State budget discussed; Regents approved

Yesterday at the Capitol
The 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 last couple years. State budget officials have kept the state’s day-to-day operations funded by transferring money between different accounts and delaying payments to schools. Schowalter told members that the state’s cash flow problems would remain whether the deficit is solved by tax increases or spending cuts, because the problem stems from several years' worth of accumulated budget pressure. "Cash flow is closely linked to level of reserves. Ultimately, we need to get those reserves back up, and increase them as the economy gets better," Schowalter said.

Schowalter indicated that the February forecast set to be released Feb. 28, might show an increase in tax revenues and a smaller projected deficit, and if that happens, Gov. Dayton would replenish the state's cash flow account.

Also yesterday, lawmakers approved four new regents for the University of Minnesota. Steve Sviggum, a former House speaker, was chosen to represent the 2nd Congressional District; business executive David McMillan, was chosen to represent the 8th Congressional District; David Larson, a retired Cargill executive, was selected for a second term representing the 3rd Congressional District; and Laura Brod, a former Republican representative, was selected for the at-large seat over current regent Steven Hunter, the secretary/treasurer of the AFL-CIO.

The Board of Regents is the only governmental body in Minnesota whose members are elected by the Legislature. The Board is comprised of 12 members who serve staggered six-year terms, with one regent selected from each of the state’s eight congressional districts and four who serve at-large.


Today at the Capitol

Congressman Erik Paulsen will host a "Congress on Your Corner" event at Bloomington City Hall today from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The University of Minnesota "Rally to Restore Affordability" will be at noon today in the Capitol Rotunda.

The Minnesota AFL-CIO will hold a rally at the State Capitol in support of Wisconsin union members from 4-5 p.m.

8:15 AM
House Education Reform
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Sondra Erickson
Agenda: HF511 (Erickson) Public school unneeded mandates removed.

10:30 AM
Senate Jobs and Economic Growth
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Geoff Michel
Agenda:
Overview from Dr. David Crowe, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders
S.F. 283-Howe: Minnesota business investment company credit establishment and appropriation.

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: Basement Hearing Room, State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: University of Minnesota:
Response to Gov. Dayton's proposed budget
Detailed discussion of organization and finances

12:30 PM
House Jobs and Economic Development Finance
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bob Gunther
Agenda: Presentation of the Metro Business Plan from Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Doug Baker, CEO of Ecolab.
-Presentation and overview of the Minnesota Youth Program
-Presentation from Dr. David Crowe - National Assoc. of Home Builders

12:30 PM
House Education Finance
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Pat Garofalo
Agenda: Presentation of governor’s proposed budget
HF576 (Kelly) Aid shift extended.

3:00 PM
Senate Education
Room 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Gen Olson
Agenda: Governor's Budget-MN Department of Education Testimony

Looking Ahead

Wednesday, February 23
8:15 AM
House State Government Finance
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chairs: Rep. Morrie Lanning,
Agenda: Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB)
Department of Military Affairs
HF384 (Dettmer) Campus veterans representative program sunset repealed.

8:30 AM
Senate Finance
Room: 123 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Claire A. Robling
Agenda:
Continuation of Presentation of Governor Dayton's Budget - Commissioner Jim Schowalter, Minnesota Management and Budget
Presentation of Fastest Growing Expenditures Report - Minnesota Management and Budget

2:30 PM
House Capital Investment
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Larry Howes
Agenda: HF607 (Howes) Capital improvement funding provided to acquire and better public land and buildings and for other improvements of a capital nature, nonprofit housing bond authorization changes made, bonds issued, appropriations modified, and money appropriated.
Testifying: Minnesota Management and Budget

3:00 PM
Senate Higher Education
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Michelle L. Fischbach
Agenda: Confirmation hearing for Office of Higher Education Director, Dr. Sheila Wright

3:00 PM
Senate Education
Room: 15 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Gen Olson
Agenda: Governor's Budget-MN Department of Education Testimony

Thursday, February 24
8:15 AM
House Education Reform
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Sondra Erickson
Agenda: HF269 (Downey) Teacher contract qualified economic offer provided.

10:15 AM
House Government Operations and Elections
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Joyce Peppin
Agenda: HF191 (Downey) Redundant Technology Elimination Act proposed, state agency information technology systems and services consolidated, Office of Enterprise Technology duties transferred, and money appropriated.
HF297 (Kahn) State agency information technology system and service consolidated, and duties transferred to the Office of Enterprise Technology.

11:00 AM
Senate in Session

12:30 PM
House Higher Education Policy and Finance
Room: Basement Hearing Room, State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Bud Nornes
Agenda: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities:
Response to Gov. Dayton's proposed budget
Detailed discussion of organization and finances

12:30 PM
House Education Finance
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Pat Garofalo
Agenda:
Presentation on the collective bargaining process from Education Minnesota and Minnesota School Boards Association

3:00 PM
House in Session

Monday, February 28
3:00 PM
Senate Higher Education
Room: 107 Capitol
Chair: Sen. Michelle L. Fischbach
Agenda:
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Trustee Confirmations:
Trustee Duane Benson
Trustee Philip Krinkie
Trustee Alfredo Oliveira
Trustee Thomas Renier
Trustee Michael Vekich