Week in Review: Jan. 17-28

The 2011 Legislative Session is under way, and we have certainly hit the ground running.

Phase one budget solution

Republicans introduced the “Early Action” budget bill (SF60) that addresses approximately $1 billion of the budget deficit. The bill reduces spending for state agencies by $200 million in the current budget while making other one-time spending cuts permanent, reducing the long-term deficit by another $840 million. It addresses structural spending problems by making the one-time reductions from this year permanent and prevents state agencies from spending unnecessary funds at the end of the fiscal year.

The remainder of the reductions are continuations of reductions and non-increases Ð most of which were approved by the DFL-controlled legislature last year.

Welfare card use limits (SF75)

This bill aims to reduce fraud, waste and abuse in the current Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. Recent investigations have shown widespread misuse of the cards in all 50 states, and Minnesota taxpayers should not be forced to pay the tab. By establishing a photo ID requirement for EBT users and prohibiting purchase of non-essential goods such as alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets, this legislation would ensure the program is meeting its intended purpose of truly helping families in need.

Republican rural caucus

Tuesday, Senate and House Republicans officially formed the Republican Rural Caucus. The group, open to all Republican legislators, seeks to discuss with greater focus and awareness the issues that face rural legislators within their respective chambers. Senator Doug Magnus (R-Slayton), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and House counterpart Representative Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake) were elected Co-Chairs of the Rural Caucus. Other members elected to the executive committee include Senator David Senjem (R-Rochester), Representative Mary Franson (R-Alexandria) and Representative Carolyn McElfatrick (R-Deer River). The group will meet on a weekly basis and regularly invite policy experts, state leaders and others to participate in their discussions. Tom Gillaspy, State Demographer, spoke to the group on Tuesday about demographic changes in rural Minnesota and issues of particular interest for the next several years.

Ahead next week:

Hearings will continue on the budget and jobs creation. The Senate will be in session on Wednesday and Thursday. The full Senate will hear the nuclear moratorium lift bill and phase one of the budget solution.

Senator Michelle Fischbach encourages and appreciates constituent input and can be reached by phone at (651) 296-2084, by mail to 226 State Capitol / St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn.