Ann Lenczewski

Bill Signing Bliss

Mary Lahammer — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:18:42 -0500

The love was everywhere. The love was bi-partisan. The love was coming from the governor to lawmakers, even DFL lawmakers. House Tax Chair Ann Lenczewski got an enormous amount of praise for helping making the whole end of session deal happen. Bonding Chairs Langseth and Hausman got humorous props too. Hausman who originally had her key project Central Corridor axed by the gov in the first bonding bill today said "we are celebrating and joyous." Of course the bonding bill creates the first new state park in 30 years, builds a new veterans home and starts a new transit line between the Twin Cities. Pawlenty noted that the "path was a little bumpy" on the bonding bill, but his strategy of line-item vetoes worked and many call it the turning point of the session.

Healthcare Chairs Huntley and Berglin (who could not attend) were also congratulated on a package that creates better affordability, quality and accessibility. Huntley said it was the most important bill in almost decades. The governor said it could create $7 billion in savings. It insures 12,000 more Minnesotans.

A couple of other notes from a fun and long news conference: Pawlenty joked that his vocal cords still had not fully recovered from his hockey injury. That could be an issue as he continues to stump for his friend John McCain, but his self-deprecating humor goes over well as always. He says he will likely veto the mortgage foreclosure bill that is sitting on his desk because it would make Minnesota "an island" and "drive up credit costs for the 89% of Minnesotans not in foreclosure." He will also line item money for California car standards from the budget bill because that policy language did not pass.

Done Deal?

Mary Lahammer — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:43:15 -0500

A session ending deal is nearly complete. Legislative leaders and the governor plan to announce the details at noon Sunday. The Tax Conference Committee Chair Ann Lenczewski referred to a "negotiated agreement" and they are putting the language together. She says they're trying to "close it up and get to the floor as fast as we can." The deal includes a 3 year 3.9% property tax cap. There's more local government aid and a tax credit for military service. The Mall of America gets a bit of help for its expansion, but not the way they wanted it. Gov. Pawlenty's rural economic development program JOBZ would expire in 2015 which is consistent with current law. There are still some details to be finalized, but this is a good sign for a global deal. A bonding bill is next with Central Corridor and maybe something the governor wants like a Minneapolis Veterans Home or possibly Vermillion State Park.

Budget Negotiations--3 Days Left

Mary Lahammer — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:19:54 -0500

With 3 days left to pass bills, budget negotiations continue. Leaders and the governor have been meeting on and off all day saying they wanted bi-partisan healthcare reform. That is linked to an overall budget and won't be separated. I have been digging up another story that I will reveal tonight on Almanac dealing with Gov. Pawleny's vetoes.

Speaker Anderson Kelliher says they are "this close" on property tax relief. The House Tax Chair Ann Lenczewski says the big three: Pogey, Pawlenty and Kelliher need to cut this deal alone with no other people in the room. There have been a bevy of lawmakers and staff in and out of negotiations for days. I counted about a dozen different people being beckoned to the governor's office yesterday. That's all we have to do sitting outside on our stake outs for hours. Speaker Kelliher said when it was just the three of them behind closed doors things didn't necessarily go any better. She said it "ebbs and flows" in terms of productivity.

Meanwhile the House and Senate are in session today. The House is expected to take up a transportation bill. A moment of history was also noted at the open of the House session. Rep. Neva Walker became the first African American woman to preside over the chamber. She got her shot at the speaker's desk as others have to honor their retirement.

Capitol Update - April 29, 2008

tptadmin — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:01:01 -0500

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

Mary Lahammer — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:24:52 -0500

It's all about jobs. It seemed regardless of the issue, the cause is jobs. Everybody wants jobs, everyone likes jobs. Jobs are non-partisan, right? Well that depends.

Today, the Mall of America did a full court press at the Capitol. Their cause is the MOA Phase II expansion. But, you guessed it, it was about jobs. It was an expertly crafted media event. Babies holding signs for jobs. Big tough guys looking emotional holding signs for jobs. A who's who of legislative leadership spoke at a press conference and rally. The question is if the MOA money will get past House Tax Chair Ann Lenczewski and Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

The other big jobs event had to do with another hearing about the Northwest Airlines merger. In Rep. Joe Atkin's committee, workers sat with more (and different) jobs posters. Many in the Capitol wonder if Atkins might be running for a new job himself, governor? Tomorrow hearings continue in the Senate, without big names coming, it's frankly hard for reporters to get too excited. But we do love JOBS!

It's all about jobs. It seemed regardless of the issue, the cause is jobs. Everybody wants jobs, everyone likes jobs. Jobs are non-partisan, right? Well that depends.

Capitol Update - April 22, 2008

tptadmin — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:32:32 -0500

Capitol Update - April 21, 2008

tptadmin — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:12:29 -0500

JOBZ

tptadmin — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:55:08 -0500

This is the governor's program to foster economic development around the state. The program is under fire and may be eliminated by lawmakers. We have a debate with House Tax Committee Chair Ann Lenczewski and DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy.

Headlines

tptadmin — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:48:58 -0500

Education, taxes and the fifth anniversary of the start of the Iraq War dominated the day's news.

Capitol Update - March 6, 2008

tptadmin — Thu, 6 Mar 2008 18:27:57 -0600