This legislative session continues to be interesting and challenging. We have had some mixed but fairly positive economic news, including a state employment report that announced the best jobs numbers in five years. Here is a summary of the activity last week.

Budget forecast

Lawmakers received the twice annual updated budget forecast, which has become a highly anticipated report at the Capitol. This time, the short-term news was better than expected: the short-term budget defi- cit has dropped from $1.2 billion to $994 million.

The figures may show that the economy has reached the bottom and is leveling out. But grim budget projections show that the State still has a spending problem, illustrated by the projected $5.8 billion deficit for 2012-13, a figure $1.3 billion higher than when the FY 2010-11 budget was enacted. To solve this current and long-term defi- cit, we need to prioritize services and cut wasteful spending.

Energy options

The Senate Energy Committee heard a bill that would, after a 16 -year ban, allow nuclear power to be considered as an option for Minnesota’s future growing energy needs. Deciding to repeal the prohibition is not a decision to construct new nuclear power plant in Minnesota, but lifting the ban would allow our electricity providers and our utilities commission to consider all options.

State law currently prohibits the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission from approving a Certificate of Need for constructing a new nuclear power plant. The bill passed the Minnesota Senate with solid bipartisan support in 2009.

Plans for new nuclear power plants are progressing in other states. The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission currently is reviewing 12 applications to construct and operate 20 new nuclear units in 10 states. A new nuclear facility would create a substantial number of construction jobs. It would also contribute significant and reliable base load power for future Minnesota energy needs.

Unfortunately, a surprise amendment was passed by the DFL majority members of the committee that gutted the bill of its intent. The bill is not technically dead, but its best chance will probably be an amendment that is offered on the Senate floor.

Election dates

Minnesota’s traditional fall primary will move to the second Tuesday in August under a new law signed by Gov. Pawlenty. The change followed the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act passed in October 2009 and requires at least a 45-day period for absentee ballots to be returned and counted for primaries and elections.

It will also bump up some other related political deadlines, from the filing period for candidates to the date campaign lawn signs can go up. Here are important dates to remember:

C

ANDIDATE FILING PERIOD:

May 18 - June 1

ABSENTEE BALLOTING PERIOD FOR PRIMARY: June 25 - Aug. 9

PRE-PRIMARY CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS DUE: July 26

STATE PRIMARY: August 10

STATE CANVASSING BOARD MEETING FOR PRIMARY: August 17

ABSENTEE BALLOTING PERIOD

FOR GENERAL ELECTION: Sept. 17 - Nov. 1

PRE-GENERAL CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL REPORTS DUE: Oct. 25

GENERAL ELECTION - Nov. 2

Upcoming issues (same sex marriage

and tax on clothing)

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three same-sex marriage bills. While none of the bills came up for a vote in committee, expect them to come up later this session either in committee or the Senate floor. I oppose this legislation and will do whatever I can to make sure it does not pass.

The Tax Committee Chair, Senator Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook), proposed a bill that would include sales tax on clothing. Minnesota is one of the few states that do not have sales tax on clothing or groceries since they are essential services. The burden of the tax would fall disproportionately on low income earners. This is not the answer to solve our budget deficit and will only prolong any recovery. I will keep you updated as this legislation progresses and will vote against it.

Feel free to contact me with your questions and comments.

State Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen can be reached at 651-297- 8063, by mail at 123 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, or via email at sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@ senate.mn.