The Pillow Book of Kurt Daudt

Readings in Minority Leading

from Bluestem Prairies laptop to your ears November 11, 2012

On November 10, 2012, Minnesota House Republicans selected Kurt Daudt Minority Leader after suffering the loss of majority control of the lower chamber. Daudt, who replaced retiring Republican state representative Rob Eastlund in the 2010 mid-term GOP wave election, was called comparatively moderate by Charley Shaw in Politics in Minnesotas wrap-up of the selection of minority leaders in both houses. Shaw reports in GOP legislative minorities pick their leaders: The House and Senate have gone in opposite ideological directions with their leadership picks as they prepare to become the minority in the 2013 legislative session. The House on Saturday afternoon chose Rep. Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, as minority leader. Heading into his second term, Daudt, who managed former House Minority Leader Marty Seiferts unsuccessful bid for the 2010 GOP gubernatorial endorsement, is comparatively moderate compared to the hard right portion of the Caucus. The Senate GOP Caucus on Friday night picked a leadership team exclusively from the ranks of its right wing. After reviewing Daudts record, were wondering whether that reputation for moderation is generated more by temperament than by ideology, whatever his association with former Minority Leader Marty Seifert might have been. With the exception of the ALEC-inspired Right-to-Work Amendment, Daudts record falls squarely in line with most of his Republican colleagues in the Minnesota House. For those who joined Daudt in the Class of 2010, this isnt a surprise; Daudt served on the state partys recruitment committee. He also had a track record of party activismand affection for figures such as Sarah Palin. The Star Tribune reported in Fired-up Palin rocks arena, rips her foes: Minnesotans in the convention hall gave Palin a strong thumbs up, waving signs and chanting "Sar-ah," some standing on their chairs. "I think she hit it out of the park. I think Obama probably has sweat on his brow tonight," said delegate Kurt Daudt, an Isanti County commissioner. "Her reputation as a pit bull is really showing through." Charming. No doubt President Obama is still sweating that one. Lets take a lot at the Celebrated Mr. Daudt.

The Shadow of a Daudt: Some Background His wikipedia entry is relatively concise: Kurt L. Daudt (born September 1973) is a Minnesota politician and a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from District 17A, which includes portions of Anoka, Chisago and Isanti counties in the east central part of the state, just north of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. A Republican, he is also a business manager.[1] Daudt was first elected to the House in 2010. He serves on the Commerce and Regulatory Reform, the Higher Education Policy and Finance, the Redistricting, and the Rules and Legislative Administration Committees, and on the Taxes Subcommittee for the Property and Local Tax Division. He is an assistant majority leader and vice chair of the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee.[2] Daudt served as an Isanti County Commissioner from 2005 to 2010. Before that, he was a township board supervisor for Stanford Township from 1995 to 2005, and a member of the East Central Regional Library Board. He was also a founding member of Project 24, a nonprofit organization that builds orphanages in Kenya. To date, the project has raised over $500,000 and built six orphanages.[3][4] The laudable orphan project grew from Daudts engagement in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod; he is deeply involved in his home church and national church activities. The Wikipedia profile omits the details of Daudts private sector work history. In 2010, he told the Isanti County News in Kurt Daudt excited to begin next chapter in political career: When Daudt was elected county commissioner, he took a $40,000 decrease in salary. He had been in sales at Lexus in Maplewood, but his schedule as county commissioner required him to find a part-time job. He now works 21 hours a week as a business manager at Buerkle Acura in Brooklyn Park. He said if its possible, hes planning on still working while serving as state representative. In short, a car salesman. His public service began when he was 24, but his political aspirations go back to high school: While attending Princeton High School, class of 92, he was involved in the student council and student government. At the age of 24, he was elected to the Stanford Township Board and served for six years. In November 2004, he was elected to the Isanti County Board of Commissioners, and for a while he was the youngest county commissioner in the state of Minnesota. . . . An appearance in a 2004 Star Tribune candidate profile: Kurt Daudt, Zimmerman Background: Age 30. Stanford Township Board, six years; Township Board chairman, two years; delegate to National Township Convention, 2004; member, Zion Lutheran Church; church

president, two years; finance committee chairman, two years; delegate to national synod convention, 2004. Endorsements: None sought. Essay: As county commissioner, I will bring new ideas and leadership to the important issue of future development, property owners' rights and law enforcement. Our current County Board has already begun the process of reviewing our zoning ordinances to allow for more development. I will work very hard to ensure that any future development is done in a responsible manner and does not increase the tax burden on our current residents. I will also work to protect the rights of property owners and fight against property tax increases. (VOTER'S GUIDE; ISANTI COUNTY COMMISSIONER, September 9, 2004, Star Tribune, Nexis All-News, retrieved 11/11/2012) Kurt Daudt, party hack But Daudt wasnt limiting himself to studying permit applications and ditch improvement. He was also advancing himself as a figure in Republican Party of Minnesota internal politics. In addition to the Palin reaction, Daudt turned up in other coverage of the 2008 Republican National Convention, where he served as a delegate. In The Main Event, This Is John McCains Convention, the Stribs Patricia Lopez reported: . . .One of those fractures will be in full evidence across the river at Target Center, where a Ron Paul sideshow will attempt to draw off as much attention as it can, using everyone from the former libertarian GOP presidential candidate to former Gov. Jesse Ventura, who is expected to deliver his best populist jabs to the assembled Paulites on Tuesday afternoon. "We're not working against the party," insists Marianne Stebbins, a Republican activist who got squeezed out of a national delegate spot earlier this year. "We see this as a supplement to the convention. And the dissident factor is easy to overstate. Protesters and malcontents aside, this is a chance for like-minded Republicans to rub elbows with their heroes all day and party all night. "I've never been to one. I don't really know what to expect, but I'm excited," said Kurt Daudt, 34, an Isanti County commissioner who cracked the delegate list and will have a ringside seat on the Xcel floor. Thumbing through his stack of invitations, Daudt said he'd lost count of the parties to which he's been invited. "I think it's going to be a fantastic time. Just fun. It's an awesome opportunity for Minnesota and the Twin Cities." (August 31, 2008 ,Nexis All News, retrieved 11/11/2012) A marvelous accidental juxtaposition, given this years ascendance of Stebbins and the Paulitesand Daudts own elevation on Saturday.

The Republican Partys communication staff must have flagged Daudt as a pretty face for the media, since he turns up in the Pioneer Press as well. In an editorial introduction, , we read: Pioneer Press writer Debra O'Connor organized a discussion last week of three people who were to be "insiders" and three who were to be "outsiders." As she reports elsewhere in today's paper, the group joined the issues of the war, tax policy, health care and the role and limits of government. They did not agree. But they spoke with a degree of respect for each other's ideas and the personal experiences that led to them. Our three "outsiders" were Jess Sundin of Minneapolis, a leader of the big anti-war march scheduled for today; Andrew Hine of St. Paul, a neighborhood activist; and Kristin Beckmann of the Service Employees International Union, who is helping organize a traditional Labor Day rally on Harriet Island. Our three "insiders,'' all delegates to the Republican National Convention, were Phil Krinkie, a businessman and former state legislator who heads the Minnesota Taxpayers League; state Rep. Laura Brod, a Republican from New Prague; and Kurt Daudt of Stanford Township, who serves as an Isanti County commissioner. (A Hurricane Intervenes, Editorial, August 31, 2008, Nexis All News, retrieved 11/11/2012) Brod and Krinkie? Heady company. OConnor writes in Stop shouting, stop ignoring, and listen: Taxes are another hot-button issue. . . .Daurt's [sic] views on taxes come from what he sees in Isanti County. The area had been growing fast, and then the housing crisis hit, forcing many people into foreclosures. The cost of services the county is mandated to provide, plus services citizens expect, is going up at a faster rate than residents' incomes. "This isn't a situation where we can tax ourselves back into a good economy," he said. But taxes still have a role to play: "We do need to invest in economic development kinds of things." . . . Invest? DFLers get scolded when they talk that way, but Daudt is clearly identified as a Republican: KURT DAUDT Age: 34 Hometown: Stanford Township in rural Isanti County Occupation: Business manager, Buerkle Acura; Isanti County commissioner Organizations: Republican Party of Minnesota, state vice chair, 8th Congressional District; Zion Lutheran Church of Crown, church president; Lutheran Island Camp, board of directors; East Central Regional Library Board, trustee, former chair:

Hero: My grandfather. He instilled in me the set of values that I live by and an attitude of service to my community. Other interesting things about my life: In November 2006, I traveled to Kenya on a mission trip to build orphanages for children in Kenya. To date, we have raised over $300,000. I speak to groups to help raise money and awareness and hope to return to Kenya to help in construction of one of the orphanages. People may not know: My brother and I collect antique tractors. Daudts involvement with the RPM continued. In 2009, Politics in Minnesota reported in State GOP sets Duluth recruitment meeting: The Minnesota Republican Party's candidate recruitment committee will hold a meeting Tuesday in Duluth to scope out potential GOP candidates for office. The purpose of the meeting is to support the "recruitment structures" of local Republican organizations and recruit candidates to seek the party's endorsement for the statewide constitutional offices of governor, attorney general, secretary of state and state auditor. Committee members will seek input from local GOP leaders about potential candidates who can appeal to voters in northern Minnesota, according to party chairman Tony Sutton. Members of the candidate recruitment committee are chair Gregg Peppin of Rogers; Fran Bradley of Rochester; Doc Zupfer of Zumbrota; Brad and Bev Aho of Eden Prairie; Lori Grivna of Shoreview; Bill Opsahl of Minneapolis; Brad Biers of Blaine; Neil Nelson of Lowry; Kurt Daudt of Zimmerman; and Chris Jacobson of Maplewood. A news release, Minnesota GOP: Republican Party of Minnesota Announces Rochester Candidate Recruitment Meeting announced the committees visit to Southern Minnesota in January 2010: Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton today announced that the Party's Candidate Recruitment Committee will hold a meeting in Rochester on Wednesday, January 27 in Royale Room A-B at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center at 6:30 PM. "Minnesota Republicans have tremendous opportunities in November. As Tim Walz and big spending Democrats in Minnesota continue to overreach by voting for more taxes and larger government bureaucracies, we can beat Walz and win back the legislative seats of Rep. Norton, Rep. Liebling, Rep. Welti and Sen. Lynch. Wednesday's meeting in Rochester of the Party's Candidate Recruitment Committee is an excellent way for potential candidates to become a part of what promises to be a great year for Minnesota Republicans," said Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton. "We welcome anyone to the meeting who wants to know more about how to get involved. This is our year to capture the offices of attorney general, state auditor and secretary of state and take back legislative seats the Democrats have been renting. Rochester will be a crucial battleground in November and our Committee's meeting will give potential candidates and interested activists an opportunity to ask questions and explore the possibility of running," said Committee Chair Gregg Peppin.

The Republican Party of Minnesota Candidate Recruitment Committee is meeting in Rochester to visit with local activists and potential candidates for the legislature and constitutional office. The Committee encourages any individuals who are interested in running for office to attend. The members of the RPM Candidate Recruitment Committee are: Gregg Peppin, Chair - Rogers Fran Bradley, CD 1 - Rochester Doc Zupfer, CD 2 - Zumbrota Brad and Bev Aho, CD 3 - Eden Prairie Lori Grivna, CD 4 - Shoreview Bill Opsahl, CD 5 - Minneapolis Brad Biers, CD 6 - Blaine Erik Haapala, CD 7 - Dassel Kurt Daudt, CD 8 - Zimmerman Chris Jacobson, At-Large - Maplewood

Daudt shows up nex for a gubernatorial campaign.

Service to Seifert PIMs Sarah Janecek reported in commentary for the The Weekly Report: March 12, 2010: Seifert lands Senjem and staffs up Apparently there was quite a brouhaha in the Senate GOP Caucus when members learned that Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem (R-Rochester) was to be featured as GOP candidate Rep. Marty Seifert's (R-Marshall) next big endorsement. Some GOP senators tried to talk Senjem out of it, arguing that it was inappropriate for a legislative leader to pick a side in a heated endorsement battle with Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano). In the end, Senjem stuck to his guns and endorsed Seifert. While landing the endorsement of a legislative leader is not to be dismissed, we're not sure what Senjem adds to the Seifert endorsing conventionroster. Seifert already has the "rural" or "greater Minnesota" vote,which is also what Senjem brings to the table. Emmer's big endorsement this week was from Taxpayers League founder Mike Wigley. In GOP inside-baseball politics, Wigley could be a significant endorsement, opening money doors for the Emmer campaign that had previously been closed. Seifert's much bigger news this week is that he is seriously staffing up. Make that "paid" staffing up. Kurt Daudt, a longtime GOP activist and Isanti County commissioner, is now

the campaign manager. The move makes Ben Zierke, the first Seifert staffer and veteran of other campaigns, political director. Andy Eilers, who was Sen. David Hann's (R-Eden Prairie) campaign manager when Hann was a gubernatorial contender, is a new field staffer (a job he held in the First Congressional District for GOP candidate Brian Davis). Other new field staffers are Abdul Rahman Magba-Kamara, who just completed a two-year term as chair of the Minnesota College Republicans; Andy Post, who worked as field staff for the House Republican Caucus in the 2008 cycle; and Nick Sherlock, who also worked for the House GOP Caucus campaigns in 2008. Brittni Palke will be the scheduler and finance assistant. She worked as the office manager of the John McCain campaign in Minnesota. Last but definitely not least, veteran political strategist Ben Golnik is now the official general campaign consultant and will oversee communications and overall campaign strategy. That service to Seifert--who endorsed Daudt for the minority leader position--had its own controversy. In Framing himself as a statesman, Emmer lays out his vision, Daudt fired back: Seifert's campaign countered that Emmer is light on specifics. "It is nice that Tom Emmer, nearly a year into the campaign, has finally decided to talk about the issues," said Kurt Daudt, Seifert's campaign manager. "With less than two weeks until the endorsing convention, Marty Seifert will continue to talk about his thoughtful, substantive plans to lead Minnesota forward." The Seifert campaign soon went after another kind of issues. Days later, the Pioneer Press reported in Republican gubernatorial candidates battle over DWI disclosure: Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer said his chief GOP rival, Rep. Marty Seifert, had "sunk to a new low" Wednesday by attacking the Delano legislator for his two convictions for driving while intoxicated 20 and 30 years ago. Siefert's campaign manager Kurt Daubt [sic] said the campaign was simply distributing a letter from a Republican convention delegate at her request. The mailing went out eight days before the start of the state Republican convention in Minneapolis. "We're all used to October surprises by the Democrats, but we never thought Marty would sink so low to launch this April surprise against a fellow Republican at the last minute before the convention," Rep. Mark Buesgens, Emmer's campaign chairman, said in a statement. "The fact is that Tom has been upfront with delegates about this issue. They were the subject of a newspaper article last year, and Tom has been very forthcoming about his actions to anyone who asked." In response, Daubt [sic] issued the following statement: "Republican activist and state convention delegate Sandra Berg's family was victimized by a drunk driver. As a result, she was moved to share important information with fellow Republican state convention delegates about Tom Emmer's record: two past DWI arrests; his efforts in 2009 as a legislator to weaken the state's DWI laws and cover up the fact he broke them; and not sharing this information when asked about a possible October surprise at a recent candidate forum.

"Sandra's letter provides factual information about a vital issue for the delegates to consider: the electability and credibility of candidates. At her request, the Seifert campaign distributed her letter." (retrieved via Nexis All News, 11/10/2012) The old driving offense later formed the basis for a brutally effective anti-Emmer television ad produced and funded by the Alliance for a Better Minnesota. The Republicans endorsed Emmer anyway. Mr. Daudt Goes to St. Paul Daudts next star turn was as a candidate and legislator, announcing his run for the Eastlund seat in early May. He readily won the heavily Republican seat. Just over two years ago, Minnesota Public Radio first talked to Daudt in Newly elected lawmaker shares his experiences: Daudt describes himself as a fiscal conservative who has fought against property tax increases while he served as a commissioner for Isanti County. He opposes the new federal health care law, which he calls "Obamacare," and has said that he believes the 10th Amendment to the Constitution grants states the right to opt out of the legislation. Daudt's campaign website outlines other key issues for the freshman lawmaker -- gun rights, "traditional marriage," property rights, and his opposition to legalized abortion. His website also says, "Daudt will support the end of sanctuary cities in Minnesota, because he understands that illegal immigration problems can spill over into our district as well." Daudt served as the campaign manager for Republican Marty Seifert, who ran unsuccessfully this year for the party's nomination for governor. Daudt repeated the same Republican laundry list on this years website, although attacks on immigrants failed to show up in legislation proposed in 2011-2012, from Daudt or anyone. Word from Bluestems friends who work in immigration issues connect this silence with pressure from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce as well as human rights advocates. Bills Daudt liked that got public attention Legislating by constitutional amendment (but not Right to Work) Daudt was a co-author of both of the constitutional amendments that Minnesota voters shot down along with his partys majority status on November 6, 2012. We probably wont see much of this mischief in the coming session, but you should know. As becoming a long-time party activist, Daudts support of both isnt surprising, and hes also deeply involved in leadership in the socially conservative Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church, so his support of the marriage amendment is likely informed by his faith.

But Daudts love of legislating by constitutional amendment didnt stop with the two unpopular amendments. He signed on to more bills to change the state constitution, none of which made it to, well, anywhere. GOP-leaning MinnPost analyst Cyndy Brucato called it amendment fatigue. Steve Drazkowskis HF1598 would have amended the constitution so that three-fifths vote required to enact a law imposing or increasing certain taxes. It was one of the first pieces of the MNGOP Reform 2.0 agenda-- that mostly went nowhere. Former Rep. Keith Downeys HF1612 which would have budgeted spending limited to the amount collected in prior biennium. The League of Women Voters came out against both measures: HF1598, authored by Rep. Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa), proposes an amendment to the Constitution to require a 3/5 majority vote of the legislature to pass a law increasing state income tax, state sales or property tax, or imposing a new state tax. This would give a minority a stranglehold on state finances. The Taxes Committee scheduled a hearing for May 2. HF1612, authored by Rep. Keith Downey (R-Edina) proposes a constitutional amendment limiting budget spending in a biennium to the revenue collected in the prior biennium. In order to spend any more, there would need to be a declared national security or peacetime emergency. Regarding HF1612, an April 29 article by Minnesota Budget Bites (4) points out that: (a) a similar amendment was passed in Colorado and later suspended because of the damage that the resulting cuts did to education and public health; and (b) Arizona Republican Gov. Jan Brewer just vetoed a similar proposal, citing Colorados negative experience. Republicans propose to spend $34.3 to $34.5 billion for 2012-13. If the amendment called for by HF1612 were added to the Constitution, general fund spending for FY2012-13 would be capped at $30.7 billion, the amount collected in FY2010-11. To live within the terms of their own amendment, Republicans would need to cut their budget $3.6 - $3.8 billion more, and find $1.2 billion in additional cuts to replace their unproven numbers, discussed above. Daudt didnt sign on to Drazs Right-to-Work amendment and reportedly was among those Republicans who kept it from coming to a vote on the floor of either chamber. He was endorsed by the 49ers local. Let them Daudt-le forever without getting their work done bill With the shutdown looming and the legislature dicking around with constitutional amendments and other such malarkey, Daudt introduced a bill that would have funded state government at 70 percent while the bickering and tweeting carried on, nor could the court determine essential services in a shutdown. Its HF1753. MPRs Tom Scheck reported in GOP lawmakers start preparing for a government shutdown:

Lawmakers have also introduced a so-called "lights on" bill that would fund state agencies at 70 percent of current funding levels. Public safety would be funded at 100 percent of current funding levels. Rep. Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, says a bill he introduced would also forbid the courts from determining what should be considered an essential state government service. In 2005 during a partial government shutdown, the state courts were forced to step in to determine essential services. Daudt says his bill keeps the courts out of the budget battle between the Legislature and the governor. "We feel that kind of usurps the ability of the governor and the Legislature to make those decisions," Daudt said of the courts getting involved. "That decision really needs to come out of the Legislature and be signed by the governor." Democrats argue that Republicans are putting forward "lights on" bills because they can't reach a budget deal with Gov. Dayton. Lawmakers have until midnight Monday to reach a budget deal with the governor. A special session will have to be called if a budget deal is not reached. State government would shut down if a budget is in place by July 1 when the new fiscal year starts. Without an incentive to get it done, who knows how long the partisan games would go on and to what new levels theyd escalate. Dont let the shrinks ask about the gun Bluestem supports the Second Amendment, including carry laws and such. We do also think that medical providers need to be able to do their jobs, and sometimes that means asking a person who is going through a period of mental illness whether or not he or she has a gun lying around. Like the fairly radical Gun Owners of America, Daudt (and some DFLers too, sad to say) doesnt share this concern, and in HF1717, there would have been this restriction: Health care providers must not inquire or authorize any designee to inquire of a patient or resident regarding the person's use, possession, or access to firearms or firearms ammunition. This defies common sense. While in ordinarily the answer to these questions is nobodys business when a suicidial child or troubled co-worker is talking about hurting themselves or others, maybe we want to ask those questions. It seems like an intrusion into the doctor patient relationship. No Obamacare for you, Minnesota As a co-author of HF1351, Daudt joined up with the Tenth movement to block the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, generallyknow as Obamacare. The Minnesota Independent reported in Republican tenther bill would ban Obamacare in Minnesota: Republicans in the Minnesota House are pushing legislation that would ban the Affordable Care Act from being implemented in the state under the grounds that it violates the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The bill calls the law unconstitutional, declares it void in Minnesota and directs all state agencies to halt implementation of any aspect of health care reform.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), enacted by the federal government, is inconsistent with the powers reserved under the ninth and tenth amendments, is an encroachment upon those reserved powers, and is an exercise of authority not delegated to Congress, HF1351 states. . . . The legislation was introduced by Reps. Chris Swedzinski of Ghent, Kurt Daudt of Crown, Steve Gottwalt of St. Cloud, Doug Wardlow of Eagan, King Banaian of St. Cloud, David Hancock of Bemidji, Bruce Vogel of Willmar, Paul Torkelson of Nelson Township, and Glenn Gruenhagen of Glencoe. The bill went nowhere, and those sponsors serving in swing districts (Wardlow, Banaian, Hancock and Vogel) were tossed from office in the November . Still, its the thought that counts. Daudting womens control of their lady parts Daudt is no slacker when it comes to asserting governments control over womens bodies, or at least their reproductive choices. The Minnesota Independent reported in Minnesota GOP introduces three more bills to ban state funding for abortion: Two weeks ago, Republican leadership in the Minnesota Senate introduced a bill to ban state funding for abortion, and on Monday, two more bills with identical language were introduced in the Senate and another in the Minnesota House. The text of all three bills reads, Funding for state-sponsored health programs shall not be used for funding abortions, except to the extent necessary for continued participation in a federal program. The bill also includes language that anticipate a court challenge. A ban on state funding for abortion has already been ruled unconstitutional in Minnesota in the case of Doe v. Gomez in 1995. When the issue originally came up in late-January, reproductive rights advocates said the bill was a distraction. Minnesotans know that we have different views on issues like abortion, and even though we may not agree on all points, our state Constitution has made sure all women have had the right to choose for more than 15 years, said Linnea House, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota. The anti-choice lawmakers want to focus on this issue at the expense of our states other priorities. They are overstepping in trying to force an anti-choice agenda that weakens our states Constitution. The budget crisis is critical, which makes it even more unbelievable that some lawmakers are attacking choice. She added, Making the option of abortion accessible to all women did not create a budget crisis. In fact, this is a distraction from the states priorities. . . . HF391 was introduced by Republican Reps. Peggy Scott of Andover, Ron Shimanski of Silver Lake, Bob Dettmer of Forest Lake, Greg Davids of Preston, Mike LeMieur of Little Falls, Roger Crawford of Mora, Kathy Lohmer of Lake Elmo, Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa, Mike Benson of Rochester, Bruce Anderson of Buffalo Township, Doug Wardlow of Eagan, King Banaian of St

Cloud, Tony Cornish of Good Thunder, Joyce Peppin of Rogers, Mary Franson of Alexandria, Paul Anderson of Starbuck, Joe McDonald of Delano, David Hancock of Bemidji, Tim Sanders of Blaine, Kurt Daudt of Crown, Debra Kiel of Crookston, Rich Murray of Albert Lea, Paul Torkelson of Nelson Township, Rod Hamilton of Mountain Lake, Gene Pelowski of Winona and Mary Liz Holberg of Lakeville. Daudt also signed on to two bills offered by chief sponsor Kathy Lohmer. HF1682 would limit the use of family planning grants to providers that dont even think about abortion, even indirectly, while HF2674 would have imposed burdensome licensing requirements and surprise inspections on facilities that perform ten or more abortions (including nonsurgical ones) a month.

Ladies, about that equal pay for equal work Daudt was also a co-author to HF7, Drazkowskis contentious bill that included the repeal of the 1984 Local Government Pay Equity Act (LGPEA). In Republicans propose repeal of fair pay laws for women, the Minnesota Independent reported: Minnesota Republicans have introduced legislation that would repeal the 1984 Local Government Pay Equity Act (LGPEA), which directs local governments to ensure that women are paid the same as men. While local governments say reporting requirements are costly, equal rights groups say the law needs to stay intact in order to ensure fair pay, especially for women of color. HF7/SF159 would repeal a laundry list of mandates on local governments including regulations on part-time police officers, agricultural programs for low-income farmers and grants for libraries but buried in the bill is a full repeal of the LGPEA. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is pushing the repeal. In a December report on public employee compensation, the group wrote, State pay equity/comparable worth law should be repealed. Its purpose is outdated, and requiring governments to correct perceived errors in labor markets based on bureaucratic and subjective assessments of the relative value of government jobs is an unnecessary and costly mandate. Shannon Drury, president of the Minnesota chapter of the National Organization for Women, said the group strongly opposes a repeal of the law. Why the legislature would repeal this measure in such a difficult economic climate is beyond me, said Drury. Women are now the majority of the American workforce, due in part to the recessions disproportionate toll on men. She added, In simpler terms, womens paychecks are crucial to families survival. This bill would remove protections that ensure womens full compensation under the law. Several recent studies have pointed to continued discrepancies in pay for women in Minnesota. The original author of the senate version withdrew his name from the bill and apologized to the women in his district. Senator Mike Parry carried the legislation once John Carlson dropped it. Parry retired for an unsuccessful bid for Republican endorsement for the First District congressional seat. Carlson was defeated in the November 2012 elections.

The one about the welfare reform bills PIMs Charley Shaw reported in Daudt resurrects Seifert welfare reform bill: Rep. Kurt Daudt is continuing in the path of his political mentor, Marty Seifert, with a new piece of legislation (HF 171) introduced Thursday. Daudts bill, which has 21 GOP co-sponsors, would prohibit electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card purchases of things like liquor, cigarettes and lottery tickets. The bill also doesnt allow EBT purchases out of state and requires a photo ID for purchases. An additional provision in the bill caught national attention. Wonkette wrote in Minnesota Republicans To Outlaw Poor People Having Money: Minnesotas Republican lawmakers are, as expected, very angry about poor people. Why give those poor people money when we know theyll just spend it on the hip-hop and fancy sneakers and for crack smokin. So, the Republicans had an idea: Until any kind of welfare or assistance to the needy is completely outlawed, which will be soon enough, Minnesota should make it illegal for people getting emergency cash assistance to have any of the cash assistance in cash. So, the poorest families and the poorest disabled adults would be unable to take any of this money as cash, even though poor people by design are kept from having bank accounts or a checkbook, which is why they usually pay bills and rent in cash: St. Paul, MN Minnesota Republicans are pushing legislation that would make it a crime for people on public assistance to have more $20 in cash in their pockets any given month. This represents a change from their initial proposal, which banned them from having any money at all. On March 15, Angel Buechner of the Welfare Rights Committee testified in front of the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee on House File 171. Buechner told committee members, We would like to address the provision that makes it illegal for MFIP [one of Minnesotas welfare programs] families to withdraw cash from the cash portion of the MFIP grant and in fact, appears to make it illegal for MFIP families to have any type of money at all in their pockets. How do you expect people to take care of business like paying bills such as lights, gas, water, trash and phone? That part doesnt seem to have made it into lawbut Daudt wasnt about to stop fighting the War Against Poor People. This year, the Isanti County lawmakers proposal for kicking people off public assistance was lost in the frenzy over fellow freshman representative Mary Fransons use of a tasteless internet joke as a way to introduce discussion of Daudts HF2080. As Bluestem wrote at the time, the bill includes such provisions as: The first step is the previously mentioned change in the total length of time that an individual can ever be eligible for benefits under the Minnesota Family Investment Program or MFIP. Three years.

Federal law limits an individual to five years; Daudt would cut off two yearswithout adding provisions for training or education. There was more: The second is to restrict withdrawal of money via EBT cards to cash machines and vendors outside of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The food portion can be spent anywhere. This change reflects an earlier Republican witch-hunt that pointed to the spending of a few shekels in Hawaii and elsewhere, though an investigation by MPR failed to turn up any wrongdoing. The third change is to eliminate the terms under which a person convicted of a drug offense might receive MFIP: Subdivision 1. Person convicted of drug offenses. (a) Applicants or participants An individual who have has been convicted of a drug offense committed after July 1, 1997, may, if otherwise eligible, receive MFIP benefits subject to the following conditions: during the previous ten years from the date of application or recertification is disqualified from receiving MFIP. (1) Benefits for the entire assistance unit must be paid in vendor form for shelter and utilities during any time the applicant is part of the assistance unit. The new language strikes out all of the conditions delineated in current law under which a person convicted of a drug offense might receive public assistance. And if a drug offender lives in a "assistance unit," rent and utilities money will go directly to the landlord and the utilities company. There are also quicker "last chances" in the bill. Two thoughts. First, while "MFIP ineligibility, sanctions, time limit, and exit level [are] modified; and electronic benefit transfer card [is] regulated," the legislation does not add education, job training, coaching, nutrition or child care instruction or any other sort of program that might help the "poorest of the poor" become financially stable, simply separated from MFIP benefits. Yeah, that's a plan. The second is less obvious. While Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, the aid formerly known as food stamps) is part of the benefits that families receive while eligible for MFIP, their eligibility for SNAP doesn't end at 60 months. (Non-working able-bodied adults without dependents are another story, as they are restricted to three months of benefits every 36 months). So while Fransons remarks and the stink over them centered feeding poor people, Daudt was up to something elseand that was largely ignored in favor of Daudts framing of welfare recipients as fraudsters and cheats. When pushed in Plan to curb welfare seen as reform - or cruelty, he admitted to the Star Tribunes Jennifer Brooks that maybe there wasnt so much.but: GOP leaders advocating the changes say that some Minnesotans have become too dependent on the cash payments and that this may be their best chance, while holding legislative power at the

Capitol, to rein in such spending. The drive reflects similar efforts over the past year in state Capitols across the country by GOP majorities to impose new rules and limits on welfare benefits. ... "My intent isn't to harm people or services," said first-term state Rep. Kurt Daudt, a Republican from Crown who is spearheading welfare overhaul proposals in the House. . . . . .Daudt acknowledges that he does not believe welfare fraud is common but said he continues hearing from people who said they had seen incidents of suspected fraud and waste. "I think the percentage of misuse and abuse is low," he said. "I think you have to have to make sure there's absolutely as little misuse and abuse as possible." In an average month, 42,500 Minnesota families rely on state benefits and food assistance, according to the state Department of Human Services. Traditional welfare benefits account for a small fraction of the state's multibillion-dollar human services budget, about $101 million a year, plus $240 million in federal support. A family of three -- two adults and one child with no other income -- receives $532 in cash assistance and $473 in food support, amounts that have not changed since 1986. Most recipients collect benefits less than two years. Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson warned legislators that restricting benefits now could tip even more families into dire poverty at a time when the number of impoverished children has grown by 62 percent between 2000 to 2010. "The majority of people [in the Minnesota Family Investment Program] do not fit a pattern of fraud, abuse and misuse," Jesson wrote recently. "They are working, but at very low-income jobs. They have serious health problems which limit their ability to hold a full-time job. They are new mothers. Or they are recently unemployed as a result of our challenging economic times." . . . Okay then. A kinder, gentler tip credit Daudt was a co-author of two bills introduced by suburban Republican Jennifer Loon, whose husband works for the US Chamber of Congress. KSTP 5 reported on HF2859 in MN Restaurant Association Proposes 'Main Street Restaurant Wage Legislation' : The Minnesota Restaurant Association is proposing what's called the Main Street Restaurant Wage Legislation. The measure would raise a server's hourly pay to future minimum wage increases if he or she earns less than $12 an hour after tips. Those servers who earn more than $12 an hour with minimum wage and tips would have their minimum wage frozen at the current level, which is $7.25 an hour.

The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie) and Sen. Benjamin Kruse (R-Brooklyn Park). As readers may remember, Tom Emmers suggestion that wait staff didnt need to receive the minimum wage created a firestorm. This measure seems to haggle over the price, not the concept. More gems There are plenty more gems in the list of legislation that followscheck them out yourself. If you like having this information gathered in one place, consider giving a donation via BSPs paypal tip jar.

Bills Daudt liked: An exhaustive list

Body

Bill Official Last Bill Long Chief Short Law Summary Status Actions Action Text Description Author Description
1 04/30/2012 Text Summary Description Daudt Metering required for motor vehicle fuel delivered to underground storage tanks. Minimum wage calculation application of gratuities provided. Sales tax exemption expanded for complimentary and employee meals and drinks, and for qualified restaurant equipment purchases. Department of Revenue's role eliminated in setting property valuations for green acres and rural preserves. State primary date changed from August to

House HF3042

House HF2859

03/14/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Loon

House HF2858

03/14/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Loon

House HF2752

03/15/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF2704

03/20/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

June, and primary elections conducted by a political subdivision date changed in some circumstances. House HF2703 1 03/07/2012 Text Summary Description Daudt Civilly committed sex offender name changes regulated. Abortion; licensure required for certain facilities. Motor fuel excise tax rate reduced during periods of high prices. Building and construction contracts regulated, and certain agreements to insure prohibited. Public data definition relating to agreements involving payment of public money clarified. Voters required to present photographic identification, photographic identification provided to voters at no charge, equal verification standards required for all

House HF2674

03/07/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Lohmer

House HF2671

03/05/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Davids

House HF2656

03/05/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Howes

House HF2647

15

04/30/2012 280

Text

Summary

Description

Myhra

House HF2639

03/05/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Kiffmeyer

voters, and constitutional amendment proposed. House HF2638 8 04/26/2012 259 Text Summary Description Anderson, D. Portable electronics insurance sale regulated. Public safety radio communication systems exemption expanded. School district state aid new source created for districts with below average revenue.

House HF2612

02/29/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Woodard

House HF2540

03/20/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Barrett

House HF2516

02/27/2012

Text

Summary

Description

McNamara Natural resources acquisition and development funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated. Daudt Referendum by petition provided in an orderly annexation proceeding, and stay required for final annexation. Cambridge; street reconstruction project grant funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated. County purchase sales tax eliminated.

House HF2466

02/29/2012

Text

Summary

Description

House HF2465

02/22/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF2436

02/28/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Woodard

House HF2435

03/14/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Woodard

Fusion center to assist with detection, prevention, and investigation of, and response to criminal and terrorist activities provided. Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association compliance with the open meeting law and the Data Practices Act required, and board membership modified. Individual who is related definition modified to include greatgrandparent, great-aunt, and great-uncle. Debt collection agency and registration of individual debt collector procedures amended. Guaranty association coverage written disclosure permitted when a policy is delivered, and access expanded to accident reports to include all parties

House HF2356

03/08/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF2355

02/20/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF2335

12

04/19/2012 225

Text

Summary

Description

Sanders

House HF2307

03/29/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

involved. House HF2288 House HF2250 3 1 02/27/2012 02/15/2012 Text Text Summary Summary Description Description McElfatrick Safe haven law expanded. Daudt Residency requirements for general assistance eligibility modified. Electronic benefit card transactions limited. Night vision equipment use allowed while taking coyotes. Convictions under the original criminal vehicular operation law allowed to enhance DWI offenses, and legislative oversight corrected. Minnesota Health Care Purchasing Authority established, and state health care purchasing consolidated through the authority. Motor vehicle registration plate and sticker provisions amended, and dealer allowed to obtain cancellation of lien more than seven years old.

House HF2249

04/02/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF2247

02/15/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF2246

14

04/19/2012 222

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF2240

02/13/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF2187

12

04/05/2012 174

Text

Summary

Description

Vogel

House HF2111

02/08/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Melin

Court of Appeals judges' residential eligibility requirements amended, and chief judge of the Court of Appeals directed to redesignate judges consistent with new eligibility requirements. Long-term care consultation requirements modified for prospective housing with services residents. Electronic benefit transfer cards modified, and electronic benefit transfer card use regulated. MFIP ineligibility, sanctions, time limit, and exit level modified; and electronic benefit transfer card regulated. Racing Commission, Gambling Control Board, and State Lottery operations allowed on an ongoing basis. Racing Commission, Gambling Control Board, and State

House HF2110

02/09/2012

Text

Summary

Description

McDonald

House HF2081

03/05/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF2080

03/01/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF2003

03/26/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Woodard

House SF1975

03/26/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Woodard

Lottery operations allowed on an ongoing basis. House HF1889 3 02/01/2012 Text Summary Description Quam Controlled substances in the MFIP and general assistance programs screening required. Guaranty association coverage written disclosure permitted when a policy is delivered, and access expanded to accident reports to include all parties involved. Residency requirements for general assistance eligibility modified. Child care assistance fund payments modified. Restaurant Recovery and Jobs Creation Act; sales tax exemption for meals and drinks expanded, capital equipment exemption expanded, application of gratuities in calculating the minimum wage

House SF1875

04/16/2012 185

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House SF1835

03/28/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF1766

12

04/17/2012 190

Text

Summary

Description

Lohmer

House HF1755

03/05/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Loon

provided for, and calculation of unemployment taxes and license fees modified. House HF1753 2 05/21/2011 Text Summary Description Daudt Appropriations provided to continue in effect at 70 percent rate unless eliminated or otherwise modified. Presidential electors designation provided and duties specified. Health care providers prohibited from firearms inquiries. Forensic Laboratory Advisory Board provisions modified. Family planning grant funds use limited. Transaction agents required to disclose information on lenders for residential mortgage loans, and additional data required in foreclosure notices. Marriage recognized as only a union

House HF1726

05/18/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF1717

05/18/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF1711

02/20/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF1682

05/09/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Lohmer

House HF1637

05/02/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF1613

05/05/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Gottwalt

between one man and one woman, and constitutional amendment proposed. House HF1612 2 05/02/2011 Text Summary Description Downey Budgeted spending limited to the amount collected in prior biennium, and constitutional amendment proposed.

House HF1598

04/20/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Drazkowski Three-fifths vote required to enact a law imposing or increasing certain taxes, and constitutional amendment proposed. Kiffmeyer Voters required to present photographic identification, photographic identification provided to voters at no charge, equal verification standards required for all voters, and constitutional amendment proposed. Balanced federal budget; application to Congress to call a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of

House HF1597

02/15/2012

Text

Summary

Description

House HF1566

04/23/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Wardlow

the United States requiring a balanced federal budget. House HF1427 2 04/14/2011 Text Summary Description Anderson, S. Congressional and legislative districting plans for use in 2012 and thereafter adopted. Congressional districting plan for use in 2012 and thereafter adopted, and districting principles adopted for legislative and congressional districts. Legislative districting plan for use in 2012 and thereafter adopted. Metes and bounds district description code requirement in Minnesota Statutes eliminated. Professional athlete drug and alcohol testing provisions modified. Claims processing regulated for insurance on portable electronics products, and automated claims processing

House HF1426

05/17/2011

36

Text

Summary

Description

Anderson, S.

House HF1425

12

05/17/2011

35

Text

Summary

Description

Anderson, S.

House HF1424

04/14/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Anderson, S.

House HF1422

05/17/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Simon

House HF1405

11

05/22/2011

95

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

system use permitted to requirements and safeguards. House HF1351 2 04/05/2011 Text Summary Description Swedzinski Health care freedom of choice provided; state policy related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act specified; and state of Minnesota and political subdivisions prohibited from enforcing, implementing, or funding provisions of the act. Gottwalt Marriage recognized as only a union between one man and one woman, and constitutional amendment proposed. Professional athlete drug and alcohol testing provisions modified. Deputy commissioner numbers reduced and assistant commissioner position eliminated in the unclassified service. Noneconomic detriment damages limitation

House SF1308

05/21/2011

88

Text

Summary

Description

House SF1265

05/20/2011

62

Text

Summary

Description

Simon

House HF1024

05/19/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Stensrud

House HF0894

03/07/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Mazorol

modified. House HF0703 5 04/14/2011 Text Summary Description Loon Brewer's license holder allowed to operate on-sale facility. Voter picture identification required before receiving a ballot, identification cards provided at no charge, filing requirements changed, provisional ballot procedures established, challenged voter eligibility list created, election administration procedures specified, electronic polling place rosters allowed, electronic polling place roster standards set, electronic roster implementation legislative task force created, recount procedures enacted, and money appropriated. State Fire Code; sprinkler requirements prohibited in single-family dwellings, and licensee offer of option to

House SF0509

25

05/21/2011

69

Text

Summary

Description

Kiffmeyer

House HF0460

15

05/19/2011

47

Text

Summary

Description

Peppin

install fire sprinklers required before entering into a written contract. House HF0452 2 02/14/2011 Text Summary Description Howes Display and consumer fireworks provided. Anoka County; countywide public safety improvement finance cost authority expanded. Statesponsored health program abortion funding limited. Local government employees required to approve participation in or withdrawal from the public employees insurance program. Raw milk access; direct farm-toconsumer sales and delivery authorized. Local government employees required to approve participation in or withdrawal from the public employees insurance program. Gold star

House HF0429

04/18/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Dettmer

House HF0391

02/17/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Scott

House HF0371

05/16/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Hoppe

House HF0255

12

03/12/2012

Text

Summary

Description

Anderson, S.

House SF0247

23

04/18/2012 213

Text

Summary

Description

Hoppe

House HF0232

23

01/24/2012 117

Text

Summary

Description

Kriesel

license plates eligibility expanded to surviving legal guardians, children, and siblings; motor vehicle fees regulated; Department of Veterans Affairs and veteran homes regulated; and driver and vehicle services technology account made permanent. House HF0210 6 05/02/2011 Text Summary Description Kiffmeyer Voter picture identification required before receiving a ballot, identification cards provided at no charge, provisional ballot procedures established, challenged voter eligibility list created, election administration procedures specified, electronic polling place rosters allowed and standards set, electronic roster implementation legislative task force created, recount procedures enacted, and money appropriated. Legislative

House HF0203

23

04/28/2012 275

Text

Summary

Description

Westrom

approval of rules modified. House HF0187 1 01/24/2011 Text Summary Description Dettmer Legislative temporary successors provided for members called into active military service, and constitutional amendment proposed. MFIP electronic benefit transfers modified; photo identification required; and residency requirements changed for general assistance, general assistance medical care, and MFIP. New nuclear power plant certificate of need prohibition abolished.

House HF0171

03/17/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF0170

01/20/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Daudt

House HF0161

01/20/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Drazkowski Permit renewal time period to purchase firearms from federally licensed dealers extended. Howes Choose Life license plates authorized, adoption support account established, and funds appropriated.

House HF0091

03/31/2011

Text

Summary

Description

House HF0012

29

04/14/2011

13

Text

Summary

Description

LeMieur

Green acres and rural preserve program changes made. New nuclear power plant certificate of need issuance prohibition abolished.

House HF0009

01/13/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Peppin

House HF0007

04/28/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Drazkowski State mandates abolished and made permissive, county audit by CPA firm authorized, surplus law library fee use provided, and publication and reporting requirements changed or eliminated. Peppin Nuclear power plant and disposal of used fuel regulated and monitored, and prohibition abolished on certificate of need for new nuclear power plant. Environmental permitting efficiency provided, and environmental review requirements modified.

House SF0004

13

02/24/2011

Text

Summary

Description

House HF0001

23

02/28/2011

Text

Summary

Description

Fabian