Session began yesterday; leadership confirmed; today's schedule posted

Yesterday at the Capitol

The 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 their ideas and solutions to the Capitol to help balance the budget. He said the old ways of doing things are no longer going to work. "We have a daunting task ahead of us," Zellers said, and asked his fellow legislators to start working on the issues they agree on first.

Minority Leader Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, offered an amendment to the permanent rules that states no constitutional amendment will be considered by the Legislature until the budget is balanced. Majority Leader Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, moved that the amendment be moved to the Rules committee, which was adopted.

The Senate also met yesterday and elected Sen. Michelle Fischbach, R-Paynesville, as President of the Senate by a vote of 62-5. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 1, which names a majority leader and minority leader; Sen. Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, will serve as Majority Leader and Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, will serve as Minority Leader. The Senate also elected Cal Ludeman as Secretary of the Senate.

Before adjourning, Koch addressed the body and thanked many for assistance with the transition. She said the most important lesson Republicans learned over the last 38 years is how to treat members of the minority party. Over the course of the session, Koch said there will be differences between Republicans and Democrats, but there will also be agreements, and she acknowledged there will be long days and hard work ahead of them.

The House is scheduled to reconvene Monday, January 10 at 3:00 p.m. The Senate is scheduled to meet next Tuesday, January 11 at 11:00 AM.

Today at the Capitol

The 112th Congress will convene today at 12:00 p.m. Also today, Gov. Dayton is expected to appoint two new commissioners for the Departments of Revenue and Commerce.

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

12:30 PM
House Education Finance
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Pat Garofalo
Agenda: Introductions
Committee motto and mission
Overview of committee operating procedures

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

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

3:00 PM
House in Session

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

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

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