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Legislative Update - April 11, 2008

Friends and Neighbors-

We are entering the final week of the 85th Legislature (2007-8). There's a lot going on, and things change quickly in these final days. I will try to send out an email update each day of this final week. Feel free to hit "delete" if you don't have time to read them.

BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS
The Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader have been negotiation with the Governor's representatives over the weekend (Gov. Pawlenty was fishing for the walleye opener).  The main focus on balancing the budget are four bills: the Tax Bill, the Budget Deficit Bill, the Education Bill, and the Health Care Reform Bill. All four conference committees have finished their work and are ready to take up the bills on the House Floor. All of the bills, taken together, would balance the budget while providing needed property tax help and more funding for our school. However, if the Governor and the Speaker can come to a "global agreement" on all four bills, the conference committees may be able to consider other amendments.


DEFENDERS OF DEMOCRACY DAY
I had to be excused from the House Floor for a short time to speak at the Defenders of Democracy Day at the Minnesota History Center. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and I were invited to describe our Military and Overseas Voting Act that was passed into law in April.

The event was motivated by the visit of the Dunlap Broadside, one of the only surviving original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence. It was an honor to be included in celebrating our nation's veterans, and those who continue to serve our great nation in harm's way.


CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON LEGISLATORS' PAY
You have probably read before that I disagreed with both the decision to raise legislators' per diem last year, and the process by which it was made last year. I have a lot of problems with legislators setting our salaries either through direct salary increase or per diem increases, as is currently prescribed by the Constitution. Rep. Kent Eken just passed a bill to place on the ballot a Constitutional Amendment to remove legislative authority to set legislators' pay. I voted Yes.

Here is how the amendment will appear, if the Senate passes the bill as well:
"Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to remove legislators' ability to set their own salaries, and instead establish a citizens-only council to prescribe salaries for legislators?"


LEGISLATIVE RETIREMENTS
Several legislators have already announced they will not seek reelection. Each of them has taken a turn in the Speaker's Chair at the start of legislative days. Today, Rep. Kathy Tingelstad (R-Andover) opened our session; she has served 12 years.

I was saddened to read that my good friend and orientation roommate, Rep. John Berns (R-Wayzata), will be retiring after just one term. Rep. Berns and I served together on the Next Generation Energy Act conference committee last year, and he has shown real leadership on clean energy issues. We need more of his type in the Republican caucus. I'm going to miss John but I wish him well with his young children and in the private sector.


CENTRAL MINNESOTA VIRTUAL JOB FAIR
The North Branch Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Central MN Job & Training and several other regional partners to bring a Virtual Job Fair to East Central Minnesota. This is a great opportunity for those wanting to work in their own community. The virtual job fair model is an innovative idea, and I think many of us are looking forward to hearing whether the project is successful.

Please forward this link to everyone who may be interested. www.cmjtsjobfair.com  .


NORTH BRANCH VETERANS SEMINAR
This Tuesday, May 13th, 6:00 p.m. The Villages of North Branch (just west of the Tanger Outlet Mall) will offer a free seminar "Benefits for Veterans & their Spouses.Are You Getting What You Deserve?"  All seminars include materials, refreshments and tours.  RSVP's are appreciated, but not required.  For details, please call Julie at 651-237-3034.


That's all for today. I look forward to your advice or feedback as we finish up a very productive legislative session in 2008.

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Jeremy Kalin
State Representative - 17B
sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/17b

Contact me at the Capitol:
Rep.Jeremy.Kalin@House.mn
651.296.5377
579 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
St. Paul MN 55155

Contact me at home:
11629 Loftman Trail
North Branch, MN 55056
651-257-9861
Jeremy@Kalin.com