Legislature convenes today, schedule posted

When the House and Senate convene the 2011 session today at 12:00 p.m., the House will have 36 new members; 33 new Republicans and 3 new Democrats. The Republicans are now in the majority with a 72-62 split.

In the Senate, 24 new members will be sworn into office today; 21 new Republican members and 3 new DFL members. For the first time since 1972, the Republicans now hold the majority in the Senate by a split of 37-30.

The membership roster for 2011-2012 is available on line here.

The election brought along with it many changes, including office locations. A condensed 2011-2012 legislative roster with updated offices and telephone numbers can be found here.

Gov. Mark Dayton, along with the other constitutional officers, were sworn into office yesterday. Dayton said he plans to focus on three things; jobs, balancing the budget and improving public services. Dayton also continues to build his administration, appointing Jim Schowalter as the Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner. Schowalter was most recently MMB deputy commissioner and coordinated the agency's financial, debt management, human resources and labor activities.

Dr. Brenda Cassellius was named Education Commissioner. Cassellius is most recently an Associate Superintendent in Minneapolis Public Schools. She leads 19 middle and high schools and is responsible for the achievement of over 18,000 students.

Legislators must complete their work this session by the constitutional adjournment date of Monday, May 23, 2011. This gives lawmakers approximately five months to solve the $6.2 billion state budget deficit. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, said about balancing the budget, "We are committed to spending within our means. We are not interested in raising taxes."

House Majority Leader Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, said lawmakers will overhaul state agency budgets, "We’re going to be saying [to state agencies], 'Let's justify your budgets. Let's go through them. What are you currently doing that you need to stop doing? What are you currently doing that you need to do less of? And what aren’t you doing that you need to start doing?'"

With tough decisions to be made and a divided government (Republican Legislature and DFL Governor), the rumors floating around the Capitol include a long, drawn-out session with potential gridlock.

Legislative news, both state and federal, can be found at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities government relations Web site, blog, Facebook page and Twitter page. They can be located at the below sites:

Government Relations Web site

Government Relations Blog

Government Relations Facebook

Government Relations Twitter

Today at the Capitol

12:00 PM House in Session (televised and webcast live)

12:00 PM Senate in Session (webcast live)

Looking Ahead
Wednesday, January 5
10:30 AM Senate Jobs and Economic Growth
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Geoff Michel
Agenda:Committee Introduction
Testimony/Overview from Grow Minnesota

1:00 PM Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Mike Parry
Agenda:Introductions
Committee Jurisdiction Overview
Peter Hutchinson Presentation

Monday, January 10
8:00 AM Regent Candidate Advisory Council
Room: 400N State Office Building
Chair: Jane Belau
Agenda: Candidate Interviews

Tuesday, January 11
8:00 AM Regent Candidate Advisory Council
Room: 400N State Office Building
Chair: Jane Belau
Agenda: Candidate Interviews

Wednesday, January 12
8:00 AM Regent Candidate Advisory Council
Room: 400N State Office Building
Chair: Jane Belau
Agenda: Candidate Interviews