On the first day, lawmakers honed their skills

Some lawmaking skills felt a little rusty on Thursday. The Minnesota Senate convened around noon, kicking off work for the 2010 session. A few lawmakers showed off new ties. Shoes looked shined. Suits were pressed and clean. Senate staffers scurried around. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged, even among DFLers and Republicans (we'll see if it holds by the end of session). State Sen. Michelle Fischbach, R-Paynesville, talked and laughed with neighboring colleagues. All of the sudden, the vote board began to light up with green lights. It was a housekeeping resolution to tweak mileage reimbursement. "Oh," Fischbach jumped. "I think we need to vote." The resolution passed 60 to 0. A few moments later, Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller introduced a resolution setting the postal budget for senators. Senators had lowered the amount when the economy tanked. Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, rose to speak in opposition to raising rates. The economy is still bad, he said. With the state facing a $1.2 billion deficit, now is not the time. He sat down, looking a little pleased. Pogemiller offered a correction. The resolution ensures the postal rates remain low. Limmer smiled as he rose again. "On the first day of the session, I am wrong," he said. The resolution passed unanimously.