Weekly Capitol Update From Senator Bonoff

Voter ID

As this newsletter is being sent out we are on the floor debating this issue (*Originally published on Friday, March 23). Our debate is on whether we will place a Constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall. The Constitutional amendment requires photo ID prior to voting and essentially eliminates same day registration. It directs the legislature to enact legislation next session for implementation. Members of the House voted 72-62 to put this question on this November’s ballot.  As I have said previously, in my opinion, we should implement a strong voter verification process by employing a cost effective modern e-poll book system combined with a photographic verification option for same day registrants.  I will vote for the amendment that uses this approach and oppose the other.

Related- Minnesota may bypass Governor on Voter ID law (Chicago Tribune)

Tax Bill Cuts Business Taxes

The Senate Tax Committee heard the omnibus tax bill this week. The bill directs Governor Dayton to identify nearly $100 million in budget cuts in order to pay for numerous business tax breaks contained in the bill, including a phase-out of the statewide business property tax. If this does not occur, the money would come from the budget reserve. I am a proponent of reforming our business tax code to create the most competitive climate possible. Yet I believe we should do business tax reform as one component of an overall tax reform strategy so that we identify the proper revenue sources for these changes. This particular approach is problematic because after meeting our reserve targets, surplus revenue is statutorily dedicated to paying off the education shift. This bill redirects the reserve surplus to this effort. 

The bill was passed and sent to the Senate floor.

Racino legislation 

SF1046 – “The Racino Bill” – did not pass in the State Government Committee. Yet, we heard a different version of the Racino bill in the Education Committee. This bill proposed using the proceeds to pay off the shift, but no action was taken on the bill. I am not certain when that will happen. I do support this and will vote yes when I have the chance.

In addition, in a previous committee, Sen. Olson proposed to partially pay back the shift using budget reserves. I opposed that measure as I don’t think it is fiscally prudent to spend down our reserves.

Bill Updates

SF2420 – Teacher basic skills examination passage extended time period (see “Education” in Capitol Update #8) for more information.  

This bill is currently waiting to be heard on the Senate floor. However, this important and pressing issue is stalled in the House.  I have heard from many who are concerned about this issue. Those who are concerned may want to e-mail their State Representative to share theirviews. 

SF2403 - Sunset Commission The Sunset Commission was created at the end of the 2011 Legislative Session to review and make recommendations on all boards, commissions and state agencies on a 12-year cycle (read more in Capitol Update #1).

This bill is currently moving through the process and it is a BIG piece of work, which means it has to travel to several committees before making it to the Senate floor. My staff and I are working hard to ensure that it continues to move along. Amendment to Omnibus Fish and Game BillI offered an amendment today that would provide resources to combat the zebra mussels infestation by raising the $5.00 boating fee surcharge to $10, $15, and $25 depending on boat size. It failed narrowly, but afterwards, Sen. Langseth suggested that given the problem is created from boats moving from lake to lake we should consider a different assessment tool. Based on his insightful comment, I am going to pursue an amendment that would add a surcharge on the boat trailers, rather than the boats. My hope is that this effort will result in our having a long term revenue source to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species. 

Related- Three lake associations said Wednesday they're suing the DNR, claiming the agency is failing to do enough to stop the spread of zebra mussels.

Assorted Links

Some positive indicators on the economy: Minnesota added 6,000 jobs in February. U.S. unemployment applications fell to a four-year low. Construction in Minnesota shows signs of a turnaround.

After seven months of negotiations, the Minneapolis public schools and the local teachers union have tentatively reached an agreement on a two-year contract.

MinnPost: Education bills: Crunch time at the Capitol

Senate Republicans are advancing a plan to start paying back the $2.4 billion owed to Minnesota public schools. But there's a catch.

Efforts to build a $975 million stadium are focusing on the Minneapolis City Council as backers circulated a letter Thursday in support of the project.

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Stay tuned to my Facebook and Twitter for updates throughout the week.  I also sincerely appreciate hearing from you via email. Please do not hesitate to contact my office by emailing sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn. 

Warm Regards,

Senator Terri Bonoff