And the Oscar Goes To...

Since I have only seen two movies in the last year, I didn't have much luck in picking last night's Academy Award winners.  I do, however, have better insight into efforts at the Capitol.  

BEST BIPARTISAN EFFORT.  With overwhelming bipartisan support, an emergency change was made to Minnesota’s sex offender notification law last week, closing a loophole in Minnesota's current statute.  As a result, communities will be notified when a sex offender moves in, even if the sex offender moves into a halfway house.  This was in response to the recent release of repeat sex offender Clarence Opheim to a Golden Valley halfway house from Minnesota's Sex Offender Treatment Program.

BEST AND MOST ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT.  Following a November state budget forecast that showed an unexpected $876 million surplus in the State's $34 billion budget, legislators are anxiously awaiting release of the state's February forecast, which should be out this Wednesday.  The February forecast is the instrument that is actually used for budgeting purposes.  On average, due to economic changes between November and February, the February forecast tends to show a swing - either in a positive or negative direction - of about $1 billion from the November prediction.  I expect there to be an improvement in the state’s budget forecast.

BEST KEPT SECRET.  "10 Things You Won't Hear About a Vikings Stadium Deal..." is an insider's look at the stadium discussions, posted at www.facebook.com/State.Rep.Joe.Atkins.  You don't have to be Facebook member to view it. 

BEST BATTLE.  The new legislative maps came out last week, and political pundits have opined that these are the most competitive legislative districts in Minnesota history.  For me, the House district will include the southern half of Mendota Heights and one precinct in Eagan, as well as continuing to include all of Inver Grove Heights and all of Sunfish Lake.

BEST TEST.  Before would-be educators are allowed to teach in Minnesota classrooms, they will now need to pass a college-level basic skills test under a new law signed by Gov. Dayton last week.

BEST STUDENTS & STUDENT-ATHLETES. Congratulations to over 20 National Merit Finalists from our local schools and to the neighboring SSP girls hockey team on their great run in the state tournament.  Good luck to Simley's wrestling team as it seeks its 5th straight state championship this Thursday, after an unbelievable run through sections, in which they outscored their opponents 236-0.  

As always, questions and concerns about these or any other legislative issues can be shared with me by email at Rep.Joe.Atkins@house.mn.  I can also be reached at the Capitol at (651) 296-4192.