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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 FAIM Coordinators Meeting June 1, 2011 Pam Johnson, MinnCAP
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 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
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 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
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