Senator Dan Skogen Chosen as
Dairy Legislator of the Year - 12/16/08

Senator Dan Skogen (DFL, Hewitt, MN) was selected as the 2008 Dairy Legislator of the Year by Minnesota Milk Producers Association. The award was announced during Minnesota Milk's annual Awards Banquet held during the Midwest Dairy Expo on December 9 th in St. Cloud, MN.  

The award is presented by Minnesota Milk every year to a legislator who demonstrates their support for dairy producers, the dairy industry and rural Minnesota by their actions at the State Capitol.  

"Senator Skogen is a rising star in our state legislature earning the respect of his colleagues in the Senate and on the agriculture committee that he serves. He has also earned the respect of dairy producers by listening to our needs and understanding the value we add to our states economy, environment and rural communities," stated Pat Lunemann, President of Minnesota Milk Producers Association and dairy producer from Clarissa, MN.  

Senator Skogen, representing portions of Otter Tail, Wadena and Becker County, was first elected to the Senate in 2006. As a freshman Senator, he was the chief author of the Livestock Investment Grant Program and successfully ushered the bill through to final passage this last year. His special legislative concerns include the environment, agriculture and education.

Senator Skogen holds an Audio Communications degree from Thief River Falls Technical College and is a radio broadcaster in Wadena, MN.  

The Minnesota Milk Producers Association is the "Voice of Minnesota's Dairy Industry" and serves as the grassroots organization for dairy producers. Its mission is to promote a positive image for the dairy industry while protecting dairy producer's business interests and way of life.

2008 Minnesota Producers of the Year
Named at Midwest Dairy Expo - 12/12/08

Arendt's Holstein Resort, Inc. was named Minnesota's 2008 Producers of the Year at the Midwest Dairy Expo on December 9 th in St. Cloud, Minnesota.  Mark and Kathi Arendt own and operate Arendt's Holstein Resort near Mazeppa, Minnesota along with their son Nate and his wife Mindi.

The award is given out by the Minnesota Milk Producers Association every year to producers who have a proven commitment to managing their dairy for quality, enthusiasm in promoting the dairy industry and are active leaders in their local community.

Mark started dairying with his brother in December of 1972. After a storm hit the dairy in 1996, Nate returned to help rebuild the dairy and work for his dad. That next year, the dairy was re-named Arendt's Holstein Resort, Inc.   Even though they are listed in the local yellow pages under resorts, this resort caters to well-bred Holsteins.

Nate and Mindi started transitioning into the farm in 2000. Since then they have increased in numbers, raised their herd average and have maintained high quality milk. The success of their dairy is due to their commitment to maximizing cow comfort.   In May of 2003, they were certified as a Five-Star Dairy through the Environmental Quality Assurance Program. As dairy farmers, they were already committed to the environment; and receiving this certification has shown this to their neighbors and fellow community members.

Their success is also a result of their positive attitude and respect for their family, community and environment. Despite the demanding work schedule of dairy farmers, Mark and Kathi always made it a priority to spend time with their family. This tradition has carried on to Nate and Mindi as well.  

Arendt's also make an assertive effort to treat all of their 15 non-family-member employees as family.  

Staying informed and educated is a high priority to the Arendt's. Each year they attend educational programming and are members of the Society of Human Resource Management.

Arendt's Holstein Resort wants younger generations to be excited about getting involved in the Minnesota's dairy industry.  

Over the years, they have opened their dairy to international visitors, local students and fellow dairy producers. They have also shared their pride with their local community by being a regular feature in the Mazeppa parade.   Last June they also supplied Leo's Sport Bar in Mazeppa with about 600 pints of milk to give out to their patrons in honor of June Dairy Month.

The Arendt's are always willing to help out neighbors and community members. Nate volunteers on a weekly basis in the elementary school and coached t-ball in the summer while Mindi coaches soccer.

Nate was a township supervisor and currently serves on the township board of adjustments. He is also the chairman of the Wabasha County Soil and Water Conservation District.

"The Arendt's have been quietly serving and representing Minnesota's dairy industry in southeastern Minnesota for over 35 years. They are exceptional leaders in their local community and have a real energy, excitement and zest for the dairy industry," stated Bob Lefebvre, Executive Director with Minnesota Milk Producers Association.  "We are excited to share this with others over the next year."

State officials yesterday announced that Minnesota will face a projected $4.8 billion budget deficit in the 2010-11 biennium, and an additional $426 million shortfall in the current budget year. In response to the November budget forecast, Senator Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt, said strong and decisive action to create jobs will be the focus during the upcoming 2009 Legislative Session.

The forecast, derived from numerous economic factors and trends, is a snapshot of the state's fiscal landscape used by the Legislature and governor to help develop the upcoming biennial budget. Senator Skogen said that while the deficit is daunting, he hopes that the Legislature and the governor can work together to help grow jobs to aid the state's struggling economy.

"This budget deficit is the direct result of lower-than-expected revenues caused by a major downturn in our state economy," said Senator Skogen.   "Right now our focus needs to be on creating and retaining jobs and growing our way out of this recession."

The fiscal news came as no surprise to legislators and the governor, as unemployment rose to 6.0 percent and the state lost 7,500 jobs in October.   This year, the state shed 25,900 seasonally adjusted jobs from January through October.  

Governor Pawlenty and other governors met with President-elect Obama earlier in the week to discuss a possible economic stimulus package that may include aid for states facing budget deficits. It is estimated that 41 of the 50 states are expecting to face budget shortfalls next year. Pawlenty has reacted cautiously to the plan, despite the fact that Minnesota ranked 46th in terms of receiving federal tax dollars per tax dollar paid, according to the Tax Foundation. Their report shows Minnesota received only 72 cents for every dollar sent to the federal government in 2005; however, neighboring North Dakota ranked 6th and received $1.68 for every dollar they sent in.

"A federal economic stimulus package would help our state get out of recession sooner, and will help ensure that Minnesota can continue investing in our future prosperity," said Senator Skogen. "We can't afford to turn our backs on a helping hand from Washington."

State Economist Tom Stinson presented the forecast during a press conference at the State Capitol. Stinson said Minnesota may take longer to come out of recession compared with the rest of the nation. Some experts are projecting a loss of 77,000 additional jobs in 2009. Numerous legislative working groups, such as the Green Jobs Task Force, already are meeting to discuss how to create jobs in Minnesota both in the short and long-term.

"When the Legislature reconvenes in January, we will begin a line-by-line examination of the state budget," said Senator Skogen. "We need to highlight the things that work, eliminate those that don't, and prioritize spending to make sure Minnesota is prepared to compete in a changing economy. It's time to work cooperatively with the governor and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to find bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing Minnesota."

A new employment report released this week by the Department of Employment and Economic Development shows the state's economy continuing a steep decline, as Minnesota lost another 7,500 jobs in October. These new job losses sparked another jump in the state's unemployment rate, which grew to a seasonally adjusted 6.0 percent in October, up from 4.6 percent one year ago.

"This is a very difficult time for families in our state," said Senator Dan Skogen, DFL -Hewitt.  "Not only is unemployment on the rise, but so too is the length of time it is taking job seekers to find suitable employment. Even with federal extensions, we are expecting to see thousands of Minnesotans run out of unemployment benefits before they're able to find new work."

October's job losses marked the fourth-straight month of employment decline in the state, as Minnesota employers shed 17,500 jobs between June and October. Last month's losses came from nearly every major sector of the state's economy, including trade, transportation, and utilities (down 4,800 in October), manufacturing (down 2,000), construction (down 1,900), professional and business services (down 1,100), information services (down 300) and financial activities (down 100).  

"Just about every part of the state's economy is hurting right now," said Senator Skogen.  "While at first major job losses were contained in a few key areas impacted by the housing slowdown, the picture now is far gloomier."

Locally, Senator Skogen noted that each of the three counties that comprise his district is experiencing significantly higher unemployment than they were one year ago. Comparing October 2007 to October 2008, the unemployment rate has risen from 4.2% to 5.7% in Becker County, from 4.0% to 4.9% in Otter Tail County, and from 5.8% to 6.9% in Wadena County.

"Our region is not immune to the effects of the current recession," Senator Skogen said.  "Workers in this area rely heavily on tourism and manufacturing jobs to drive employment in the region. Unfortunately, those two sectors have been severely impacted by the slowing economy."

Senator Skogen said that lawmakers have spent the past several months working on economic development proposals for the 2009 session. The Green Jobs Task Force has been meeting to develop an action plan for the upcoming session. The group is focused on positioning Minnesota as a national leader in the emerging green economy. Lawmakers are also working with leaders in the bioscience industry to find new and creative ways to attract new bioscience companies to Minnesota.

For more information, contact Senator Skogen at (651) 296-5655 or email sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn

Senator Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt, today announced the details for the second half of his two-day, 12-city listening tour he will host in December.   On Friday, Dec. 19, Senator Skogen will host town hall meetings in six cities throughout the 10A side of his district. Previously, Senator Skogen and Representative-elect Mark Murdock, R-Ottertail, announced plans to hold six bipartisan town hall meetings in District 10B on Thursday, Dec. 18.

The full schedule of the two-day tour is detailed below:

Senator Skogen said he is looking forward to the opportunity to discuss the upcoming session with district residents.

"During the 2009 session, the legislature will face many challenges and difficult decisions," said Senator Skogen. "It is important for me to hear the concerns and ideas of my constituents as we move forward on another budget year in St. Paul."

For more information, contact Senator Skogen at (651) 296-5655 or sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn.

In an effort to gain public input on the upcoming legislative session, Senator Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt, and Representative-elect Mark Murdock, R-Ottertail, will host a series of town hall meetings on December 18.

"It is important for me to hear the concerns of my district as we move forward on another budget year in St. Paul," said Senator Skogen. "These town hall meetings will give me that opportunity."

Senator Skogen added that he is currently coordinating town hall meetings for the other half of his district and will release details as soon as they become available.

For more information, contact Senator Skogen at (651) 296-5655 or sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn or Representative-elect Murdock at (218) 346-4517 or markmurdock@live.com.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, state Senator Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt, participated in a legislative meeting at the State Capitol focused on non-emergency medical transportation in rural Minnesota. Lawmakers, Special Transportation Services (STS) providers, clients, and representatives from hospitals and medical associations, along with the Minnesota Department of Health and its STS broker, met to discuss several issues facing the providers and users of this critical service.

The meeting was organized by rural lawmakers who have heard significant concern from both STS providers, who argue that Medical Assistance reimbursement rates do not cover the full cost of transporting disabled and elderly patients to and from medical appointments, as well as those using the STS system who have recently been turned down for service due to funding shortages at the Minnesota Department of Health.

"Patients turn to STS services when they are unable to find reliable transportation to necessary medical appointments," said Senator Skogen.   "This is a critical service for many senior and disabled citizens throughout the state. Unfortunately, tight budgets and low reimbursement rates have limited access to this service for our most vulnerable populations."

At the meeting, lawmakers learned that the reimbursement rate for Special Transportation Services from the Department of Health has not increased in ten years, which has caused a severe strain on STS providers' budgets. In addition, providers also raised concern that they are only reimbursed for miles that a patient is in the vehicle and not those incurred on the trips to pick up and drop off a patient.

"In rural Minnesota, since our population is more spread out, a provider often will travel 40 or 50 miles to pick up a patient," explained Senator Skogen.   "These businesses are being forced to cut back or eliminate service because they cannot afford to absorb these costs. As a result, patients are left with no choice but to use expensive ambulance transportation or extending their stay at the hospital while they wait for rides home. This is just adding more costs onto our already strained health care system."

Legislators also heard from individuals and health-care representatives who have seen a recent increase in the frequency of patients being denied Special Transportation Services. A lengthy appeals process can be used to review those decisions, but leaves the disabled individual without transportation to important, and sometimes critical, medical appointments.

"We heard from several folks who had relied on STS services for years, who recently were denied service without an explanation from their provider or the Department of Health," Senator Skogen said.  "The eligibility criteria and review process needs to be transparent, and explanations should be provided by the department when applications are denied. We need to know why those who are eligible for service one day are denied the next."

After hearing from a lengthy list of stakeholders, meeting participants decided that they will compile a list of the identified issues and would then form a working group to develop solutions to these concerns. In addition, Senator Skogen urged citizens in his district who have experienced trouble receiving STS services to contact his office as soon as possible.

"Before we develop a solution to this problem, I would like to hear from folks in our area who rely on STS, or have previously used the system," said Senator Skogen.  "It is important that we have as much citizen involvement as possible on this issue."

For further information or to share your STS experience, contact Senator Skogen's capital office at (651) 296-5655 or sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn

Senator Dan Skogen, DFL - Hewitt, said today that recent changes to the state's Green Acres Program have caused significant confusion among Minnesotans enrolled in the program. In response, Senator Skogen is urging interested citizens to review the changes and timeline presented below.

"In 2008, the legislature made several changes to the Green Acres property tax relief program for agricultural land owners," said Senator Skogen. "The changes were prompted by a report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor released in January which cited several abuses - such as non-agricultural land receiving tax benefits - of the program. The legislature's changes were meant to clarify the application process, increase uniform implementation across the state, and ensure only actively productive agricultural land was eligible for the Green Acres tax benefits. Unfortunately, there remains significant confusion over how these changes will affect current enrollees."

In order to clarify how changes to the Green Acres program will affect enrollees, Senator Skogen offered the following information:

• Nothing has changed for productive acres currently enrolled in the Green Acres program. If someone is honestly and actively farming land, they will continue to be eligible for Green Acres benefits. Productive agricultural land includes land that is tilled, pastured, or mowed for hay, as well as land that is occasionally kept out of production or land that is rotationally grazed. Each county assessor will be responsible for judging the legitimacy of land that is occasionally kept out of production or rotationally grazed.
• For non-productive land currently enrolled in Green Acres, two options exist: 1) Enrollees can "grandfather" this land into the Green Acres Program for as long as it stays under the same ownership. If this option is chosen, this land will be subject to a seven-year back-tax payment, rather than the three-year back-tax payment required under current law (all Green Acres enrollees agreed to the three-year payment when they signed up for the program). 2) Enrollees can also voluntarily remove some or all of the non-productive land from Green Acres in 2009 and be subject only to the three-year payback under current law, rather than the seven-year payback under the new law.
• 2009 property taxes will not be impacted by these law changes. The only change is that some landowners, if they choose to voluntarily remove their non-productive acres from Green Acres in 2009, could owe additional taxes by November 2009. Their actual 2009 property taxes due will not change.

• October 2008: Letters sent by county assessors notifying current Green Acres enrollees that the status of their non-productive land will be changing. Some of these letters referenced a November 2008 deadline. This is inaccurate. The first "decision deadline" is January 2, 2009.
• January 2, 2009: Landowners must indicate their intent to either withdraw non-productive land from Green Acres or grandfather-in that acreage. This is only an indication of intent, not a final decision. Intent is completely revocable until summer 2009.
• January 2 - Summer 2009: County assessors will estimate the amount of back taxes each landowner will owe and notify those taxpayers. Paybacks will be based on the average of 2009, 2008 and 2007 tax years. Assessors also will begin splitting previous agricultural land into either agricultural land or rural vacant land.
• Summer 2009: A final date has yet to be chosen, but sometime next summer is when all landowners will have to officially declare whether they would like their non-productive land to be withdrawn from Green Acres or grandfathered in. This is also the deadline for original intents, filed in January, to be revoked.
• November 15, 2009: Back taxes on withdrawn non-productive land will be due to the Department of Revenue.

Senator Skogen said he hopes that this information helps alleviate some of the confusion about the changes to the Green Acres Program, and urged those with further questions to contact their county assessor.

Senator Skogen's capital office can be reached at (651) 296-5655 or sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn

With cold weather approaching, Senator Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt, today urged area families to take advantage of several options to help them cope with rising heating bills this winter.

"Experts predict that home heating bills will be 10 percent to 20 percent higher than last winter," said Senator Skogen. "As families continue to face financial pressures from every direction, rising natural gas prices will squeeze already tight budgets. It is important that Minnesotans realize the options available to them and act quickly to take advantage." Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule prevents utilities from disconnecting a household's main source of heat during the cold-weather months (October -April), as long as they establish a payment agreement and make the required payments.   These payments, which cannot be greater than 10 percent of a low-income family's income, are established through negotiations between the utility and customer. The Cold Weather Rule, which applies to all natural gas and electric utilities, also requires utilities to reconnect customers if they were previously shut off once they enter into a payment agreement.

"Many folks believe that it is against the law for utility companies to shut off their heat during winter, even if they don't pay their bills," Senator Skogen said. "This is simply not the case. In order to be protected by the Cold Weather Rule, homeowners need to contact their utility company at the first sign of trouble, agree to a fair payment plan, and make the required payments."

Senator Skogen also encouraged families to contact local agencies to apply for heating assistance. Minnesota recently received $144.5 million from the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), nearly double last year's total. While these dollars will do a lot of good for struggling families, estimates indicate that even at this funding level, the program will only meet about half of the demand for financial assistance.  

Households with an income of less than 50 percent of the state's median income ($40,738 for a family of four) are eligible for assistance through the program. Grant awards, averaging $500 per family, are determined based on a household's size, income, fuel type, and energy usage. A list of local agencies is available on the Department of Commerce's Energy Information Center website by going to http://www.energy.mn.gov and clicking on "Heating Assistance" or calling 1-800-657-3710.   

"Families that may need financial help paying their home heating bills this winter should apply for this funding as soon as possible," Senator Skogen.   "These dollars are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and there simply is not enough to meet all the demand for help."  

Families are also encouraged to do energy-conservation projects in order to decrease their heating bills. Weatherization-assistance funds are available from local agencies, and they can be used by low-income families for energy audits to evaluate their home's energy usage, exterior wall and attic insulation, safety inspections and assessments of furnaces and indoor air quality.   Interested families should also contact their utility to learn what energy-conservation services they provide.

For more information, contact Senator Skogen's office at (651) 296-5655 or sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn

In a surprising move last month, the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medical Assistance denied Minnesota's request to change the eligibility rules for self-employed farmers applying for MinnesotaCare coverage. Had the change been approved, hundreds of family farmers across the state would have received health care coverage through the state program.

"During the 2007 session, I was proud to support legislation that would have made the MinnesotaCare enrollment process fairer for the state's farmers," said Senator Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt.  "Right now, many Minnesota farmers who cannot afford health insurance are shut out of the MinnesotaCare program because they are considered "too wealthy." In reality, these hardworking Minnesotans are not wealthy, but rather own considerable assets--specifically, the expensive farm equipment they rely on to run their business. However, because current MinnesotaCare eligibility rules count the retail value of this farm equipment as part of a farmer's assets, the program excludes many farmers from entry."

The plan advanced by the Legislature would have allowed farmers to use the real, depreciated value of their used farm equipment in applying for the MinnesotaCare program. According to Senator Skogen, this change would have helped approximately 500 Minnesota farmers qualify for the program.

"This is simply an issue of fairness," said Senator Skogen. "Purchasing and maintaining major farm machinery does not make a farmer wealthy, rather it is a financial burden that farmers assume to run a successful business. It is time we make major changes to the MinnesotaCare program to ensure that the program is helping to address the health-care needs of rural Minnesota."

However, as the MinnesotaCare program is run as a partnership between the state and federal governments, any change to eligibility requirements must be approved by the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medical Assistance (CMS). On Aug. 12, 2008, the state was informed by CMS officials that the Legislature's proposal would not be accepted.

The waiver denial came along with other major changes in the administration of the MinnesotaCare program, which could end up costing state taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding and the loss of an additional 17,000 people from the program. Minnesota Department of Human Services' officials are in negotiations with the federal government and have until Wednesday, October 8 to accept or reject the federal proposal.     

"The implications of these new federal regulations could have devastating consequences to the MinnesotaCare program and the rural Minnesota families that depend on it. I am hopeful that the Legislature, executive branch, and congressional delegation can work to find a solution that preserves the future of the MinnesotaCare program and does not unduly harm the fiscal health of the state, or the individuals who rely upon the program." concluded Senator Skogen.

For more information on this issue, please contact Senator Skogen at (651) 296-5655 or sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn

According to a new report from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), over five million people in the United States have not received their stimulus rebate checks due to not filing a 2007 income tax return. In Minnesota, 64,246 checks totaling over $19 million have yet to be claimed, representing nearly a quarter of total payments.

According to Senator Dan Skogen, DFL - Hewitt, most of the unclaimed checks are due to certain military veterans and retirees who are not normally required to file an income tax return. These recipients will not receive their stimulus check until they file their 2007 return, even if they owed nothing to the IRS.

In order to accommodate eligible taxpayers who have not yet received their stimulus check, the IRS is giving most military veterans and senior citizens until October 15th to file their 2007 return. For more information on filing, go to http://www.irs.gov/ and click on "Rebate-Its Not Too Late", or call 1-800-829-1040.

"Many Americans who are not typically required to fill out an income tax return have yet to receive their economic stimulus check from the federal government," said Senator Skogen.  "Unfortunately, many of these taxpayers are those who would benefit most from financial assistance during this current recession. I urge anyone who meets the eligibility requirements who has yet to file a 2007 tax return to do so as quickly as possible, to ensure they receive the money they are due."

Taxpayers are eligible to receive an economic stimulus check if:

• You or your family has at least $3,000 in qualifying income from, or in combination with, Social Security benefits, Veterans Affairs benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits and earned income. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment.
• You and any family members listed on your tax return have valid Social Security numbers.
• You are not a dependent or eligible to be a dependent on someone else's federal tax return. (The same must be true of any family members claimed on your return.)

Eligible individuals can receive between $300 and $600, joint filers between $600 and $1,200 and those with eligible children can receive an additional $300 for each qualifying child.  

For more information, contact Senator Skogen's office at (651) 296-5655 or sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn

As Minnesota schoolchildren head back to the classroom, Senator Dan Skogen noted that Minnesota elected officials, education leaders, parents and teachers have both challenges and opportunities ahead for the coming school year.

"Minnesota's success over the past several decades has been built on a world-class public school system," said Senator Skogen, DFL - Hewitt.   "Minnesota's high school students routinely produce the nation's highest ACT scores. Our fourth and eighth grade students have scored near the top on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science test.   While we should be proud of our investments in our schools and our children, we must be aware that there are serious challenges ahead."

Minnesota schools did receive a funding boost during the 2008 session and a major funding policy change was passed, although this was not a legislative "budget" year. The one percent increase comes on top of the three percent increase passed in 2007 that helped schools lower class sizes, re-hire laid-off teachers, purchase needed technology and hold the line on fee increases.

"In the past two years, the legislature reprioritized state spending to put more resources into our public education system," said Senator Skogen. "However, even these modest increases were not enough to fill the hole in our local school districts created by the 2003 budget deficit, as well as rising energy and health care costs. The recent report that half of Minnesota schools did not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under No Child Left Behind requirements is a serious trend that we must address."

In 2004, the Legislative Auditor's report predicted that as proficiency targets increased and as the state implemented more grade-level assessments in more grades, more schools would fail to make AYP. By the 2013-2014 school year, NCLB will require 100 percent of students to be proficient on the state tests.

"While I do believe that we should hold school districts accountable for how they spend our tax dollars, it is clear that the measuring sticks used under the No Child Left Behind program are wholly inadequate," said Senator Skogen.  "Despite repeated requests from legislators, parents and educators, Congress has failed to pass significant reform to No Child Left Behind. If the federal government is unwilling to provide serious reform, we may have to take strong measures at the state level."

Congress is currently working to "re-authorize" NCLB, although definite decisions will likely not be made before the end of the year.

Senator Skogen also added that the 2009 Legislative Session will be pivotal in what happens in Minnesota schools, as the legislature sets the state's two-year budget. In 2006, Education Week magazine gave Minnesota a "D" in the access that students and teachers in state schools have to education technology. The state was ranked second-to last nationwide, just above Nevada. The grade shouldn't be surprising; in ten years Minnesota's technology education funding has dropped to zero.

"Our schools are not immune to the same rising costs that are facing Minnesota families," Senator Skogen said. "Between 2000 and 2004, health care costs for schools increased 32 percent, the major cost driver in education. Fuel and energy costs are increasing at incredible rates. Without increasing the state's support of public schools, we risk seeing our state continue to slip in national education rankings."

For more information, contact Senator Skogen's office at (651) 296-5655 or sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn

On August 1, Governor Tim Pawlenty announced the appointment of Wadena County Commissioner Bill Stearns to the newly established Star Lake Board. The Star Lake Board will serve as the governing body of the Star Lake program, an initiative passed this session aimed at ensuring the state's investments in water management are used as efficiently as possible.

"In his two terms of service as a Wadena County commissioner, Bill Stearns has proven himself a dedicated public servant," said Senator Skogen.  "He has long been a strong leader on environmental issues, and will be an important figure on the Star Lake Board."

The 'Star Lake' program, which received broad, bipartisan support, is intended to create a "gold standard" for proactive lake management by recognizing and rewarding lake associations that voluntarily implement water-friendly lake-management practices beyond what is required by law.   Under the plan, lake associations meeting specific criteria will receive the 'Star Lake' designation, and could also be prioritized for assistance from state agencies and other organizations to assist the lake association's efforts.

The Star Lake Board, which will consist of state and local elected officials, state agency representatives, water-quality experts, and representatives of local lake associations from across the state, will be charged with reviewing applications from lake associations seeking the Star Lake designation. In order to be eligible for the designation, a lake association must meet a number of criteria, including:

• Developing and updating a star lake or river management plan that aims to improve the health of the lake, identify opportunities for public-private partnerships, promote shore land best-management practices, and educate association members;
• Maintaining a membership of at least half of the private shore land owners;
• Participating in a water quality monitoring program that meets Pollution Control Agency standards; and
• Holding annual meetings to review the Star Lake plan and notify appropriate state agencies and local government units in the development and monitoring of the star lake or river management plan.

The board will then work with private and public entities to leverage resources and technical assistance to help Star Lakes achieve the goals laid out in their lake management plans.   In addition, the bill contains a provision that allows state agencies to prioritize Star Lakes when allocating financial and staff resources.

"The Star Lakes program will help us build a cost-effective partnership between the state and private lakeshore owners," said Sen. Skogen.   "By building on the great work already being done by lake associations in the state, we can ensure that Minnesota's waters remain clean and healthy for the next generation."

For more information, contact Senator Skogen's office at (651) 296-5655 or sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn

Many new state laws passed during the 2008 Legislative Session will take effect on August 1.  The new laws include everything from the creation of a graduated driver's license for young drivers, to efforts to help homeowners and renters dealing with foreclosure.

Parents and teenagers will be taking notice of the state's new graduated driver's license law. For the first six months of holding a license, a driver with a provisional license (under age 18) cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it is from home to work, home to school, for work, or they are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. This prohibition doesn't apply if the teen is accompanied by a parent or guardian. Also, for the first six months, a driver cannot drive with more than one passenger under 20 years old unless they are a family member. For the second six months of holding their license, a driver cannot drive with more than three passengers under 20 years old from outside the family.

"Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers in this country," said Senator Dan Skogen, DFL - Hewitt.  "The new graduated driver's license law will help new drivers gain valuable behind-the-wheel experience, while minimizing the distractions so often responsible for crashes involving teen drivers. Not only will this new law save the lives of teenagers in the state, they will protect every motorist on the road."

Foreclosure legislation becoming law includes efforts to facilitate early intervention by foreclosure counselors, protections for renters to ensure they are made aware the property they are renting has entered into foreclosure and that any eviction notice from a tenant's rental record will be expunged if they vacate a rental property because of the owner's foreclosure, and a law that will make it easier for abandoned properties to be turned back to the lender.  

"The mortgage foreclosure crisis is hurting nearly every community in Minnesota," said Senator Skogen. "This session, we passed prudent measures to help families keep their homes, protect renters impacted by foreclosed homes, and aid communities struggling with steep increases in foreclosures."  

Other laws going into effect August 1 include:

• Legislation allowing wronged insurance policyholders to get some attorney fees paid if they have to sue an insurance company that recklessly disregards the policy and denies a claim with no basis for denial.
• A bill allowing very low-income persons access to their belongings if their vehicle is impounded.
• A new law requiring a court to ask if a convicted defendant is a member or veteran of the armed forces and whether he or she has been diagnosed with mental illness. If so, the court will consider appropriate treatment.
• Composing, reading, or sending electronic messages on a wireless communications device is prohibited while operating a motor vehicle.   Exceptions are allowed for GPS use for navigation purposes, making cell phone calls, using the device in hands-free mode, or emergency situations.
• The "Hannah Montana" law makes it gross misdemeanor to sell, distribute or use software to get around security and move to the front of an Internet ticket-buyer line.

Dozens of changes to Minnesota's hunting and fishing laws were debated and passed this year, and many are scheduled to go into effect August 1.    These changes were made as part of the Legislature's annual Omnibus Game and Fish Bill, signed into law May 25.

Beginning August 1, changes in Minnesota's hunting laws will include:

• Eliminating the minimum age requirements for hunting moose, elk, and prairie chicken.
• Establishing a half-price turkey license ($12) for youths up to age 18.
• Eliminating the state turkey stamp, with its $5 cost rolled into the price of a turkey license. A total of $4.50 from each license will be spent on wild turkey management.
• Allowing youths age 10 and 11 to hunt big game, provided they are under direct supervision of a parent or guardian who is within immediate reach.    Big game may be taken under a parent or guardian's license until March 1, 2009. After that, these youths must get a license, at no charge. Those who turn 12 years old within the calendar year must be licensed to hunt big game.
• Simplification of deer hunting regulations by allowing the Department of Natural Resources to reduce hunting zones and drop its all-season and multi-zone licenses, and instead offer separate licenses for firearms, muzzleloader and archery deer hunting. Also, the list of legal calibers for big game has been simplified.
• Allowing bow hunters to possess a firearm while hunting big game other than deer.
• Allowing pheasant hunters to take up to three cock pheasants per day (instead of two) from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1. During that period, there is a three-day possession limit of 9 roosters.

• A new "conservation angling license," available at two-thirds the price of a regular license. Purchasers of the license can take up to one-half of the daily and possession limits allowed under a normal license.
• A new winter open season for lake trout, brown trout, brook trout, and splake on all lakes from Jan. 15 to March 31.
• A change in the opening date for spear fishing through the ice, from Dec. 1 to Nov. 15. The season still ends on the last Sunday in February.

According to Senator Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt, several of the laws passed this session were aimed at encouraging more young people to experience the outdoors.

"In recent years, we have seen a significant decline in the number of young people who are getting involved in outdoor recreation," said Senator Skogen. "This session, we focused on passing hunting and fishing laws that encourage safe youth involvement in these sports. Not only will these changes help continue our state's rich outdoor heritage, they will also promote healthier lifestyles among Minnesota's youth."