Atkins Supports Reduction in Legislators' Salary

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When it comes to cost cutting, District 39B Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL) wants to lead by example.

Atkins is named as co-sponsor of HF178, a bill that, if approved, would cut the salaries of legislators and state government officials, including the governor and lieutenant governor, by 5 percent. The bill would also shave 15 percent off the daily rate for per diem payments made to Minnesota legislators. In 2010, according to the National Conference of State Legislators, Minnesota lawmakers were paid an annual salary of $31,149.90 a year, with senators receiving $96 each legislative day in per diem payments and representatives receiving $77 a day.

On Jan. 20, members of the House State Government Finance Committee voted to approve a wage freeze for state employees in all three branches of government, beginning July 11, 2011, and lasting indefinitely. Officials estimate its cost savings at $64 million over the next fiscal biennium, according to a press release from the Minnesota House of Representatives.

The House Commerce and Regulatory Reform committee, of which Atkins is a member, will also be reviewing SF4, a Minnesota Senate bill that lifts the prohibition on new nuclear power plant construction in the state. The bill was referred to the committee on Feb. 3. A House version of the bill, HF9, is already in front of the committee.

Here’s what’s happened this past week with other bills authored or co-authored by your legislators:

Sen. Jim Metzen

New activity:

—Metzen co-signed a bill allowing 911 fees to be collected from pre-paid wireless services. SF236, introduced Jan. 7 by Sen. Doug Magnus (R-District 22)

—Metzen co-signed a bill to modify inspection and planning requirements for manufactured homes. SF225, introduced Feb. 3 by Sen. John Pederson (R-District 15)

Existing legislation:

—A bill providing bonding money for inflow and infiltration projects awaits a committee hearing in the Capital Investment Committee. This is the companion bill to HF74. SF49 introduced Jan. 18

—A bill co-sponsored by Metzen providing $1 million to the city of South St. Paul to replace a pumping station on the floodwall awaits a hearing in the Capital Investment Committee. SF145, introduced Jan. 27 by Sen. Katie Sieben (D-District 57)

—A bill co-sponsored by Metzen to update the effective dates of a lead poisoning prevention statute awaits a hearing in the Jobs and Economic Growth committee. SF139, introduced Jan. 27 by Sen. Ted Lillie (R-District 56)

Sen. Joe Atkins

New Activity:

—Atkins is the chief author of a bill to enhance identity theft and related fraudulent activity enforcement. HF343, introduced on Feb. 3.

—Atkins co-signed a bill extending the moratorium on the construction of radiation treatment facilities in the metro area. HF383, introduced on Feb. 7.

—Atkins co-signed a bill creating an early graduation achievement scholarship program and appropriating money for the program. HF257, introduced on Jan. 27.

Existing Legislation: 

—A bill to increase the penalty for first-degree criminal sexual conduct that is co-signed by Atkins is awaiting review in the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee.

—A bill criminalizing synthetic cannabinoids that Atkins co-signed is awaiting review in the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee.

Correction: The headline of this article has been corrected. Minnesota legislators are paid an annual salary.