Q&A: Rep. Joe Atkins Talks Budget, Reflects on Legislative Session

Inver Grove Heights Patch: What were your goals when the legislative session began this spring? 

District 39B Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL): Since the start of the legislative session in January, my two primary goals have been to solve the state's budget deficit and to ensure that we were prepared for the predicted spring flooding.

Patch: Have you met or made progress on any of those goals? 

Atkins: Yes. We have made steady progress on solving the state's budget deficit, passing the first of the budget bills last week with overwhelming bipartisan support. With respect to the flooding that was predicted for our area, we were prepared earlier than ever before and now appear to have put the worst of it behind us.

Patch: As in the past, the topic that seems to be defining politics this season is the budget. With such a large deficit, it's virtually impossible not to make cuts. What areas do you believe those cuts should fall in?

Atkins: I believe just about every area of the state's budget will face some level of cuts, though my hope is to keep cuts as minimal as possible in areas that directly impact Minnesota's economy and job growth.   

Patch: How do you feel about the budgets proposed by Gov. Mark Dayton and the Republican majority?

Atkins: Both Gov. Dayton and the Republican majorities have proposed some good ideas, as have rank-and-file legislators from both sides of the aisle. The key now is to pick and choose the very best of those ideas to cobble together the best budget solution. That is what we are in the process of doing right now.  

Patch: Any bills you've proposed or been involved in this session that you are proud of, or believe are significant? Which one(s) and why? 

Atkins: The vast majority of my time this session has been spent on offering solutions to the state's budget deficit and making sure we were prepared for the predicted spring flooding. All other topics pale in comparison to these two key issues.

Sen. Jim Metzen

Existing legislation:

—A bill co-authored by Metzen that tightens the requirements between construction contractors and subcontractors has been referred to the Jobs and Economic Growth Committee. SF 1141, introduced on April 11.

— A bill co-authored by Metzen that appropriates $400,000 from the workers' compensation fund for grants over two years to the Vinland Center for rehabilitative services is awaiting a vote by the Jobs and Economic Growth Committee. SF 757, introduced on March 14.

—A bill authored by Metzen that would appropriate $3 million from the state transportation fund to construct noise barriers along Hwy. 52 is awaiting a vote by the Capital Investment Committee. SF 391, introduced on Feb. 21.

— A bill authored by Metzen to appropriate $240,000 to rehabilitate and move historical buildings to new locations at Heritage Village Park in Inver Grove Heights is still awaiting a vote by the Capital Investment Committee. SF 291, introduced on Feb. 10.

Rep. Joe Atkins

Existing Legislation:

—A bill authored by Atkins that designates the Minnesota State Fire Service Memorial Pipe Band as the official pipe band of the state of Minnesota has been referred to the Government Operations and Elections Committtee. HF 1517, introduced on April 18. 

— A bill co-authored by Atkins that would appropriate $1.5 million for upgrading the Lake Byllesby dam and spillway on the Cannon River is currently awaiting a vote by the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. HF 490, introduced on Feb. 14. 

— A bill authored by Atkins that would increase the state's electronic fraud enforcement capabilities is still awaiting a vote by the Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee. SF 343, introduced on Feb. 3.

— A bill co-authored by Atkins that would provide funding for the renovation of indoor ice arena facilities is still awaiting a vote by the State Government Finance Committee. HF 684, introduced on Feb. 24.