Sen. Scott Dibble D. Scott Dibble State Senator 111 State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-4191 sen.scott.dibble@senate.mn www.senate.mn/senatordibble Frank Hornstein State Representative 471 State Offce Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-9281 rep.frank.hornstein@house.mn www.house.mn/61A Red headline denotes legislation chief authored by Sen. Dibble and Rep. Hornstein. Dear Friends, The 2013-2014 legislative session, the 88th Legislature of the State of Minnesota, concluded on Friday, May 16, three days earlier than its scheduled adjournment. These last two years have been some of the most productive legislative sessions in the history of the State of Minnesota. In 2013 and 2014, we reversed a ten year trend of state disinvestment in our economy and ballooning budget defcits and helped Minnesotans gain ground and build better lives. Building on the astounding successes of last year, we were able to make our tax system even more fair, add to the states rainy day fund, deliver property tax reductions (including for renters) boost the embarrassingly low minimum wage, make the work place better for women, put people to work, boost our long-term economic competitiveness by improving the states infrastructure, and make greater investments in our young citizens education in early, K-12 and higher education. We created an economy that works well for everyone, with a record number of new jobs, a more fair and just society, and a government that functions well and is responsive to the values and priorities of the citizens it serves. The news is good as we head into the summer and fall. The thousands of you who played a large and small role in pushing and leading important changes for the better have much to be proud of and we thank you. As we get ready for the coming year, please dont hesitate to call and write to let us know issues, ideas, problems to be solved that are important to you. Very truly yours, Scott Dibble Frank Hornstein State Senator, District 61 State Representative, District 61A Investment in Education Giving our next generation the tools to succeed continues to be a keen focus. Building on last years incredible advances, the turnaround continues. Representing $54 million in investments, schools for schools in low income areas, assurance that low-income kids will not be humiliated and turned away from receiving a school lunch, and expansion of availability of breakfast at school. will receive another $25 per pupil, substantial investments in high quality early childhood education, proven successful reading initiatives, English language learner reforms, community based transformations $100 Million in Afordable Housing Housing is a basic necessity and a human right. Without safe and stable housing it is hard for families, communities and businesses to succeed. The legislature approved a historic level of support $100 million in its capital investment bill to rehabilitate existing facilities and build new affordable housing for poor and low income working people. These state funds will be combined with local, federal and private funds so thousands of families will be helped. Additionally, we added support for homeless and exploited youth, people with mental illnesses, and residential group settings. 5% Campaign Making sure the professionals who take care of our elderly and dis- abled family members in home and community based settings are paid decently has been lagging for far too long, forcing many out of the trade and breaking up important relation- ships. The legislature provided a 5% rate increase effective July 1, 2014 for these services, requiring over 80% of the funds to be used to increase worker pay. We have 67,600 people with disabilities and 24,900 older adults being served by 90,800 caregivers. This is just a start, but it gives those most affected hope. Bonding Bill Helps Minneapolis Improving our states infrastructure and updating aging facilities will put thousands of men and women to work across the state. Minnesota is investing $1.17 billion to get dozens of shovel-ready building projects underway. Housing infrastructure across the state, roads and bridges, local economic development, projects at public colleges and universities will not only create jobs now, but will sustain local economies and enhance the quality of life in Minnesota for years to come. Nicollet Mall (Nicollet Mile) The vision for the new Mall, with assistance from the same folks that designed The Highline in New York City, includes better transit connections, additional greenspace and a more attractive walkable venue. The legislature allocated $21.5 million in bonding which will supplement $25 million from the downtown business community. The project will also utilize $3.5 million in private funds and some city dollars. Walker Sculpture Garden The Walker Art Centers Sculpture Garden, hosted on land owned by the Minneapolis Park Board, and known for our trademark Spoonbridge and Cherry installation, is showing its age and the wear of millions of visitors over the past 25 years. It will be completely overhauled and renovated with $8.5 million in bonding resources and an additional $1.5 million from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. A key feature of the re-do will be better, more environmentally sound handling of the excess moisture from the very high water table it sits on. Womens Economic Security Act The Womens Economic Security Act (WESA) will move us much closer to equal pay for equal work and reduces the gender pay gap through increased enforcement of equal pay laws for state contractors. It also prohibits employers from discriminating against pregnant women and parents with children under 18; and expands the family and sick leave for working families. The package passed with bipartisan support despite opposition from some business groups. Minimum Wage For businesses with gross sales over $500,000, the minimum wage will increase to $8.00 in 2014, $9.00 in 2015 and $9.50 in 2016. For businesses with gross sales under $500,000, the minimum wage will increase to $6.50 in 2014, $7.25 in 2015 and $7.75 in 2016. Training wages for workers under 20 for the frst 90 days and all workers under 18 will rise to $7.75. This legislation will increase the wages for more than 350,000 Minnesotans and those increased wages will spread economic activity throughout the state. Minnesota now joins a growing list of states that are addressing one of the root causes of income inequality. In addition, beginning in 2018, all wages will increase each year on January 1 by infation measured by the implicit price defator (capped at 2.5%). This automatic wage increase will help ensure Minnesota workers have a stable minimum wage in the future. Safe Schools Anti-bullying Going from one of the weakest anti-bullying laws in the nation to one of the strongest, students attending our public schools in Minnesota will no longer have to make the tradeoff between attending school or feeling safe and welcome. Designed to protect all students from bullying, the law emphasizes changing behavior in lieu of punishment, requires strong school policies, effective response and follow up, training for school professionals and research based bullying prevention activities. Medical Cannabis Minnesotans suffering from debilitating illnesses will be able to work with their doctor and a pharmacist to access liquid, oil and pill forms of cannabis to fnd relief via a statewide patient registry designed to capture information on the effcacy of this treatment. Scaled back in its approach from the proposal that initially cleared the Senate, the signed legislation represents a good start to build upon so people can access cannabis in other forms and for additional conditions. Minnesota joins 21 other states that have taken this important step for their citizens. Transportation While the legislature once again did not pass a comprehensive bill to raise needed signifcant revenue for roads, bridges and public transit, additional monies were allocated from the general fund to support transit in Greater Minnesota, transit shelters and stations, increase staff for Capitol security, and provide support for the Safe Routes to School program to encourage students to bike and walk to school. The legislation included specifc funding for a new transit station at I-35W and Lake street. The bonding bill calls for a specifc allocation to repair pothole damaged roads across the state. 35 W/Lake Street Interchange Funding for a new transit station was appropriated in the supplemental transportation bill. The project will also receive funding from the capital investment legislation. The 2014 session marks signifcant progress in our long time effort to improve transit infrastructure at this well traveled intersection. A new and modern transit station will be part of the process for improving transit north and south on the I-35W corridor (via Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Orange Line connecting Downtown Minneapolis and Lakeville) and east and west along the Lake Street/Midtown Greenway corridor (connecting the SW Corridor LRT Green Line to the Hiawatha LRT Blue Line). Other suburban and urban routes will be able to use the new station. Oil Transportation Safety Transportation of oil via rail and pipeline across Minnesota has dramatically increased in recent years as a result of the oil drilling and fracking boom in North Dakota and Canada. The oil from these regions is particularly volatile and dangerous to transport. While much of the regulations related to oil transportation are dictated at the federal level, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill to increase funding to better equip and train fre fghters and frst responders along oil transportation routes; hire more track inspectors; improve rail grade crossings, and require railroads to speed up spills and leaks cleanup. Most of the funding for the bill comes from an assessment on railroads and pipeline companies. Energy Minnesota continues to make progress on policies to advance clean and renewable energy and greater energy effciency and conservation. Allowing loans for small scale renewable energy and effciency installations to be paid as part of your utility bill will now be possible. Utilities are directed to report on their plans for the long term on challenges and opportunities to meet our carbon reduction goals. Recycling and Composting The legislature made a signifcant update in policies concerning recycling and composting. In an effort to support communities moving toward a zero waste policies, such as Minneapolis, a bill was passed to signifcantly increase state grants to local communities for recycling and organics composting. The bill also increased the recycling goal for metro counties from 50% to 75% by 2030, and mandates that larger businesses in the metro area recycle. Pollinators Last year in Minneapolis, a catastrophic die off of bees was caused by improper use of pesticides, as has happened elsewhere. In the future, if a hive is lost, a team from the University of Minnesota will be able to investigate. If it is shown to be from improper use of pesticides, the hive owner can be compensated either from the person who did the spraying, or if the person is unknown, from existing resources funded by a tax on pesticides. In another bill, pesticides known to be lethal to pollinators will be listed as such, and cultivars treated with them can no longer be labeled bee friendly. Tax Policies to Support Homeowners, Students, and Renters In 2014, the legislature built on progressive tax policies passed the previous year. Two million Minnesotans will beneft from tax cuts to working families, homeowners, college students, married couples and adopting families. In addition, the legislature enacted $178 million in decreased property taxes for homeowners, renters and farmers. Other important initiatives passed in 2014 Beagles Dogs and cats in the labs at our public research universities and colleges will have a chance at being placed with forever families after theyre done being used, rather than being summarily euthanized for no reason under a bill titled the Beagle Freedom Bill. Because of their affable temperaments, beagles are used in over 90% of all dog-based experimentation. Fortunately, they are often able to quickly adapt to family life even after having spent four to fve years inside of a kennel. Homeless Youth The Homeless Youth Act (Senate File 565 in 2013 and this year, Senate File 2194), supports shelters and housing programs for youth and young adults. This year we were able to include in the supplemental budget bill an additional $1 million in grant funding every year through 2017 over the historic appropriation of $4 million that went to support 30 community-based agencies serving homeless and at risk youth across the state. Loring Pond Cattails Also known as corn dog grass, the invasive cattails that have completely overrun the ponds in Loring Park can now be completely eliminated by the Park Board and replaced with native aquatic vegetation. School lunches. Kids who qualify for reduced price lunches will not be turned away if they dont have the money to pay. Puppy mills. At long last, barbaric dog breeding facilities will be subject to oversight and regulation. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Local units of government will receive grants to conduct AIS prevention and intervention activities, especially at public boat landings. Online pulltabs (eliminated). The Minnesota Lottery will not be able to continue selling lottery tickets online, nor electronic scratch off tickets at gas pumps. Hit and run duty to stop. When a driver hits something, they will now be required to stop and determine what (or who) they hit, eliminating an incentive to leave the scene and later claim a lack of knowledge as a defense in court. Legislative salary constitutional amendment. In November of 2016 voters will be asked whether to amend the states constitution to remove legislators ability to set their own pay, combined with a measure to eliminate all conficts of interest by the body that sets pay. Cell phone kill switch. All cell phones sold in Minnesota can be rendered useless remotely if stolen. Those buying used electronic devices are required to keep track of sellers. Online voter registration. Voters will be able to register to vote and apply for absentee ballots online in a legal, safe and secure manner. Plastic microbeads in surface waters. Plastic microbeads in the states waters and their potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health will be studied by the DNR and the U of M. Lead, mercury, triclosan. Lead or mercury in wheel weights, counterweights used in the auto manufacturing industry, and mercury thermometers will be banned. Minnesota will be the frst state in the nation to ban triclosan in personal care products. Newborn screening. Newborns will continue to be screened for more than 50 serious, rare, hard to detect, important to treat early, disorders. Samples will be retained for important public health, scientifcally valid research. Parents will be fully informed of their rights to opt out of these services. Compensation for the wrongly accused. Those who have been jailed and can show later that they were wrongfully convicted will be able to access monetary compensation, post-release services, housing, transportation and subsistence, and medical and dental health care costs, and receive offcial acknowledgment of a wrongful conviction. Public Beneft Corporations. Corporations that have both a social purpose and proft motive will be allowed to form and do business in Minnesota. Opiate overdose antidote and good Samaritan protections. Naxalone, an antidote to opiate overdose, will be more widely available and can be administered by people other than just doctors and paramedics. Those calling emergency responders to save the life of someone overdosing will not be subject to prosecution themselves, eliminating a disincentive to get help. Broadband funding. A new border-to-border broadband development grant program will provide $20 million in grants for unserved and under-served areas of the state. Expungement. Criminal records held by both public agencies and the courts can be shielded from certain background checks to help reformed offenders get a second chance to become productive members of society, gain access to housing and jobs. Tenant victims of domestic violence. Barriers for tenant-victims in breaking a lease if necessary for their safety in cases of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, were eliminated. GPS tracking for domestic abusers. Judges across the state are authorized to require use of electronic monitoring devices to increase the safety for domestic abuse victims. Guns surrendered by those with OFPs. Those subject to orders for protection (restraining orders) for domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking are required to surrender their guns and will not be allowed to purchase a new gun. Data Security The misuse of private, sensitive data by public employees, especially those in law enforcement, threatens the publics trust and costs taxpayers in court settlements. The law has been strengthened to tighten training and procedures, clarify what constitutes a breach or misuse of data, improve investigations and reporting the results of those investigations, and increasing personal accountability on the part of those who break the law. Things that didnt pass: Judicial Election Reform It is important that Minnesota not go the way of other states, including our next door neighbor, Wisconsin, where judges are elected on the basis of extreme partisan views, rather than on qualifcations and commitment to uphold the laws of the state, no matter their personal views, and with funds collected from deep-pocket, special corporate interests. We are sorry that a strong, bipartisan proposal improving our judicial appointments and election process to ensure and protect the high caliber of our bench, supported by many solid civic organizations, again failed to be passed into law. Sunday Sales Our states old blue laws written to enforce a particular religious traditions practices and beliefs continue to hold sway in the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Several amendments to the law, one to give municipalities the choice over Sunday sales, another to simply allow Sunday sales, and one to allow the sale of growlers at microbreweries on Sundays, were all defeated in the end. The grassroots pressure is mounting and momentum is gaining on this issue and we believe it will pass within the next few years. Sex Offenders A Federal Court has ruled that the state must take action to reform the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) so that almost 700 individuals currently locked up are not unconstitutionally incarcerated in a de facto life sentence. Changes to the MSOP are politically diffcult and challenging to safely implement, but doing nothing is not an option. The alternative may well be that the court orders the release of very dangerous individuals without proper review or safeguards. License Plate Surveillance A number of police agencies instituted a surveillance system whereby the location of everyones car is tracked, recorded and accessible for future reference. Its existence was never disclosed. Provisions for confdentiality nor for the destruction of these records for innocent citizens were never made. A response to mandate the destruction of such records for people not under investigation and classifying the data as private failed to receive fnal approval by the legislature. Wolf Hunt Efforts to suspend the states wolf hunt, bar extremely painful snaring systems and set up an advisory task force to study the wolf management did not pass. Unlawfully killing, transporting or possession of a wolf will trigger a new penalty. The DNR is now required to track known wolf deaths. Constitutional Amendments A bill to raise the threshold for putting a constitutional amendment to the voters to a three-ffths (60%) majority vote of the legislature did not pass. Pay Day Lending A bill to address the debt trap many people fnd themselves in, where consumers take out several loans consecutively from so-call pay day lenders only to fnd they are unable to pay the loans back, was not passed in the fnal hours of the session. Toxic Free Kids Legislation to require companies to disclose products, especially ones with which children come into contact, that contain certain toxic chemicals that are determined by the Department of Health to be possibly harmful, remains to be passed in a future session. This legislation impacts products used by children ages 12 years and under, and would have required manufactures to report data on toxic contents to the State Department of Health. A strong coalition of groups pressed for the bill and it will continue to be priority issue for the next session. Drivers License for All We were disappointed that a provision to grant drivers licenses to aspiring citizens did not pass into law this year. The bill passed the Senate last year and cleared all appropriate House committees but was not heard on the House foor. This year saw increased support for the measure from the business community and bi-partisan support which will position us well for an renewed effort on the issue next year. Looking ahead to 2015 Transportation Governor Mark Dayton said it best in his State of the State speech, The future of transportation in Minnesota and the funding for it have to be among the 2015 legislative sessions top priorities. Whatever is decided -- whether to do nothing, a little, or a lot -- will have an enormous impact on the lives of all Minnesotans for decades. In our conversations with colleagues, House and Senate leadership, and the media, there is consensus that transportation will be at the top of the agenda in the coming year. It is very simple, either Minnesota heed all of the evidence -- declining revenues, deteriorating roads, growing environmental challenges, citizens who lack access to jobs and opportunity, businesses that invest in places that invest in themselves -- and make the necessary leap forward or continue to lose out in a ferociously competitive global marketplace. We are excited as chairs of the Transportation Committees that this opportunity awaits and will waste no time over the summer, fall and winter to get to work building the momentum. Airports We are encouraged that the citizens have had such a dramatic effect on the Metropolitan Airports Commission and the Federal Aviation Administrations decision to go much more slowly on changes to takeoff and departure procedures that threatened our neighborhoods quality of life. We will continue to work on passing important legislation to require environmental study of airport expansion and increasing fights, greater statewide coordination and cooperation between airports that serve our regional centers, and governance and accountability for the Metropolitan Airports Commission.