Once the legislature adjourns, like we did a couple weeks ago, we get to see how well new laws work. In some cases, like a recent change to the school-ratings law, it is too early to tell. In other areas, though, like fire safety and drug laws, enough time has passed to see how they are doing. Also, below are brief updates on the new Target store and a possible Cabela's in Inver Grove.
"NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" IS LEFT BEHIND. With the release this week of the new Multiple Measurement Ratings (MMR) for the state's schools, Minnesota officially joined 24 other states that have moved away from the federal government's No Child Left Behind school-rating program. If you want to weigh in on "No Child Left Behind" or see how a particular school ranks on the new MMR, please go to www.facebook.com/State.Rep.Joe.Atkins. Comments are also welcome down below.
HAPPY 5th ANNIVERSARY. Five years ago this week, Governor Pawlenty signed what fire chiefs described as "the most significant advance in fire safety laws in 30 years." The new law is estimated to have saved over 75 lives so far. Thank you to Gov. Pawlenty for his support and to State Sen. Geoff Michel, who was the chief author in the Senate. In particular, thanks to the firefighters and fire chiefs who testified for the bill. I was the chief author of the law in the House.
Find out what's happening in Inver Grove Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
LAW CAUSES 96% DROP IN METH LABS. Police seizures of meth labs in Dakota County have dropped a whopping 96% since passage of a law cracking down on the manufacture and use of methamphetamine. With an amendment I added to make the bill tougher, the law's chief author described it as "by far the strongest, most comprehensive meth bill that any legislative body has passed in the United States.” Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom said the new law is one of the main reasons why the number of meth charges and labs have dropped. Meth lab seizures statewide are also down over 75%.
CABELA'S. Multiple sources have confirmed that Cabela's is looking at a site for a new store in the east metro. A site in Inver Grove Heights is in the running.
Find out what's happening in Inver Grove Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
TARGET HIRING. The new Target in Inver Grove Heights expects to open in July. At a recent job fair, they were seeking to hire 200 employees for the new store.
As always, I welcome questions, comments or concerns. I can be reached at Rep.Joe.Atkins@house.mn or 451-6411, or feel free to share your thoughts below.