Dear Neighbors,
The snow we have been looking for since the start of winter has arrived! Just in time for us to enjoy before we usher out 2015. Even though this is a short week at the capitol, here is an update on some important issues.
REAL ID Update
A topic that continues to make headlines is Minnesota’s lack of compliance to the federal REAL ID Act. I want to point out a couple facts to make sure that our citizens feel comfortable with the process ahead. As you may know, Minnesota was not granted an extension for REAL ID compliance. Despite this, the Department of Homeland Security must give our state 120 days of notice before our current identification cards are no longer accepted for commercial air travel. That puts us into late April or early May at the very soonest. If you have plans to fly in the coming weeks, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO SO.
Currently, the House Civil Law Committee, of which I am vice chair, is studying REAL ID to prepare for the upcoming discussion on this issue. Once session begins on March 8, the Legislature will have significant time to work towards compliance before the deadline hits. This is an important issue and I hope you’ll contact me with any questions.
New Bus Routes
One of the best things about our area is the ever-increasing amount of businesses and infrastructure. In order for our expanding population to connect to other areas of the metro, Maple Grove Transit and Plymouth Metrolink are increasing their routes with Minnesota’s first Suburb-to-Suburb Transit Service. Along with the usual routes to and from our area, we can now use flexible, inexpensive buses to travel to places like Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Plymouth, and Shakopee.
Starting January 19, this new Suburb-to-Suburb Transit service will include 20 daily trips heading northbound and southbound. If you’d like more information on routes and schedules, please click here.
Last session, I supported a transportation package that provided funding for bus transit. This new bus service is a much cheaper and more flexible transit option when compared to costly light rail projects. Creating transit that is widely available and creates less of a burden on taxpayers is something I look forward to supporting.
Business Visit
This week I visited with Royal Vending Company located in Maple Grove. We had a comprehensive discussion about their business issues and how our laws can impact their business climate. I appreciated the tour of their facility and the time they took to speak with me. I welcome any invitation to visit with local businesses to listen and learn about how I can continue to work to make Minnesota the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Happy New Year
I wish a healthy and prosperous New Year to each of you and your families. I look forward to continuing to hear from you in 2016 about the ideas, suggestions, and concerns you have about our state government. You can reach me via email at Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, by phone at (651) 296-5502, or US mail at 13570 Grove Drive, #370, Maple Grove, MN, 55311.
Happy New Year!
Dennis