Update: Minnesota, Inver Grove Heights and West St. Paul vs. DC

While little is happening in Washington, DC, plenty is happening here in Minnesota.  I remain hopeful that federal elected officials can pass the just-announced bipartisan deal today before a default begins tomorrow.  Congress's inability to get anything done makes me appreciate serving here in the Minnesota legislature rather than in dysfunctional DC.

VETERANS DAY PROGRAM IN INVER GROVE.  The Inver Grove Heights Veterans Memorial Community Center has again earned the honor of hosting the official State’s Veterans Day Program.  The event is set for November 11 and the public is invited.  Details are available at http://mn.gov/mdva/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=367-83357

FEDERAL SHUTDOWN AND POTENTIAL DEFAULT.  Is it time to throw out all of our federal officials in dysfunctional Congress?  I'm hearing that sentiment from a lot of folks.  While states are doing our best to pick up the pieces from the federal shutdown, a default by the feds on paying its bills would be disastrous.  In addition to the likelihood of spurring another recession, a resulting drop in the stock market is expected to cost the average American tens of thousands of dollars in their retirement and investment accounts. 

CAN MINNESOTA DEFAULT ON ITS BILLS?  No, unlike the federal government, the Minnesota Constitution won't allow it.  Regardless of which party has been in charge in the Minnesota legislature, we have adopted a balanced budget every year since statehood in 1858.  The federal government hasn’t even approved a budget in the past six years, let alone a balanced budget.

SCHOOL VOTE.  In local news, there is a referendum in ISD 199 (Inver Grove Heights) on November 5th to provide funding for improvements in safety and security and to address maintenance issues like leaking roofs and windows, among other things.  The cost to the owner of an average-valued home is expected to be $6.42/month, according to http://www.invergrove.k12.mn.us/referendum.html.  Notably, recent increases in school funding from the State are designated mainly for operations, not maintenance.

ONLINE VOTER FIGHT.  A decision by Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to allow voter registration over the internet – without first seeking enabling legislation – is drawing criticism from fellow Democrats, as well as Republicans and the independent Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles.  Expect hearings to be held.  Minnesota traditionally has adopted election law changes only with bipartisan legislative support.

THANK YOU NURSES.  I authored and passed a new law this session to better protect hospital patients and was named the Minnesota Nurses Legislator of the Year this morning.  The irony, of course, is that Minnesota’s nurses are the ones who deserve awards for their remarkable efforts each day.  All I did was a pass a law to help them do their jobs.

WEST ST. PAUL LIGHTS THE WAY.  A decision by city officials, together with Xcel, to invest in LED streetlights is reportedly doing well financially for West St. Paul.  For more info, see   http://www.startribune.com/local/south/227324151.html

STADIUM OVERSIGHT.  Having been appointed to serve on the Legislative Commission on Sports Facilities, I have not been a very popular guy lately with the Vikings or with the co-chairs of the Commission, Sen. Julie Rosen and Sen. Bobby Jo Champion.  Though we are not paid for our service on the Commission and those of us with outside jobs literally lose money every time the Commission meets, I have been critical of the fact that the Commission has only met twice in the past seven months.  It is hard to provide appropriate oversight when we seldom meet.  I appreciate that the Chairs have now announced that we will meet monthly.

SENATOR GRAMS.  My condolences go out to the family of Senator Grams.  He was an honorable and humble man who served Minnesota with great dignity.

CONGRATS COACH BRANDT!  Congratulations to Coach Kathy Brandt, one of the pioneers in Minnesota women's high school sports, on her recent induction into the Simley High School Hall of Fame.  Coach Brandt gave one of the best acceptance speeches I have ever heard at her induction.  Congratulations also to Gary Marion, Jim Driscoll and Jason Westbrock on their Hall of Fame inductions.

As always, feel free to share comments, questions and concerns with me. You can reach me at rep.joe.atkins@house.mn or 651-296-4192.

Joe