Saxhaug Capitol Update: Conference Committee Reports nearly completed

Conference Committee Reports nearly completed

As we head into the final week of session, the Legislature is getting closer to presenting its budget to the Governor.  The Senate and House have finalized the majority of their conference committees.  Once those are completed and all the conference committee reports are passed on to the Governor, the Legislature will have its position for final negotiations.  There is still an approximate three billion dollar difference between what the Legislature is proposing and the Governor's budget recommendations.
Northern Minnesota is going to be negatively affected by whatever budget solution is passed.  The Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA), Local Government Aid (LGA), County Aid programs, Market Value Credit, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and the Environment and Natural Resources Budget are critical to maintaining our way of life, and the budget being adopted does serious damage to those programs.  Below is a list of the major cuts that we stand to face:

• The SFIA program is repealed in the Omnibus Tax Bill (House File 42) voiding all contracts currently in place.
• PILT is cut 12% in the Omnibus Tax Bill (HF 42) resulting in property tax increases in counties that have public land.
• LGA, County Aid and the Market Value Credits are reduced by almost $487 million in the Omnibus Tax Bill (HF 42) which will result in cuts to essential services like Police and Firefighters for rural communities across the State.
• The cuts to the forestry budget in the Environment and Natural resources Budget Bill (HF 1010) will result in reductions of foresters working for the DNR and 250,000 fewer cords of wood being put up for sale – a 31% reduction to the 4th largest industry in the State.
• The Parks and Trails budget in the Environment and Natural Resources Budget Bill (HF 1010) is cut by $7.3 million.  This will result in DNR staff reductions, closing State Parks and have a negative effect on our tourism industry which creates $11 billion in revenue and almost $700 million in sales tax each year.

With seven days until adjournment of the Regular Session, I am still hopeful that a balanced approach can be reached and some of these cuts can be modified.

Final Issue:

A recap of the final budget solution and the 2011 Regular Legislative Session

Senator Saxhaug greeted the 6th grade students from McGregor Elementary during their visit to the State Capitol

Capitol Update from Tom Saxhaug

Senate Tax Bill cuts Payment in Lieu of Taxes

As part of the Republican solution to the $5 billion deficit, HF 42 – the Omnibus Tax Bill, has a provision that cuts Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT).  The purpose of PILT is to pay counties for Natural Resource land that is not on the tax base to help them provide mandated services and programs.  The concept has been around as far back as the 1940's and became law in the 1970's.  PILT payments are made to counties to provide property tax relief to residents who are paying a disproportionate share of the tax burden due to the presence of tax exempt public lands.  They also encourage retention of public land base and foster sustainable natural resource management for long term benefits for future generations.
Counties that have large amounts of public land rely on these payments to offset property taxes that aren't collected.  That money is critical to local budgets and this proposal will require rural counties to make additional cuts or increase the local property taxes to backfill the lost revenue.  The stability that PILT provides to counties with public land is crucial to the continued viability of local services, Minnesota's timber industry and recreation opportunities for everyone in the state.  

Higher Education Budget cuts U of MN and MNSCU

The Republican controlled Senate passed a budget for higher education that cuts the University of Minnesota 19% and MNSCU 13%.  This legislation cuts funding for the U of M by more than three times and the Minnesota's State Universities, Community Colleges and Technical Schools twice as much as the Governor's recommendations.  The last time our state funded Higher Education at this level was 1998 and we now have 50,000 more students per year.  These cuts mean a reduction of over $430,000 to Rainy River Community College and $890,000 to Itasca Community College (ICC).

Every dollar invested in the U of M by the state generates $13.20 in the statewide economy and more than $512.3 million in state and local tax revenue every year.  The MnSCU system produces about 34,700 graduates, each year and also serves 157,000 students in non-credit courses. A recent issue of Washington Monthly ranked Minnesota as one of the top Community College States in the U.S. and ICC was ranked 5th overall.  These cuts will have consequences beyond higher tuition and fees.  We will likely see faculty and staff layoffs, enrollment caps, reductions in the size and scope of course offerings and fewer student services. If we are going to be serious about creating jobs and attracting new businesses, we need to offer highly trained and skilled workers.  This proposal does nothing to help us work our way out of the Great Recession.

Senator Saxhaug had the opportunity to meet with Amy Hildebrandt, David Furuseth and the 4th and 5th grade students from Northome in the Governor's reception room as they toured the State Capitol

Next Issue:

The final stretch to the

Budget Solution

Forest History Center and ISD 318 Community Education Team Up to Offer Classes in May

The Forest History Center and ISD 318 Community Education have teamed up to offer classes this May at the Forest History Center, Grand Rapids.  We have FREE Children First! events and Wild Edibles for adults and their families.  Please register online at www.getlearning.org  or call 327-5730

FREE Children First! Event
Nature Night – Tuesday, May 10, 2011 6:30-8:00 pm at
Forest History Center.  Choose between 2 sessions to register for and attend.
Session S1 Who Goes There? Tracks and Scats Class # 3181028 S1 Explore the mysterious world of animals that inhabit Minnesota Forest by learning about the clues they leave behind.  Taught by FHC Naturalist-Paula Dibb
Session S2 Batty about Bats! Class #3181028 S2
Are you scared of bats?  Discover more about these fascinating creatures and how they make life more comfortable for humans.  Taught by FHC Naturalist Nick Wourms.
Please register online at www.getlearning.org  or call 327-5730

Wild Edibles I: Early Spring Foraging Class #318621
May is one of the most exciting months to gather edible plants in the wild. Join Judy Sutherland and Bill Carpenter at the Forest History Center for a wild edible hunt. Learn what plants are edible, where to find them and what plants to avoid.  Wear clothing appropriate for weather-you will be outside in the woods.
Judy Sutherland & Bill Carpenter
Date: Thursday, May 12, 2011
Time of Class: 6:00-8:00
Class Fee: $20.00
Location: Forest History Center
Please register online at www.getlearning.org  or call 327-5730

Wild Edibles II: Preparing and Tasting  Class #318622
Judy Sutherland and Bill Carpenter will teach you some secret recipes and techniques for making your wild edibles delicious and tasty. We will be cooking and tasting our Wild Edibles in this class.  It is suggested that you have attended one of Judy and Bill's Wild Edibles classes before you take this class.  You can also bring any of your recipes to share.
Instructors: Judy Sutherland & Bill Carpenter
Date: Thursday, May 19, 2011
Time of Class: 6:00-8:00
Class Fee: $20.00
Location: Forest History Center
Please register online at www.getlearning.org  or call 327-5730


Press Release on Classes at Forest History Center – from
Karen Walker Community Education, kwalker@isd318.org , 327-5799 and
Ed Nelson, Forest History Center, ednelson@mnhs.org, 327-4482 ext. 3

Senator Saxhaug Appointed to IRRRB and LSOHC

Senator Saxhaug Appointed to IRRRB and LSOHC

With the 2011 session picking up speed, Senator Tom Saxhaug has been appointed to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.  The IRRRB is funded by a production tax on taconite the mining companies pay and is used to develop new jobs and businesses and to help pay for Iron Range infrastructure improvements.  Saxhaug emphasizes that the agency is integral to economic development in Northern Minnesota and this will continue to allow him to work on projects that will bring jobs to the Iron Range.  As Minnesota continues to emerge from the Great Recession and the mines in northern Minnesota are all back at full production, this appointment will be very important in making sure the taconite revenue is used to create economic activities that are crucial to the region.
As a key member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Saxhaug was also appointed to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.  This Council is responsible for providing funding recommendations to the legislature for projects the Outdoor Heritage Fund focuses on that will preserve our natural resources. Saxhaug's appointment to this council will help ensure that northern Minnesota's forests will have a strong voice in the decisions to enhance the habitat of our region for generations to come.

Forests for the Future

One of the first recommendations made by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and passed by the Legislature was the Upper Mississippi Forest Project, an 187,277 acre conservation easement.  This easement, finalized in 2010, is a combination of forestland and wetlands owned by UPM/Blandin.  It will remain in private ownership for the purposes of property taxes and timber harvesting, can never be developed and will also be kept open to the public for outdoor recreational activities.  The easement cost $44 million with $9.75 million coming from private donors and is one of the 10 largest conservation easements in the Nation.  The Upper Mississippi Forest project will be one of the signature projects that the people of Minnesota wanted when they voted for the Dedicated Funding Amendment in 2008.
Senator Saxhaug had the pleasure of visiting with Veterans from Itasca County during their day on the hill at the State Capitol.
Pictured left to right are: Randy Carlson, Wayne Patras, Bob Fogle, Senator Tom Saxhaug, Dale Matteson, Dave Valtinson and Marv Ott.
Next edition:  A look at the Governor's budget and a brief history of recent revenue increases in the state.

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is Seeking New Board Members

     The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is currently accepting applications from individuals wishing to serve on its Board of Directors.  There are currently openings for the following two Board positions:  an At-Large representative and a Student Ad-Hoc representative.

     ARAC offers grant support and technical assistance to individual artists and non-profit arts organizations who reside in the seven counties which make up the Arrowhead Region:  Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis.

     ARAC is looking for individuals with knowledge of various art forms and perspectives.  Active artists working in all disciplines; artists from communities of color; arts supporters/collectors; or individuals with knowledge of the regional arts community and arts organizations are encouraged to apply.

    ARAC's Board meets the third Thursday of each month except August and December.  Council members serve as panelists to award project based funding to regional non-profit arts organizations and artists.  Board members also assess the art needs in the region and develop programs that stimulate the regional arts community.  Council members serve as volunteers, but are paid a mileage reimbursement for attending meetings.  A board term is three years and a Board member may serve two consecutive terms.  Serving on the Board gives an individual the opportunity to learn about arts activities in the region; to increase their knowledge of grant writing and the review process; to network with other artists and arts professionals; and to have input into matters that affect arts funding in the region.

    ARAC is the primary funding source for artists and arts organizations in northeastern Minnesota, awarding over a half a million dollars in grant support last year.  ARAC administers six grant programs for regional non-profit arts organizations and three grant programs for regional artists.  ARAC also administers The Artist Fund, a Duluth based, regional non-profit which offers financial assistance to artists confronted with a career-threatening emergency and a medical reimbursement program.

    ARAC's programs are made possible through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature; the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund as appropriated by the State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008; The McKnight Foundation; and the Artist Fund.  ARAC presents the Arrowhead Arts Awards, which annually recognize an outstanding regional artist and arts advocate.  The ARAC staff provides free grant writing workshops and technical assistance to regional artists and arts organizations and ARAC works in partnership with the Minnesota State Arts Board and the other eleven Regional Arts Councils to promote the arts throughout Minnesota.

    The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, February 25, 2011.  The available At-Large term runs from May 1, 2011 to June 30, 2014.  The Student Ad-Hoc position runs from May 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012.  Interested individuals may contact the ARAC office at info@aracouncil.org; 218-722-0952 or 800-569-8134 for more information about Board responsibilities, the Council and its programs, and to receive an application form.  A Board application form can be downloaded from the ARAC web site:  www.aracouncil.org

City Holds Open House on MNDOT Highway Widening

The City of Grand Rapids will hold an open house on the widening of Highway 169 south of  the Mississippi River. Among the elements the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT)  is proposing is eliminating the traffic light at River Road and 169. They also propose closing the intersections and eliminating the existing unmarked crosswalks at SW 3rd Street and SE 3rd Street and second street.

People can  learn more about the proposal and provide input at an open house on Monday December 23rd from 1 to 4 at the Grand Rapids City Hall, 420 North Pokegama, Grand Rapids Minnesota. The open house will be followed by a public hearing before the CIty Council at 6PM. 

The complete meeting notice can be downloaded from  http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/file/1596-2010-12-03T191427Z

Give Locally - Over $1.8M in Matching Funds Available on Give to the Max Day - November 16

GiveMNians, Give to the Max Day returns as a day to inspire unprecedented levels of charitable giving in the state of Minnesota! Our goal is to beat our own record and get 40,000 people to give to their favorite Minnesota charity on November 16. Hundreds of nonprofits will offer the opportunity to double your dollars throughout the 24 hours. Every donation you make gives your favorite organization the chance to win even more money. Click on the video for a special Give to the Max Day message. Please mark your calendars for November 16 - donate to your favorite organizations who help contribute to the quality of life in our state.  Whether you care about children, the arts, clean water or education - you can connect with a cause and an organization that needs your support. Then share your donations with your friends and family using the easy share links on GiveMN. So click on GiveMN.org November 16th and contribute all you can. Help us reach 40,000 donors strong. You have one day to be part of history. One incredible day to Give to the Max to make our state a better place. Will you give? Sincerely, Dana Nelson GiveMN.org How to Give to the Max - Plan Your Giving! Double Your Dollars Look for the "2x" icon on select nonprofit pages. This icon means there is a dollar for dollar match available when you donate on that page. You can also search all the organizations offering matching grants using the green "2x Your Gift" button on the Give to the Max Day homepage. Win a Golden Ticket One donor will be randomly chosen every hour to have $1,000 added to their donation. This could be you! See the list of winners on the Give to the Max Day homepage. Help Your Favorite Organization Win the Grand Prize A $20,000 and $10,000 prize grant will be awarded to the top two nonprofits in the Twin Cities and the top two nonprofits in Greater Minnesota that attract the largest number of individual donors on Give to the Max Day. Happy First Birthday GiveMN! Last November, the virtual switch was flipped and GiveMN was created.  Thanks to you - and 58,000 other generous people who have made donations on GiveMN -  we have become one of the largest giving portals in the country. Minnesota has always been a  leader in philanthropy and now we are leading the way in e-philanthropy! Click here to read our one-page Happy Birthday GiveMN Annual Report.

You can find local organizations to give to by clicking the GiveMN link on your local community internet site. You can find a link to your local community internet site at http://givemn.com/story/Community-Internet-Sites.  You can donate to support the Northern Community Internet sites themselves.