Sen. Kiscaden: Legislative Update 4

02/22/2005

Topics:

1-Update on University for Rochester
2-Eight weeks: Solid Progress
3-Issues Survey
4-Community Conversation on Gambling
5-Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee!
6-Update on Two Kiscaden Bills

1- Update on University for Rochester
As someone who has spent the last 12 years working to expand higher
education opportunities in Rochester, the past few weeks have definitely
been an exciting time, with the Governor’s proclamation of support and
our community leaders and legislators all ready to advocate for a big
advancement this year.

There is no question that our area has unmet educational needs. We have
been pioneers in creating a unique institution, but it’s time to build
on what we have done and convince the Legislature that we offer the
state the opportunity not only meet to meet the needs of students, but
to create a solid economic benefit to the state through the world-class
medicine, technology, bio-technology, and agri-business industries in
our area.

So far, Fran Bradley and I have introduced placeholder legislation in
the Senate and the House, and we have commitments from Committee Chairs
to have the proposals heard.  Once we have agreement on the final
language, new bills will be introduced.  In the Senate, Dave Senjem and
I will both be at the table working as the Senate team and our House
members will also be working as a team.

The Governor’s office and the Higher Education Services Office are
actively involved in meeting with the GRAUC Task Force and with area
legislators, and are crafting final language for the proposal.  As the
proposal comes forward, I believe some of the concerns of other
institutions and regions of the state will be satisfied, but there is no
question that our delegation and our community will have to work
together, and work hard, to convince the Legislature of the merits of
approving and funding our proposal.  If we all work together, we can
make this happen. It is a year of opportunity that we must seize.

Here are two recent editorials that capture what we are trying to
achieve for our area:
http://www.startribune.com/stories/561/5242887.html and an attached
editorial by Al DeBoer.

2- Eight Weeks In: Solid Progress
The 2005 legislative session convened January 4th, and it appears that
November’s election message has been heard loud and clear - Get the
Job Done! Minnesotans want progress not partisan gridlock.

I was amused that last week one political reporter lamented that the
Legislature is so cooperative this year that it is boring.  Clearly,
there is more to report when there is controversy and political
posturing.  But, the truth is that there has been steady progress this
year and not much rancor.  Along with a number of smaller bills, six
major pieces of legislation have passed the Senate, all with bipartisan
support.  We have also confirmed several of the Governor’s cabinet
appointments, including his Commissioners of Education, Public Safety,
and Administration.

Most significantly, a comprehensive and balanced bonding bill that
funds the state’s infrastructure relating to higher education
buildings, environmental improvements, bridges, and other projects
including for several projects for our region, among them the
Mayo-University Genomics facility, a Health Sciences building renovation
on the University Center Rochester Campus, and a regional public safety
training facility at the National Guard Armory.  The full House will
vote on their bonding bill on Tuesday, and that means a conference
committee can be appointed later this week to begin working out the
differences between the two bills.  The aim is to have it ready so the
Governor can sign it into law in time for this spring’s construction
season.

We are continuing to hold hearings on the Governor’s budget proposal,
and some committees are taking testimony in greater Minnesota.  Just
last week the Senate Education Committees held a hearing at Willow Creek
Middle School in Rochester that was attended by over 130 people from
throughout Southeastern Minnesota.

The Senate’s immediate political progress is significant and noteworthy.  Senate Minority Leader Dick Day and the Republican Caucus should be commended for their productive dialog and cooperative spirit thus far. The public knows that the ideals of progress and compromise are not limited to one party, and that only through collective action will we find acceptable solutions.

3- Issues Survey
I invite you to complete my 2005 survey on legislative issues, which
you can access by clicking on the link below.  This is the first time I
am trying to send it out in this manner.  I am hoping you have no
problems accessing it.  You can print it and mail it back.

4- Community Conversation on Gambling
Next Saturday, Community Education and several other community groups
will be hosting a “Coffee and Conversation” at Mayo High School from
8:30 to 10:30 AM.  The topic for conversation will be: Should Minnesota
Use New Gaming Revenue to Fund State Services?  There will be a brief
informational overview of gaming in Minnesota and the proposals for new
venues, and then a chance for informal discussion.  I will be there to
listen and participate, and I know several other legislators and elected
officials are also planning to attend. This is open to the public
without charge.

5- Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee!
Just to let you know that I plan to stay around for an hour or so after
the forum next week.  If you would like to stop in and talk about any
issues of concern to you, please do.

6- Update on Two Kiscaden Bills
Today I introduced a bill to reduce smoking and save lives.  Called the
“Small Business Tax Fairness and Health Improvement Act” this bill
provides a dollar-for-dollar tax swap, eliminating $260 million in
health care taxes by increasing the tobacco tax $1.  Tobacco use kills
approximately 5,600 Minnesotans each year.  Minnesota, currently in the
bottom third in the country in terms of cigarette taxes would rise to
9th.  The $1 tobacco tax will prevent 63,300 kids from starting to smoke
next year.

This bill has across the board political support in the Legislature and
enjoys broad backing by small business groups like the National
Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), local Chambers of Commerce,
and several health organizations, including the Minnesota Medical
Association.

I am also co-author of the statewide workplace smoking ban that has
passed the Senate Health Committee without amendment and will be heard
today in the Senate Commerce Committee.

Sheila


Senator Sheila Kiscaden
District 30
325 Capitol
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-4848