Minnesota Lawyer
Rep. Phyllis Kahn
The House State and Local Government committee this morning defeated a bill to jettison the lieutenant governor’s office. The committee voted the bill down 9-7.
Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, introduced the bill that seeks legislative approval to ask voters this November to get rid of the number two position in state government. Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The secretary of state would be second in line to the governor’s office, under the proposal.
Kahn said eliminating the position would save the state money.
Legislators from both sides of the aisle, however, said the lieutenant governor’s position is an “insurance policy” in case the governor is no longer able to serve.
“I kind of take that insurance policy seriously. It’s a way to give us insulation from the partisanship,” said Rep. Phil Sterner, DFL-Rosemount.
In other action, the committee approved a bill that would require both the House and Senate pass constitutional amendment proposals with three-fifths majorities. That’s a higher standard than the simple majority currently needed to send ballot questions to voters. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Will Morgan, DFL-Burnsville.
“I have felt it’s too easy to amend the constitution,” said Rep. Morrie Lanning, R-Moorhead.
