Several bills were incorporated into a bill vetoed by the governor that would have made changes to the way budget requests are presented to the Legislature. It also included whistleblower protection for state employees wanting to provide information on how to improve state services.
The law, sponsored by Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand Rapids) and Sen. Richard Cohen (DFL-St. Paul), included provisions that would have:
• permited the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy to develop budget recommendations to present to the Legislature;
• required the commissioner of finance to prescribe a uniform procedure for governing state departments and agencies that must include a system for posting the date a fiscal note is requested, the estimated completion date and how to display those dates on the front page of each completed note;
• provided whistleblower protection for employees who, in good faith, report violations, participate in an investigation, provide information on how to improve state services or communicate the findings of a scientific or technical study; and
• required the commissioner of finance, by July 14, 2008, to convene a joint executive-legislative working group to evaluate the usefulness and benefits of the budget documents that are prepared. The working group must also examine the usefulness and availability of state budget information to the Legislature and the public. The commissioner is required to report to the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy and other appropriate committees by Dec. 10, 2008.
In his veto message, Gov. Tim Pawlenty wrote that while the bill would do little to improve the options for decision-making in relation to development of the state budget or the efficiency of state government operations, it would have created additional administrative costs for agencies. “We need to continue working on the structural alignments of spending and revenues, not creating more process.”
HF3587/SF3363*/CH360
First Reading: A grand finale
Foregoing the usual partisan warfare, all sides declare victory in 2008 session
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Published 5/30/2008
At Issue: Crossing the partisan divide
Concern over REAL ID makes for strange bedfellows
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Published 5/30/2008
At Issue: Taming the ‘Wild West’
Members aspire to streamline the legislative process
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Published 5/30/2008
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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Published 5/2/2008
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