BLOG: Atkins: Cool Temps, Warm Reception, & Hot Issues on the Campaign Trail (Part 2 of 2)

Yesterday, in Part 1 of this column about issues that are coming up most frequently as I go door-to-door in IGH, I discussed Minnesota’s economy and job creation, health care and the state budget. 

Today, I will cover the remaining issues that come up most frequently: education, transportation, property taxes, and legislative gridlock.

Education.  Minnesota again led the nation in ACT scores, and my alma mater, Simley High School, continues to make the list of the nation’s best high schools.  But, in this competitive world, we can’t rest on those achievements. 

Based on what I’m hearing on doorsteps, as well as from teachers and school board members, here are some of the steps folks are asking the legislature to take this coming session: 1) Re-commit to early education, which has a proven record of producing results, and offers up to an $11 return on every $1 invested.  2) Demand the federal government meet its commitment to fund to special education costs, which they require but fail to fully fund, leaving it for state taxpayers to pick up the tab.  The issue has become so stark that experts now argue that if the feds would just fund what they mandate, Minnesota’s schools would have no funding shortfall at all.  Our congressman, U.S. Rep. John Kline, who now chairs a House committee that deals directly with this issue, has committed to addressing it.  Watch Rep. Kline's video  3) Keep the feds out of our school lunchrooms, where they are now fining kids for not taking a vegetable.  4) Get back to viewing education as an investment, not only a cost.  Let’s look at what works, what has the best return, and do more of it.  5) Don’t overlook the fact that our local schools, teachers and students really do a good job.  6) Keep in mind that parental involvement is one of the most critical factors in a student’s success.  Encourage parental engagement; don’t put up road blocks.  Finally, with respect to higher education, watch for a separate, upcoming column dedicated solely to higher ed issues.

Transportation.  Though it seems like most of Minnesota’s highways were under construction this summer, and some of the street projects in IGH seem to have gone on forever, a number of local folks have pointed out to me the need for specific transportation investments: 1) Highway 52 noise wall extensions; 2) A redesign of the Highway 55/149 intersection, where backups have become the norm, and safety concerns are rising; 3) Avoid delays in the Lafayette bridge reconstruction; and, 4) Fix certain specific, local issues with Metro Mobility, which provides transportation for seniors and the disabled.  I am working with the Department of Transportation on the first three concerns and have a meeting with Metropolitan Council officials to discuss the fourth item at Inver Glen senior housing facility on October 22nd . 

Property taxes.  Recently released data shows that IGH has the 3rd-lowest property tax rate in Minnesota, for communities of 30,000 people or more.  We first achieved that distinction when I was Mayor, and I applaud our local officials for continuing to do their best to keep property taxes at a reasonable level.  That said, our local units of government are literally determining their budgets and setting their tax rates right now, so this is a timely concern.

Legislative Gridlock.  Voter frustration with the partisan bickering at the Capitol is at an all-time high.  While I have passed more bipartisan laws the past five years than any other state representative, according to data compiled by non-partisan House staff, I frankly need more colleagues who share in that approach.  With an expected turnover in the legislature of about 40% of our members this election, I look forward to reaching out to new members on both sides of the aisle before they fall into the extreme partisanship that prevents finding common-sense, bipartisan solutions to the challenges that face Minnesota.

These are the issues I have been hearing the most about on doorsteps across IGH.  I would welcome more input.  Please comment below, email me at Rep.Joe.Atkins@house.mn, call me at 651-296-4192 (Capitol), or take my surveys at www.JoeAtkins.com.  Thank you.