Dear Neighbor,
Much of January was spent tackling short-term relief for health insurance premiums, but now we're off to the races as we start tackling many other issues.
Here are a few things to know:
CYBERSECURITY IN MINNESOTA
On an almost daily basis, we’re hearing reports of security breaches into companies, governments, and into the lives of individuals, resulting in private information being revealed. Security experts have said state government is subjected to millions of cyberattacks every day in attempts to illegally access secure information. Governor Dayton recently unveiled his cybersecurity priorities by investing $125 million to reform and update our information technology infrastructure.
The governor’s proposal will build strong cybersecurity defenses by updating systems to safeguard Minnesotans’ private data. The proposal also makes investments required to convert or upgrade digital infrastructure to ensure state government operates efficiently and is up to speed with the needs of today and tomorrow.
I’m supporting Governor Dayton’s proposals to bring the State of Minnesota into the digital age. We should use all methods available to protect our citizens and institutions against illegal access by those who want to disrupt our state government.
You can read more about the governor's proposal here.
PROPERTY TAX REFUND
Don't forget!
Minnesota offers property tax refunds to both homeowners and renters. As you gather your tax documents and prepare to file, consider visiting the Department of Revenue's website to see if you qualify for a refund.
REAL ID LICENSES
If the state legislature doesn't act soon, travelers will no longer be able to board domestic flights with a Minnesota driver's license starting in 2018.
It's a complicated issue because some Minnesotans have privacy concerns about the data they would have to turn over to the federal government, and other Minnesotans are concerned that undocumented immigrants will be permanently denied a driver's license and the ability to get to work if all licenses are REAL ID compliant.
There is an easy solution to this problem that has bipartisan support. We could create a two-tier system that will offer two different licenses to Minnesotans: one that is REAL ID-compliant and could be used at airports, and another that is non-compliant and would require you to hand over less personal information to the federal government.
I'm hopeful we can move forward on this proposal soon.
SOCIAL MEDIA
This legislative session, I decided to create both a Facebook page and a Twitter account to reach people in another way. I hope you'll take the time to follow my updates there.
CONTACT ME
I want to hear from you!
Email me at rep.linda.slocum@house.mn or call at 651-296-7158 to tell me what you think we should be working on this year. Please contact me anytime I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Linda Slocum
State Representative
Bloomington, Richfield