ST. PAUL Forests, water, youth programs and a variety of other issues could receive a funding boost if two Senate-passed bills become law.
Despite some concern over a major utility company's financial role, legislation covering environment, energy and natural resources issues sailed through the Senate on a 61-2 vote.
A late-blooming funding source came under brief scrutiny during debate of the environment bill. The amendment which passed called for Xcel Energy to steer $350,000 a year for each tank of spent nuclear fuel it houses at its Monticello location to a state renewable energy account.
In June, an agreement goes into effect that allows for up to 30 nuclear storage containers to be placed next to the Monticello plant.
Noting that her district includes Monticello, Sen. Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, argued the measure would mean "the ratepayers of Minnesota" would be stuck footing the bill.
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Forests, parks and trails, anti-invasive species provisions and conservation projects would see a $20 million increase through the state's general fund. Other provisions in the bill, including $54 million to clean the state's water, would be funded with cash, said its author, Sen. Ellen Anderson, DFL-St. Paul.
Sen. Tom Saxhaug, DFL-Grand Rapids, told senators that provisions in the legislation could aid a lagging Minnesota forestry industry. Initiatives costing $14 million would do things such as improving how the state manages forest land.
"These investments are needed to maintain the health of the forest," Saxhaug said.
Another provision in the bill, authored by Sen. Katie Sieben, DFL-Cottage Grove, calls for a pilot program allowing blood testing for Minnesotans concerned over chemical contamination, such as those who think their water in her area has been contaminated by 3M factory leaks.
Economic development
Minnesota would be in for a break under the economic development bill, which flew through the Senate without debate on its way to a 59-4 vote.
Funding for job training and career services is expanded under the almost $400 million bill, sponsored by Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm.
The expansive bill focuses funding on at-risk youth, people with disabilities, low-income Minnesotans, legal immigrants and people living in areas of the state with low job growth.
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Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's economic development package proposes to spend $378 million.
The Senate on Tuesday also voted to support a third bill to cap health insurance premiums despite strong opposition from Republicans leaders.
Minority Leader Dave Senjem told Sen. Linda Berglin, DFL-Minneapolis, her bill was "foolhardy and fraught with peril."
"I certainly don't think that it's in accord with the health care system we want for our state," Senjem, a Rochester Republican, said.
Berglin's bill calls on health insurance premiums to increase no faster than the consumer price index.
Longaecker works for Forum Communication Co., which owns the Herald.
