Dear Neighbors,
I would like to take a moment to give a brief update on a few noteworthy legislative items moving through the process here at the Capitol. Working with my colleagues across the aisle, we were able to pass and continue to work on important pieces of legislation.
REAL ID Update
Last night, the House passed a REAL ID bill off the House Floor. The bill, HF 1732, is the first step toward planning how to comply with the federal REAL ID law and would require the Department of Public Safety to deliver a report to the Legislature on its findings by April 14. We can anticipate another needed bill to put the necessary compliancy changes in place, with a goal to begin issuing compliant IDs by October 1st when a new license renewal cycle begins. This in no way creates a deadline to become REAL ID compliant by October 1st, 2016. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, air travelers will not need a REAL ID compliant license until October 1st of 2020.
I am glad the Legislature has prioritized REAL ID and I’m committed to supporting legislation that eases REAL ID compliancy for Minnesotans.
Next Generation Main Street Act Update
My House and Senate colleagues joined small business owners yesterday at a press conference to push for the passage of the “Next Generation Main Street Act”. Of the five bills included in this legislative package, two of the bills I authored have been heard in House Taxes Committee. HF 2875 aims to simplify tax filing by implementing tax conformity in Minnesota and HF 2876 would reduce costly audit penalties for small businesses.
Legislation Update
According to the Investor Protection Trust, one out of every five persons over the age of 65 has been victimized by a financial swindle. One recent study estimated that older Americans are defrauded out of nearly three billion dollars each year. My bill would create a statewide education and outreach program to protect vulnerable adults, seniors and caregivers from financial exploitation. HF 3454 is supported by the AARP and was approved by the Aging and Long-Term Care Committee on a bipartisan voice vote. You can learn more about the bill here.
We are indebted to our veterans. Currently, eligible vets may use Minnesota GI Bill benefits to pay for the cost of tuition at higher education institutions. However, using the benefits to pay for costs such as school applications, exams, licensing, and other certifications is not permitted. My bill would provide allowing a broader use of the Minnesota GI Bill benefits for vets to pursue educational, apprenticeship and on-the-job training opportunities. Broadening the uses of the Minnesota GI Bill benefits would add value to Minnesota communities and promote the welfare of veterans and their families.
Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns at 651-296-7803 or by email at rep.paul.rosenthal@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Paul