by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

A Senate committee today (Friday, March 12) passed a bill to downsize the Minnesota Legislature.

“Nothing surprises me in this business — I’ve been around for a long time,” said Sen. Gen Olson, R-Minnetrista, of having her bill pass the committee. Still, Olson indicated a degree of surprise. It could be the first time such a bill cleared a Senate committee, she noted.

Legislation to downsize the Legislature to 56 Senate districts and 112 House seats — 33 fewer lawmakers — passed a Senate committee today (Friday, March 12) on a 5-4 vote.  Sen. Claire Robling, R-Jordan, appeared with bill author Sen. Gen Olson, R-Minnetrista, before the committee to argue for the bill. Some lawmakers argued against the legislation, sayiing social networking on the Internet will never replace face-to-face meetings with constituents and bigger districts will be harder to cover. But supporters spoke of more efficient government and cost savings. The downsizing bill was sent to another Senate committee for a further hearing. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

Olson’s bill, which is backed by Sen. Claire Robling, R-Jordan, would reduce the size of the Senate by 11 districts, the House by 22.

The bill is geared to mesh with upcoming redistricting.

Olson estimates reducing the number of lawmakers could save more than a $1 million on the Senate-side, but views the measure more as a means of restoring confidence in government in the public.

It proves lawmakers are willing to take on tough issues that affect themselves, Olson explained.

Olson guesses that her proposal would result in Senate districts of about 90,000 people.

Would districts be too large?

Bill critics question whether the proposal would create districts so big as to be impossible for a lawmaker to really cover.

Sen. Jim Vickerman, DFL-Tracy, said in  his district constituents expect their lawmaker to stop by and chat.

He questioned whether social networking sites  like Facebook could fill the void of the lack of a physical presence.

Another senator agreed, saying social networking sites are as cold of means he’s aware of in reaching out to people.

Still, Olson said some Senate districts in growing areas of the state already have 90,000 constituents or more and senators in those district report being able to handle it.

Olson’s bill now goes to the Senate finance committee.

“It’s really historic,” she said of the bill advancing.

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