Introductions in the State House

A total of 67 bills were introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives Monday on a broad range of issues with taxation, education, transportation, and natural resources among the issues garnering more legislative attention. To stay up to date on bills in the State House, visit this page. You can sign up for email alerts from the House as action is taken on bills. Here’s a brief synopsis of about half the bills introduced (click on the link for full bill description):

Health Care: The Children’s Health Security Act would cover health insurance for qualifying children in low income families. A bill requiring large companies (more than 10,000) to pay their fair share of their employees’ health care costs.

Education: A bill for funding for kindergarten. One for pre-school. A bill that would increase the annual cost per student multiplier. A bill that allows for a stable tuition rate. Students would pay the same rate for all four years.

Taxation: Property tax relief. Tax credit for dairy farmers. A small business tax credit for technology. A bill exempting a portion of military retirement income from state taxation. A bill for property tax rebates.

Natural Resources/Environment: A bill setting standards for renewable energy. A constitutional amendment to designate a portion of the sales tax to the improvement of hunting and fishing habitats. A bill that creates a plan for property owners to volunteer their land for hunting and fishing. A bill to dedicate 1/8 of lottery revenues to local parks.

Transportation: Gradually increase the percent of motor vehicle sales tax that goes directly into highway and transit. A bill to name highway 53 in Duluth the Walter F. Mondale Drive. Comprehensive changes to transportation funding and taxation.

A couple of more interesting/controversial bills: A constitutional amendment abolishing the office of lieutenant governor by 2011. A bill to allow the University of Minnesota to use state funds in stem cell research. A bill outlawing the use of cell phones while driving. A bill for funding for the St. Paul Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit’s Asian Gang Task Force.