Minnesota Legislature
Atkins won’t seek re-election in 2016
Atkins, in his seventh term, has been a prominent voice on consumer issues during his time in the House, and was a lead sponsor of the legislation that created MNsure in 2013.
“I am most proud of laws I have authored to improve fire safety, protect public safety personnel and their families, help police find missing children, toughen meth and sex offender laws, help students and their families afford college, and protect senior citizens from scams,” Atkins said in a statement.
Atkins said he will finish the remainder of his term. The Legislature is scheduled to convene March 8.
House Minority Leader Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) praised Atkins for his intellect, wit and creativity.
“Joe and I entered the Legislature together and I have always respected him as one of the sharpest policy and political minds in St. Paul, having a terrific common sense that reflects the beliefs and hopes of his constituents and the people of Minnesota,” Thissen said in a statement.
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