Nuts and bolts

The 2008 Minnesota legislative session starts in five days. I have to admit, before last year, this wasn’t really circled on my calendar the way Christmas, Easter and the season premiere of The Office were. I’m guessing that most of you are in the same camp. So, here’s a rundown of some of the basic things that are helpful to know about this legislative session:

• Duration: February 12 to May 19.

• It’s the second session in the legislative biennium.
(“Biennium” has two meanings, but they’re related. Biennium refers to the two-year legislative term, which begins on January of an odd-numbered year, and ends in December of an even numbered year. This is what I meant above, but just to be clear . . .
Biennium also refers to the two-year period by which the budget is set. Last year the legislature laid out the budget for July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2009. Next year, the legislature will pass bills on how to appropriate funds for July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011.)

• It’s a shorter session than last year's. All second sessions are.

• It’s a “bonding year.” Last year, the legislators passed a budget. This year, they’ll be working on bonding bills.

• We’re facing a budget deficit. Basically, the economy didn’t work in the favor of the budget set last year. Twice a year, in February and November, the budget is forecasted. In November, a $373 million deficit was projected. Some expect it to be closer to $1 billion when the February forecast comes out later this month.