Dear Neighbors,
Thanksgiving is already this Thursday! I hope you are able to spend time with family as we pause to give thanks for the blessings in our lives.
As I reflect on the past year, I have so much to be thankful for I feel I could fill a book. But to be brief - I am thankful for faith, family and freedom. I am especially thankful for our troops and veterans, those who fight so we may enjoy our families, and the freedom to express our faith as we choose.
I am also thankful for the opportunity to welcome one of these heroes into our community: SPC Marco Solt and his family. This past Saturday, I was blessed to be part of the welcome-home key ceremony where the Solts were given a mortgage-free home from Homes for Our Troops and the BATC Foundation (for more, see: https://www.hfotusa.org/solt).
Please remember, as I am sure many of you do, to keep our veterans in your thoughts and prayers as you gather round the Thanksgiving table this year.
Mayor Sarah Strommer, Marco Solt and wife Eugenia, Rep. Whelan.
Attacks in Paris
As with everyone, I was horrified by last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris and elsewhere. In the wake of the attacks, there has been a lot of conversation regarding refugees from Syria resettling in the United States and what, if anything, our government should do to either halt the refugee resettlement program or make the screening process stronger.
In order to address these concerns, House Speaker Kurt Daudt sent a letter to Governor Dayton urging him to ask President Obama to halt the refugee resettlement program until the Department of Homeland security is able to ensure the security and effectiveness of the refugee resettlement program. You can read Speaker Daudt's letter here.
The United States has a long history of helping those in need and I believe that we can still do this for those fleeing ISIS’ terror. However, we must be sensible in how we balance our generosity with security for our citizens. It is reasonable to ask the federal government to review and assure states that the screening process is effective.
Minnesotans’ security remains my top priority.
U of M’s 9/11 Remembrance
As an alum of the University of Minnesota, I was shocked to learn that the Minnesota Student Association Forum voted down a resolution for a yearly moment of silence to remember victims of 9/11.
Thankfully, President Kaler and members of the Board of Regents released a statement in response to this vote reaffirming the University’s commitment to honoring the victims of 9/11 despite this bizarre vote from the Student Association Forum.
You can read their statement here.
Update on REAL ID
As you may recall from an email update last month, a number of Minnesotans are concerned that they will not be able to board commercial airplanes after the January 1, 2016 deadline for Minnesota to become REAL ID compliant.
REAL ID is a set of standards and procedures for improving the security of driver’s licenses and personal identification cards passed by Congress and enacted into law in 2005. At the time, questions were raised over privacy issues, civil liberties, data security, and how states would handle this unfunded mandate – since they would bear the financial burden of meeting the new standards set.
Late last week, Governor Dayton and other legislative leaders sent letters, formally asking the Department of Homeland Security to give Minnesota more time, or an extension, in order to bring Minnesota into compliance with federal identification standards.
I still am optimistic that this issue will be resolved without Minnesota families having difficulties boarding airplanes. However, for individuals who are concerned about this issue, one can apply for Minnesota’s “Enhanced Driver’s License”, which meets Real ID standards. This license is an additional $15 and requires more identification verification in order to receive it. For additional information on Minnesota’s “Enhanced Driver’s License” visit here.
In Our Community
I know we all mourn for Paris and it is sometimes difficult to express that, but some students at Anoka High School set an amazing example of one way to do so. I am so blessed and encouraged by their efforts, and encourage you to read more at http://abcnewspapers.com/2015/11/18/anoka-high-school-students-show-support-for-france/.
Also, if you are looking for a different way to shop for Christmas this year, consider supporting small businesses on small business Saturday!
For more information on this and other community events, see: http://abcnewspapers.com/sponsors/discover-anoka/
Staying in Touch
Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments regarding anything related to state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Abigail