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Minnesota House of Representatives

State Representative Joe Atkins

583 State Office BuildingState Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192

For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406

Posted: 2011-01-20 00:00:00
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NEWS COLUMN

ATKINS SHARES THE SCOOP ON HOT TOPICS THIS SESSION

As of January 3rd, we have a new DFL governor, the first Democrat in over two decades. We have a new GOP majority in the Senate, for the first time in 38 years. And we have a new GOP majority in the House, where we seem to flip-flop control every couple terms.

Fortunately for me, I made a point when I was in the majority to treat members of the GOP minority well and with respect. Now that I'm in the minority, I have already found that I am being treated well as a result. It's amazing how far a little civility goes.

Below is a "Hot Topics" list for the 2011 session. More details will emerge as the issues move through the process, but if you have thoughts or comments about any of these topics, I'd like to hear from you.

STATE BUDGET DEFICIT
While the economy is finally showing some signs of a rebound, state revenues from sales and income taxes have been sluggish, resulting in a projected $6.2 billion budget shortfall. This represents
approximately 15% of the State's two-year budget. I expect to spend the lion's share of my time this session addressing the budget issue.

SCHOOL FUNDING
Currently, urban school districts receive almost twice as much per student in state funding as suburban school districts. Many rural districts also receive more per pupil funding than suburban districts. I
expect legislation will be introduced to make the funding more equalized, regardless of where a student resides.

NUCLEAR PLANTS
There is presently a moratorium on the construction of additional nuclear power plants in Minnesota. Indeed, the moratorium even prevents discussion of additional nuclear power plants. Legislation is
moving rapidly through the House to lift the moratorium.

VIKINGS STADIUM
The Vikes want a $791 million open-air stadium and have said they are willing to kick in one-third of that amount to help build it. They want the State or a local partner to figure out a way to come up with
the rest. As you might imagine, this is just a little bit controversial, particularly in the midst of a State budget deficit.

JOBS
Multiple job-creation ideas have already been floated in the first few days of session. One focuses on streamlining the state's regulatory and permitting processes. Another calls for eliminating the corporate
income tax. Yet another would have the State authorize a number of capital improvement projects, such as additional road construction and repairs/construction of college buildings.

RIVERFRONT RESTRICTIONS
For cities like Inver Grove, South St. Paul and others with frontage along the Mississippi Rover, this has become a controversial subject. For the past several months, the State DNR has been in the process of placing additional restrictions on property owners who wish to make improvements on their riverfront property. While everyone seems to agree that it is important to protect the riverfront and bluffs, not everyone agrees on how to do it or if it is even all that necessary.

ALTERNATIVE TEACHER LICENSING
Should someone with a bachelor's degree and work experience be able to get a teaching degree after five weeks of training? That's one proposal for licensing new teachers. Other alternative teacher licensing proposals are quickly surfacing as well. There will be much more detail to follow as this debate moves forward.

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Again, if you want to weigh in on any of the topics above, or any other legislative matter, I'd like to hear from you.

Joe Atkins
State Representative
District 39B


Joe Atkins can be reached at rep.joe.atkins@house.mn, by phone at (651) 296-4192, or by mail at 209 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155

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