Capitol Update
A report from State Representative Al Juhnke
January 2003
Dear Friends,
The new legislative session convened on Jan. 7 facing biggest state budget crisis in two decades - a deficit of $4.5 billion. I hope you'll take a moment to review this brief newsletter and send me your comments and questions!
Warmest Regards,
Al Juhnke
How to reach Al Juhnke
Capitol: 281 State Office Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55155; (651) 296-6206
Home: 3951 Horizon Hills Circle, Willmar, MN 56201; (320) 235-4442
E-Mail: rep.al.juhnke@house.mn
(use the contact page)
Web:
Red ink rising
Fixing state's deficit could force local property taxes up
Rep. Al Juhnke was sworn in for a new term as the House of Representatives returned to session on Jan. 7, and said lawmakers' first task will be addressing the state budget shortfall.
"We have a two-part problem," Juhnke said. "First, we have a $356 million shortfall in the budget period that ends this coming June 30. Then we have to tackle the $4.2 billion shortfall for the 2004-05 two year budget."
Gov. Tim Pawlenty's recommendation for the current-year shortfall focuses on borrowing instead of paying cash for road work - and includes a damaging $27 million cut in support for ethanol producers. An important concern for the second round is a potential slash in state aid to cities and counties.
"Many rural cities and counties depend on state aid to help provide public services while keeping property taxes reasonable," Juhnke said.
"If state aid is cut, cities and counties face a grim choice between raising property taxes or laying off police, fire and maintenance workers."
Juhnke named Lead DFLer on farm/rural budget issues
Rep. Juhnke was named Lead Democrat on the House of Representatives' Agriculture & Rural Development Finance Committee, making him the DFL's spokesman on budget issues affecting farms and rural communities.
"Al Juhnke is one of the most knowledgeable and articulate House members from Rural Minnesota," House DFL Leader Matt Entenza said in making the appointment. "Most important, Al Juhnke has proven that he can work across party lines to reach reasonable solutions."
Juhnke will be leading efforts to maintain funding for ethanol and soy-based biodiesel development and for the state's farm assistance programs.
He will also serve on the Agriculture & Rural Development Policy Committee and two other panels:
* The Regulated Industries Committee, which deals with issues surrounding energy and public utilities.
* The Transportation Finance Committee, which works on means to pay for state and local road work.
Sign up for 'Do Not Call' list
Registration is continuing for the "Do Not Call" list, which allows Minnesotans to block many unwanted telemarketing sales calls. To enter your telephone number, call toll-free 1-800-921-4110 and follow the instructions. To register via the Internet, go to the Commerce Department website at
"It's important to remember the list is updated every three months, so don't expect the calls to stop immediately," Juhnke said.
Juhnke bill to spur economic growth
Rep. Juhnke has introduced a bill giving the City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County greater freedom to pursue economic and industrial development projects.
The bill lets the county and city create an Economic Development Authority. The authority will allow local officials, who requested the bill, to hire an economic development director to work on attracting businesses.
Anti-terrorism funds still held up
Rep. Juhnke has joined a host of other lawmakers in questioning why the state Dept. of Public Safety has failed to release $11 million of anti-terrorism grants to local police and fire departments 10 months after the Legislature authorized them.
The grants are intended to help local police and fire departments buy equipment needed to respond to emergencies. Before they can qualify for funding, the state asked local officials to fill out a seven-page form. Among other things, it asks if local police are aware of any local groups that have a "weapon of mass destruction."
"This borders on the absurd," Juhnke said. "Instead of helping local governments prepare for possible incidents, the administration simply created more forms and more bureaucracy."
Fishing limits change for 2003
Anglers will be permitted to harvest fewer crappies, sunfish and lake trout next year, but limits for northern pike, walleye, brown trout, and largemouth and smallmouth bass will remain the same, according to Rep. Juhnke.
The new limits take effect on the 2003 season opener in May. The crappie limit is cut from 15 to 10, the sunfish limit from 30 to 20, and the lake trout limit from 3 to 2. Also, anglers will be allowed to have only one catfish over 24 inches and only two flathead catfish in a total daily limit of five catfish.
Follow legislative news - for free
Citizens can follow the action in the 2003 session with the free, non-partisan weekly publication, "Session Weekly" which covers all legislative activities in the House in plain, non-partisan language.
To subscribe, send your name and address to Juhnke's office at 281 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155, or e-mail to rep.al.juhnke@house.mn. (use the contact page)
