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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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REP. ATKINS COMMENDED BY CHILDREN'S GROUP
State Representative Joe Atkins was recently lauded for his efforts on behalf of Minnesota's children during the 2007 legislative session. The Minnesota Children's Defense Fund commended Atkins with a 100 percent rating for his efforts to improve health care and education for the state's children.
"While it doesn’t take awards or commendations for me to stand up for the health and well-being of kids, I am deeply honored by this recognition," said Atkins. "As long as I'm elected to serve our community and this state, I'll continue fighting in the interest of all Minnesota children."
Rep. Atkins has a long history of advocacy on children's issues. He has consistently supported initiatives aimed at providing a world-class education for Minnesota students, and time and again voted to improve the health and well being of children; supporting legislation in 2007 that provided 37,000 uninsured Minnesota children access to health care. Atkins has authored efforts to crack down on predatory offenders, improve nutrition for Minnesota kids, provide opportunities for disabled children, implement new and innovative academic programs, and more.
"Stepping up to the plate for Minnesota kids is one of my most serious responsibilities and one of the greatest rewards of serving as a state legislator," said Atkins. "The Legislature is a place where I can work to make sure all children, our most vulnerable citizens, are given the opportunity to succeed – and I'm proud to do it."
Atkins believes children's issues will remain a focus in the 2008 legislative session and beyond.
"This isn't just about the health and education of our kids," said Atkins. "The shrinking number of children relative to older Minnesotans will place new demands for greater productivity on the next generation."
By 2018, for the first time in Minnesota history the number of children in school will be outnumbered by those over retirement-age. Atkins, who co-founded the Minnesota 2020 Conference, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers seeking to take a longer-term, less-partisan look at key issues, said this demographic change will be meaningful.
"Kids today will be the workforce of tomorrow and will need to shoulder more responsibility than any previous generation. Making sure our children are well prepared for the opportunities and responsibilities they will inherit, is essential for the economic well-being and overall future of our state," he said.
Rep. Atkins pledges to continue his work to keep children safe and provide all of Minnesota's young people a world-class education, access to quality health care, and a hopeful future.
"I consider this some of our most important work in the years to come," said Atkins. "I'll remain committed to these efforts because every child should own the opportunity for a bright and prosperous future."
News Items
- Rep. Atkins, Sen. Lourey Introduce Health Insurance Exchange Legislation - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:44PM)
- Rep. Atkins – Statement on Deal to End NHL Lockout - (Posted: Jan 7 2013 2:05PM)
- Rep. Atkins to Hold Minnesota House Hearing on Economic Impact of Hockey Lockout - (Posted: Jan 2 2013 3:20PM)
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