STATE OF MINNESOTA FIRST MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTY-SIXTH SESSION
HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
FINANCE AND POLICY DIVISION
MINUTES
Representative Tom Rukavina, Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division, called the meeting to order at 1:05 P.M. on Tuesday,
January 13, 2009, in Room 5 of the State Office Building.
The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.
Members present:
Rukavina, Tom, Chair
Bly, David, Vice-Chair
Anderson, S.
Atkins, Joe
Brynaert, Kathy
Clark, Karen
Dettmer, Bob
Downey, Keith
Eastlund, Rob
Gunther, Bob
Haws, Larry
Mahoney, Tim
McFarlane, Carol
Murphy, Mary
Nornes, Bud
Norton, Kim
Obermueller, Mike
Poppe, Jeanne
Reinert, Roger
Welti, Andy
Members excused:
Carlson, Lyndon
Slocum, Linda
Solberg, Loren
A quorum was present.
Chair Rukavina welcomed everyone and went over the committee procedures. Members and staff introduced themselves.
Chair Rukavina announced that Representative Mahoney’s unemployment insurance bill would be heard in the Division on Thursday, January 15.
Dan McElroy, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), introduced himself and noted that other staff from DEED were also present to assist with his presentation, including: Cindy Farrell, Chief Financial Officer; Bonnie Elsey, Director, Workforce Development; Lee Nelson, Attorney, Unemployment Insurance Legal Affairs; Dr. Steve Hine, Director of Labor Market Information; Lynne Batzli, Legislative Affairs Director; and Mark Lofthus, Director of Business and Community Development.
Commissioner McElroy began his presentation on DEED’s background, budget and unallotment. Handouts were provided.
Minutes
Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Division
January 13, 2009
Page Two
Questions and discussion followed.
Representative Andy Welti commented on the dedication and hard work of DEED employees who assist constituents every day with their applications for unemployment insurance, and who
are willing to work overtime on weekends to provide this assistance. Representative Welti asked
that Commissioner McElroy convey his words of appreciation to DEED employees. Commissioner McElroy assured him that he would.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner McElroy continued his presentation.
Further questions and discussion followed.
Lee Nelson, Attorney, Unemployment Insurance Legal Affairs, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), introduced himself and assisted Commissioner McElroy by responding to questions regarding unemployment insurance.
Representative Mahoney and Lee Nelson talked briefly about Representative Mahoney’s unemployment insurance bill that would be heard on Thursday.
Further questions and discussion followed.
Commissioner McElroy continued his presentation.
Further questions and discussion followed.
Dr. Steve Hine, Director of Labor Market Information, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), introduced himself and provided testimony regarding unemployment insurance.
Further questions and discussion followed.
Commissioner McElroy continued his presentation.
Further questions and discussion followed.
Representative Mahoney made an announcement about the Legislative Policy Conference being held at the Hubert Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota tomorrow, and urged members to attend.
Chair Rukavina discussed agendas for upcoming Division meetings.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 P.M.
Representative Tom Rukavina, Chair
Susan Scott, Committee Legislative Assistant