2015 legislative session convenes
The 89th legislative session kicked off on Tuesday, January 6. The House is now led by a Republican majority and a DFL minority. As expected, Rep. Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) was elected House speaker, and Rep. Paul Thissen (D-Minneapolis) was elected by his caucus as the minority leader. Since the Senate did not face reelection last November, no changes to leadership in either caucus were necessary. Minnesota Supreme Court chief justice Lori Gildea administered the oath of office to the 134 members of the House, including the 26 newly elected representatives.
Both parties held press conferences to announce their top priorities for 2015. The Senate DFL’s top six bills are focused on Greater Minnesota and workforce education. The House GOP’s bills are focused on five areas: jobs, K-12 education, elder care, transportation, and health care. While their priorities are not identical, they are similar in theme.
Governor inauguration
Governor Dayton and the other constitutional officers were sworn in on Monday, January 5, at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. In his inaugural address, Governor Dayton highlighted the importance of education to Minnesota's economic health and specifically mentioned higher education investments. At the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony, U of M Law School alum and Supreme Court justice Alan Page introduced the Minnesota Rouser.
Read Governor Dayton’s 2015 Inaugural Address.
Floyd and Little Brown Jug visit the State Capitol
Athletic director Norwood Teague was invited by Representative Dean Urdahl (R-Litchfield) to bring the Little Brown Jug and Floyd of Rosedale to the House Chamber this week. This is the first time the U of M has possessed both trophies since 1967. Teague was introduced on the House floor by Representative Urdahl and held up the jug for all to see. The legislators then had the opportunity to have photos taken with the trophies in the retiring room behind the House chamber.
Legislation introduced
In the session’s first week the House and Senate introduced 60 and 55 bills respectively. Approximately 20 of those bills may impact the U of M. Government Relations will track new bills throughout the legislative process and notify U of M stakeholders who may be affected.
Governor's committee releases draft report on the Medical School
The final meeting of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Committee on the University of Minnesota Medical School was held on Thursday, January 8. The governor has charged the committee to provide a report with specific policy and budget recommendations to be considered during the 2015 legislative session. This week the committee reviewed and provided input on the draft report. Discussion occurred as to whether the U of M’s biennial request should be included within the report or marked as a separate category from the two listed above. The request will be included in the report. A final draft of the report reflecting the committee’s discussion will be distributed to members of the committee by midweek next week, and the governor is expected to announce his decision on the recommendations in his biennial budget release on January 27.
Legislative Action Kickoff
Join your hosts, University of Minnesota president Eric Kaler and Alumni Association board chair Jim DuBois on February 3 to learn about issues that will affect the U of M during the 2015 Minnesota Legislative Session and to discover ways you can help. No previous political or legislative knowledge required. Complimentary light refreshments will be available. RSVP.