Legislative briefs

Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, co-sponsored a bill that permits school districts to choose not to comply with mandates handed down by the Legislature if funding to cover the costs is not approved. The bill would apply to mandates enacted after June 30.

Koering said the bill would bring more control back to the school districts and would help them effectively address their unique needs.

Solberg named to egislative panel

Rep. Loren Solberg, DFL-Grand Rapids, was re-appointed to the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy, a group of leading House and Senate members that oversees and coordinates budget issues between the two sides of the Minnesota Legislature.

Solberg was named to the panel because of his position as a lead DFLer on the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee. The 18-member commission's primary mission is to provide the Legislature with in-depth analysis of projected state revenues, expenditures and tax relief policies.

Blaine offers paper mill cleanup bill

Rep. Greg Blaine, R-Little Falls, authored legislation providing funds for the cleanup of the Hennepin Paper Co. property in Little Falls.

The building and adjacent property along the Mississippi River have been vacant since the company declared bankruptcy and closed in 1998. Some chemicals were left behind after it was vacated and the building also contains lead and asbestos.

A thorough cleanup would cost an estimated $1.5 to $3 million. Blaine's bill would appropriate $1 million from state-issued bonds to fund at least the first part of the project.