ST. PAUL - The Minnesota legislative pace picked up in recent days, so much so that it felt more like the frenzied end of session.
Senators face an April 2 deadline for approving all of their spending bills. Representatives must pass their spending bills out of finance committees by then, and finish all work on finance bills in April. Lawmakers must wrap up their work by May 21.
This year's main job is to pass a two-year budget.
The schedule means major funding bills will be debated nearly every day the Legislature is in session for the next month. On Monday, senators take up a public school funding bill that even its supporters say is inadequate. House leaders plan to announce their school bill that day, too.
Also Monday, Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL-Dilworth, announces his property tax relief bill, while Sen. Keith Langseth, DFL-Glyndon, announces his public works funding bill.
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A statewide smoking ban in workplaces also will come up for full House and Senate votes soon. Legislators plan to take a week off starting the afternoon of April 2.
School aid wanted
A rural Minnesota high school for students addicted to alcohol or drugs needs state help to continue, Sen. Steve Dille told legislators Friday.
The Libre Academy in Litchfield needs $60,000 to get through the school year, Dille told the Senate Finance Committee as it debated an education funding bill.
Cell fine on holdA bill to double fines when a violator is using a mobile phone remains in play.
The bill by Rep. Frank Hornstein, DFL-Minneapolis, would apply to moving vehicle fines. A House committee will consider including it in a public safety bill.
Paying workersMinnesota state employees who were forced to use their vacation time during a July 2005 partial government shutdown would be paid in full under a bill Minnesota lawmakers are considering.
A House committee approved the payments, and a similar bill awaits Senate consideration.
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Davis and Wente work for Forum Communications, which owns the Herald.
