Terri Bonoff

Impact of Economic Recovery Package on West Metro
I was joined today at the Capitol by Mayor Jim Hovland of Edina and other lawmakers from the west metro area for a press conference regarding benefits to our community from the economic recovery package. Under the bill, the west metro area stands to gain significant economic recovery funds.  Transportation projects that appear to be in this proposal are:

•    Completion of the 494/Hwy 169 Interchange,
•    Final completion of the Hwy 610 project, and
•    The 494 lane expansion project at Hwy. 212.

These projects are ready to go right now, and that will create hundreds of jobs in our area. Many people are out of work, businesses are struggling to survive and school districts are looking to maintain their quality. This package infuses our community with welcome capital. We are also hopeful that with the transit/rail dollars in the bill, construction of the Southwest Transitway can be accelerated. Moving this project forward would greatly benefit our part of the metro area. In addition, preliminary reports indicate significant money is proposed to be allocated to education. Of critical importance are the funds targeting dollars to at-risk pre-schoolers.  

The total compromise package amounts to $789 billion, an amount that is smaller than the bills passed by both the House of Representatives ($820 billion) and the Senate ($838 billion). I am concerned by the scope and scale of this package. 

At the same time, inaction is not an option, and the potential benefits in terms of economic development and jobs in our community are many. While I expect deliberation over this package from our federal legislators and recognition of the burden of debt we are putting on future generations, I also hope they are courageous and are willing to work bi-partisanly for our greater good.

Budget Deficit Update
The mood at the Capitol remains somber regarding the tremendous budget deficit before us this session. While initial projections put the budget deficit in the area of $5 billion, revised projections from the Governor’s office indicate the deficit may go as high as $7 billion. I recognize, as do my colleagues, the great responsibility we as legislators have to balance our budget while protecting our most vulnerable citizens and maintaining the high quality of life that Minnesotans enjoy. This task will not be easy, and it is certainly one that none in the legislature take lightly.

Revenue collections in January were just .1% ($1.5 million) less than forecast. Individual income and corporate taxes were slightly less than forecast, offset by slightly higher-than-expected sales and motor vehicle sales taxes. However, as economists always caution, monthly collections are not a good indicator of the economy or the next forecast.
We will be holding town hall meetings around the state in February and early March to solicit citizens’ input on the state budget recently proposed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty to tackle the state’s budget deficit. The District 43 meeting will be held on Thursday, February 26th, at 6:30 p.m., at the Plymouth City Council Chambers at 3400 Plymouth Blvd. I hope you can attend.

Charter School Lease Aid Discussed
The Senate Charter School Working Group met on Feb. 9 to discuss charter school lease aid and strategies some charter schools have used to pay for building construction.
Lease aid is the major public funding source charter schools use to pay for building/classroom space. Questions about appropriate use of lease aid came up after some charter schools, through nonprofits and holding companies, were able to construct new buildings without asking voters for approval, as regular public schools must do. The state appropriated $40 million in lease aid for 2009. Currently, there are 150 charter schools in Minnesota.  Charter schools do not have the authority to levy.

Lease aid appropriations increased by 10.4% over 2008 levels. That’s after a 13% increase in 2008. Currently in Minnesota, there are 15 charter school buildings that were constructed using a nonprofit building company. No action was taken during the hearing.
Transportation Committee Gets Tough on Inattentive Driving

This week, the Transportation Committee addressed the issue of inattentive driving and its results.  Currently, there is a gap in Minnesota statute between speeding and careless driving.  The committee passed legislation enhancing the penalties for operating a vehicle without reasonable care for the rights or safety of other people and property. Later in the session, I hope to have a hearing on a bill I introduced that would outlaw the use of cell phones while driving, except when used in a hands-free mode.

The bill heard in committee this week states that a person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if they cause substantial or great bodily harm to another or cause damage above $1,000 to another’s property.  Penalties may include one year of prison or a fine of up to $3,000, or both.

The bill also provides that driver’s education curriculum and the Minnesota driving manual must provide a section on failing to exercise reasonable care while driving and the penalties for violating the law. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

Clean Car Bill Introduced
Sen. John Marty and Rep. Melissa Hortman held a press conference this week to announce the introduction of the Clean Car Act.  This legislation would bring more fuel-efficient vehicles to Minnesota, starting with new cars, trucks, and SUVs in 2013.  The Governor’s Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group reports that this legislation could save Minnesotans $265 million at the pump between now and 2025.  The state could save an additional $250 million in health care costs and environmental benefits. 
Minnesota’s transportation sector currently contributes nearly 25% of the state’s green- house gas emissions.  This bill would significantly reduce this amount, having the same effect of taking one million vehicles off the road.

Lawmakers were joined by citizens, environmental groups, clergy, and academics to advocate for this bill’s passage into law this year.  Currently, 13 other states have set this higher standard for cleaner and more-efficient vehicles.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family.