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The following is from MMBA Lobbyist Sara Pisick...
The 2012 legislative session began at noon on Tuesday, January 24 in what legislators are predicting will be a "short session". Many legislators had not returned to the Capitol since the divisive 2011 legislative session which resulted in a government shutdown and special session to enact a state budget in July.
Going into the 2012 legislative session there is a short list of items which legislators are looking to tackle. The second year of the biennium is typically a "bonding" year when a capital investment bill is passed. It is something that many legislators look forward to passing as they head into their re-elections. Other issues that are likely to be considered this session include a variety possible Constitutional Amendments.
Possible amendments include requiring a photo ID to vote, "right to work" (eliminating union membership rights), requiring a super majority to approve any tax increase, and limiting state spending to 98 percent of anticipated revenue. A "Reform 2.0" agenda that is being put forward by the Republican Majority in the House which contains a variety of reform ideas. And, the issue that continues to capture headlines almost daily - the funding of a new Vikings football stadium.
All of these issues will be floating around while legislators anxiously wait for the Court to release the new redistricting maps which will set out the legislative districts for the 2012 elections.
Budget - The November Budget Forecast projected an estimated $876 million surplus for the 2012-2013 biennium, all of which will be used to restore state reserves.
Current law is triggered by the forecasted surplus, directing the surplus to the state's cash flow account ($255 million) and the budget reserve ($621 million). If the surplus were larger, current law would direct the additional funds to buy-back the K-12 education shift.
Another budget forecast will be released at the end of February and this is the forecast that legislators will use to make any budget decisions for the 2012 legislative session.
Capital Investment/Bonding - The even-numbered year of a legislative biennium has typically been considered the year for a "big" bonding bill.
By law, the Governor is required to submit his recommendations for a capital investment budget in mid-January. Governor Dayton met this requirement and submitted a capital investment budget request in the amount of $750 million general obligation bonds. During the 2011 Special Session, a bonding bill was passed that authorized $521 million in general obligation bonds.
The Republican Majorities in the House and Senate have stated that the Governor's recommendation of $750 million in general obligation bonds is too high and will likely propose a bonding bill that is around the $500 million amount.
New Members - Several Special Elections were held during the interim to fill vacancies in the House and Senate. Following is a list of the new members.
* Senate District 46 - Senator Chris Eaton (DFL) replaces former Senator Linda Scheid (DFL) who passed away.
* Senate Disctrict 59 - Senator Kari Dziedzic (DFL) replaces former Senator Larry Pogemiller (DFL) who was appointed to the Office of Higher Education by Governor Dayton.
* Senate District 61 - Former House member Jeff Hayden (DFL) was elected to the Senate to replace former Senator Linda Berglin (DFL) who resigned to take a job with Hennepin County.
* House District 61B - Representative Susan Allen (DFL) was elected to fill the seat of former Rep. Jeff Hayden who ran for the Senate.
Schedule - The House and Senate have not adopted committee deadlines at this time. However, the Leadership in both bodies have set out the following schedule:
Precinct Caucus Break
* House: February 2 - 7, House Session will convene on February 8 at
Noon.
* Senate: February 6 - 7, Senate Session will convene on February 8 at
Noon.
Easter/Passover Break
* House: April 6 - 13. Official House business will begin on Monday, April 16 at 8:15 a.m. with Session convening at 3:00 p.m.
* Senate: April 6 - 13. Senate Session will convene on Monday, April 16 at Noon.
End of Session
* The House Speaker has set a deadline of Monday, April 30 for the date that the House will adjourn sine die. The Constitution requires that the legislative must adjourn sine die by midnight on Monday, May 21.
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