Friends Action Network News and Updates

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582393058773719422011-12-03T05:35:01.644-06:00Friends Action Network News and Updatesmnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.comBlogger3151100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-33646404430576549522011-05-24T14:21:00.000-05:002011-05-24T14:22:27.526-05:00Budget bills vetoed; Letters posted

Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed all nine budget bills today and returned the bills to the Legislature along with veto messages outlining areas of both agreement and concern in each of the bills. Here is Gov. Dayton's press release on the veto of all nine bills. Here is the higher education letter. Here is the state government letter.

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-24545565891252124482011-05-24T01:08:00.001-05:002011-05-24T01:09:44.658-05:00Session concludes with no deal; What comes next?

The Legislature is heading into overtime. Both bodies worked up until midnight, the House debating the Outdoor Legacy funding bill (which never received a vote due to time running out) and the Senate delivering end-of-session speeches. Gov. Dayton and Republican legislative leaders were unable to reach a budget deal, which means Dayton will need to call lawmakers back to St. Paul in order to pass

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-22483393265569917312011-05-23T08:53:00.001-05:002011-05-23T08:55:37.396-05:00Final day of session; Will a compromise be reached?

Today is the last day of the regular legislative session and both the House and Senate are expected to go into session at 10:00 a.m. While Gov. Dayton and Republican leadership met over the weekend to try and reach an agreement on the budget, they are still at odds over revenue. Gov. Dayton said the budget cuts proposed in the spending bills are too drastic, while Republicans have said this is

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-45718959650565835642011-05-21T17:44:00.002-05:002011-05-21T17:46:42.552-05:00House and Senate to meet; Negotiations continue

The House goes back into session today at 10 a.m. and the Senate goes in at 11. The Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans committee is taking up the omnibus retirement bill today at 1 p.m. or at the call of the chair in room 123 of the Capitol. On the House floor last night, Republicans tried to pass a bonding bill focused on flood relief but were not able to get the 81 votes (super

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-46338241510715190322011-05-20T08:51:00.001-05:002011-05-20T08:53:11.312-05:00Budget talks continue; Negotiations in works?

With only four days remaining, there is still no global budget agreement; however, don't count them out yet. Four days is a long time in the legislative world. Both bodies have passed all 10 budget bills now and have sent them to Gov. Dayton. The Senate took up the higher education conference report on the floor yesterday evening and passed it by a vote of 35-31. The bill now heads to the

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-2371407792339532412011-05-19T09:08:00.000-05:002011-05-19T09:09:43.018-05:00Budget bills pass; Vetoes expected

The Senate debated the state government conference report for almost five hours yesterday on the floor before passing it by a vote of 37-29. Democratic members delivered passionate speeches on the floor about the value of state employees given the reductions in the bill that affect state employees. The House also took up the state government bill and passed it 70-62. There was discussion on the

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-63882240591750132622011-05-18T10:36:00.001-05:002011-05-18T10:41:48.953-05:00Conference committee reports moved; Governor's plan voted down

Yesterday at the CapitolThere is movement at the Capitol. Higher education finance bill conferees signed the conference report and posted both versions, signed and unsigned. The House took up the bill last night and passed it by a vote of 69-57. The Senate is expected to take it up today. Here is a link to the signed conference report:HF1101A: Omnibus higher education finance bill (signed)The

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-26744739948139444752011-05-17T09:15:00.001-05:002011-05-17T09:17:01.403-05:00Governor Dayton asks lawmakers to meet in middle; Leadership not so keen

Yesterday at the CapitolGov. Dayton held a press conference yesterday morning to discuss the offer he made to legislative leadership to "meet them halfway" on the remaining $3.6 billion budget deficit after the agreed-upon postponement of the shift in school aid payments. Dayton offered $1.8 billion in spending cuts and $1.8 billion additional tax revenues, which is a drop from his original

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-30532069770799802212011-05-16T09:00:00.001-05:002011-05-16T09:02:32.593-05:00Final countdown to session end; Schedules posted

Exactly one week from today, the Legislature is required to adjourn according to the constitution (the first Monday after the third Saturday in May for you trivia buffs). The House and Senate met in floor sessions Saturday and took up multiple bills off the general calendar. Conference committees also worked over the weekend and crafted draft budget bills. Conferees have not signed the reports,

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-57571935141651715672011-05-13T15:26:00.001-05:002011-05-13T15:28:08.291-05:00Higher education committee finalizes bill; Mankato students walk 90 miles to capitol

Yesterday at the CapitolConferees wrapped up the higher education finance bill last night. The cut for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system ended up at $130 million over the 2012-2013 biennium from the fiscal year 2011 base doubled. (If you look at the numbers from the FY2012-2013 forecasted base, it is a $180 million cut over the biennium). The total appropriation for the system

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-69717295269984091922011-05-11T09:03:00.002-05:002011-05-11T09:06:40.990-05:00Capital investment committee considers bonding; Education bill moves; Budget negotiations continue

Yesterday at the CapitolThe House Capital Investment committee met yesterday and after working through a flurry of amendments, passed HF 959, which provides bond authorization for $28 million for flood hazard mitigation. The bill also reduces authorization for several prior year projects where money has not yet been spent. The bill heads next to the Ways and Means committee. Committee Chair Larry

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-69269692076037228242011-05-10T12:12:00.001-05:002011-05-10T12:15:17.948-05:00State government discusses salary freeze; House passes education policy bill; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolIn the state government conference committee yesterday morning, there was much discussion regarding the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system's state employees. Russ Stanton with the Inter Faculty Organization, testified that the IFO supports the House language that exempts the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system faculty and administrators from the

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-85331531595042331832011-05-09T09:31:00.001-05:002011-05-09T09:32:47.484-05:00Final weeks of session; Schedules posted

The constitutional adjournment date is just two weeks from today, so quite a bit of conference committee activity is expected this week this week. A higher education conference committee has not been announced yet, so stay tuned. Today at the Capitol8:30 AMConference committee on SF1047: Omnibus state government finance billRoom: 112 CapitolChairs: Rep. Lanning and Sen. ParryHOUSE CONFEREES:

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-74909699635263045372011-05-06T09:28:00.002-05:002011-05-06T09:32:27.539-05:00Teacher candidates requirements defined; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolThe House passed SF 170 as amended on the floor yesterday by a vote of 91-39. The bill requires teacher candidates to pass a reading, writing and math basic skills test before being granted an initial teaching license. Rep. Mark Buesgens, R-Jordan, amended the bill to remove the language that requires colleges and universities offering a Board of Teaching approved teacher

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-70481941173662686322011-05-05T14:41:00.000-05:002011-05-05T14:42:22.834-05:00Committees process bills; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolAs committees meet to push through policy bills before the final deadline Friday, conference committees continue to meet. Some of the conference committees are beginning to adopt provisions that are the same or similar between the House and Senate versions, including the state government conference committee. But yesterday Gov. Dayton asked Republican legislative leaders

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-63409309144555444802011-05-04T09:57:00.004-05:002011-05-04T10:01:50.705-05:00Chancellor, faculty, students testify for system; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolThe higher education conference committee met yesterday afternoon and heard testimony from those organizations affected by the House and Senate bills. Testifying on behalf of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system was Chancellor Jim McCormick who asked conferees to provide the system with as much flexibility as possible so that there are tools available to

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-23976938608706748742011-05-03T09:03:00.003-05:002011-05-03T09:11:17.813-05:00Senior citizen eligibility for classes passed; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolOn the House floor yesterday, HF 821, a bill that reduces the age for senior citizens to receive reduced tuition from the age 66 to 62, passed by a vote of 126-4. This provision is also included in both the House and Senate versions of the higher education finance omnibus bill. This would reverse the law passed last session that increased the age from 62 to 66. The higher

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-84556373840845593522011-05-02T09:07:00.001-05:002011-05-02T09:09:54.833-05:00Weekly legislative schedule posted

Today at the Capitol10:15 AMHouse Ways and Means Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Agenda: HF4 (Downey) State workforce reduction required, and early retirement program created.HF66 (Drazkowski) Political contribution refund repealed.HF873 (Garofalo) Education finance obsolete language removed.HF874 (Garofalo) Education finance obsolete language removed.HF1230 (Fabian)

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-9435573694166573262011-04-29T16:35:00.003-05:002011-04-29T16:39:30.471-05:00Final countdown to session end; Voter Id moves; Governor Jeb Bush in town; Education reform discussed

Legislative UpdateApril 29, 2011The countdown beginsWith three weeks remaining before the constitutionally required adjournment date of May 23, the landscape looks like this; $5 billion state budget deficit, Gov. Mark Dayton wants to solve $2.5 billion of it in tax increases, and the Republican Legislature wants to solve all of it with spending cuts. Both legislative leadership and the governor

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-47986844187938466132011-04-29T09:41:00.001-05:002011-04-29T09:43:40.236-05:00Voter ID bill passes Senate; Higher Education conference committee set to meet

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Senate passed the voter ID bill yesterday by a partisan vote of 37-26. The bill would amend statute to require all Minnesota residents to present photo ID when voting. Author of the bill Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, said the legislation would modernize the state voting system and bring back integrity. In the House, the most recent stop for the companion bill was

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-51178824471751932182011-04-28T10:46:00.000-05:002011-04-28T10:50:10.142-05:00Deadline looms; Voting amendment may go on ballot

Yesterday at the CapitolWith only two more days left before the first policy bill deadline midnight on Friday, both bodies are busy hearing bills. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, said budget discussions will start to heat up again once the policy bills are out of the way. Also yesterday, a bill was introduced by Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, that would propose an amendment to the

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-83907162207296369582011-04-27T08:23:00.002-05:002011-04-27T08:25:52.004-05:00Education Reform discussed; Governor calls for budget action

Yesterday at the CapitolFormer Florida Governor Jeb Bush was in Minnesota yesterday talking with legislators about education reform. Bush discussed successful efforts he led that include giving schools grades and providing vouchers for students in failing schools. DFL lawmakers held a press conference afterward and argued this is not the time to bring in governor's from other states to talk about

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-14505779871637633562011-04-26T08:47:00.000-05:002011-04-26T08:48:19.252-05:00Lawmakers back at it; Conference committees set to meet

Lawmakers return to St. Paul today after a week-long recess in their home districts. Due to the snow last week, the Republican leadership fly-around was postponed until yesterday. GOP leaders set the tone for the final weeks of the 2011 legislative session. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, said there is room for compromise, and leadership will cooperate with Gov. Dayton. "We're just

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-19423583058221682792011-04-15T08:43:00.001-05:002011-04-20T09:09:04.714-05:00Lawmakers discuss session; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolThe higher education finance omnibus conference committee met briefly yesterday afternoon and House Researcher Kathy Novak walked through the side-by-side of the House and Senate bills, and Fiscal Analyst Doug Berg walked through the funding in both bills. There was no discussion, and no votes were taken. Conference Committee Chairs Rep. Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls and Sen.

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-60579931335915523322011-04-14T10:08:00.001-05:002011-04-14T10:08:55.703-05:00Governor hosts higher education round table; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolA panel of higher education leaders, faculty, students and staff met yesterday at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul for Gov. Dayton's round table discussion on higher education. Dayton heard directly from students, faculty and administrators about the impact of the House and Senate proposed budget cuts, and discussed the future of higher education. Chancellor Jim

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-80082336686713871482011-04-13T08:47:00.001-05:002011-04-13T08:49:21.938-05:00House Capital Investment committee meets, discusses jobs; Budget conference committes set

Yesterday at the CapitolThe House Capital Investment committee met yesterday afternoon to take up two bills. After much discussion, both bills were laid over for further consideration. The first bill, sponsored by Rep. King Banaian, R-St. Cloud, requires a return on investment projected for each capital project requested. Banaian said the ROI information would help the Capital Investment

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-88041340829038132412011-04-12T08:43:00.001-05:002011-04-12T08:45:10.730-05:00Higher ed round table discussed held; Conference Committee to meet; Special election today

Roundtable discussions on higher education fundingGov. Mark Dayton is hosting a roundtable discussion on the impact of cuts as proposed in the higher education appropriation bills headed for conference committee later this week. Topics of discussion include the consequences of spending cuts on people, jobs and tuition. Individuals have been asked to participate in the discussion, including

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-86803799129028917432011-04-11T08:53:00.000-05:002011-04-11T08:54:22.785-05:00Weekly schedules posted

Today at the Capitol8:30 AMConference Committee on S.F. 1016: Omnibus agriculture and rural economic development appropriationsRoom: 107 CapitolChairs: Sen. Doug Magnus and Rep. Rod HamiltonCONFEREES: SENATE: Magnus; Miller; Kubly; Nienow; DahmsHOUSE: Hamilton; Shimanski; Anderson; LeMieur; Eken11:00 AMSenate in Session1:00 PMSenate State Government Innovation and VeteransRoom: 123 CapitolChair:

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-80112566712968430632011-04-08T17:07:00.002-05:002011-04-08T17:09:13.450-05:00Conferees named; Budget bills passed; Federal government shut down?

Legislative UpdateApril 8, 2011Half of the higher education conferees namedThis week, the House of Representatives appointed conferees to negotiate the higher education finance omnibus bill. They are: Rep. Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls; Rep. Bob Dettmer, R-Forest Lake; Rep. Kurt Daudt, R-Crown; Rep. Pat Mazorol, R-Bloomington; and Rep. David Hancock, R-Bemidji. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch,

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-51590724139553389842011-04-08T09:04:00.000-05:002011-04-08T09:05:57.374-05:00Budget process further clarified

Yesterday at the CapitolSenate Republicans held a press conference yesterday to discuss the budget bills that are now moving into their respective conference committee. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, said conference committees are a good opportunity for Gov. Dayton's commissioners and staff to weigh in on what they like and don't like in the House and Senate bills. She said now is

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-30935736524545134042011-04-07T09:12:00.001-05:002011-04-07T09:14:12.774-05:00State government bill passes House; Senate to hold news conference to update process

Yesterday at the CapitolAfter debating the bill for nearly six hours, the House passed the state government finance omnibus bill yesterday by a partisan vote of 72-61. The bill cuts state agencies by 34 percent and includes many state government reforms. Rep. Keith Downey, R-Edina, sponsored many of the reform provisions included in the bill, and said the bill would lead to better state services

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-46905300358870121592011-04-06T08:30:00.001-05:002011-04-06T08:32:28.412-05:00House approves jobs bill; Senate moves tax bill

Yesterday at the CapitolThe House approved the jobs and economic development finance omnibus bill yesterday by a vote of 70-60. The bill cuts funding to the Department of Employment and Economic Development by 5.8 percent and the Department of Labor and Industry by 7 percent. One of the more controversial provisions in the bill is the transfer of $60 million in one-time money from the Douglas J.

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-48983801528524643632011-04-05T08:37:00.000-05:002011-04-05T08:38:26.201-05:00House higher ed conferees are named; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolOn the House floor yesterday higher education conference committee members were announced. They are Rep. Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls; Rep. Bob Dettmer, R-Forest Lake; Rep. Kurt Daudt, R-Crown; Rep. Pat Mazorol, R-Bloomington; and Rep. David Hancock, R-Bemidji. There has been no indication of when a conference committee will meet.Now that the majority of the finance bills

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-74970717388086032552011-04-04T09:36:00.000-05:002011-04-04T09:37:34.849-05:00Legislative schedules posted

Today at the Capitol10:00 AMSenate in Session3:00 PMHouse in Session6:00 PM (or call of the chair)House Ways and Means Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Agenda: HF 577: State Government Omnibus BillLooking AheadTuesday, April 58:00 AM House Ways and Means Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Agenda: HF 927 Health and Human Services Omnibus BillHF

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-17754026703351456442011-04-01T16:18:00.003-05:002011-04-01T16:23:06.731-05:00Higher ed bills move; Cuts proposed to state government; Compromise speculation; U.S. Congress to look at spending bills

Legislative UpdateApril 1, 2011Higher education bill heads to conference committeeBoth the House and Senate took up the respective higher education omnibus bills on the floor this week. In the Senate, Higher Education Chair Michelle Fischbach, R-Paynesville, explained SF 924 to members. She said there is a 10.3 percent reduction for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, with cuts

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-55931267733302984322011-04-01T08:58:00.001-05:002011-04-01T09:00:09.813-05:00Senate approves K-12 bill; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Senate approved the K-12 education finance bill on the floor yesterday by a partisan vote of 36-25. The bill increases slightly the basic per-pupil formula, but eliminates integration aid. The measure also freezes school district employee salaries, and prohibits teachers from striking over wages, but allows teachers to strike for non-economic reasons. The bill also

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-60948229454653041452011-03-31T10:06:00.001-05:002011-03-31T10:07:28.036-05:00State government bill with reductions to state employees moves; Ag bill passes

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Senate took up the state government finance bill, SF1047, on the floor yesterday and after much discussion and multiple amendments, Senators passed the bill 36-29. The bill, authored by Sen. Mike Parry, R-Waseca, reduces projected spending in state government by 59 percent. Part of that reduction includes a provision that freezes the salaries of state employees for the

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-61680684974684518492011-03-30T11:33:00.002-05:002011-03-30T11:39:34.814-05:00Higher education bills pass Senate, House; Schedule posted

Yesterday at the CapitolBoth the House and Senate took up the respective higher education omnibus bills on the floor yesterday. In the Senate, Higher Education Chair Michelle Fischbach, R-Paynesville, explained SF 924 to members. She said there was a 10.3 percent reduction for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, with cuts to the central office and campuses. Sen. Larry Pogemiller

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-86385544360011295232011-03-29T08:59:00.001-05:002011-03-29T09:01:17.218-05:00Higher education bill to go to House, Senate floors; Tax bill moves

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Senate did not take up the higher education omnibus bill on the floor yesterday, however they are expected to take it up today. The full Senate did pass the agriculture omnibus bill and the jobs and economic development omnibus bill yesterday.After nearly 7 hours of debate, the House passed the tax bill yesterday. Some of the main provisions in the bill include a

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-32134167104146767222011-03-28T08:36:00.002-05:002011-03-28T08:38:32.878-05:00Budget bills continue to move; House DFL to go on listening tour

The Senate goes into session at 10:00 a.m. today and is expected to take up the higher education bill. The House is scheduled to take up the higher education bill on the floor tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. Also related to the budget, the House DFL caucus is planning a 25-city budget listening tour over the next two weeks. The cities on the tour include: Moorhead, Fergus Falls, Thief River Falls,

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-52785359533327239972011-03-25T09:49:00.000-05:002011-03-25T09:50:27.448-05:00Higher education bills advance; Tuition caps included

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Senate Finance committee and the House Ways and Means committee both met yesterday afternoon and took up the respective higher education omnibus bills. Both committees approved the bills without any additional amendments, and sent them to the floor. Once the bills are taken up on the Senate and House floors, they will go to conference committee to work through the

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-78088276785617263502011-03-24T10:03:00.001-05:002011-03-24T10:05:29.375-05:00Presidents ask for local control on tuition; Senate passed higher education bill

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Senate Higher Education committee met yesterday afternoon and into the evening to mark-up the higher education omnibus bill. Presidents Edna Szymanski of Minnesota State University Moorhead and Larry Litecky of Century College requested the support of committee members for local control of tuition. The Senate higher education bill caps tuition increases for the

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-55667355401086676022011-03-23T09:03:00.002-05:002011-03-23T09:34:40.551-05:00House higher education bill moves; Senate set to hear its bill today

Yesterday at the CapitolThe House Higher Education Policy and Finance committee met yesterday afternoon to go through the omnibus bill and take testimony. The committee returned in the evening to finish testimony and take amendments to the bill. After multiple proposed amendments, the bill passed as amended by a vote of 8-6 and was referred to the Ways and Means committee. Ways and Means is

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-83946376287909161522011-03-22T11:34:00.003-05:002011-03-22T11:46:22.364-05:00Senate higher education committee discusses bills: House to mark up higher education budget

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Senate Higher Education committee met yesterday afternoon to take up a variety of bills including the governor's higher education proposal, SF 897, authored by Sen. Kathy Sheran, DFL-Mankato, which as a reminder contains a 6 percent reduction to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. As the committee puts together their omnibus bill, members laid SF 897

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-1400098268426454712011-03-21T09:02:00.001-05:002011-03-21T09:03:51.625-05:00Finance bill deadline Friday; Schedules posted

This week we will see the finance committees meet around the clock to get a bill passed out of committee by the Friday deadline. Expect long hearings, quite possibly that meet in the evening.Today at the Capitol9:00 AMHouse Education FinanceRoom: 5 State Office BuildingChair: Rep. Pat GarofaloAgenda: HF 934 (Garofalo) Education finance statute obsolete reference removed.Omnibus education finance

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-31595052880295012762011-03-18T08:51:00.001-05:002011-03-18T08:53:53.168-05:00House Higher Education bill released; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolThe House Higher Education Policy and Finance committee released its higher education finance bill yesterday. The bill includes significant reductions to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The Legislature looks at both the 2012-2013 forecasted base as well as the 2010-2011 base, which drives different percentages. If reduced from the 2012-13 forecasted

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-77358654505759347072011-03-17T09:08:00.001-05:002011-03-17T09:10:26.712-05:00Census data released, redistricting to begin

Yesterday at the CapitolThe U.S. Census Bureau released the 2010 census data for Minnesota yesterday, which legislators will now use in what is known as redistricting, or redrawing the districts to ensure equal population for the congressional and legislative districts in the state. According to Tom Gillaspy, State Demographer, the 2nd and 6th congressional districts have to give up population to

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-91834894716633318402011-03-16T09:25:00.000-05:002011-03-16T09:27:34.700-05:00Mandate reduction bill heard; Reforms to be discussed

Yesterday at the CapitolThe House Higher Education Policy and Finance committee heard HF 849 yesterday, a bill introduced by Committee Chair Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls, that attempts to eliminate mandates in statute. Nornes said as committee chair he has been looking for relief from mandates this session and chose to eliminate four that include; the prohibition of higher education institutions

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-28799154596111259412011-03-15T09:32:00.001-05:002011-03-15T09:34:26.836-05:00Budget targets approved; Performance pay discussed

Yesterday at the CapitolThe House Ways and Means committee adopted the budget targets yesterday morning by a vote of 17-13. Committee Chair Mary Liz Holberg, R-Lakeville, said, "We feel that these numbers are living within our means, and that we'll be able to meet the necessary needs of the state in the numbers reflected in this target." Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, offered an amendment to

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-16922379028074485942011-03-14T09:23:00.001-05:002011-03-14T09:24:34.385-05:00Bill deadline approaching; Schedules posted

Good morning. With the March 25 finance bill deadline looming, we can expect to see evening hearings this week and next, as well as a more fluid schedule. We will continue to keep you posted. Today at the Capitol10:15 AMHouse Ways and Means Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Agenda: Adopt budget targets10:30 AMSenators Mike Parry, R-Waseca and Gretchen Hoffman, R-Vergas

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-18431319259017604072011-03-11T10:15:00.002-06:002011-03-11T10:17:18.059-06:00Budget targets released; Governor to visit Mesabi Range Community and Technical College

Yesterday at the CapitolRepublican leadership announced the budget targets yesterday. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, said government needs to live within their means and Republican senators do not support tax increases. She said they implemented aggressive budget deadlines, and now the targets are turned over to committee chairs who will work to meet the March 25 deadline. Sen. Geoff

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-4869434533282143702011-03-10T09:28:00.000-06:002011-03-10T09:30:00.533-06:00Transfer bill heard; Targets to be released

Yesterday at the CapitolIn the Senate Higher Education committee, members heard about credit transfer within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Sen. Michael Jungbauer, R-East Bethel, presented SF 603, a bill that requires the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to adopt a policy requiring colleges and universities to grant credit for a course that is taken for

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-12740839166868334612011-03-09T09:53:00.002-06:002011-03-09T09:57:35.346-06:00Tuition bill heard; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolThe bill that freezes tuition for the 2012-2013 biennium at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota, was heard in the House Higher Education Policy and Finance committee yesterday. HF 856, introduced by Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, also holds tuition increases to the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index, or CPI,

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-46292005298321829012011-03-08T10:50:00.001-06:002011-03-08T10:52:31.007-06:00Veterans services heard; Cuts to higher education discussed; Senior citizens age requirement change; Alternative teachers bill signed

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans committee heard SF 449 yesterday, the bill that repeals the sunset date for higher education campus veterans assistance programs, allowing the veteran centers to remain and operate on campuses. Committee members recommended it to pass and laid it over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill. In the House, the bill was

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-53214938439306440372011-03-07T11:42:00.001-06:002011-03-07T11:44:31.229-06:00Schedules posted

Today at the Capitol11:00 AMSenate in Session1:00 PMSenate State Government Innovation and VeteransRoom: 123 CapitolChair: Sen. Mike ParryAgenda: SF 161 (Pederson) Lake Pepin phosphorus standard establishmentSF 196 (Pederson) Water rulemaking moratorium and study requirementsSF 449 (Magnus) Higher education veterans assistance program expiration date repeal3:00 PMSenate Higher EducationRoom: 107

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-82056985261833114162011-03-04T12:03:00.001-06:002011-03-04T12:06:27.129-06:00Transfer discussed; Alternative teacher licensure passed

Yesterday at the CapitolThe issue of credit transfer was once again a topic of the House Higher Education committee yesterday with the presentation of HF 717. The bill author, Rep. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, said he introduced the bill to continue advancing the discussion of transfer and push well-intended institutions to move the issue forward. The bill requires the Minnesota State Colleges and

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-48584736388537392992011-03-03T08:56:00.000-06:002011-03-03T08:57:56.542-06:00Students ask for system support; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolSenate Higher Education committee members heard from students and faculty with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and the University of Minnesota yesterday about the role higher education plays in their lives and in Minnesota, and the impact of cuts to the two systems. Geoff Dittberner, Vice President of the Minnesota State College Student Association,

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-22550819779373921192011-03-02T08:56:00.001-06:002011-03-02T08:58:06.466-06:00Alternative pathways to teaching proposal accepted; U.S. Congress passes continuing budget resolution

Yesterday at the CapitolA six-member conference committee adopted a report yesterday on alternative pathways to becoming a licensed teacher after they reached consensus with Gov. Mark Dayton earlier. The House and Senate are expected to vote on the bill this week and send it to the governor for signature. Under the measure, alternative licensure candidates who meet all criteria would be granted a

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-46921205531849053792011-03-01T09:02:00.000-06:002011-03-01T09:03:17.407-06:00State budget forecast $5 billion; Trustees were confirmed

Yesterday at the CapitolThe much anticipated revised state budget forecast came out yesterday morning, and Minnesota Management and Budget is projecting more than a billion dollar improvement from a $6.2 billion budget deficit to a $5.028 billion deficit for the fiscal year 2012-2013 biennium. Gov. Mark Dayton announced he would eliminate his proposal for a temporary surtax on the state’s highest

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-66223417843769284562011-02-28T08:40:00.002-06:002011-02-28T08:43:10.803-06:00February forecast to be released; Schedules posted

Today at the CapitolThe February forecast will be released this morning at 11:30 a.m. 11:15 AMSenate in Session3:00 PMSenate Higher EducationRoom: 107 CapitolChair: Sen. Michelle L. FischbachAgenda:Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Trustee Confirmations: Trustee Duane BensonTrustee Philip KrinkieTrustee Alfredo Oliveira Trustee Thomas RenierTrustee Michael Vekich3:00 PMSenate

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-70992073435786821382011-02-25T09:32:00.002-06:002011-02-25T09:36:23.927-06:00System presents budget to House; Trustees to be confirmed next week

Yesterday at the CapitolHouse Higher Education committee members heard from folks with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities about the system's budget and the impact of further cuts. CFO at Central Lakes College Kari Christiansen said they have had an extensive consultation process on campus planning for $1.2 million to $2.4 million in cuts. She said they are looking at a variety of ways

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-90038042852906681932011-02-24T09:16:00.000-06:002011-02-24T09:18:12.117-06:00House debates bonding bill; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolRep. Larry Howes, R-Walker, chair of the House Capital Investment committee and author of Gov. Dayton's bonding proposal, held a hearing yesterday to discuss Dayton's $1 billion bonding bill, which includes $127.6 million in projects and HEAPR for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Rep. Bev Scalze, DFL-Little Canada, questioned Howes about the future of

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-56806105576603692262011-02-23T09:07:00.001-06:002011-02-23T09:09:15.882-06:00University of Minnesota presents budget; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolPresident Bob Bruininks and CFO Richard Pfutzenreuter of the University of Minnesota presented the U's budget to House Higher Education committee members yesterday. Bruininks told members that he believes it is the University's obligation to be the state's partner in helping solve the problem, but he hopes lawmakers make the University a priority in their budget decisions.

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-1356380464534354852011-02-22T10:41:00.001-06:002011-02-22T10:55:41.896-06:00State budget discussed; Regents approved

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget, Jim Schowalter, told members of the House Ways and Means committee yesterday that Gov. Dayton’s budget plan would balance the budget, but would not necessarily fix the state’s ongoing cash flow problems. The weak economy and lower-than-expected tax revenue have caused the state to draw down its cash reserves over the

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-55542304237185765412011-02-21T09:29:00.000-06:002011-02-21T09:30:27.282-06:00February forecast next Monday;

Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Jim Schowalter announced that the February budget forecast will be released on Monday, February 28th. Details will be announced this week. Today at the Capitol10:15 AMHouse Ways and Means Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Agenda: Presentation of Gov. Dayton's Budget - Commissioner Jim Schowalter, Minnesota Management &

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-15469759687081086302011-02-18T08:43:00.000-06:002011-02-18T08:46:06.286-06:00Governor's budget heard in higher education committee; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolHouse Higher Education committee members heard about the governor's budget plan for higher education yesterday. Sheila Wright, the director of the Office of Higher Education told members that the core missions of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and the University of Minnesota must be protected. When asked what the governor's budget would look like if

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-46587070196110900672011-02-17T10:20:00.000-06:002011-02-17T10:22:11.485-06:00Students testify on tuition; schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolCollege and university students spent the day at the Capitol yesterday educating lawmakers about student issues, including tuition. A bill that would freeze tuition for the 2012-2013 biennium was heard in the Senate Higher Education committee yesterday, and students and faculty spoke to the bill. Sen. John Carlson, R-Bemidji, explained his bill and said the state cannot

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-46346998461313293532011-02-16T09:12:00.001-06:002011-02-16T09:15:01.466-06:00Governor releases budget; Melin wins special election

Yesterday at the CapitolGov. Dayton released his budget plan yesterday that resolves the $6.2 billion budget with mostly tax increases for the wealthiest 5 percent of Minnesotans. He does make almost $1 billion in permanent expenditure reductions, with an offset of new spending for a net reduction of $485 million. Dayton's reductions include a 6 percent cut to both the Minnesota State Colleges

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-56743846703451591492011-02-15T12:15:00.000-06:002011-02-15T12:16:11.202-06:00Governor recommends 6 percent cut to system

Gov. Dayton released his budget plan this morning, and said, "A budget is about values and priorities as well as about dollars and sense." Dayton said the budget raises taxes on the wealthiest 5.5 percent of Minnesota taxpayers, increases funding for K-12 education and protects state aid to cities, counties and townships to preserve services like police and fire. Dayton's budget makes almost $1

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-86007500078108479862011-02-15T09:01:00.001-06:002011-02-15T09:03:27.590-06:00House hears veterans bill; Governor to release budget

Campus Veteran Centers bill heardHF384, a bill sponsored by Rep. Bob Dettmer, R-Forest Lake, that repeals the sunset on campus veteran centers, allowing veteran services to remain on higher education campuses, was heard yesterday in the House Veterans Services Division. The Department of Veterans Affairs has had representatives on college and university campuses to help veterans returning to

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-19823992601456963152011-02-14T09:19:00.004-06:002011-02-14T09:21:33.382-06:00Governor budget to be released tomorrow; President Obama releases budget today

It will be another busy week at the Capitol with the release of Gov. Dayton's budget plan tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the Dept. of Revenue. Expect Dayton's budget to dominate the discussion.In Washington, President Obama is set to release his fiscal year 2012 budget today and the Associated Press is already reporting that his plan would cut $100 billion from Pell Grants over a decade through

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-55769223282413011152011-02-11T17:12:00.003-06:002011-02-11T17:36:36.626-06:00Budget reduction vetoed; Deadlines set; State of the state given; Voter ID movement; Students and faculty testify; Zero-based budgeting; D.C. Update

Legislative UpdateFebruary 11, 2011Governor Dayton rejects budget bill, prepares to release his own planWhat was termed the “phase one” budget reduction bill, which reduced the $6.2 billion state budget deficit by about $900 million, did not sit very long on Gov. Mark Dayton’s desk. After making its way through committee and the respective floors, conferees came to agreement between the House and

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-3919183207662999132011-02-11T09:12:00.002-06:002011-02-11T09:16:20.040-06:00Budget reduction passes Senate; Students and faculty testify in House

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Senate passed the budget reduction conference committee report yesterday by a vote of 37-28, but shortly thereafter, the bill became Gov. Dayton's first veto. In his veto message, Dayton cited a Revenue Department estimate that the bill would increase property taxes by $428 million in the next biennium. He also said legislators were wrong to make him allocate the $100

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-87213057908425335262011-02-10T08:35:00.001-06:002011-02-10T08:37:44.181-06:00State of the state reviewed; Students and faculty to testify

Yesterday at the CapitolGov. Mark Dayton delivered his State of the State address yesterday with a focus on investing in the future of Minnesota. Dayton invited legislators to join with him to pledge to the people of Minnesota that they will not shut down government, but rather will reach a shared solution to resolve the $6.2 billion budget deficit. "If this happens, the people of Minnesota will

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-58258191026636083182011-02-09T11:36:00.001-06:002011-02-09T11:38:48.371-06:00Zero-based budgeting discussed; State of the state to be delivered

Yesterday at the CapitolRep. King Banaian, R-St. Cloud, presented his bill, HF 2, to the House State Government Finance committee yesterday morning. Banaian explained that the bill provides for periodic review of state agencies through a zero-based budgeting process. The bill was amended to clarify how often state agencies are to go through the process. In the amendment, the Minnesota State

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-43096104557775277932011-02-08T10:28:00.000-06:002011-02-08T10:30:03.709-06:00Budget reduction bill advances; Committees to meet

Yesterday at the CapitolConferees for the phase one budget reduction bill reached an agreement in conference committee last night. Conferees reduced the fiscal year 2011 cuts from the House's $200 million and the Senate's $125 million to $100 million, a concession granted after many questioned how much unencumbered funds could be found from state agencies yet this year. The bill specifies that

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-80270066765030532542011-02-07T08:37:00.000-06:002011-02-07T08:38:37.772-06:00Budget reduction conference committee to meet; schedules posted

Today at the CapitolThe "Phase One" budget reduction bill will be conferred at 4:30 this afternoon (see below). Republican leadership has said they hope to have the work done by mid-week. As a reminder, conferees include:House: Mary Liz Holberg, Bud Nornes, Bob Gunther, Jim Abeler and Greg Davids. Senate: Claire Robling, Mike Parry, David Hann, Julianne Ortman and Michelle Fischbach11:00 AMSenate

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-28171185809240382472011-02-04T09:54:00.001-06:002011-02-04T09:55:51.446-06:00Budget reduction bill passes; Alternative teacher license bill moves; Voter identification discussed

Yesterday at the CapitolIt was announced yesterday that lawmakers will recess for the traditional Easter/Passover break starting Monday, April 18 at 3 p.m. in preparation for the start of Passover at sundown. The recess will last through the following Monday after Easter. Committees are scheduled to resume Tuesday, April 26. The Senate passed the first budget reduction bill, HF 130, off the floor

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-37187355245842024142011-02-03T10:14:00.001-06:002011-02-03T10:16:49.198-06:00Higher education budget explained; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolSenate Higher Education committee members received a briefing on the higher education budget from committee fiscal analyst Maja Weidmann yesterday afternoon. Weidmann told members that higher education makes up 7.6 percent of general fund spending. Senators were interested in learning more about tuition and the tuition increases over the last 20 years, particularly in

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-15612521076760901542011-02-02T09:15:00.001-06:002011-02-02T09:17:26.626-06:00College readiness discussed; Rochester Day at the Capitol

Yesterday at the CapitolThis week both the Senate and House higher education committees learned more about recent public high school graduates' readiness for college. Scott Olson, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, and Craig Schoenecker, System Director for Research, both with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, were joined by Kent Pekel with the College

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-31048089238795034332011-02-01T09:38:00.001-06:002011-02-01T09:41:09.498-06:00Governor proposes bonding for system; schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolGov. Mark Dayton released his capital budget proposal yesterday and said he purposefully left open half of the bill for legislators to include their own projects and urged lawmakers to act swiftly to pass a bonding bill. The proposal includes $531 million in general obligation bonds. Dayton said criteria for including a project in his recommendation included asset

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-86594114786735887252011-01-31T08:42:00.001-06:002011-01-31T08:45:04.146-06:00Governor to release bonding proposal; schedules posted

Today at the CapitolGov. Mark Dayton will release his bonding proposal at a news conference this morning. He has previously said that he will release about $500 million in projects and suggest that the Legislature add another $500 million. 11:00 AMSenate in Session1:00 PMSenate State Government Innovation and VeteransRoom: 123 CapitolChair: Sen. Mike ParryAgenda: Department of Military Affairs

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-33340203492861164612011-01-28T09:06:00.001-06:002011-01-28T09:17:40.328-06:00Budget reduction bill passes House; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolMembers passed HF 130, the first budget reduction bill, off the House floor yesterday by a vote of 68-63. Bill author Rep. Mary Liz Holberg, R-Lakeville, said the bill would give lawmakers a head start on addressing the deficit. "The only way to eat a hippo is a piece at a time," Holberg said. Opponents of the bill argued the reductions would lead to higher property taxes

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-70638052164766934542011-01-27T10:54:00.000-06:002011-01-27T10:56:12.986-06:00Budget bills moved; Workforce announcement to be made; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolThe Senate Finance committee took up SF 60 yesterday morning, and passed the bill after chief author, Sen. Claire Robling, R-Jordan, amended the bill to require Minnesota Management and Budget to find $125 million in agency cuts instead of $200 million. The budget reduction bill that reduces the state's projected $6.2 billion deficit by approximately $1 billion, now heads

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-7267336417619099502011-01-26T08:38:00.003-06:002011-01-26T08:42:59.537-06:00Teacher performance discussed; President Obama delivers State of the Union

Yesterday at the CapitolThe House Education Reform committee heard about Teacher Performance Assessment, or TPA, yesterday. Created at Stanford University, Board of Teaching Executive Director Karen Balmer, informed committee members the TPA is being piloted in 20 states, and Minnesota is one of six on an accelerated timeline for scaling the process statewide. "We really are leading the nation in

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-48886398411703394242011-01-25T09:00:00.002-06:002011-01-25T09:02:56.104-06:00Budget reduction bill moves; Senate hears about system; President to give state of union speech tonight

Yesterday at the CapitolHouse Ways and Means committee members heard the budget reduction bill yesterday morning that cuts almost $1 billion from the state deficit. The proposal includes a cut of $23 million to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system's base each year, and members spoke about how this cut will affect the campuses in their districts. Rep. Lyndon Carlson, DFL-Crystal,

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-34055291929898207772011-01-24T09:24:00.001-06:002011-01-24T09:27:37.251-06:00System testifies before Senate today; schedules posted

Today at the Capitol10:15 AMHouse Ways and Means Room: 200 State Office Building Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg Agenda: HF130 (Holberg) Fiscal year 2011 appropriations reduced, policies changed, and appropriation reductions made for fiscal years 2012 and 2013; and tax aid, credits and payment reductions made.*Amendments Offered:A1 Amendment A2 Amendment A3 Amendment11:00 AMSenate in Session12:30

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-87119702779275510142011-01-21T11:37:00.001-06:002011-01-21T11:37:55.413-06:00Governor selects Hamline Education School Dean to lead Department

St. Paul, MN - Governor Mark Dayton today appointed Dr. Sheila Wright, professor and Dean in the School of Education at Hamline University, as the Director of the Office of Higher Education. Dr. Wright has dedicated her career in education to addressing the crucial issues of teacher quality and the achievement gap, working in P-12 and higher education, as well as in state government and

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-37228976437685732422011-01-21T08:47:00.001-06:002011-01-21T08:48:53.086-06:00State of State speech Feb. 9; House Higher Education Committee discsusses cuts

Yesterday at the CapitolGov. Dayton announced yesterday that he will give his State of the State speech in the House chambers on Wednesday Feb. 9 at noon.After House Higher Education committee members heard from President Bob Bruininks about the University of Minnesota yesterday, Chair Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls, quickly moved HF 126, the higher education budget reduction bill that makes

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-67427604432788622552011-01-20T09:22:00.002-06:002011-01-20T09:24:57.946-06:00Phillips named as DEED commissioner, House capital budget committee meets, Senate hears from U of MN

Yesterday at the CapitolGov. Dayton named northern Minnesota developer Mark Phillips as his new commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development. At yesterday's press conference, Dayton said he wanted to underscore his commitment to new jobs. Phillips, who works for Kraus-Anderson Construction, said he shares Dayton's strategy to engage the business community and make use of

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-48870234429692998242011-01-19T08:38:00.002-06:002011-01-19T08:41:21.210-06:00Budget proposals put forward by Republican leaders, Governor disagrees

Yesterday at the CapitolRepublican legislative leadership announced an early action budget bill yesterday morning that proposes $1 billion in cuts. House Ways and Means Chair, Rep. Mary Liz Holberg, R-Lakeville, said this is phase one of the budget adjustment. Leadership plans to pass legislation prior to Feb. 10 in order for the deficit to be reduced in the Feburary forecast. Holberg indicated

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-65881227982699037512011-01-18T09:15:00.001-06:002011-01-18T09:17:14.794-06:00Schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolLawmakers did not meet yesterday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.Today at the Capitol8:15 AMHouse Education ReformRoom: Basement State Office BuildingChair: Rep. Sondra EricksonAgenda: HF3 (Mariani) Alternative teacher preparation program and limited term teacher license established.HF63 (Garofalo) Teacher licensure provisions amended, alternative teacher

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-59440275647832343242011-01-14T09:00:00.000-06:002011-01-14T09:01:57.288-06:00House hears system overview; no meetings today or Monday

House Higher Education committee members, both new and veteran members, received an overview from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system yesterday. Chancellor Jim McCormick told committee members that the system is the largest provider of higher education in Minnesota, educating 63 percent of all Minnesota undergraduate students, and the 32 colleges and universities provide an

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-56085982530587291522011-01-13T09:07:00.002-06:002011-01-13T09:08:38.729-06:00Governor's budget will be released next month; System presentation today

Yesterday at the CapitolLawmakers did not hold meetings at the State Capitol yesterday, but rather spent the day at the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute for the "One Minnesota" event.Gov. Mark Dayton's spokesperson Andrea Mokros said yesterday that Dayton will release his budget plan Feb. 15, which is the deadline in state law. Meanwhile, Dayton continues to build his cabinet,

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-2575521512662725192011-01-12T09:31:00.001-06:002011-01-12T09:33:22.912-06:00Session priorities set- jobs and budget; Senate higher education committee meets

Yesterday at the CapitolLawmakers revealed the first bills for the 2011-12 biennium yesterday. The Senate explained SF 1, a job creation bill that provides businesses with regulatory relief and $200 million in tax cuts. Author of the bill, Deputy Majority Leader Geoff Michel, R-Edina, said, "We want to make Minnesota the best place to start a business and expand a business." The bill would phase

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-58435343248016305582011-01-12T09:00:00.001-06:002011-01-12T09:02:36.834-06:00New members learn about higher education, schedules posted

Yesterday at the CapitolWith many new members on the House Higher Education Policy and Finance committee, members received an overview yesterday on higher education. Legislative Analyst Kathy Novak explained to members the two public systems; the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. She provided information on private postsecondary education and said

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-56802895686842254712011-01-10T09:26:00.001-06:002011-01-12T09:30:11.727-06:00Upcoming legislative schedules posted

Today at the Capitol8:00 AMRegent Candidate Advisory CouncilRoom: 400N State Office BuildingChair: Jane BelauAgenda: Candidate Interviews9:00 AMSenate Rules and AdministrationRoom: 112 CapitolChair: Sen. Amy KochAgenda: TBA11:00 AMSenate in Session12:30 PMHouse Veterans Services DivisionRoom: Basement State Office BuildingChair: Rep. Bruce AndersonAgenda: Introductions of committee and staffJim

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-55930486917884807912011-01-07T09:21:00.000-06:002011-01-12T09:25:15.326-06:00Education reform committee talks teachers; no meetings today

Yesterday at the CapitolThe House Education Reform committee met yesterday and members discussed committee priorities for the 2011 session, which include teacher training, licensure and evaluation.Chair Rep. Sondra Erickson, R-Princeton, offered the model of a three-legged stool to describe her approach to the committee’s work. "Absolutely, students are first," she said. The other two legs are

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-58111163302295679712011-01-06T09:21:00.002-06:002011-01-06T09:35:36.615-06:00112th Congress meets; state House Education Committee sets priorities; Commissioners named

Yesterday at the CapitolThe 112th Congress convened yesterday as Republicans took control of the House and elected Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, Speaker by a vote of 241-173. Boehner said he will run the House in a more inclusive and businesslike way. The new Republican majority got down to business and changed House rules that would require spending increases to be directly offset with cuts

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158239305877371942.post-83905079993881813052011-01-05T10:15:00.002-06:002011-01-05T10:17:18.266-06:00Session began yesterday; leadership confirmed; today's schedule posted

Yesterday at the CapitolThe 87th legislative session got underway yesterday afternoon. Following the swearing-in ceremony in the House, Rep. Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove, was elected Speaker of the House on a partisan vote of 72-61. In his acceptance speech, Zellers said to his fellow House members, "Our job now is to govern." Zellers also called on business people, teachers and others to bring

mnscufanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226711608317096381noreply@blogger.com0