November 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Tuesday November 29, 2005	Finance State Government Budget Division	The committee reviews a report from the Legislative Auditor's Office regarding the Secretary of State's operation and is updated on the progress of the health care purchasing alliance, the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission land lease arrangement, and the Governor's Office interagency agreement.	2 hrs, 58 min
	Thursday November 17, 2005	Jobs, Energy & Community Development	The Senate Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee invites the public and energy industry leaders to talk about the impact of high fuel costs and solicits ideas to curb energy use.	3 hrs, 15 min
	Wednesday November 16, 2005	Crime Prevention and Public Safety	Four committees of the Senate meet jointly to examine how well Minnesota public agencies are prepared to handle a disaster.	2 hrs, 43 min

October 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Tuesday October 25, 2005	Environment and Natural Resources	Chemicals used in the manufacturing of Scotchgard and Teflon pans have contaminated drinking wells in Minnesota, and the committee explores the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's response in addressing the problem.	2 hrs, 18 min
	Monday October 24, 2005	Transportation Committee	The Senate Transportation Committee explores the controversy surrounding the state's bid process for purchasing a new plane. The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently replaced its Bonanza aircraft with a newer model, and the bid specifications were criticized by the Cirrus Design Corporation.	4 hrs, 6 min

September 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Wednesday September 21, 2005	Agriculture, Veterans and Gaming	A recent inspection of the Minneapolis Veterans Home by the Department of Health identified several problems, and a joint committee hearing of the Minnesota Senate examines those issues in detail.	2 hrs, 50 min

August 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Wednesday August 24, 2005	Crime Prevention and Public Safety	Over 625,000 state prisoners will be released this year, and each will face a 50 percent chance of returning to prison a for new crime or parole violation. The Senate Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee delves into the issue of successfully helping prisoners re-enter society.	2 hrs, 14 min
	Friday August 12, 2005	Elections	The Legislative Auditor's office presents their yearly report on the Office of the Secretary of State.	1 hr, 27 min

July 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Friday July 1, 2005	Rules and Administration	The Senate Rules Committee considers a resolution to temporarily restore funding to government agencies and services that have been shut down.	37 min

June 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Tuesday June 28, 2005	Rules and Administration	The committee considers SF 65, a bill that would provide base level funding for the coming biennium in areas related to education, health and human services, agriculture, the environment and economic development.	38 min
	Monday June 27, 2005	Rules and Administration	Before the committee is SF 69, which would provide base level funding for state programs and services related to agriculture, the environment and economic development.	26 min
	Monday June 13, 2005	Transportation Committee	Lieutenant Governor and Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau appears before the Senate Transportation Committee to update members on the use of MnPass Lanes on I-394 and the Wakota Bridge project. Also, Commissioner Molnau and Public Safety Commissioner Mike Campion talk about the impact on their agencies and projects should Minnesota face a partial government shutdown July 1st.	1 hr, 36 min

May 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Wednesday May 25, 2005	Finance Health and Human Services Budget Division	The public is invited to comment on the latest health and human services budget proposals being considered during the special session.	2 hrs, 32 min
	Tuesday May 17, 2005	Taxes Committee	Before the committee is SF 896, authorizing the sale of various lands requiring state approval.	13 min
	Monday May 16, 2005	Rules and Administration	SF 1908, a measure offering protection for established shooting ranges in developing areas, awaits the committee's referral; as does SF 1218, a resolution calling for tolerance of animal agriculture production practices.	16 min
	Thursday May 12, 2005	Finance K-12 Education Budget Division	The conference committee on the early childhood and K-12 education funding bills gather for their first meeting.	2 hrs, 44 min
	Tuesday May 10, 2005	Taxes Committee	To fund highway and road improvements, SF 1980 proposes a 7 cent per gallon gax tax hike among its funding provisions. The committee takes action on the bill.	2 hrs, 38 min
	Monday May 9, 2005	Taxes Committee	The committee begins review of SF 1980, the transportation funding plan.	2 hrs, 16 min
	Monday May 9, 2005	Finance	Among the bills considered by the committee Monday morning, a proposal, SF 1468, funding survivor benefits of public safety officers, is before the committee. (coverage begins at 00:45:38).	2 hrs, 27 min
	Thursday May 5, 2005	Taxes Committee	During a brief afternoon meeting, Senate Tax Committee Chair Larry Pogemiller announces proposed changes to the amount of revenue raised in the omnibus tax bill.	41 min
	Thursday May 5, 2005	Finance	Beginning July 1st, it will be illegal for Minnesota residents to dispose of television sets and computer monitors in their garbage. SF 1298, creating a recycling program for those electronic devices, is before the committee. (Coverage begins at 00:10:49). More:	1 hr, 9 min
	Monday May 2, 2005	Crime Prevention and Public Safety	The Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee conducts a special, post-deadline hearing to act on SF 2259, proposing the hand gun permit law approved by the 2003 legislature.	4 hrs, 3 min

April 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Friday April 29, 2005	Taxes Committee	The committee reviews the omnibus early childhood budget bill (00:10:19) and the omnibus K-12 education funding bill (00:57:00).	2 hrs, 34 min
	Thursday April 28, 2005	Taxes Committee	A penny per drink liquor tax is part of the omnibus public saftey bill to fund sex offender supervision, and the bill is before the Senate Tax Committee.	2 hrs, 22 min
	Thursday April 27, 2005	Finance	Before the Senate Finance Committee is the omnibus health and human services funding bill (00:00:00)and the omnibus early childhood education budget bill (02:11:00).	3 hrs, 11 min
	Tuesday April 26, 2005	Finance	Before the committee is the omnibus public safety budget bill and a proposal to increase the liquor tax in order to reduce probation officer workloads and fund enforcement.	2 hrs, 1 min
	Monday April 25, 2005	Finance	During the afternoon meeting, the Finance Committee acts on the omnibus K-12 education funding bill.	1 hr, 40 min
	Monday April 25, 2005	Finance	The finance committee begins reviewing the omnibus public safety budget bill. (Part 1)	2 hrs, 17 min
	Friday April 22, 2005	Finance	The Finance Committee begins work on the omnibus funding bills with the higher education budget bill (00:00:00) and the omnibus state government budget bill (00:52:20).	3 hrs, 25 min
	Thursday April 21, 2005	Finance Higher Education Budget Division	Awaiting final action is the omnibus higher education funding bill.	1 hr, 21 min
	Thursday April 21, 2005	Finance K-12 Education Budget Division	The division continues its work on the omnibus K-12 education finance bill.	2 hrs, 8 min
	Wednesday April 20, 2005	Legislative Audit Commission	The Legislative Audit Commission reviews a report outlining troubles with the Department of Public Safety's web-based license tab renewal system.	1 hr, 47 min
	Tuesday April 19, 2005	Finance Health and Human Services Budget Division	In an attempt to provide pay raises for long-term health care workers, a Senate proposal, SF 2003, closes some multi-bed rooms in order to fund the nursing home rate increases. The measure is before the division (00:00:00). More:	2 hrs, 4 min
	Monday April 18, 2005	Finance Health and Human Services Budget Division	The budget division considers a bill, SF 254, that would restore grants cut in 2003 for families on the Minnesota Family Investment Program. (Coverage begins at 00:00:00) Also before the division is SF 1182, which sets a maximum amount hospitals can charge uninsured patients for hospital care (01:30:00). More:	1 hr, 46 min
	Thursday April 14, 2005	Finance K-12 Education Budget Division	The Omnibus K-12 Education Policy Bill, SF 1148, is before the committee.	2 hrs, 14 min
	Wednesday April 13, 2005	Finance State Government Budget Division	A bill, SF 1963, offering grants to provide support services for veterans, including homeless veterans, is before the finance division. (Coverage begins at 00:11:10.) More:	1 hr, 50 min
	Tuesday April 12, 2005	Transportation Committee	Northwest Airlines President and Chief Executive Officer Douglas Steenland meets with the committee to talk about the success and challenges facing the company and airline industry.	1 hr, 52 min
	Tuesday April 12, 2005	Health and Family Security Committee	A bill, SF 1029, giving parents of still-born babies the option of receiving a birth certificate is before the committee (00:04:46). Also before the members is SF 1274, a measure allowing small businesses to provide flexible benefits health insurance plans (00:51:52). More:	1 hr, 51 min
	Monday April 11, 2005	Environment and Natural Resources	A bill, SF 1629, to help Minnesota's livestock industry is before the committee (00:19:30). The committee also considers SF 1721, asking the voters whether a portion of the sales tax should be dedicated to the environment (02:29:00). More:	2 hrs, 49 min
	Friday April 8, 2005	Jobs, Energy & Community Development	With the deadline fast appoaching for policy committees to complete their work, the committee takes action on four bills: SF 527 - allowing White Bear Lake residents to pay for a power line burial (00:01:26); SF 940 - allowing trees and brush to be used in biomass power production (00:04:51); SF 1846 - allowing the state to enter certain contracts in order to save energy (00:15:07); SF 1903 - transfering power plant siting authority to the Dept. of Commerce (00:22:40).	30 min
	Thursday April 7, 2005	Finance Early Childhood Policy and Budget Division	A bill, SF 1792, a bill designed to help more working low income families qualify for child care assistance and better coordinate child care programs, is before the committee. More:	1 hr, 25 min
	Thursday April 7, 2005	Taxes Committee	SF 2001, creating a transfer tax on the sale of either the Minnesota Vikings or Twins, is before the committee (00:24:50). The committee also considers SF 397, allowing teachers to deduct expenses for class room supplies (01:45:15); and SF 1312, easing the loss of local government aid when cities reach 2500 in population (00:10:07).	1 hr, 55 min
	Wednesday April 6, 2005	Taxes Committee	Several bills proposing to increase local government aid come before the committee. The committee also considers SF 1455, requiring local governments to mail a taxpayer satisfaction form along with the property tax notice forms. Under the plan, if local taxpayers are unhappy with the level of property tax increase, they could force a referendum on the issue by mailing in the included postcard.	3 hrs, 10 min
	Tuesday April 5, 2005	Education	The committee considers several proposals for inclusion in the omnibus education policy bill. More:	2 hrs, 42 min
	Tuesday April 5, 2005	Judiciary	SF 1689, a proposal defining labor and sex trafficking and imposing civil penalties, is before the committee. More:	2 hrs, 34 min
	Monday April 4, 2005	Agriculture, Veterans and Gaming	The committee takes action on SF 1978, proposing a casino partnership between the state and Northern Indian tribes, and SF 1609, authorizing slots at Canterbury Park.	2 hrs, 59 min

March 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Thursday March 31, 2005	Transportation Committee	Northwest Airlines expansion efforts at the Minneapolis, St. Paul International Airport would be put on hold, under SF 208, which is before the committee (01:20:00). More:	3 hrs, 31 min
	Thursday March 31, 2005	Health and Family Security	Committee acts on SF 69, a proposal setting a stem cell research policy, including the use of embryonic stem cells. The committee also considers SF 1892, called the "I Save Prescription Drug Program" (01:05:00); and SF 968, providing AIDS prevention grants (01:20:00).	1 hr, 25 min
	Wednesday March 30, 2005	Capital Investment	The conference committee on the capital investment bill takes final action on the level of bonding for the various public construction projects.	23 min
	Wednesday March 30, 2005	Agriculture, Veterans and Gaming	The committee considers two bills allowing gambling to aid racetrack operations: SF 1723 expedites the start-up of a card club at the coming harness-racing track in Anoka County (00:23:56); and SF 1609 allows slot machines at Canterbury Park (01:16:31). The committee begins the meeting with consideration of SF 1891, providing outreach services to minority veterans.	2 hrs, 31 min
	Wednesday March 30, 2005	Crime Prevention and Public Safety	Three different approaches to strengthen Minnesota's sex offender laws are before the committee. The bills are SF 1325, SF 1377 and SF 1875.	2 hrs, 22 min
	Tuesday March 29, 2005	Health and Family Security	SF 899, a bill requiring day care providers to ensure that their cribs meet the federal safety standards, is before the committee (00:09:12). The committee also takes action on SF 639, a proposal prohibiting the administering of vaccines containing mercury (00:21:37).	1 hr, 35 min
	Wednesday March 23, 2005	Environment and Natural Resources	Before the committee is SF 1434, a bill designed to fight invasive aquatic species (00:00:00), and SF 789, the omnibus game and fish bill (01:11:08).	2 hrs, 21 min
	Wednesday March 23, 2005	Taxes Committee	The committee begins discussion on a budget resolution, which sets the maximum amount of general fund spending for the coming biennium, the size of the cash flow account and budget reserve.	42 min
	Tuesday March 22, 2005	Transportation Committee	A comprehensive transportation funding plan is before the committee.	1 hr, 42 min
	Monday March 21, 2005	Environment and Natural Resources	The committee considers three different approaches, SF 1398, SF 1298 and SF 1595, to manage the recycling of electronic devices, including television sets and monitors.	2 hrs, 11 min
	Friday March 18, 2005	Taxes Committee	The committee's first omnibus tax bill is before them.	2 hrs, 10 min
	Thursday March 17, 2005	Transportation Committee	Before the committee is a controversial bill, SF 1193, designed to protect runway safety at the Twin Cities International Airport by restricting development in Bloomington at the Mall of America and the former Control Data site.	3 hrs, 20 min
	Thursday March 17, 2005	Taxes Committee	The committee begins compiling its first omnibus tax bill and considers several proposals. More:	1 hr, 27 min
	Wednesday March 16, 2005	Environment and Natural Resources	Before the committee is S.F. 720, a bill regulating the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs).	22 min
	Tuesday March 15, 2005	Finance State Government Budget Division	The Department of Employee Relations presents its report on the state of Minnesota workforce.	36 min
	Tuesday March 15, 2005	Crime Prevention and Public Safety	A bill, SF 123, increasing the penalty for video voyeurism is before the committee. Another measure, SF 657, extending the time limit for conducting civil commitment hearings for sexual psychopaths, is considered. (00:35:02). More:	1 hr, 31 min
	Tuesday March 15, 2005	Health and Family Security	SF 917, a bill providing grants to organizations encouraging women to carry their unborn children to full term, is before the committee. (Coverage begins at 00:28:52) Also, the committee considers another measure, SF 581, designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies. (00:00:00)	2 hrs, 46 min
	Monday March 14, 2005	Environment and Natural Resources	The Department of Natural Resources' policy changes regulating the use of off-highway vehicles is before the committee as SF 1047 (00:06:25). Another proposal, SF 1442, promoting off-highway vehicle trail development and proposing regulatory changes is outlined as well (01:08:43).	1 hr, 25 min
	Thursday March 10, 2005	Transportation Committee	A young boy hit by a truck while crossing the street spurs a proposal, SF 1144, creating a crosswalk safety education account. (Coverage begins at 00:48:14). Also before the committee are two similar bills, SF 366 and SF 818, allowing cities to impose street utility fees (01:33:00). The commmmitte also considers SF 808, regulating motorized scooters, requiring minors to wear potective headgear while using them and prohibiting children under 12 from operating the motorized toy (03:02:00). More:	3 hrs, 8 min
	Wednesday March 10, 2005	Taxes Committee	The committee considers the Price of Government Resolution, which sets the percentage of state and local government spending in relationship to personal income.	44 min
	Wednesday March 9, 2005	Agriculture, Veterans and Gaming	Bills to assist Minnesota veterans are before the committee. They include: SF 681 - providing life insurance premium reimbursements; SF 616 - providing grants for tuition and textbook reimbursements(00:07:00); and SF 734 - offering a variety of measures, including bonuses, tuition assistance, bond sales for a WW II memorial and veteran home funding, and the sale of "Support our Troops" license plates to fund a military assistance account (00:23:13).	57 min
	Wednesday March 9, 2005	Finance Health and Human Services Budget Division	The committee considers funding for several initiatives, including SF 255, restoring MnCare health benefits to adults without children (00:26:40), and SF 930, supporting compulsive gambling prevention programs(00:00:00). More:	2 hrs, 24 min
	Tuesday March 8, 2005	Crime Prevention and Public Safety	The committee considers SF 785, a measure restricting the sale of video games to minors(00:00:00). Also, the committee begins discussion of a measure, SF 102, that sets a new definition for criminal insanity (01:19:00). More:	2 hrs, 15 min
	Tuesday March 8, 2005	Finance K-12 Education Budget Division	Education Commissioner Alice Seagren and Tom Melcher, Director of Education Finance Reform and Accountability, continue their presentation of the Governor's education funding proposal.	2 hrs, 17 min
	Monday March 7, 2005	Elections	A bill, SF 1317, creating a buffer zone around polling places preventing demonstrations and exit polling is before the committee (00:51:30). The committee also considers another proposal, SF 1316, attempting to create uniformity in polling places and signage (00:15:00). More:	1 hr, 34 min
	Thursday March 3, 2005	Education	Lawmakers' concern about the federal No Child Left Behind law was at the forefront of the committee's discussion. The committee considers a resolution, SF 1092, opposing the expansion of the federal no child left behind regulations to high schools (00:25:06). They also review a bill, SF 1244, that would allow Minnesota to opt out of the federal plan if certain changes aren't made to the program (01:35:00). More:	2 hrs, 14 min
	Wednesday March 2, 2005	Commerce	About one out of six Minnesota drivers are not insured, and two bills intending to make car insurance more affordable come before the Committee. SF 970 repeals Minnesota no-fault insurance law, while SF 1094 modifies it.	2 hrs, 25 min
	Wednesday March 2, 2005	Finance K-12 Education Budget Division	The committee begins its review of Governor Pawlenty's budget and policy education proposals for the coming two years.	2 hrs, 11 min
	Tuesday March 1, 2005	Crime Prevention and Public Safety	The committee considers a bill, SF 992, defining the crime of identity theft (00:00:00), and SF 336, which prohibits electronic means, such as an email message, to steal one's identity through the use of a false pretense (00:29:50). More:	1 hr, 31 min
	Tuesday March 1, 2005	Judiciary	Minnesota is known to have 400 meth labs throughout the state, and the number is growing. Two bills to curb the manufacturing and use of the home-made drug are before the committee. SF 423 raises penalties for the use and manufacturing of the drug, funds additional BCA agents, and increases treatment and education efforts. (Coverage begins at 00:12:42) SF 901 creates a toll-free meth reporting number, instructs the Legislative Auditor to evaluate treatment programs and establishes civil nuisance penalties (00:02:15). More:	2 hrs, 25 min

February 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Monday February 28, 2005	Commerce	The committee acts on SF 200, prohibiting gift certificate expiration dates and service fees.	1 hr, 30 min
	Thursday February 24, 2005	Finance Early Childhood Policy and Budget Division	The public is invited to comment on two proposals, SF 949 and SF 673, that would restore funding to early childhood education programs.	2 hrs, 20 min
	Thursday February 24, 2005	Taxes Committee	Encouraging the growth of the Bioscience industry is at the forefront, when the committee considers SF 1024, a measure creating an industry zone tax credit. More:	1 hr, 38 min
	Wednesday February 23, 2005	Commerce	Before the committee are three bills--SF 126, SF 219 and SF 200--prohibiting expiration dates and service fees on gift certificates and gift cards.	1 hr, 41 min
	Wednesday February 23, 2005	Finance Health and Human Services Budget Division	The committee sets aside its final two hours to hear from the public on the governor's proposed health and human services budget.	1 hr, 50 min
	Tuesday February 22, 2005	Education	Two bills are before the committee: SF 180 allows parents to decide whether their multiple birth children should be placed in the same school classrom (00:00:00); and SF 419 instructs the Dept. of Education and school districts to promote student access to license support services, such as licensed school counselors, licensed school psychologists and licensed school social workers (00:50:45).	1 hr, 5 min
	Tuesday February 22, 2005	Finance Health and Human Services Budget Division	The committee convenes its third of four scheduled meetings to solicit public testimony on Governor Pawlenty's proposed health and human services budget.	2 hrs, 22 min
	Monday February 21, 2005	Jobs, Energy & Community Development	The committee focuses on the topic of Minnesota's climate change with Meteorologist Paul Douglas, founder of Digital Cyclone, and Will Steger, Arctic and Antarctic explorer and educator.	1 hr, 42 min
	Monday February 21, 2005	Commerce	Before the committee is SF 404, a bill prohibitng smoking in public places, including bars, restaurants, places of employment, public transportation and places where public meetings are conducted.	1 hr, 46 min
	Thursday February 17, 2005	Transportation Committee	Lieutenant Governor and Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau is invited to present the Governor's transportation funding plan.	16 min
	Thursday February 17, 2005	Health and Family Security	The committee dedicates its meeting to reviewing long-term care issues and considers several bills, including SF 378, which creates incentives for Minnesotans to care for family members (00:00:00). More:	2 hrs, 23 min
	Wednesday February 16, 2005	Jobs, Energy & Community Development	Minnesota faces a major challenge: expanding its power transmission grid to the cost of nearly $2 billion dollars. Legislators review a study, called CapX 2020, which details the need for the expansion. (Coverage begins at 00:52:45) More:	1 hr, 55 min
	Wednesday February 16, 2005	Finance Health and Human Services Budget Division	The committee has invited the public to comment on the governor's proposed budget for health and human services programs. One of the controversial proposals relates to the governor's attempt to control the growing costs of state subsidized health insurance. Under the Governor's plan, adults without children would be ineligible for the MinnesotaCare program, and the income eligibility standard for Parents on the MinnesotaCare program would be lowered.	2 hrs, 26 min
	Tuesday February 15, 2005	Crime Prevention and Public Safety	Supporters of efforts to curb the manufacturing and use of methamphetamines explain why stepped-up efforts are needed in Minnesota.	2 hrs, 46 min
	Tuesday February 15, 2005	Health and Family Security	Former U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger presents the Governor's Citizen Forum on Health Care recommendations to control rising health care costs.	1 hr, 34 min
	Monday February 15, 2005	Elections	SF 852, a bill to ease the process for college students to register to vote is before the committee. (Coverage begins at 00:04:43) More:	1 hr
	Thursday February 10, 2005	Transportation Committee	The Minnesota Department of Transportation contracts with over 200 concrete suppliers for road construction, and recently they required concrete suppliers to computerize their plants to control the concrete mixtures and to issue compliance reports. SF 300, a bill that would exempt smaller producers from computerizing their plants is before the committee. (00:08:13) More:	1 hr, 33 min
	Wednesday February 9, 2005	Agriculture, Veterans and Gaming	The Legislative Auditor's office presents its report regarding gambling oversight and regulation.	1 hr, 29 min
	Wednesday February 9, 2005	Finance K-12 Education Budget Division	The committee dedicates time for public comment on the governor's proposed two-year budget for elementary and high school public education.	2 hrs, 17 min
	Tuesday February 9, 2005	Health and Family Security	The committee considers a bill called the "Freedom to Breath Act." The measure would prohibit smoking in public places, including bars, restaurants, places of employment, public transportation and places where public meetings are conducted.	2 hrs, 22 min
	Tuesday February 8, 2005	Taxes Committee	The committee invites the public to comment on a proposal called the "Truth and Fairness in Taxation Act." The measure would freeze local property taxes, including taxes raised by counties, cities and school districts.	2 hrs, 3 min
	Monday February 7, 2005	Jobs, Energy & Community Development	Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles presents his department's audit report on workforce development services.	1 hr, 16 min
	Thursday February 3, 2005	Transportation Committee	Two groups--the Minnesota Transportation Alliance and the Itasca Group--interested in improving Minnesota's road and transportation system present their plans to the committee.	1 hr, 28 min
	Thursday February 3, 2005	Health and Family Security	The committee considers a proposal, SF 254, to restore some of the humans services grants that were reduced in the 2003 legislative session. (Coverage begins at 00:53:45) More: public assistance.	2 hrs, 33 min
	Wednesday February 2, 2005	Crime Prevention and Public Safety	The Senate Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee along with the Budget Division review last year's Senate proposals to strengthen crimes against sex offenders. The committee also considers the governor's newly-released plan to lengthen jail time and improve monitoring of persons convicted of the crime.	2 hrs, 19 min
	Tuesday February 1, 2005	Health and Family Security	The Senate Health and Family Security Committee along with the Senate Environment and Natural Resources committee hears testimony on the health effects of mercury in the environment. Later, the Senate Health and Family Security Committee considers a bill, SF 639, calling for the administering of mercury-free vaccines.	2 hrs, 26 min
	Tuesday February 1, 2005	Taxes Committee	The committee considers a proposal, SF 318, called the truth in fairness and taxation act, which prevents local units, such as counties, cities, and school boards from raising local property taxes.	2 hrs, 22 min

January 2005 Back to top

SF No.	Committee Hearing Date	Committee	About the Debate and Video Coverage	Duration
	Monday January 31, 2005	Commerce	SF 204, a proposal prohibiting companies and organizations from requiring social security information when offering goods or services, is before the committee. Coverage begins at 00:31:50.	1 hr, 27 min
	Thursday January 27, 2005	Health and Family Security	The Minnesota Medical Association presents its ideas to reform the health care system, and the committee reviews the state's General Assistance Medical Care Program.	2 hrs, 28 min
	Wednesday January 26, 2005	Jobs, Energy & Community Development	SF 3, a bill raising the minimum wage, is before the committee.	1 hr, 48 min
	Wednesday January 26, 2005	Finance K-12 Education Budget Division	The finance division delves into the report from the Education Finance Reform task force.	1 hr, 43 min
	Tuesday January 25, 2005	Crime Prevention and Public Safety	The committee convenes with the Public Safety Budget Division to review the Legislative Auditor's report on the community supervision of sex offenders.	2 hrs, 10 min
	Tuesday January 25, 2005	Health and Family Security	A proposal, SF 210, to increase funding for a program allowing senior citizens to live at home and receive nursing care awaits committee action. (Coverage begins at 01:05:12) More:	2 hrs, 11 min
	Thursday January 20, 2005	Transportation Policy and Budget Division	KBEM radio would continue providing traffic reports through a required MnDOT contract, according to SF 365, which is before the committee. (Coverage begins at 00:41:30) More:	2 hrs, 20 min
	Thursday January 20, 2005	Health and Family Security	Minnesota taxpayers who contribute to Health Savings Accounts would be able to fully deduct their contributions when determining their state income tax. The bill, SF 99, would conform state income tax policy to the federal law, which excludes amounts contributed to Health Savings Accounts from federal income. (Coverage begins at 01:10:58). More:	2 hrs, 31 min
	Wednesday January 19, 2005	Agriculture, Veterans and Gaming	Before the committee is SF 48, which would ask voters in the next general election whether the constitution should be amended to permit bonus payments to veterans of the war on terrorism. (Coverage begins at 45:50)	1 hr, 7 min
	Wednesday January 19, 2005	State Government Budget Division	The committee reviews a report from the Legislative Audit Commission showing that charities only receive four percent of the amount spent on the gambling games, such as bingo and pull tabs.	1 hr, 38 min
	Thursday January 13, 2005	Health and Family Security	Before the committee is SF 255, a bill to repeal a provision in the MinnesotaCare program that limits health benefits to $5,000 dollar annually for low income adults who do not have children.	1 hr, 24 min
	Wednesday January 12, 2005	Agriculture, Veterans and Gaming	A bill, SF 4, to raise the ethanol content in gasoline sold in Minnesota from 10 to 20 percent is before the committee. Also, the committee hears a presentation about the problem of gambling addiction in the state.	3 hrs, 26 min
	Wednesday January 12, 2005	Taxes Committee	Minnesota residents who contribute this month to charitable organizations aiding victims of the Tsunami may be able to deduct their contribution from their 2004 income taxes, according to SF 218, a bill before the committee.	34 min
	Tuesday January 11, 2005	Transportation Policy and Budget Division	The Metropolitan Airports Commission is invited to highlight their plan to expand the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Committee members also hear from Airline Mechanics Union representatives, who are concerned that the expansion will result in the loss of both short-term and long-term airline mechanic jobs.	2 hrs, 23 min
	Tuesday January 11, 2005	Health and Family Security	The committee convenes to learn about the new federal prescription drug benefit program under the Medicare Modernization Act, which begins in January of 2006.	2 hrs, 20 min
	Monday January 10, 2005	Finance Committee, Public Safety Budget Division	Key public safety agencies are facing budget shortfalls due to stepped-up efforts combating crime. A joint hearing of the Public Safety Budget Division and the Crime Prevention and Public Safety Policy Committee is convened to hear about the size and reasons for the shortfalls.	2 hrs, 13 min
	Thursday January 6, 2005	Finance	Every year the Department of Finance releases a November and February budget forecast, which propels the process for setting and adjusting the state budget. In 2002, the Legislature decided when assessing future budget trends, inflation should be excluded in caluclating anticipated state expenditures. The 2002 decision remains controversial, and the Finance Committee considers a proposal to add inflation in the expenditure calculations when determing the state budget forecast.	1 hr, 48 min
	Wednesday January 5, 2005	Capital Investment	The Capital Investment Committee begins its work in earnest reviewing several requests for environmental projects. More:	2 hrs, 3 min