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Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division

FIRST JOINT MEETING with HOUSING POLICY…

2007-2008 Regular Session - Tuesday, April 17, 2007

STATE OF MINNESOTA FIRST JOINT MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTY-FIFTH SESSION

HOUSING POLICY AND FINANCE AND PUBLIC HEALTH FINANCE DIVISION/ HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND
FINANACE DIVISION

MINUTES


Representative Karen Clark, Chair of the Housing Policy and Finance and Public Health Finance Division, along with Representative Tom Rukavina, Chair of the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division, called the meeting to order at 8:07 A.M. on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 in Room 200 of the State Office Building.

The Committee Legislative Assistants noted the roll.

Housing/Public Health Division Higher Education/Work Force Division

Members present: Members present:

Clark, Karen, Chair Rukavina, Tom, Chair
Kranz, Scott, Vice-Chair Poppe, Jeanne, Vice-Chair
Benson, John Bly, David
Eastlund, Rob Brynaert, Kathy
Huntley, Thomas Clark, Karen
Laine, Carolyn Eastlund, Rob
Madore, Shelley Gunther, Bob
McFarlane, Carol Haws, Larry
McNamera, Denny Mahoney, Tim
Moe, Frank McFarlane, Carol
Morgan, Will Moe, Frank
Peterson, Neil W Murphy, Mary
Severson, Dan Nornes, Bud
Tschumper, Ken Ruth, Connie
Severson, Dan
Slocum, Linda
Welti, Andy

Members excused: Members excused:

Anderson, Bruce Atkins, Joe
Swails, Marsha Dettmer, Bob
Hortman, Melissa
Norton, Kim



A quorum was present.

Co-Chair Clark spoke briefly about the intent of this informational meeting and about the Minnesota Department of Health news release regarding proposed studies to address health concerns associated with mining activity in northeastern Minnesota.

Co-Chair Clark invited staff from the Minnesota Department of Health to begin their presentation of the news release and information related to the studies.

Mary Manning, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division Director, Minnesota Department of Health, introduced herself and provided testimony regarding the Department's proposal for two new health studies to address health concerns in northeastern Minnesota.

Questions and discussion followed.

John Linc Stine, Environmental Health Division Director, Minnesota Department of Health, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding the Department's proposal for two new health studies to address health concerns in northeastern Minnesota.
MINUTES

Joint Housing Policy and Finance and Public Health Finance Division and
Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division
April 17, 2007
Page Two


Alan Bender, Chronic Disease and Epidemiology Director, Minnesota Department of Health, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding a past study and regarding the development of occupational and respiratory disease systems in northeastern Minnesota.

Questions and discussion followed.

Bob Bratulich, District 11 Director, United Steel Workers, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding the past studies, the need for further, more in-depth study, and the need to include other experts in the field such as Mike Wright, a safety director in Pittsburg.

Questions and discussion followed.

Alan Bender assisted with questions and provided further testimony regarding the studies.

Questions and discussion followed.

John Stine assisted with questions and provided further testimony regarding the studies.

Questions and discussion followed.

Dr. Ian Greaves, Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding asbestosis, mesothelioma, related lung conditions and diseases, and the need for further study.

Questions and discussion followed.

Jennifer Schaubach, AFL-CIO, introduced herself and provided testimony regarding the health concerns of workers and the need for further studies.

Dr. Vincent Garry, Professor, Lab Medicine/Environmental Pathology, University of Minnesota, introduced himself and provided further testimony regarding mesothelioma, related lung conditions, the past studies, and need for further studies.

Discussion and questions followed.

Co-Chair Clark discussed the intent of the meeting and the future plans relative to mesothelioma, related lung conditions, and work-related cancer, and also the possibility of further study to include interim tours of mining operations in northeastern Minnesota. Co-Chair Rukavina also discussed the intent of the meeting and future plans.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 A.M.



____________________________________
Karen Clark, Chair Tom Rukavina, Chair



____________________________________
Lauren Benditt, Committee Legislative Assistant Sue Scott, Committee Legislative Assistant