MARRCH Public Policy
Friday, June 6, 10:00am – 12:00
MARRCH Office
1. Introductions. Bob Melson called the meeting to order at 10:04am, Friday, June 06, 2008. Attendees included Charlie Michek, Dustin Chapman, Judi Gordon, Carol Falkowski, Larry Burzinski, Brenda Iliff, Lois Freiermuth, LeeAnn Mortensen, Jeff Glover, Makr Casagrande, Jeffrey Hunsberger, Wes Butts, Jonathon Lofgren, Bill Amberg
2. Changes to Agenda. Discussion of lobbyist of the year awards and
3. DHS Update. Carol or Jeff.
Rule 25 implementation discussion. In MARRCH e-newsletter, Carol notes, there is a call for input on the new rules, fixes. Will not alter new rules for 6 months to receive enough input.
Jeff will forward new Rule 25 link for Bill to distribute to the list, which may be seen here: http://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Legacy/DHS-5204-ENG
Changes to DANS for CCDTF purposes discussed.
Discussion of conflicting language in budget bill discussed. Jeff Hunsberger believes that the confusing law language should be read to impose a 3-month delay in FY2008 cola. Decided that the 2% cola starting October 1, 2008 is the way to interpret.
LADC rulemaking. Judi said that there will be a BBHT and the legislative committee to suggest re-writing rule and writing it into statute on the 25th at 1pm at BBHT office. Minn. Stat. 148C – rule is out of date, needs to be updated, will be done legislatively.
Judi – number of new licensees is dropping. Starting to question the educational preparation that students are receiving. Are your interns passing the test? MCB has data. Jeff Glover: schools and treatment rates both need to improve. Charlie: master’s degree is minimum requirement in most other states. Four year degree starts in July.
Charlie moved that MARRCH get into next MinnCase (sp?) meeting to discuss educational standards. Jeff Glover seconded. Approved to recommend to MARRCH Board that a delegation should speak to MinnCase about education standards.
4. Prevention update. LeeAnn or Kevin.
· LeeAnn handed out scholarship applications for Program Sharing conference.
· Training on June 26th – Bill Harrison, I Teach Fundraising. Excellent speaker. Bloomington Holiday Inn. LeeAnn will forward electronically the event information to Bill A. for distribution to the listserve.
· South St. Paul has recently passed a social host ordinance.
5. Wrap-up and overview of 2008 Legislation.
· Health care reform bill discussion. Reps. Thissen and Huntley are hopeful that they will be able to get more money next year to est. public health goal for addiction reduction.
· Sen. Murphy believes that nickel-a-drink has renewed possibilities now that gas tax increase has passed.
· Drink age reduction, Sunday off-sale bills will return in next session. Urged to prepare, major initiative by beer and liquor companies.
6. Next session’s agenda.
Dustin and LeeAnn will put together in a working group, statistics to counter drinking age reduction legislation. Jeff Glover also in group.
7. Adjourn. Next meeting will be Friday, the 11th of July because the first Friday in July is the 4th of July. Chairman Melson adjourned the meeting at 12:03pm.