The 2012 Disaster Relief Work Group convened Thursday; the second time we have met in as many weeks. These meetings have been productive and will serve to better inform my legislative colleagues and me as to the extent of the damage caused by recent storms. It is important for us to have a thorough understanding of the devastation as we proceed to bring about relief to impacted areas throughout Minnesota.

The discussions have been lengthy and constructive in our efforts to repair the significant damage inflicted upon communities around the state. Testimony has been offered by representatives from the Department of Transportation, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Board of Water and Soil Resources, the Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Department of Natural Resources.

As the chief author of the Senate version of the flood relief bill and Chair of Senate Transportation Committee, I look forward to working with my House colleagues and the administration in crafting a sound bill that helps those who need it the most. My thoughts and prayers are with the families whose lives have been disrupted due to these disasters and every effort is being made to ensure that relief is on the way from both the state and federal government.

In Transportation related news, I recently made a presentation to the Transportation Finance Advisory Committee (TFAC) on what I see as alternative ways to fund Minnesota’s transportation system in the future. For background purposes, TFAC is an advisory committee comprised of legislators, agency heads, the business and investment community, an economist, a union representative and local government officials. We have been tasked with analyzing and recommending innovative ways to finance transportation projects. In my presentation, I discussed my vision for the future which includes a list of options for local governments to provide additional funds to local projects. These ideas were well received by the group and we will continue to meet in the upcoming months to develop a list of recommendations that will be reported to the Legislature and Governor at the end of the year.

~Senator Joe Gimse

TRANSPORTATION: The Senate Transportation Committee dedicated the week to hearing a host of bills in order to meet what is known as the second committee deadline. Next week, we will roll out a supplemental trunk highway appropriation bill and hear testimony on a bill dealing with the Local Government Roads Wetland Replacement Program. This bill would authorize the Board of Water and Soil Resources to replace wetlands that are drained or filled for local government road construction projects.

EDUCATION: On Tuesday, the Senate Education Committee approved a bill to pay back the 2011 borrowing from school aid payments – the remaining approximately $415 million that was part of the shift in the timing of payments to school districts in last year’s budget compromise. This legislation will undo last year’s shift and help districts manage their cash flow and replenish their reserves. If the proposal passes the House and Senate and is signed by the Governor, the school shift will then return to 70-30.

ELECTION INTEGRITY: The Voter Photo Identification bill went through its final committee stages this week and was scheduled for a floor vote today and passed. The bill will give Minnesotans the chance to weigh in on whether or not a photo ID should be required to vote. We are committed to bringing our election process into the 21st century, preventing voter fraud, and improving confidence in our system.

JOBS: This week we rolled out an omnibus jobs/tax relief package in the Tax Committee, Senate File 1972. This proposal provides tax relief of over $102 million in Fiscal Year 2013 for families and job creators. In addition, this bill includes the marriage penalty tax exemption for 2012. Two-thirds of the $102 million relief is for individual income taxpayers and the total tax relief over the next three years is $393 million.

Tax relief for businesses and job creators makes more capital available for investment, equipment, expansion, and additional employees. This bill will help the private sector economy grow. It makes long term, sustainable changes to improve the jobs climate, and not just short term fixes. The provisions in Senate File 1972 send a signal to entrepreneurs, investors, and job creators that Minnesota is open for business.

CONTINGENCY FUNDING LEGISLATION: On Thursday, the Senate passed bills on the floor that would allow state parks, the state lottery, and private businesses regulated by the State Racing Commission to remain open in the event of another state government shutdown.

BONDING: The Senate Capital Investment Committee is working to assemble a bonding bill for possible introduction in the near future. The legislature approved a nearly $500 million bonding bill in 2011 that made substantial investments in the state’s core infrastructure. Any bonding bill produced this year should contain projects of statewide and regional significance so taxpayers get the value they deserve from their investment.

Senate committees worked overtime and focused on hearing policy bills this week, as Friday was the first of three committee deadlines.

TRANSPORTATION: The Senate Transportation Committee dedicated the week to hearing and passing the second omnibus policy bill. An omnibus bill is one that is comprised of many other bills heard throughout the course of a legislative session and built into one large bill.

Among some of the items included in the omnibus bill is the creation of a Safe Routes to School program for the State of Minnesota. Another provision directs the Minnesota Department of Transportation to study freight rail economic development throughout the state. I was the author of this language during session and feel very strongly that railroads are an important asset to Minnesota’s transportation network and economic viability. In addition, the omnibus bill includes language that deals with school bus vehicle safety standards. One last provision of interest in the bill is language to provide contingent funding for road construction, operations, and maintenance in the event of a government shutdown.

Next week in the Transportation Committee, we will hear testimony on bills dealing with deputy registrar offices, vehicle combination equipment, and modifications to taxes on lease to own vehicles.

STATE-AID PROGRAM CONTINGENT APPROPRIATIONS: This bill will establish contingency appropriations from the county state-aid highway (CSAH) fund and municipal state-aid street (MSAS) fund if another government shutdown were to occur. This proposal would save our townships, cities, and counties a significant amount of money if there ever was another state shutdown. These projects are currently funded by constitutionally dedicated dollars and should not be considered a part of general fund budget discussions.

ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS PROTECTION: Senate File 1551 would allow electrical inspectors to keep working during a state shutdown. Electrical inspections were highlighted because most of their inspections are done by state-contracted inspectors, not local entities. The state lost revenue because state electrical inspections could not continue working, so the inspections had to be handled by local entities. If another shutdown would ever occur, this bill would minimize the impact on these groups and on the costs to the state.

STRENGTHENING SYNTHETIC DRUG LAWS: A bipartisan bill to help combat the possession and sale of synthetic marijuana was approved in the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. The bill modifies the definition of synthetic marijuana and enhances the penalties for selling such substances. While possession of synthetic marijuana would still be classified as a misdemeanor, the proposed legislation specifies that the sale of the product would carry a five year felony penalty.

RECOGNIZING NURSE LICENSING: A multi-state nurse licensing agreement with strong bipartisan support is moving through Senate committees. The Nurse Licensure Compact proposal allows nurses who have resident nurse licensure in Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota to practice in Minnesota as long as the nurse registers with the MN Board of Nursing within 30 days from start of practice. Proponents say the reciprocity increases patient safety through enhanced sharing of licensure information, increases mobility for nurses to practice across state borders without additional licensure costs or requirements, and decreases licensure costs for employers.

The Minnesota Senate and House took a brief pause from meetings on Wednesday as many members traveled to Granite Falls to attend services for State Senator Gary Kubly, who passed away March 2nd. The lawmaker and Lutheran minister served in both chambers and was remembered not just for his public service, but also for his soft-spoken personality and sense of humor. He will be very much missed at the legislature.

TRANSPORTATION: In committee this week, we heard bills dealing with school bus safety, maintaining funding for county state-aid highways and municipal state-aid streets in case of a government shutdown, and titling for pioneer vehicles. Next week, the second omnibus policy bill will be introduced and walked through on Tuesday in committee. Then on Thursday, we plan on taking the final action on this bill.

PROTECTING LAKES & RIVERS: Aquatic invasive species (AIS) invading Minnesota’s rivers and lakes will be the target of study at a proposed cooperative research center at the University of Minnesota. The objective would be to develop and implement new technologies to permanently control and eliminate AIS in Minnesota. These prevention methods and objectives include developing screening tools to accurately and rapidly determine the presence of invasive species, studying their movement and how to eradicate them, and serving as a state-of-the art source of information on the biology of invasive species.

TAX BREAKS FOR VETERANS: The Senate Tax Committee heard a bill this week that would broaden the veterans’ income tax credit, eventually phasing out the income limit. Since the tax year 2009, Minnesota has provided a $750 individual income tax credit to certain military retirees for their past military service. Current law fully phases out this credit at $37,500, but this legislation gives the credit regardless of income. The committee is holding the bill for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill later this session.

SCHOOL CHOICE: The Senate Education Committee approved a bill to give low-income students the opportunity to attend the school of their choice. A low-income family in a failing school, in effect, does not have the option to send their child to a better learning environment. This legislation saves the state money and gives under-privileged families an avenue out of a failing school structure.

SELF-DEFENSE BILL VETOED: Governor Mark Dayton vetoed the bipartisan Defense of Dwelling and Person Act of 2012 which would have allowed victims to use force against violent felonies and removed the “duty to retreat” for individuals under attack. The measure also sought to create a presumption of reasonableness that protects the victim if they defend themselves outside the home and protect them after using justified force in self defense from facing criminal prosecution. I support this legislation and will continue to work towards seeing it passed into law.

BUDGET UPDATE – The Minnesota Department of Management and Budget released its February state budget forecast update on Wednesday. The numbers show a positive balance of $323 million, which follows the $876 million positive forecast from November. The turnaround assures Minnesota taxpayers that the $1 billion cash flow and budget reserves required by law are replenished, and we can now pay back almost half of the school shift earlier than scheduled. This dramatic turnaround validates the fiscal discipline we applied during last year’s budget session. We will continue our work for Minnesotans by encouraging job creation and reforms that make government more affordable for taxpayers.

TRANSPORTATION - This week in Transportation we heard and voted on bills that dealt with real-time motor vehicle insurance verification, special military and veterans license plates parking charge exemption, and keeping rest stops open in case of a government shutdown. In addition, I presented a bill that would conduct a study on freight rail economic development. Minnesota’s railroads play a significant role in our state’s trade and industry. This study will examine how we use our railroads and encourage new industry, business, and jobs along their lines.

REFORMING TEACHER LAYOFF PROCESS – The Senate passed a bill that will end Minnesota’s strict “Last In, First Out” (LIFO) standard for layoffs of teachers that addresses only seniority and not performance. The change made by this bill would authorize schools to base layoff decisions on effectiveness before seniority, letting them keep quality teachers in the classroom. This legislation builds on the teacher evaluation system passed into law last year requiring regular teacher evaluations using student academic growth as a factor. If signed into law, these evaluations are not required to begin until the 2014-15 school year and the new LIFO reform provisions would not take effect until 2016-17. The bill will likely go to conference committee to work out differences with the House version.

ALLOWING VETERANS HIRING PREFERENCES – On Thursday, the Senate unanimously approved a plan to allow Minnesota companies the option to put in place their own veterans hiring programs. The measure gives protection and allows, but does not mandate, private companies to have the option to take steps to help solve our state’s veteran employment crisis. The legislation simplifies the hiring process for veterans so that we can capitalize upon the range of talents and professional values that service members bring to the workforce.

NEXT WEEK – Next week in the Transportation Committee, we will be hearing bills that deal with school bus safety standards, the transport of manufactured homes, pioneer vehicle titles, and the potential of establishing wireless internet services at rest stops.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to represent you in St. Paul. If you ever have any comments or questions regarding a state legislative issue or concerns regarding the actions of a state agency, please do not hesitate to contact me.

This week we heard bonding overviews in the Transportation Committee, had bills signed by Governor Dayton, and were given our new redistricting maps.

TRANSPORTATION – This week in the Transportation Committee we held informational hearings on a host of bills dealing with requests for state bonding dollars to fund transportation projects. Among the bills we heard were requests for projects dealing with local road and bridge improvements, ports, railroad crossings, airports, transit centers, storm tunnels and sound walls. All of these requests have sound merits that could possibly be heard before the Capital Investment Committee later this session. This is the committee that has final say in which projects are authorized by the Senate. Next week in the Transportation Committee, we will hear bills that address the establishment of an online motor vehicle insurance inspection system, the benefits of conducting a study on the positive impacts of Minnesota’s freight rail system, and the review of vehicle title issuance requirements.

FIRST NEW LAW: TEACHER BASIC SKILLS – A bill to require teachers to successfully complete a basic skills examination in math, reading, and writing prior to receiving a license as a classroom teacher was signed into law by Governor Dayton on Wednesday. Out-of-state applicants for Minnesota teacher licenses will also have to pass the test. The Senate approved the bill on Monday with a 60-1 vote, and the House unanimously endorsed it last week.

SEX OFFENDERS – The Senate unanimously passed a bill, which was ultimately signed by the Governor on Thursday, that amends the state law on public notification for sex offenders. This bill changes current law to require community notification prior to a provisional discharge, and allows full community notification upon the transfer of the sex offender from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program to a residential treatment facility, such as a halfway house. Under the provisions of this bill, all levels of community notification would occur, including notifying law enforcement, former victims, daycares, schools, other groups that may fit a victim profile, and general community meetings in the neighborhood. It is effective immediately.

REDISTRICTING – Maps redrawing legislative and congressional district lines for this fall’s elections were released Tuesday. The redistricting exercise is done every 10 years after the census. The number of districts remains the same, but district borders are changed to make sure each district has approximately the same number of people in it, currently 80,000 per Senate district. To see how the change will affect you for the upcoming election, go to the state Geographic Information Services website at www.gis.leg.mn/html/redistricting.html, click on the interactive map, and enter your address.

PERSONAL PROTECTION (House File 1467/Senate File 1357) – Yesterday the Senate passed the Defense of Dwelling and Person Act which makes four changes to existing self-defense laws. It removes the “duty to retreat” provision, creates a presumption of reasonableness that protects the victim if they defend themselves, allows victims to use force against violent felonies, and protects victims who use justified force in self defense from facing criminal prosecution. The measure also addresses state government weapon seizure during state of emergencies, and recognizes permits to carry or licenses from another state. The bill passed with bipartisan support.

I continue to work on your behalf and welcome your questions and comments on legislative issues.

Below are some of this week’s highlights.

STATE OF THE STATE – One of the focuses of attention at the Capitol this week was the Governor’s State of the State address and reactions to it. Minnesota is better today than it was a year ago because the Minnesota Legislature prioritized Minnesota’s needs. Our state’s economy is on the mend and our citizens are not burdened with new taxes. This allows consumers the confidence to begin spending again, small businesses to consider expansion, and larger companies to hire. In addition, we appreciated the Governor’s comments of wanting to work in a bi-partisan manner on important government reform initiatives.

Transportation – This week we heard a bill I recently introduced that will provide contingent funding for road construction, operations, and maintenance in the event of a government shutdown. This past summer the state experienced a shutdown that halted all road construction projects across the state. I did everything in my power to convince the Governor to sign the Transportation Finance bill that the legislature passed which would have prevented the shutdown of the highway construction season, but it was to no avail. If the State of Minnesota is ever faced with this issue again, I believe this legislation will help to prevent such a thing from ever happening due to contingent funds being put in place.

Other bills that were heard in committee addressed the creation of a motorcycle road guard certificate and traffic regulations that related to speed limits. Also, the Omnibus Transportation Policy bill, which I authored, passed the Finance Committee and is scheduled to be heard on the Senate Floor sometime in the coming weeks.

VETERANS JOBS BILLS – The Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee passed two bills that will increase employment opportunities for veterans in both the private and public sector. One bill strengthens re-employment protections for veterans returning from service and better enables them to get their old jobs back. The second bill will give Minnesota companies the option to put in place their own veterans hiring programs.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING EFFICIENCY – Accelerating Minnesota business permits is one area where lawmakers have worked well in a bi-partisan manner. Last year, the Legislature and Administration moved forward to decrease the time and costs of the environmental review and permitting process. Now, 99 percent of priority permit applications are being completed by pollution control and natural resource regulators within 150 days.

To follow up that success, the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee approved Senate File 1567, a permitting efficiency bill supported by Minnesota businesses. As companies look to expand in this international economy, one of the areas they review, besides taxes, energy costs, and workforce, is how long it will take to obtain a permit for their expansion or building of their new facility.

NEXT WEEK – The Transportation Policy & Finance Committee will start the process of hearing bonding recommendations from the Governor and Legislature as they relate to transportation projects. These include projects for roads, bridges, airports, railroads and transit. I look forward to learning about the merits of these projects and if they will ultimately be included in an overall bonding bill later this session.