance Witness and Victim Protection Fund appropriated money. Minnesota Index State budgets State spending, in millions, FY1894-FY1895 $3.26 Governor's recommendations for state spending, in billions, FY1996-FY1997 $17.99 Estimated state budget surplus, in millions, November 1994 $765 Amount that proposed FY1996-FY1997 state spending exceeds FY1994-FY1995 spending, in percent 6.5 Lowest state spending increase over the previous biennium during the 1980s, in percent, FY1986-FY1987 9.2 Average estimated state budget shortfall, per year, June 1999-June 2005, in millions $625 Percent of the state budget consumed by social services, 1967 15 in proposed FY1996-FY1997 budget 28.3 Percent of the state budget consumed by K-12 education, 1967 32 in proposed FY1996-FY1997 budget 30.3 Number of states that do not require the Legislature to pass a balanced budget 13 States where constitutions demand the governor to sign a balanced budget 26 First year Minnesota produced a biennial budget 1927 States that run on biennial budgets 20 States where the governor's budget is presented to the Legislature in bill form 30 States preparing separate budget bills, instead of just one (Florida, Iowa) 2 Total Minnesota state appropriations, 1967, in billions $1.02 Amount the governor proposes to be spent on the University of Minnesota, FY1996-FY1997, in billions $1.37 States where governors have no authority to veto or line-item veto budgets or budget bills (Indiana, North Carolina) 2 States in which the governor can decrease appropriations to rectify a budget shortfall without legislative approval 36 States in which the governor may increase taxes to cover a shortfall 0 States where budget proposal documents are received by the Legislature before session begins 14 Rank of education, among priority issues listed by governors in 1993 State of the State addresses 1 Sources: Within Our Means, Minnesota Planning; 1996-97 Minnesota Biennial Budget, Gov. Arne H. Carlson; The Book of the States, 1994-95, The Council of State Governments; Governor's, Legislatures and Budgets, Diversity Across American States, Edward Clynch, Thomas Lauth; Legislative Reference Library. Session Weekly, Published