Predictions: What Will the 2012 Legislative Session Hold?

Happy New Year! 

With the 2012 legislative session set to start soon, below is a preview of hot topics that I expect will come up this year.  

As I prepare for the upcoming session, I welcome input on these or any other legislative issues.  Feel free to email me at Rep.Joe.Atkins@house.mn, call me at (651) 296-4192, or weigh in anonymously on a survey at www.JoeAtkins.com.

TOP 10 TOPICS OF THE 2012 SESSION.  Here are the issues I anticipate will get the most attention in the 2012 legislative session.  I have tried to rank them by the amount of time each will receive. 

1) $876 Million Budget Surplus.  Determining how the State's budget surplus is handled will be the primary topic this session.  Should it be placed in the reserve account as state law requires?  Most lawmakers seem to think so.  But's there's already talk by some legislators of changing the law and using the surplus for tax refunds or for other purposes.  

2) Government Reform.  Governor Dayton and the legislature are competing to find ways to deliver better government service at a more modest cost. 

3) Bonding Bill.  Traditionally, a primary focus of each even-year legislative session is prioritizing capital improvement projects, such as construction and repairs of roads and bridges, flood mitigation, and fixing buildings on college campuses. 

4) Property Tax Relief/Reform.  Rapidly rising property taxes have placed property taxes high on the agenda. 

5) Constitutional Amendments.  A proposed constitutional prohibition on gay marriage has already been put on the ballot for November 2012.  This issue may come up again in the 2012 session.  A proposal to require a photo ID to vote will also likely be proposed as a constitutional amendment.  

6) Racino.  Casinos at Minnesota's two racetracks are being proposed as funding sources for a variety of projects.  Other gambling proposals will also receive attention, including possible changes to charitable gambling.   

7) Vikings Stadium.  Based on the amount of media coverage this issue receives, it is easy to conclude the stadium debate dominates the legislature's time.  It doesn't.  But it will definitely get some attention.      

8) Health Insurance Marketplace.  There is a proposal to set up an exchange where small businesses and individuals can shop for health insurance.  It is supported by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and MCCL, but is opposed by other groups like the Citizens' Council for Health Freedom. 

9) School Payment Shift.  Undoing an unpopular accounting shift that was used to address a portion of the State budget deficit last year will likely be attempted. 

10) Redistricting.  Following each census, legislative districts are redrawn.   

For more detailed predictions about what is going to happen regarding each of the hot topics above, go to www.JoeAtkins.com.  Also, I welcome input about these or any other legislative issues.  My survey can be found in the right column at www.JoeAtkins.com.  I can also be reached by email at Rep.Joe.Atkins@house.mn  or by phone at (651) 296-4192. 

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012!