Legislative Update- May 11, 2012 - Minnesota Senate

End of Session Legislative Update
May 11, 2012- Legislative Update #7
Dear Friends,
The 2012 legislative session has officially adjourned. Before the final gavel fell, the Senate
passed two very important bills that help get thousands of Minnesotans back to work by
investing in construction projects throughout the state. I authored two bills for our area that are
included in the legislation. Following is more information on these projects and others included
in the bonding bill.
Another bill that received plenty of attention in the final days of session was the Minnesota
Vikings’ stadium bill. Not only will the passage of the stadium bill keep the tradition of the
Minnesota Vikings alive for years to come, it will also provide for a major construction project
that will have major positive effects on the job market throughout the metro area.
The Senate also passed legislation that would make the redevelopment of the Oakdale Mall and
Tanner’s Lake projects possible. The legislation, called tax increment financing, is a tax break
for developers used to stimulate growth. There is no cost to the state for this bill, which allows
Oakdale to pay for the redevelopment and bring jobs to the district. The legislation is now
waiting for the governor’s signature.
Minnesota’s economy and job outlook are continuing to improve. Our goal this legislative
session was to help add to that positive momentum. I believe these bills will do just that. Your
input, a bipartisan effort, and Gov. Dayton’s work led to the final passage of the bills. It was a
pleasure to work with everyone on these issues this session and I am grateful for their efforts.
Following is more information on these bills and local initiatives. As always, please contact me
if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Regards.
Visit my Senate website at www.senate.mn/senatorwiger
Click on “In Touch with Senator Wiger” to view my secondary webpage.
Read my weekly columns by clicking on “Press Releases.”

View my local cable show online at www.youtube.com/user/senatorwiger
You can also view my cable show, “Your Capitol: What’s Up?” on public access
channels 15 and 16.
2012 Final Bonding Bill
Since day one of session, we have been discussing the importance of passing a Capital
Investment Bill. Commonly known as the “bonding bill,” capital investment is the process by
which the state issues bonds to fund public projects that have a state or regional significance.
This funding goes toward a variety of projects across the state, including improvements to higher
education buildings, roads and bridges, veterans homes, and trails. I serve on the Senate
Bonding Committee and had the opportunity to see many of the projects.
This year’s bonding bill invests nearly $500 million in projects throughout Minnesota. The final
Omnibus Capital Investment (Bonding) package provides $496.4 million of the $2.1 billion in
total statewide requests made this year. This compares to the $775 million proposal presented by
the Governor, $496.4 million proposed by the Senate, and the $281 million initially proposed by
the House.
Two bills I authored for our area included in the bonding bill are:
• $5 million for Century College Renovations- Century College requested bonding funds for
classroom addition and renovation. The college is out of space after having almost doubled in
student enrollment over past years. The $5 million request will allow for the construction of
7,200 feet of new classroom space and the renovation of 7,200 feet of classroom and lab space.
These additions will allow the school to better serve its students and enable the creation of new
programs to meet emerging workforce needs. It will also allow for partnerships with
Metropolitan State University, Minnesota State University-Mankato, and other MnSCU
institutions.
• $2 million for the Tubman Regional Safety Center – We approved $2 million to design,
renovate, and equip the former St. Paul’s Monastery (located in Maplewood) as a regional safety
and health service center. The total cost of renovation is $7 million. The Tubman Center has
already raised close to $3 million towards project costs. The Center will be used for a domestic
violence shelter, legal services, youth programs, mental and chemical health services, and
community education.

Major Provisions of the 2012 Omnibus Capital Investment Bill
University of Minnesota: $64 million ($50 million for asset preservation & restoration)
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities: $94 million ($20 million for asset
preservation)
Department of Employment & Economic Development: $78.5 million
($47.5 million for the Business Development program)
Transportation: $49.4 million ($3 million for local bridges)
Department of Natural Resources: $46.5 million ($30 million for flood mitigation)
Military Affairs: $23.5 million ($19.5 million for Camp Ripley)
Veteran’s Affairs: $7.4 million
Human Services: $5.6 million ($3.68 million for St. Peter Security Hospital)
Housing Finance Agency (HFA): $5.5 million ($30 million in Minnesota HFA bonds)
Minnesota Zoo: $4 million
Minnesota Historical Society: $3.25 million
For more information on projects for the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota State College
and University System, natural resources, the Minnesota Zoo, and our transportation system,
visit the Senate’s website at www.senate.mn and click on the “Budget Tracking Spreadsheet”
link.
Many thanks to my intern,
Chris DiCesare, who did a
great job helping in the
office this session. Chris is
an amazing researcher and
the creator of my youtube
website. I wish Chris the
best of luck as he pursues a
degree in political science.

Minnesota Vikings Stadium
Legislation to build a new Vikings Stadium was passed by the Legislature on the last day of
session. The proposal funds the construction and maintenance of a new Vikings stadium at
the current Metrodome site in Minneapolis. The terms of the bill estimate the total cost of a
new stadium and on-site infrastructure at $975 million. The State of Minnesota would cover
$348 million, the City of Minneapolis would cover $150 million, and the Vikings would
cover $477 million of the up-front construction costs. The operating costs and capital
reserves include $7.5 million per year paid by the state and $13 million per year paid by the
Vikings.
The state’s share of the cost would come from expanding charitable gambling to include
electronic forms of pulltabs and bingo, and would include no money from the state’s general
fund. The Vikings share of the cost is funded through a combination of private financing and
equity, NFL financing through the G-4 loan program, and potential use of stadium builder’s
licenses or seat licenses. Since electronic charitable gaming is new in Minnesota, the bill
includes two blink-on revenue sources, a sports-themed lottery game, and a 10% surcharge on
stadium suites. The blink-on funding sources would only be used if the amount raised from
charitable gaming is less than the state needs to pay the debt service.
The City of Minneapolis’s share would come from renewing and redirecting convention
center sales and hospitality taxes. Since the bill extends Minneapolis taxes, the proposal must
also be approved by the Minneapolis City Council within 30 days of the bill becoming law.
The bill also authorizes Minneapolis to use revenues from the local sales tax to be used to
fund capital projects or for other economic development. The city may direct excess revenue
first to convention center debt, operations, capital improvements, and marketing. To provide
equity for the city of St. Paul, the bill appropriates $2.7 million annually for fiscal years 2014
through 2033 for a grant to the City of St. Paul for the operating or capital costs of existing or
new sports facilities.

Dr. Susan Larson and Lt. Colonel Hinck attended an Education Committee
meeting to discuss high school student counseling and testing that helps students
assess what educational and occupational opportunitites they would like to pursue.
Update on Legislation Chief Authored by Senator Wiger
Oakdale Mall and Tanner’s Lake Redevelopment (SF 1619)
Oakdale has asked for special legislation that would make the redevelopment of the OakdaleMall
and Tanner’s Lake projects possible. The legislation, called tax increment financing, is a tax
break for developers used to stimulate growth. There is no cost to the state for this bill, which
allows Oakdale to pay for the redevelopment.
Ryan Construction and Wellington Management have proposed a redevelopment plan that
involves demolishing the existing mall and creating 154,000 sq. ft. of commercial-retail, office
and medical office space, as well as 120 senior housing units. The total value of the project is
$30 million and will create badly needed construction jobs as well as permanent jobs for the city.
This legislation received a hearing in the Senate Tax Committee and is included in the Omnibus
Tax Bill (HF 247).

Student CPR Training Requirement (HF 2506)
This bill requires all schools to offer CPR instruction to students at some point before they
graduate. The training can be accomplished by a onetime 30 minute CPR training course.
Research shows that individuals that receive this training are more likely to use it during an
emergency. According to the Red Cross, 42 people experience sudden cardiac arrest, often
without any prior symptoms. Bystander CPR can double or triple survival rates.
I offered this bill as an amendment to legislation that deals with school staff development. The
bill passed the legislature and was signed into law by the Governor on April 23. The CPR
requirement will go into effect beginning in the 2014-2015 school year.
Organ Donation License Plate (SF 1484)
This bill creates an anatomical gift license plate that contains the inscription “Become an organ
donor and save a life.” People who purchase the license plate make a one-time contribution of
$30, which goes to organizations that advocate for organ donation. There is a national shortage
of organs for transplants. In Minnesota more than 2,700 residents are waiting for an organ
transplant and thousands more need a tissue donation.
The bill idea came from North St. Paul residents Dave and Melody Galchutt. Melody recently
received a double lung transplant after a 5 month wait. They are hoping others will not have to
wait as long to receive transplants in the future. This bill is was referred to the Transportation
Committee, but did not receive a hearing this session. I plan to pursue this legislation again next
year.
Business Capital Equipment Exemption (SF 1482)
This bill allows for a capital equipment (machinery and equipment purchased or leased) sales tax
exemption at the time of purchase for businesses. While businesses are already eligible for the
exemption, they must request a tax refund in order to receive it.
This legislation essentially eliminates cumbersome paperwork by allowing businesses to receive
the exemption immediately. This will help stimulate business growth as owners will be more
likely to purchase equipment and expand with the elimination of unnecessary red tape. This bill
was heard in the Senate Tax Committee and a similar provision is included in the Omnibus Tax
Bill (HF 247).

Oakdale Veteran’s Memorial (SF 808)
Oakdale requested $30,000 to construct a veteran’s memorial by Oakdale City Hall. The project
is estimated to cost around $60,000 and so far, $30,000 has been raised. The memorial will be
located adjacent to Oakdale City Hall, bordering Hadley Avenue. It will honor each branch of
the military and offer a landscaped backdrop, a brick paver walkway, flags and a water feature.
The memorial would honor and provide a fitting tribute to the numerous individuals who have
served in the nation’s armed forces. The project will also include a new police memorial to
honor former Oakdale Officer Richard Walton, who was killed in 1982 while trying to stop a
robbery.
The Governor’s and the Senate’s bonding bills include the full project request of $30,000,
although the request was not included in the House bonding bill. Unfortunately, funding for the
project was not included in the final bonding bill passed by the Legislature.
Maplewood Fish Creek Natural Greenway Land Acquistion (SF 369)
Maplewood requested $600,000 in state bonds to acquire approximately 50 acres of property in
the Fish Creek Greenway Corridor located in the City of Maplewood and Ramsey County. Total
project costs are anticipated to be around $2.1 million. $1.5 million has already been raised for
the project, leaving unmet needs of $600,000.
Maplewood’s Fish Creek Commission and project partners have identified this parcel of land as
the top priority for protection. Federal, state, regional and local agencies support the preservation
of Fish Creek, which is an area of Regional Ecological Significance and lies within the
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and the Metro Conservation Corridor. This
unique resource has high wildlife, aesthetic, recreation, and water quality value.
Neither the Governor’s nor the House’s Bonding Bills have allotted funding for the project,
although the Senate Bonding Bill includes $100,000 in bonding funds. The final bonding bill
passed by the legislature did not include funding for the project.
Visit my Senate website at www.senate.mn/senatorwiger
Click on “In Touch with Senator Wiger” to view my secondary webpage.
Read my weekly columns by clicking on “Press Releases.”
View my local cable show online at www.youtube.com/user/senatorwiger
You can also view my cable show, “Your Capitol: What’s Up?” on public access
channels 15 and 16.