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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Christina Gosack 651-296-5524
Press/News Releases
CDC Commends Rep. Atkins
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recognized State Representative Joe Atkins for his efforts to toughen Minnesota's steroid laws. The CDC noted that Atkins' anti-steroid law focuses on the source of the problem, targeting the suppliers of illegal steroids, not just the users.
Minnesota's new law authored by Atkins comes down hardest on the criminals who supply steroids to minors. "Anabolic steroids are acutely dangerous to young people," Atkins said. Inappropriate use of steroids can cause liver, kidney and heart damage, strokes, impotence as well as psychological symptoms, such as uncontrollable anger commonly called "'roid rage."
The CDC, a highly regarded federal health institution, is the branch of U.S. government responsible for conducting public health research and applying the findings.
In recognizing Atkins, the CDC identified him as one of the leaders nationally in the movement to stem the use of steroids by high school athletes. It was noted that Minnesota's steroid law went from being one of the weakest laws in the nation to being one of the strongest. The CDC's Public Health Law News quoted Atkins, stating, "Minnesota's steroid law need bulking up. This is like a steroid law on steroids."
In addition to his work to toughen Minnesota's steroid laws, Atkins helped set the standard nationally for methamphetamine laws and pass tough new sex offender legislation.
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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