2004-08-19_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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SS V ®V continued from page 1 Latest word is that if there is a special session, and that is a big "if", it will probably be held in late June at the earliest. Hopefully differences can be worked out so some of the major legislation can be put into law. If there is a special session expect to see a global agreement before that session is called. Many of the details of all sup- plemental finance bills left hanging will need to be worked on next year. They will only concentrate on what is necessary in the finance bills fora spe- cial session. The governor has already balanced the budget, but a large hole remains to be filled for next session. He has also slowed down letting of bonds on already appropriated fimds to save money. It appears those funds will be available, but just later in the year. The House passed a slimed down version of the bonding bill ($600 million) while the Senate attempted to pass a $950 million bill. The House version left out many of Governor Pawlenty's key bonding initiatives. The Senate version failed to get the required number of votes (41) for bonding when the Senate Republicans voted against the bill. Their argument was that the bill was too expensive and did not have adequate hearings. Another bill was presented by the Senate DFL informally to the Senate Republicans that included more of the governor's requested items with a $50 million reduction overall in the bill. That too was rejected by the Republi- can Minority leader and was never brought up for a final vote. The Senate bonding bill was never brought back for another vote. Some of our major losses in funding because of failure to pass a bonding bill include the CREP program, Flood Damage Reduction, and Metro Greenways. The sales tax dedication bill made some progress before the end of session. The Senate version (4/16ths of one percent) sales tax dedication finally made it to the Senate floor but was not passed. The House version was reduced to a 1/8`h of one percent for wildlife and conservation in the House Taxes committee, but never made it out of Ways & Means. This bill is probably dead regardless if there is a special session or not. Below is a list of bills that we were working on or monitoring at the end of the session. Bills of Interest: HF1166; Hackbarth SF 401; Sams Creates a constitutional amendment proposed to the voters in the 2004 general election for one-forth of one percent of the existing sales tax to be dedicated to natural resources and clean water management and protec- tion. House file passed two policy committees and the Environment Finance Committee. Bill has referred to House Taxes committee and changed to 1/8`h of one percent for wildlife and conservation in House Taxes committee. Died in the House Ways & Means committee. Senate file passed two policy committees and Senate Finance Committee. Bill was passed to the floor but died awaiting action. HF 1980; Beard SF 1799; Robling Clarifies conflict of interest for watershed district and SWCD officers. Passed by both bodies, sent to the governor for signature. Signed into law, Chapter 139, effective 3/30/04. HF2005; McNamara SF1999; Sparks Extends the phosphorus restrictions on lawn fertilizers statewide. Passed House floor on 4/19/04 and passed the Senate on May 5`~, and signed into law on May 10`h. The effective date of this legislation is 1/1/O5. HF 2088; Kuisle SF ~:XXX Executive Director of BWSR appointed by Governor. Referred to House Ag Committee for action. No action, bill is dead for the session. HF2366; Hoppe SF2384; Dibble Stream protection and scientific and natural areas, native prairie bank easements, and metro green ways acquisition or improvement projects. $4 million bonding request for metro green ways. $1 million. recommended by House Environment Finance Committee to Capital Budget Commit- tee. Not included in House Capital Investment bill. $1 million included in the Senate bonding bill for Metro Green ways & Natural Areas, and $500,000 in Stream Protection & Restoration. HF 2478; Swenson SF 2068; Dille Prohibits the planting of trees over certain public or private file lines. Both bills referred to their Environment Policy Committees in their respective bodies. Both bills heard and passed to the floors of both bodies. Passed Senate floor but died on House floor. -4-