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The State Legislative Process in Minnesota

The State Legislative Process in Minnesota. FAIM Coordinators Meeting June 1, 2011 Pam Johnson, MinnCAP. Who are the main players?. Legislative Process Overview. Who represents you & your agency? www.leg.state.mn.us

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The State Legislative Process in Minnesota

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  1. The State Legislative Process in Minnesota FAIM Coordinators Meeting June 1, 2011 Pam Johnson, MinnCAP

  2. Who are the main players?

  3. Legislative Process Overview • Who represents you & your agency? • www.leg.state.mn.us • Redistricting every 10 years--adjusts district lines due to population shifts • All legislators up for election in 2012

  4. The State Budget Process • State’s operating budget: • Passed in odd numbered years • Covers state’s spending for 2-year biennium • Funding for areas like: state agencies, health & human svcs, ed, pub. safety, health care, ag., trans., housing, nat. resources, econ dev. • Current work on 2-year budget-$5 b. deficit

  5. Capital(bonding) budget: • Passed in even-numbered years • Funds projects like state facility repair and construction, roads, bridges, land purchase • Bonding bill may also pass in odd numbered years--as in recent sessions.

  6. Creation of the State Operating Budget • Begins July of even-numbered years • State agencies prepare biennial budgets & funding priorities--to Governor in Fall • Finance Dept’s Nov. forecast guides Gov • Governor recommendations--late Jan. • Feb. updated forecast--may alter budget

  7. Legislative Session • January – May budget bills move through legislative process—sent to Governor • Governor can sign, veto, line item veto • Constitution requires passage 3rd Mon in May • Gov can call special session if no budget • Gov shutdown 7/1 (state fiscal year start)

  8. How an idea becomes a law • IDEA:individuals, groups, associations, government agency, legislator, Governor • LEGAL FORM:Revisor’s Office • SPONSORS:Legislator to introduce bill(up to 34 House co-sponsors, 4 in Senate) • INTRODUCTION:Sponsor introduces bill on House or Senate floor

  9. How does a proposal become law? (continued) • COMMITTEE:1 or more, approve/disapprove • FLOOR:Second reading • GENERAL REGISTOR/ORDER: “parking lot” for bills awaiting House/Senate action • CALENDAR FOR DAY:List of bills—can vote to amend. Third reading. Vote.

  10. How does a proposal become law? (continued) • CONFERENCE:if House/Senate bills differ • FLOOR:Following Conference report • GOVERNOR:Sign or veto in 3 days. During Session legislature can override veto with 2/3 of vote in both bodies.

  11. Special Session &Government Shut down Rules: Gov decides time, Leaders decide agenda and adjournment Possiblescenarios: 1) Gov makes deal with leaders first. Requires trust. 2) Gov calls special session soon to force work under pressure. Useful if gain in forced efforts 3) No deal/govt shutdown after short session late June. Courts may decide “essential” services

  12. What happens before July 1? • Legislative leaders & Governor get messages out to public • Governor: “cut/revenue mix” • Legislative majority: “cuts only, no new $” • Recent polls—slight majority prefers mix • Organizations educate on impact of cuts 2003: CAA’s convened local leaders to present impacts to elected officials

  13. Advocacy Opportunities • Citizens can impact any step in legislative process • First consult your agency policy • Best way to influence: build relationships! • Local site visits showcase your great work

  14. How can I influence my legislator? • Federal laws permit CAAs to lobby • Lobbying vs. Educating: lobbying involves asking for support for specific bill/action • Most agencies use unrestricted funds for lobbying costs (i.e. staff time, travel) • Track lobbying expenses for reporting • Can lobby on personal time, volunteers

  15. Tips for contacting your legislator • Letters, emails, phone calls, visits • Know your audience—tailor message • Refrain from jargon & technical details • Just the facts: cost, numbers, outcomes • Short & sweet

  16. Capitol visits • Call ahead--15 minute meeting • Choose best spokesperson if in a group • Present few clear points, respect, thanks! • Hand-outs: succinct, main points, or additional information • Follow up

  17. What happened to FAIM? • Thank you for your excellent efforts! • Educated new, invigorated old legislators! • New Governor, HHS Commissioner, rushed budgeting • $5 billion to cut, most vulnerable prioritized • FAIM not in Governor/Senate HHS budget • House HHS Chair ally, new Senate Chair • Efforts continue

  18. For more information: • Bill Tracker on www.leg.state.mn.us • MN Budget Project’s “Budget Bites” blog: Nan Madden: nmadden@mncn.org • Pam Johnson: pamjohnson@minncap.org

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