The State Legislative Process in Minnesota

FAIM Coordinators Meeting June 1, 2011

Pam Johnson, MinnCAP

Who are the main players?Elected Official Elected how often Elected by whom

Governor(Mark Dayton)

Every 4 years MN voters

67 State Senators Every 4 years MN voters

134 State Representatives Every 2 years MN voters

House Speaker(Kurt Zellers)

Bi-annually(or as determined by caucus)

All House Members

Senate Majority Leader(Amy Koch)

Every 4 years(or as determined by caucus)

Senate Majority Members

House Minority Leader(Paul Thissen)

Bi-Annually (or as determined by caucus)

House Minority Members

Senate Minority Leader(Tom Bakk)

Every 4 years(or as determined by caucus)

Senate Minority Members

Committee Chairs At start of new legislative session

House Speaker &Senate Majority Leader

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

The State Budget Process

• State’s operating budget:Passed in odd numbered yearsCovers 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

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.

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

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)

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

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.

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.

Special Session &Government Shut down

Rules: Gov decides time, Leaders decide agenda and adjournment

Possible scenarios: 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 efforts3) No deal/govt shutdown after short session late

June. Courts may decide “essential” services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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