Capitol Letter for March 1, 2022
The Capitol Letter™ is a recurring publication that provides reports from LWV Minnesota volunteer Observer Corps and Lobby Corps members on what is happening in the current legislative session.
State’s Budget Surplus Climbs
This week, Minnesota’s budget surplus was released to be $9.3 billion—almost $2 billion more than initially reported and about seven times the usual amount. About $2 billion of that will be eaten up by inflation adjustments, but the remaining amount still makes this the largest surplus in living memory. Read the forecast from the Management and Budget Office or this article from MinnPost to learn more.
DFL Law Enforcement Plan
HF3581 was unveiled last week by House DFLers with a goal of recruiting law enforcement officers with “strong moral character”. The program would provide free tuition, bonuses, and other incentives to attract high school and college graduates to the police academy. Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL–Golden Valley) is sponsoring the bill, which now has ten other authors and a Senate companion bill, SF3316. This is just one of many efforts by both parties to address the metro’s rise in crime and also vacancies in police departments. There are between 1,200–1,500 officer job openings across the state. Across the aisle, the GOP has passed a proposal in the Senate for a $1 million marketing campaign as their own solution.
Another obstacle is the staggering lack of police of color. There are nearly 11,000 officers in Minnesota today, and less than 450 of them are people of color. The program hopes to recruit potential officers that have a high cultural competency and proven commitment to the community they’ll serve. It won’t change how agencies hire, but instead channel qualified applicants to these jobs. The goal is to recruit 250 applicants a year.
Push by GOP to add MN to National Nurse Licensure Compact
The proposal’s goal is to recruit more nurses to Minnesota to address the shortage in the healthcare workforce. Minnesota would be the 40th state to join the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact, which would allow nurses to obtain a single licensure that is valid across the states in the compact. This could expand telehealth, allow nurses to move freely and quickly to help with emergency situations, and eliminate fees and other requirements for nurses to practice across the country. Dean of the University of Minnesota’s Nursing School Connie White Delaney has come out in support of this push. So far it has cleared the Senate Health Care Committee, but not everyone is on board.
The nursing union and DFL have criticized this proposal as an attack on the union and nurses bargaining rights. Additionally, the opponents say it could open the door to replacing full-time nurses with temporary staff which would allow hospital CEOs to “increase their bottom lines”. Instead, the DFL would like to fund more mental health resources and loan forgiveness with the hope that it aids in long term retention of nurses, criticizing that the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact is only a quick fix.
Climate Change
A call for federal action on electrification rebates
Sen. Tina Smith and members of the Electrification Caucus are pushing for allocating funds that would cover the upfront costs of switching to electric powered cars and buildings for lower and middle income families. Smith describes the costly hurdles for switching to electric alternatives a “disincentive”, and hopes the program would make it more feasible for anyone to have access to the opportunity. The caucus said that switching to electric appliances, electric heating and cooling, and vehicles will reduce carbon emissions and consumer costs. Additionally, it would improve indoor air quality and create jobs.
Solar array at Rosemount refinery generates buzz
The City Council approved permits for the Pine Bend Refinery to move forward with a 314-acre solar panel tract. Flint Hills Resources—Pine Bend Refinery’s owner—already owns the property for the proposed project. The solar panels would be 9–14 feet tall with plans to plant pollinator-friendly habitats in between them. At full capacity, the facility could produce 45 megawatts of energy. Executive Director of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association Logan O’Grady describes the project as having the potential to be “the biggest of its kind” in Minnesota, and among some of the largest in the country. Flint Hills will decide in coming weeks whether they will move forward with the project.
MN regulators call for Xcel to cut its solar wait time
Xcel Energy’s interconnection process has stalled and emerged as a “bottleneck” in Minnesota’s transition to clean energy. Some businesses and homeowners are waiting months or years to be able to connect solar panels to the company’s power grid. While there has been a surge in requests to connect to the grid in recent years, some blame the problem on Xcel’s own narrow interpretation of Minnesota’s interconnection rules. Specifically, Xcel has said it is prohibited in processing more than one application at a time for each substation, but the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has clarified that that is not the case. Instead, the PUC suggests Xcel implement a new process where they can group studies to assess grid impact in more than one request. Xcel has welcomed the PUC’s decision, saying they “believe this will help clear a number of projects in the queue” and hopes to complete projects at a quicker pace.
Study finds ethanol to be more harmful than gas to the ecosystem
Researchers have found that ethanol production from corn leads to a decrease in water quality and 24% more emissions than gas, resulting from the production process. The study reaffirms suspicions that corn ethanol is not a climate-friendly fuel. The Midwest accounts for the most ethanol production and industries hope to use technologies like carbon capture and conservation farming practices to reach their goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Observer Corps Reports
House Workforce and Business Development Finance and Policy - Monday, Feb. 14
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member Carolyn Pillers Dobler
HF1200 is a bill to create and administer a paid family medical leave program, similar to unemployment with employer contributions funding the program. The bill is authored by Rep. Ruth Richardson, (DFL–St. Paul), and currently has 35 other authors. The bill, introduced in 2021, had been referred to the Workforce and Business Development Finance and Policy committee.
The hearing took place virtually at 1:00 p.m. on February 14, 2022 and was led by Chair Mohamud Noor (DFL–Minneapolis). Author Rep. Richardson first spoke to the bill emphasizing its commitment to the core value that every family should have the opportunity to thrive while caring for themselves and their loved ones. An amendment was part of the documents, but it was not voted on.
Much of the hearing consisted of public testimony. There were 14 in-person testifiers as well as eight written letters. 11 of the in-person testifiers supported the bill. These included small-business owners who voiced the desire to care for their employees while being able to compete with large businesses. Several of the testifiers related personal experiences with their own medical situations or in their role as a family caregiver. Their powerful, first-hand, testimony brought a human perspective to the need for a paid family medical leave program. Others testifying for the bill included the Children’s Defense Fund, Minnesota Catholic Conference, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, and the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. These organizations stressed that this bill is about equity, particularly among those who the system is currently failing including people of color, women, children, and minimum wage workers. The Council of Nonprofits pointed out that many of their members are small organizations and cannot afford to provide paid family medical leave except through a program proposed in HF1200. The American Cancer Society provided written testimony in support of this bill, citing the need for families undergoing cancer treatment. The League of Minnesota Cities also offered written testimony with suggested revisions to this bill that would be advantageous to their members.
Those opposing the bill included in-person testifiers of the National Federation of Independent Business, Minnesota School Boards Association, and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, and one written testifier, United for Jobs. These groups cited the increased costs due to the employer mandates as their main point of opposition. They also indicated that many of their members already offer such plans to their employees.
The committee held a brief discussion following the testimony. Salient points included the emphasis on equity to level the playing field for all Minnesotans, the length of leave provided by this bill (12–24 weeks), the imposition of employer mandated costs, start dates for the program, the heavy IT cost to implement the program, comparison to plans in other states, and the use of budget surplus funds to begin funding the program. The discussion was respectful. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
House Health Finance and Policy - Monday, Feb. 14
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member Carolyn Pillers Dobler
There was a hearing on two bills: HF11 and HF2499.
HF11 wants to create a public option for health care using MinnesotaCare, authored by Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL–Duluth). HF11 as amended was referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.
Rep. Schultz explained the bill as a public option for health care by expanding the current MinnesotaCare program. She discussed the need to reform health care and that this bill would provide relief from high premiums and high deductibles. The premiums would be based on income. Small businesses would receive a tax credit for premiums paid on behalf of employees.
In this hearing, there were seven in person testifiers and eight written testifiers. Four of the in-person testifiers, who all supported the bill, related personal experiences and how this bill would have had a positive impact on their own health care. The other three in-person testifiers represented America’s Health Insurance Plans, the Heartland Institute, and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. All three expressed concerns about the bill, mostly relating to lower payments to hospitals and providers and the effect on private insurance premiums. The MN Chamber expressed a willingness to continue the conversations and to work toward improving health care for everyone. They also supported the portion of the bill providing for a tax credit for small businesses.
Of the written testimony, three expressed opposition while five supported the bill. Of those opposing, concerns were raised about destabilizing the private health insurance market and lower reimbursement rates to hospitals and providers. Of those supporting HF11, they praised the current MinnesotaCare program and welcomed the opportunity to make it available to more Minnesotans. Other points included relief to farmers and small businesses. One of the letters of support included 32 signatory groups and organizations. Although none of the testifiers specifically addressed the racial inequalities in the current system, it was alluded to with comments about making the system more equitable.
Following the testimony, five amendments were moved; none of the amendments were passed. A19 proposed to delete the eligibility of undocumented non-citizens. A20 would require premiums to be set to cover the cost of the program. A21 excluded state-based models from the report comparing the current system to other models. A22 was unclear to me. A23 made the small business tax credit permanent. All voted strictly along party lines.
There was also another proposed amendment, A18, that Chair Liebling ruled out of order and it was not moved. She and Rep Gruenhagen went back and forth on this, with Rep Gruenhagen accepting her ruling. She ruled the A18 amendment was out of order because it was an attempt to circumvent the bill process by introducing a new bill by deleting the previous bill and substituting a new bill.
On a vote of 10–8, HF11 with the DE6 amendment was referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.
HF2499 is a bill to conduct a cost-benefit analysis comparing the Minnesota Health Plan to the current system, authored by Rep. Liz Boldon (DFL–Rochester). Rep. Boldon explained the bill’s purpose is to provide information so that the Minnesota Health Plan versus the current system can be debated in an informed and analytical way.
There were three in-person testifiers, all who supported the bill. The Executive Director of the Minnesota Nurses Association said the proposed study could help inform how the current healthcare system failed and what can be done to improve it. The other testifiers related personal experiences with the current healthcare system and the need to study alternatives to improve health care for everyone.
Rep. Liebling again ruled the DE1 amendment, authored by Rep. Gruenhagen, out of order, citing the same reasoning as the A18 amendment proposed for HF11.
There was a short time for discussion, which focused on the need to reform the private sector rather than creating new bureaucracy. Rep. Bolton responded that these are the questions that the study hopes to answer.
The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.
Housing Finance and Policy - Tuesday, Feb. 15
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member
Director of MN Housing Partnership, Anne Mavity, presented an overview of the partnership's request to the legislature to invest in $2 billion in housing in 2022. This amount is not as much as is needed but will be transformative for healthy families, diverse and inclusive communities. It will create opportunities for rent assistance and home ownership assistance.
Presenters supporting "Say Yes to Invest $2Billion included: Bukata Hayes–V.P. of Racial and Health Equity, BlueCross/Blue Shield of Minnesota; Johnathon Weinhagen–President of Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Bret Domstrand–Principal of Lake Marion Elementary, Lakeville Schools.
Rep. Michael Howard, (DFL–Richfield) introduced HF 40, a bill that would provide for a state program for low-income cost burdened households, and money appropriated. Rep. Howard introduced an amendment. The motion passed. There was testimony from a number of local housing and equality organizations. Rep. Howard recommended that HF40 as amended be laid over for possible inclusion in the Housing and Finance and Policy Omnibus Bill.
House Climate and Energy - Tuesday, Feb. 15
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member Amy Caucutt
This hearing was chiefly information on electric vehicle (EV) preparedness in Minnesota and changes in law and funding that will be needed. Background from MNDOT on amount of Federal funding for EV chargers in infrastructure bill and strategies discussed with neighboring states to meet Fed. requirements for a buildout.
Jukka Kukkonon, a St. Thomas EV Strategist, presented alarming details on the speed of the transition to EVs. Before 2030, the big five automakers plan to be selling 40% EVs in the US and 70% in Europe, and they are making huge investments. Ford's F-150 lightning pick-up truck has a 200,000 waiting list.
ZBF is an MN manufacturer of charging stations and software that has interesting information on market strategies for charger buildout in MN and the US. Drive Electric MN, Xcel Energy, and IBEW292 supported. Surprising support came from MN Rural electrics and the MN Auto dealers Association. Opposition from Center for American Experiment and National Assoc. of Independent Businesses who worry about shifting of electric costs. One called it "trickle down environmentalism".
Senate State Government Finance, Policy and Elections - Wednesday, Feb. 16
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member Sheila Bennett
SF2956 would require paper ballots to include a unique watermark. The bill is authored by Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer (R–30) moved to amend and rewrite the bill to include changes in the type of watermark in response to concerns raised by the secretary of state. The amendment passed.
Prior to depositing a ballot, election workers must verify that it has the unique mark. Testifier Kim Crockett (attorney and self-identified candidate for Secretary of State) supported the bill, citing widespread concerns about election security and the increased use of absentee ballots in MN. She also endorsed a much greater emphasis on in-person voting. Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL–51) challenged the need for the bill, asking for any verified cases of impropriety and saying that widespread unfounded allegations of voter fraud have led to a lack of confidence in elections. Sen. Eric Pratt (R–55) supported the bill as a way to prevent voter fraud. Testifier Nicole Freeman from the Secretary of State's Office was there to answer any questions; she added that they still objected to the bill's adding administrative burdens to election workers. Sen. David Osmek (R–33) supported the bill, calling it a simple, common-sense proposal. Carlson reiterated that it is not needed or justified. Sen. Greg Clausen (DFL–57) opposed the bill, citing concerns about great cost and the addition of an unneeded level of complexity to voting. Bill has been laid over.
SF3077: Requiring unsolicited private mailings containing an absentee ballot application or sample ballot to clearly identify the group sending the material. Kiffmeyer moved Author's Amendment A-1, which passed. Kiffmeyer explained the need, citing widespread use of such mailings in the last election, resulting in much voter confusion. Bipartisan support of the need from committee members. Kim Crockett testified in support. Osmek pointed out that it adds no cost or burden to state election administrators. Sen. Omar Fatch (DFL–62) asked for examples of voter confusion between these mailings and absentee ballots. Carlson supported the need and suggested requiring a "paid for by" statement, and that all return envelopes be addressed to the Secretary of State, rather than to another PO Box. Clausen raised concerns about undue challenges leading to applications for ballots being rejected. Kiffmeyer thanked all for the input and will further rework the bill. Laid over.
House Education Finance - Wednesday, Feb. 16
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member Cathy Thom
The hearing included a presentation on the history of Collaborative Urban and Greater Minnesota Educators of Color (CUGMEC) Grant Program. University of St. Thomas Dean Kathlene Campbell testified. The program is participated in by many of the MIAC colleges and universities. It is aimed at training more teachers of color, and it has had an added effect of increasing the number of administrators of color. The grant became competitive in 2017 to include more institutions, but the dollar amount was not increased, so the number of students served has been reduced for each institution and/or the grant amounts for each student have decreased. Requested more funds to better match the number of institutions served.
Dean Campbell said that it would be better to make this program a permanent four-year program rather than just a two-year by two-year funded one, saying it makes it difficult to plan and recruit students if they don’t know if they will have funded for enough years for a student to finish a four-year teacher prep program.
Audrey Lensmire of Augsburg University also testified, saying their program has produced 57 teachers of color with Tier 3 and 4 licenses. However, they want to increase this number. They requested more funds to increase the number of students served by each school and echoed that sustained funding is very important also for K-12 schools for guidance counselors and other apprenticeship programs that could entice students to careers in education.
Next was Keenan Jones from the Department of Innovation, Design, and Learning at Hopkins Schools. He became an ESP in Robbinsdale Schools and got his teaching license at Augsburg, and taught 5th grade at Hopkins before getting his Masters in Literacy Education from Hamline University. Jones testified that his experience and success is indicative of providing more teachers and mentors of color and how it is extremely beneficial for the success of both students and teachers of color.
There was a presentation from Black Men Teach (BMT) by Marcus Flynn, Executive Director. He works in high schools and colleges to mentor and recruit young black men into becoming educators. Provide fellowships, scholarships, grants, and other support to become licensed teachers. Devon Minke, a BMT Fellow, said that some of the best things about being part of BMT is it provides black mentorship and community to safely discuss the issues and experiences and barriers unique to black educators, particularly black male educators and aspiring educators. Without that, he may have been discouraged and left his elementary ed teacher prep program because it is so populated with white women. Keon Lewis, another BMT Fellow, described the substantial financial support that BMT has provided to him. At times it saved him from dropping out to find jobs that could provide him with more money than trying to stay in school, and/or that even becoming a teacher after graduating could provide – he wanted to avoid student loan debt, too, even as he struggled to stay housed and fed as a student. He also was reassured by BMT’s ability to place teachers into schools after they graduate from teacher prep programs, and to help them to complete student teaching and pass licensure exams after finishing their teacher prep coursework. BMT is about action and community, not just about posturing and talking about helping – they actually do help.
Rep. Hodan Hassan (DFL–Minneapolis) has proposed HF3079 - Increase Teachers of Color Act to increase the number of teachers of color. Currently, about 5% of Minnesota’s teachers are people of color while students of color make up 38% of classes. A 1% increase in BIPOC teachers would mean 630 new teachers. Rep. Hassan said that slow progress is being made but it is not quick enough. There were three highlights of the bill: Section 4 - Closing educational opportunity gaps grants and grow your own grants, Section 14 - CUGMEC Program and Funding, and Section 15 - Modifications to the teachers mentorship and retention program.
There was a lot of testimony from students and educators who spoke to the importance of these programs and funding. Most testifiers were the same people who testified in favor of the Increase Teachers of Color Act last week.
Rep. Lisa Damuth (R – Cold Spring) offered but then withdrew a DE2 Amendment that would define a professional license as including Tiers 1 & 2 by PELSB, not just Tiers 3 & 4. It would repeal the requirement to first try to hire Tier 3 & 4 teachers before preferred Tier 2 teachers. Tier 2 licenses could be applied for by the individual rather than the school district and would become transferable between school districts. It would also prohibit prioritizing LIFO practices and Tier 1 & 2 teachers for hiring, firing, lay-offs, and non-voluntary leaves of absence. Rep. Damuth pointed out that all of these practices are barriers to the hiring and retention of teachers of color.
The unamended bill was laid over without a vote for inclusion in an education omnibus bill or for later consideration.
House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform - Thursday, Feb. 17
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member Jackie Reis
HF3398 calls to modify no-knock warrant processes. It would ban no-knock warrants except in the most extreme cases (i.e., at-risk confined individuals), develop standard application forms, develop and provide four hours of training, public reporting, develop model policy and training on search and seizure processing and execution. There were three amendments: not allowing data to be public while investigation is ongoing, to have county attorneys develop training rather than the Attorney General, and to change the “clear and convincing evidence” to “probable cause”. All of these amendments were defeated 8–11. Passed to the Judiciary Committee.
The hearing included multiple testimonies. President of Communities Against Police Brutality Michelle Gros spoke in support, as did Mendota Heights Chief McCarthy and Minneapolis residents. St. Cloud Chief Anderson is a staunch opponent of the bill.
HF550 - Climate justice instruction in schools
Submitted by LWVMN Intern Sam Streukens
Rep. Sydney Jordan (DFL–Minneapolis) has introduced HF550, which would require climate justice to be taught in schools. The bill was considered by the Education Policy Committee this past Wednesday, February 23. Three high school students testified in support of the bill in the hearing, along with a representative from Climate Generation, an organization that trains teachers in climate change education. There is no Senate companion bill and faces a steep uphill fight against GOP opposition.
House Education Policy Committee - Monday, Feb. 21
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member Cathy Thom
This hearing covered HF3260, authored by Rep. Jessica Hanson (DFL–Burnsville). This bill codes a new statute defining “malicious and sadistic conduct,” and requiring school boards to prohibit malicious and sadistic conduct involving race, religion, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, and sexual exploitation by a district or school staff member or student against another staff member or student. The new statute references the student bullying statute, which requires public schools to adopt a policy that addresses bullying. “Malicious and sadistic conduct” means creating a hostile learning environment by acting with the intent to cause harm by intentionally injuring another without just cause or reason or engaging in extreme or excessive cruelty or delighting in cruelty.
The bill is intended to provide an alternative pathway to the judicial system to prevent and stop bullying more quickly in schools before it reaches crisis levels for bullying victims. Pervasive issue that seeks to address the root cause of much bullying – racism, discrimination, dehumanization in any form.
Testimony was from St Paul NAACP, students, parents who recounted their own or their children's experiences with bullying, assault, sexual assault, harassment, threats, and discrimination by other students and even staff that went inadequate addressed by their schools. Students were bullied for their race, religion (especially Muslim students), sexuality, body type, etc. One student was sexually assaulted by a teacher and never was offered a safe plan for school and still had to have frequent contact with that teacher in and out of class. Two Black students were cut from the middle school dance line despite the fact that there are usually no cuts from middle school activities, and despite having extensive dance training. The coach admittedly chose participants to be "exactly alike" as much as possible because "that's what the judges look for."
Rep. Peggy Scott (R–Andover) asked if it would not be better to simply add teachers and other school staff to the current anti-bullying bill, passed in 2014, which currently only includes students within its provisions. Sen. Hanson replied that if that bill were adequately addressing even just student actions, we would not need HF 3260—but it is not. Adding staff to an inadequate current law will not be enough. Rep. Hanson also said that the 2014 law is reactive and only addresses what should be done after bullying behavior happens - schools need to be more proactive to prevent bullying behavior. Rep. Hodan Hassan (DFL–Minneapolis) emphasized that this is a systemic failure for students and it is time to "hold the entire system accountable and root out all of these forms of hate in our schools."
The bill was laid over without a vote for possible inclusion in an education omnibus bill or for further consideration.
HF 3378 by Rep. Kaela Berg (DFL–Burnsville): This bill amends the school student bullying policy statute (Minn. Stat. § 121A.031) by requiring districts and schools to provide annual certifications, prohibiting retaliation against school employees, and establishing civil penalties. All staff must go through a three-year training cycle. Includes an anti-retaliation provision for students/parents/staff who report incidents of bullying/harassment/discrimination/sexual assault/harassment. Bullying reports would be protected by MN’s “whistleblower act,” which would help more staff to be able to come forward to intervene in and report incidents.
Testimony was from parents and one teacher who said that bullying is still pervasive, and that staff are often reluctant to intervene or sometimes even complicit with it. Chris Commers, a recently retired teacher from Eastern Carver County Schools, said that he witnessed the racist student incidents and how they were mishandled in his district over the past few years, sometimes without meaning to. The pandemic has stressed staff and students even more. Clear processes, programs, and funding for professional development would help a lot to get districts to better respond to bullying incidents and support students and staff as they address and try to prevent them. One parent also said that she and her daughter were bullied by staff and community members on social media and in person as an attempt to silence them from speaking out about the extreme bullying that her daughter had been subjected to since 1st grade because of her body type and then because she came out as bisexual.
Rep. Sondra Erickson (R–Princeton) pointed out that the bill's requirement for "certification" of all staff for a three-year rotational cycle of continued training is not the same as accountability, and that she could not support HF 3260 until it contained more "teeth" to hold schools and individual staff members accountable for misconduct. She pointed out that under this bill districts alone would incur any resulting civil penalties - not individual staff members themselves for misconduct or failing to respond to staff or student misconduct.
The bill was approved to be referred to Finance to consider fiscal impact and appropriations by a vote of 11-7-1. The vote fell along party lines, with Rep. Greg Boe (R–Chanhassen) abstaining.
House Climate and Energy Finance Policy Committee - Tuesday, Feb. 22
Submitted by LWVMN Intern Sam Streukens
Xcel Energy presented their five-year Integrated Resource Plan that was approved by the PUC this month after hearing over 8,000 public comments and has moved into the implementation phase. The plan states that they will close coal plants, add renewable energy, continue carbon free nuclear, and enable carbon free while keeping rates low and prioritizing equity and justice. The Monticello nuclear plant is extended to 2040, the Sherco and King natural gas plants will be closed by 2030, and they will add two transmission lines to existing natural gas sites to accommodate future wind and solar production. Republican Representatives Gruenhagen and Igbo expressed concerns about the cost of rate increases and sourcing clean energy materials to communities. Various clean energy interest groups, businesses, and citizens testified about the difficulty for small-scale solar operators like community solar gardens to connect to Xcel’s grid, hampering sustainability goals and sector growth. A representative from Xcel Energy explained the difficulty of accepting various private sources of renewable energy when they are in the business of providing energy to its customers. To address these interconnection issues, Rep. Todd Lippert (DFL–Northfield) has introduced HF 3222 , which innovates electric grid development and deployment in Northfield. This will modernize the grid by allowing a two-way flow of electricity. The pilot will improve understanding of grid conditions, better customer experience, and make efficient use of existing infrastructure. However, Xcel’s representative made clear that it owns the grid, not the city of Northfield, indicating a distaste to diversify clean energy sources.
Senate Transportation and Finance Committee - Tuesday, Feb. 22
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member Sherry Hood
This meeting was to discuss electric vehicle charging stations at rest stops in Minnesota and what the state can do to compensate for this service to electric vehicles. There is a current $75 surcharge to these electric vehicle owners to compensate for the lack of a fuel tax. Currently, electric vehicle ownership is 1% of total vehicle ownership in Minnesota. Electric vehicles weigh more than carbon fuel vehicles and thus create more wear and tear on our roads. The current $75 electric vehicle surcharge is only for Minnesota citizens. This newly proposed bill will access money from out-of-state vehicles that use our roads. There was a majority vote of the GOP favoring this bill and a few DFL members opposing. The opposition thought there should be more information and thought before any further action. This bill ultimately was approved and sent to the Senate Energy and Utilities Commission.
House Local Government Division of State Finance Hearing - Wednesday, Feb. 23
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member Amy Caucutt
This hearing offered interesting background and support for HF3256, which is the Legalizing Affordable Housing Act. There were testifiers from Zillow, Zonda, MN Federal Reserve, MN Realtors, Mercatus, Department of Labor, and a St. Cloud constituent. Opposition came from auto dealers, the Jewish Relations Council, constituent Paul Heuer, Housing 1st, and a realtor. The bill would make big changes to MN Chapter 426, impacting local zoning regulations and fees. Specifically, duplexes allowed in R-1, new developments expected in 8 dwelling units, locals cannot require square foot minimums, and large changes to fees. Rep. Elkins received lots of credit for working with all parties, but it looks like a heavy lift to get all on board so these changes can address racial equity and affordability. The Twin Cities has the largest racial gap in home ownership where 77% of whites own their homes, only 26% of Black families own theirs. In 1950, 50% of Blacks were homeowners in the Twin Cities.
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy - Thursday, Feb. 24
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member
HF3571 by Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL–Eden Prairie) wants to ban PFAS in juvenile products. Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R–Nisswa) asked why a statement was added for people selling manufactured items could face a $10,000.00 fine; this could include small business people selling goods at pop-ups, garage sales and flea markets. Tom Johnson with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reported there have only been 15 identified cases and no fines. Rep. Heintzeman questioned the purpose of fines then; he applauded the efforts of the bill but wondered why put people in the cross-hairs. A vote was taken to pass the bill; 12–7. Bill passed and it went to Commerce Finance and Policy.
House State Government and Elections - Friday, Feb. 25
Submitted by LWVMN Observer Corps Member Kathy Tomsich
HF1815 authored by Rep. Ginny Klevorn (DFL–Plymouth) and would allow accepted absentee ballots to be opened and counted during the 14 days prior to an election, rather than the current 7 days prior, and would expand true early voting from 7 days prior to 14 as well. MACO, LMC, and AMC all strongly support this bill. Supporters explained hwo election officials need the extra time to process the large number of absentee ballots, and how voters like the assurance their absentee ballot votes are being counted. Secretary of State Simon testified, giving strong support for the bill. Simon thinks it is what voters and election administrators want and would provide voters with confidence that the count is accurate.
In opposition was Rep. Quam (R–Le Sueur) and Rep. Nash (R–Champlin), offering anecdotal evidence that voters prefer to vote in person on election day. The bill does not remove that option for voters.
The Committee voted along party lines to pass the bill for possible inclusion.