When the Legislative Session Is Over, We Keep Working

Luci Botzek, JD/Capitol Connections

Public Policy Consultant/MN Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus

[email protected]

By the time you read this, the Great Minnesota Get-Together will be underway. We all ask, “Where did the summer go?”, except perhaps for a few parents who are grateful for the structure of the coming school year…Enjoy these last days and of course we have Fall not too far into the future.

The Legislature adjourned many months ago as well, but it, unlike summer, is not yet close to being complete. The litigation between the Governor and the Legislature will once again be in the news as the Oral Arguments are scheduled for August 28. The Governor has appealed the decision of the District Court which overturned his line items vetoes of the House and Senate budgets.

This is a critical decision for the future constitutional balance of power between the Legislature and the Governor. If the Supreme Court overrules the lower court decision that would strengthen the Governor’s veto powers going forward.  If the lower court ruling is upheld, then the power balance shifts in favor of the Legislature. The third, less likely option is for the Court to overrule the lower court decision and direct the Governor and Legislature to work it out amogst themselves, indicating that the Court does not have jurisdiction in this ‘political’ matter. The result, regardless of the decision may forever change the balance of power in the State of Minnesota.

Other legislative tidbits

• Real ID implementation continues to be challenged as the federal government has only authorized a limited extension for Minnesota.
• The minimum wage rate increase was announced this week. The adjustments go into effect January 1, 2018.

Minnesota announces 2018 minimum wage

• The City of Woodbury declined to proceed to create a Visitor Bureau this week, following a discussion at their Workshop session.

• On August 23, I have been invited, along with Dan McElroy to attend a League of Minnesota Cities Policy Committee to discuss the lodging tax. Thanks to members of the Public Policy Committee for providing assistance with the presentation. Details will follow soon.

Finally, there will be some time for discussion of Legislative Issues for the 2018 Session at the Annual Meeting. If you have items that you would wish to be considered for discussion, please contact myself or any of the members of the Public Policy Committee: Stephanie Busiahn, Anna Tanski, Becky Bakken, Bill Deef, Brad Jones, Julie Wearn, Linda Jurek, Julie Lunning or Tracy Shiek