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property taxes. She stated that additional monies would be provided to local governments, to help pay for the increased spending they have incurred. She stated that, in an effort to counteract a shifting in those property taxes, they have established an Education Homestead Credit, which in 1999 will amount to 145 million dollars. She stated that the 1999 Omnibus Tax bill would provide an additional 116.9 million dollars for the next biennium. She added that they had projected into 2002 and 2003 with another 268.3 million dollars to offset that shift created by the third phase of the property tax reform. Representative Haake stated that they had received comments from some cities indicating it appeared as if the House of Representatives did not trust them. She stated that she had learned there are "seven sides to an issue," and that this was what was occurring at the state level. She commented that she was aware that the state was making it difficult for city government, but noted that she had learned, according to the State Auditor's Report, spending by cities has increased nearly 2.5 times the rate of inflation between the years of 1985 and 1996. She stated that this represents a 90.8 percent increase, compared to the inflation rate of 39 percent over that eleven -year period, adding that this goes to the theory that "if we're going to give the people breaks, they don't want the cities coming back for more." Representative Haake reported on the issue of State Emission Testing. She noted that 7 of every 8 dollars collected for these tests, goes to the emission tester. She stated that they have seen a steady decline of 6 percent in carbon monoxide levels, since 1987. She stated that in July of 1991, they had been told they would see a 25 to 30 percent decrease in carbon monoxide emissions in the twin city area, and that the actual decline does not represent that amount. She noted that only 20 percent of the emission testing process applies to hydrocarbons, which are produced through evaporation, and that a different testing process would be required to properly assess those emissions. She stated that, as it is, the ozone layer will not be an issue for five to ten years, and therefore carbon monoxide emission testing will be phased out pursuant to a bill that she has authored, on March 1, 2000, subject to approval of the Environmental Protection Agency. Representative Haake reported on the Airport Bill, noting that she had found this to be one of the most controversial issues introduced at the House of Representatives. She stated that it had been suggested she present the issue on a regional basis, rather than an issue of concern to the City of Mounds View which it has been for the past 30 to 40 years. She stated that the bill consists of two parts. One component indicates that they establish in number, 4000 feet as a minor airport, and that anything above that would be an considered an intermediate or higher designation. The other component of the bill is that it be on a regional basis, which requires that the determination of the matters concerning runway length and size, and airport sizes, should be a legislative decision, and not that of the Metropolitan Airport Commission. She stated that the Metropolitan Airport Commission is an appointed body, as they don't believe they should make these determinations which impact so many people. 11 c:\admin\minutes\7-12-99.cc