Wed 3 Jun 2009
In 2009, I focused upon negotiating a balanced budget, effectively using federal recovery act (stimulus) funds, and moving forward a set of legislative goals. Below, I list each bill (House File) that I introduced this year and the bill’s status as the session ended. More information can be found at
HF 2400: Ag property tax credit for pork producers hurt by flu outbreak
The flu outbreak took hold after bill submission deadline. Senator Sheran and I will continue working with MN Pork Producers and others this summer to figure out the best ways to help our area’s pork producers.
HF 2137: Disabled veteran groups allowed to solicit donations
This bill allows the Disabled American Veterans organization to continue calling folks to ask for clothing and other nonmonetary donations. I amended this bill’s language into a Commerce Committee bill, which became law.
HF 2003: Greater MN bus transit cash-flow schedule revised
This bill smooths out MnDOT’s payments to Greater MN bus transit operations, including Sibley County’s Trailblazer. The bill passed as part of the Transportation Finance Omnibus bill and was signed into law. In addition, I worked to secure over $2 million in short-term cash-flow funds to help 22 transit organizations continue operations through June 30.
HF 1816: MnDOT road and bridge provisions modified
This large bill created with MnDOT addressed a number of issues, including road weight limits throughout Minnesota (an important provision for our farmers and county engineers). The bill became law.
HF 1799: Minnesota Valley rail line (Mankato-Twin Cities) authorized
I introduced this bill to ensure that this rail corridor would be included in the State Rail Plan process. I am a member of the State Rail Plan group. At the most recent meeting last week, the Mankato-Twin Cities route was part of the presentation. The State Rail Plan will offer significant guidance on how Minnesota’s rail system should be developed—this is a much better process than having the legislature attempt to design the system.
HF 1693: Highway 14 environmental impact studies to be completed
This bill directed MnDOT to complete the EIS for the New Ulm-North Mankato and Dodge Center sections. EIS completion is a prerequisite to purchasing right-of-way and planning for highway expansion. The bill was included in the Transportation Policy Omnibus bill that Governor Pawlenty vetoed. I have worked with MnDOT and the U.S. Highway 14 Partnership on an agreement that achieves the bill’s objectives.
HF 1692: Dispute resolution and Revised Uniform Arbitration Act
Minnnesota often enacts ‘uniform’ laws proposed by national commissions. This bill, which has been introduced in previous years by others, seeks to enact the RUAA. I introduced the bill this spring in order to begin the negotiation process with interested stakeholders. In 2010, I will decide how to proceed after these discussions have occurred.
HF 1639: Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) oversight and other provisions
As St. Peter hosts the Regional Treatment Center, I closely participate in meetings and legislation concerning the RTC. This bill, created by the Department of Human Services, included a number of changes. Importantly, the bill enhanced the department’s ability to conduct survellience, investigation, and arrest. It also helps create a foundation for improving MSOP’s programming. The bill was signed into law.
HF 1631: Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority loan forgiveness
The Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority (MVRRA), a public entity, owns the Minnesota Prairie Line, which runs through Sibley and other counties. This bill sought to forgive a loan the MVRRA received to renovate the line. After introducing the bill, the MVRRA, Senator Sheran, and I decided to focus on the bonding and other funding bills (see below).
HF 955: Minnesota River Basin Joint Powers Board
In 1995, Governor Arne Carlson announced an initiative to make the Minnesota River “swimmable and fishable.” The Board operates with the MSU-Mankato Water Resources Center. This bill, which Senator Dennis Frederickson carried on the Senate side, revised the board’s composition and duties. This bill became law.
HF 821: Center for Rural Policy and Development funding
The CRPD was created to conduct research and provide guidance for Greater Minnesota policy makers. The Governor eliminated the Center’s funding in his budget. Working with the Center’s director and former representative Brad Finstad, I introduced a bill to restore this funding. Much of the funding was restored in the Economic Development bill that became law.
HF 796: Minnesota First bonds authorized
The idea for this bill came from a meeting that Congressman Tim Walz held with local business and labor leaders. The bill allows the Minnesota Management and Budget department to issue bonds that individuals and organizations could purchase—much like the war bond concept of World War II that many recall. The bond proceeds would be used to construct and preserve Minnesota’s public buildings and infrastructure. The bill became law as part of the Capital Investments (bonding) bill.
HF 668: Postcrash inspections of school bus accidents
My role on the Transportation Finance and Transportation Policy committees led me to sponsor the successful 2008 House bill that created the Office of Pupil Transportation. This Office, run by the State Patrol, dedicates officers to inspect school busses, drivers, and operations. HF 668 aligns Minnesota’s crash inspection rules with those of the federal government and that are used in other large-vehicle accidents. This clarified law will reduce confusion and costs. The bill was signed into law.
HF 660: Minnesota Prairie Line rehabilitation funding
Senator Sheran and I worked with the Minnesota Prairie Line Coalition to pursue bond funding for this shovel-ready project. The MPL is a publicly-owned rail line built between 1909-1912. The tracks are too small for today’s larger trains. By upgrading the rail lines, shippers and farmers can reduce their costs and expand their operations. The Capital Investment (bonding) bill included $4 million to continue the rail replacement. This bill became law.
HF 556: Restore funding for Minnesota homeless veterans
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) offers housing and other assistance for Minnesota’s homeless veterans. Its funding was cut in Governor Pawlenty’s budget. I brought this bill to restore the funding, which helps operate homes in Mankato, Duluth, and the Twin Cities. After much negotiation, we restored a good portion of MACV’s funding and ensured that it would continue for years to come. This bill became law.
You can learn more about MACV’s work at
HF 270: Complete studies and construction of Highway 14
This bill ordered MnDOT to complete the 4-lane expansion of Highway 14. I agreed to introduce this bill as requested by the U.S. Highway 14 Partnership. After doing so, I suggested that HF 1693 (above) be substituted as the better approach to take.
HF 215: North Mankato Tax Increment Financing
Senator Sheran and I introduced this bill to allow North Mankato to recoup costs associated with attempting to develop the Marigold parcel at the intersection of Highway 169 and Belgrade Avenue. The House Tax Committee chose to not include 20 of 24 TIF bills, including this one.
HF 178: American Red Cross license plate
The Red Cross’s service, especially to St. Peter after the 1998 tornado, has persuaded me to assist the American Red Cross whenever I can. Unfortunately, no special license plate bills moved forward this session.
HF 138: New Minnesota Miracle (reform of K-12 education funding)
When I was the House K-12 Education Finance vice-chair, I was on the task force that created the New Minnesota Miracle bill. HF 138 replicated HF 2, which Representative Mindy Greiling carried. The bill was included in the K-12 Education Finance omnibus bill, but was later removed. I expect that this effort will continue in 2010.