Capitol Letter for April 18, 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.

Climate Change 

Transit gets $166.6 million boost from federal infrastructure package

With the majority of the funds ($116 million) designated to the Twin Cities, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D–MN) echoed federal officials saying that the money will connect communities to work and school, reduce traffic, and modernize infrastructure. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says this is the “largest investment in public transit in our nation’s history”. Making repairs and updating fleets to “greener technology” using materials made in America could improve air quality and benefit Minnesota businesses. Metro Transit plans to use federal money for electric bus expansion in addition to $3.2 million that’s proposed by Gov. Walz, which is only enough to buy four buses, but the transit agency serving Minneapolis and St. Paul plans to convert 12% of its fleet to electric in the next five years with priority to diverse, low-income communities that have the highest ridership. 

Solar power increasing through energy crisis while wind is decreasing 

The world will increase solar capacity by a third in 2022 from the previous year—a number that’s equivalent to two-thirds of the world’s installed nuclear capacity and doubling what has already been installed by 2023. Regulations in wind energy production lead to bleaker predictions, as only 64% of what’s needed to achieve net zero emissions will be online by 2030. Solar and wind energy work in tandem with improvements to transmission lines and, along with other low-carbon technologies, regulatory hurdles must be taken care of to prevent future energy crises.  

Minnesota’s low-carbon fuel standards in jeopardy over high gas prices 

A key DFL plan to reduce the state’s carbon emissions has lost Republican support as gas prices rise, but received more interest than Minnesota’s Clean Car regulations that increased the stock of EV’s in Minnesota. HF2083, by Rep. Todd Lippert (DFL–Northfield), considers greenhouse gas emissions from the tailpipe to the fossil fuels used to produce biofuels and natural gas to power electric vehicles. The policy, which has not been included in any of the House omnibus bills, would halve emissions from transportation—the state’s most polluting sector—by 2050. The GOP is not alone in its concern, however, as the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released a statement saying “a low-carbon fuel standard would likely further increase the cost of gasoline by a more than nominal amount at a time when Minnesota consumers can least afford it”. This comes based on other states' experiences with similar laws. Lessons from Oregon and California where low-carbon fuel standard has been adopted indicate a benefit to biofuels and a slight increase to prices which could be attributed to increased crude oil prices.  

Democracy 

End of session nears  

There is just over a month left of the legislative session and a number of bills lawmakers need to decide on. All three session deadlines have passed and legislators have until May 23rd to determine what to do with the budget surplus. Lawmakers return from break on April 18th and the clock is ticking to take action on frontline worker bonus checks, replenish the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund, and find a middle ground on public safety packages. 

Banning pay-to-play receives bipartisan support 

SF3975, by Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer (R–Big Lake), wants to ban contributions to clubs set up by caucuses or political committees of candidates that “provides access to lawmakers” during session. Minnesota state law already bans contributions to legislators, but the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board made a request last September that suggested a loophole by charging membership dues to a “club” that could potentially open up access to lawmakers. These clubs would not be open to the public, as there are “limited memberships”. While it would still be illegal if the dues arrived after the contribution blackout period began, it would be legal if they are cashed in before. GOP critics worry it would prohibit lawmakers to meet with constituents without falling into a legal gray area, but DFLers reassure that there is clear language allowing such meetings. 

The state omnibus bill now says: “A lobbyist, political committee, or political fund must not make a contribution at any time for a membership in, or access to, a facility during a regular legislative session if the facility is operated by the principal campaign committee of a candidate for the legislative or constitutional office, or by a political party organization within a house of the legislature”. 

Elections are around the corner 

All 201 seats in the state legislature are up for election this fall. After the redistricting that was approved earlier this session, this means the elections will take place in brand new districts. Follow candidates and their campaigns with MinnPost. 

Racial Justice 

Children’s Theatre Company debuts play about race and policing 

In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, many parents and educators have tried to tackle how to talk with their kids about racism and police brutality. Fred de Sam Lazaro looks to “Something Happened in Our Town”, a book-turned-play to aid in these conversations. It tells a story of two families, one Black and one white, who navigate the events after a police killing. Cheryl West, a playwright, has adapted the story and premiered it at the Children’s Theatre Company earlier this year. The story’s goal is to help families of all races and means talk about racism. Historically, Black parents have had to have these conversations with their children to ensure their safety and self-esteem, whereas white parents don’t feel the same responsibility to have such discussions with their children. Or, if they did, they didn’t know where to start. 

Unsurprisingly, the play has faced its share of criticism. The American Library Association has named the story one of the most challenged books due to its “divisive language” and “anti-police views”. The Minneapolis Police and Peace Officer Association wrote a letter to Gov. Walz, asking him to remove the book from classroom shelves, claiming it “encourages children to fear police officers as violent, unfair, and racist”. Supporters of the story say it is not only a great way for families to start their difficult conversations around modern racism, but it can also be a vehicle for change in society. 

Other Legislative News 

Bipartisan support to eliminate fees on court document requests 

Rep. Kristin Robbins (R–Maple Grove) is sponsoring HF3041 that would end an $8 fee for retrieving public state court documents. It has made it into both the House and the Senate as part of the public safety spending package. Revenue from these fees was around $500k annually, which Sen. Warren Limmer (R–Maple Grove) called it a “spit in the ocean”.  Rep. Jaime Becker-Finn (DFL–Roseville) says it’s important because if not everyone can easily access these public documents, then they aren’t truly public. While proposals haven’t passed yet in either chamber, there is rare bipartisan support on the measure. 

Proposal to change Minnesota’s state flag 

After previous failed attempts, the House is again proposing a commission be created to redesign the state flag and state seal. HF284, sponsored by Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL–Golden Valley), hopes to inspire a “reminagination” for the state’s image and to better portray Minnesotan history. Right now, the flag depicts a Native American on horseback and a white farmer tending to a farm, which Rep. Freiberg says it has “racist undertones”, especially as the design did not have input from the people it depicts. If the bill passes, commission members would be appointed by the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage, Latino Affairs, and Asian-Pacific Minnesotans, as well as the Dakota and Ojibwe communities. GOP members have voted against the bill during committee hearings and it is unlikely to be a priority this session.

Sen. Eken announces retirement 

Sen. Kent Eken (DFL–Audubon) has announced his retirement after 20 years in the legislature. The decision comes in light of the legislative redistricting that erased his home county from the new senate districts, but he said he had also intended on returning teaching soon, so the time was right. Sen. Eken had served five terms in the House before his three Senate terms. 

Observer Corps Reports 

The Legislature was not in session last week due to the Easter/Passover break, so Observer Corps Reports will resume in the next edition of Capitol Letter.