| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| April 5, 2002 | Doug Champeau (651-296-4305) |
By Dan Dorman
It isn't easy to change the way the Legislature does business. Not long ago, Governor Jesse Ventura's pet project -- a unicameral legislature -- bogged down in House and Senate committees and hasn't been seen since. This session, there are two other legislative reforms that if approved by voters, would shake up the way the legislature conducts business.
Recently, the House passed legislation that would allow Minnesotans to vote on a constitutional amendment in the November 2002 General Election giving them the right to initiative and referendum ballot reform. Another piece of reform legislation has cleared committees and could be heard on the House floor as soon as next week. It would amend the constitution to provide four-year terms for representatives as well as senators. Voters would be asked this question on the 2002 ballot: Should the constitution provide staggered four-year terms for representatives and senators beginning at the 2006 general election?
Proponents argue that by extending the terms of elected representatives, members would spend less time and effort campaigning and more time on legislative business. Right now, as soon as representatives are elected, many already are beginning their campaign for the next election just two years away. Opponents argue that extending the terms would entrench members in the legislature, making it more difficult for challengers to unseat them.
It's doubtful either of the legislative reforms above would receive Senate approval, but if they did, I believe the Governor would sign them into law. And because the legislation deals with changes to the constitution by ballot, the governor would not be able to veto them. Is it time to overhaul our legislature?
LIGHT EM IF YOU GOT THEM
The Minnesota House approved a bill this week that would allow the sale of fireworks in Minnesota for the first time since 1941. Allowable fireworks include roman candles, skyrockets, fountains as well as sparklers and snakes. Sales would be restricted to those 18 and older, and fireworks could only be used July 1-7 and Dec. 25 to Jan. 2. In addition, an amendment would allow local communities the right to prohibit fireworks sales locally and the option to impose further restrictions. Look for a brighter Fourth of July in many Minnesota communities.
BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS
House and Senate conferees were meeting through the weekend trying to find a compromise on finance bills, including a compromise addressing the remaining current fiscal year budget deficit. There's still no resolution as to whether the budget package should include tax increases (the Senate position) or reduced spending and use of reserves (the House position). House leaders hope an agreement can be reached by the end of next week
What do you think? I welcome your input and ideas. Please call me at home at 377-9441 or at the legislature, toll-free, at 1-877-377-9441. My legislative office address is 579 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155. My e-mail address is: rep.dan.dorman@house.leg.state.mn.us. And be sure to sign up for my legislative up-date newsletter at www.house.mn/27A.