Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Conference committees continue to meet; Pension bill moves

The higher education conference committee ended up not meeting yesterday. At approximately 12:45 this morning, conferees indicated they would continue working toward an agreement and come back for a meeting at 8:30 this morning. Legislative leaders had hoped to have all major spending bills wrapped up by the end of today. Stay tuned.

The capital investment conference committee scheduled to meet yesterday afternoon was canceled. Watch for notice of a future meeting date.

The House State Government Finance Committee and then the full Finance committee approved the omnibus pension bill yesterday. Sponsored by Rep. Mary Murphy, DFL-Hermantown, HF 723 comprises the work of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement. It includes language from more than two-dozen individual bills dealing with pension issues.

Included in the bill is the provision that permits the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to establish an early separation incentive program for its employees. The companion bill in the Senate, SF 191, awaits action by the Senate E-12 Education Budget and Policy Division.

At the Capitol:
Legislative schedules are available for the House and Senate.

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