1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to state government; strengthening heritage education by creating the 
1.3 	Commission on Minnesota Ethnic Heritage; appropriating money;proposing 
1.4 	coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 15.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. [15.0952] COMMISSION ON MINNESOTA ETHNIC HERITAGE.
1.7 		Subdivision 1.Commission established. The Commission on Minnesota Ethnic 
1.8 	Heritage is established to recognize the state's rich ethnic diversity and the contributions 
1.9 	that immigrants have made to the state's social, economic, and cultural history. The 
1.10 	commission shall assist the state government to foster an understanding and appreciation 
1.11 	of ethnic and cultural diversity in Minnesota.
1.12 		Subd. 2.Membership. The commission shall consist of two members of the house 
1.13 	and two members from the senate, one member each selected by the majority and minority 
1.14 	party in each house; and 16 public members appointed by the governor after consultation 
1.15 	with the various ethnic organizations in the state. Each appointed member shall serve a 
1.16 	two-year term.
1.17 		Subd. 3.Duties. The Commission on Minnesota Ethnic Heritage shall:
1.18 	(1) work with community leaders, the legislature, and the executive branch to work 
1.19 	on programs and proposals that will encourage ethnic identity, preserve ethnic heritage, 
1.20 	and promote education of the public about the state's heritage and cultural history;
1.21 	(2) make recommendations to the legislature and the governor intended to foster the 
1.22 	understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity in the state; and
1.23 	(3) maintain association with ethnic, cultural, and minority groups to determine 
1.24 	community needs.
2.1 		Subd. 4.Implementation. The commission shall be staffed by the Legislative 
2.2 	Coordinating Commission. The Legislative Coordinating Commission shall consult with 
2.3 	legislators and the governor in assisting with the duties established in this section.

2.4 	Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION.
 2.5 	$....... is appropriated in fiscal year 2008 from the general fund to the Legislative 
2.6 	Coordinating Commission for creation of the Commission on Minnesota Ethnic Heritage.

2.7 	Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 2.8 	Sections 1 and 2 are effective the day following final enactment.