Dear neighbors,
Instead of having a coffee and conversations this week I would like to invite you to a town hall I am co-hosting with Senator Greg Clausen and Representative Anna Wills. This is a great opportunity for us to gather as a community and listen to your ideas and concerns. The event is free and open to the public. It is this Saturday, March 11th, at 1:30 p.m. and at the Falcon Ridge Middle School. The address is 12900 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124.
I recently sent out my legislative survey for 2017. Your voice matters and this survey is a great way for me to better represent our community. You can take the survey online here – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/repmayequade17 – or if you would like to receive a survey in the mail I will send one to you.
Recent legislation at the Capitol
Last Thursday, the House debated “preemption” legislation to prevent cities and counties from setting their own labor standards, including a higher minimum wage and benefits like paid sick time for the work done in their communities. This proposal would take away paid sick time and leave from 150,000 Minnesotans. I spoke against the legislation which was featured in a MPR news story on the debate. You can also see my floor speech opposing the legislation by clicking here.
Update on REAL ID
In 2005, in the wake of 9/11, Congress passed a bill that set forth requirements for state driver's licenses. At the time, all 50 states were against the federal government establishing the rules and criteria for the states driver's license and/or identification card issuance. In 2008, all 50 states were given extensions of the compliance deadline--and that deadline was extended by the federal government once more in 2011 in hopes of getting more state support. REAL ID is a unique issue that’s united folks from all parts of the political spectrum under concerns of privacy and centralized data collection as well as state’s rights.
25 states, including Minnesota, passed resolutions (which are non-binding) or laws saying they would not comply with the Real ID standards; the Minnesota Legislature passed binding legislation to not comply with Real ID standards. Over time, some states repealed their legislation against compliance, voted to comply with Real ID, or updated their licensing that ended up complying with Real ID criteria.
Currently, Real ID compliant licenses or ID cards are needed to enter DHS Headquarters; nuclear power plants; and restricted/semi-restricted federal facilities (including military bases). Soon, a Real ID compliant ID will be needed to fly on commercial airlines--hence the urgency surrounding this 12 year old law.
House File 3: Minnesota REAL ID Compliance
HF 3, authored by Rep. Smith (R-Maple Grove), creates a two tiered system of license/ID in Minnesota. The first tier would be a license or ID that would bring Minnesota licenses/IDs into compliance with federal REAL ID law and the second tier would be a non-compliant license (essentially, the licenses/ID's that are issued now). The second tier license would still be accepted as a Minnesota state ID and allow folks to drive in Minnesota but not to fly or get in to federally restricted areas.
This two tiered system assuages many of the concerns surrounding privacy. But the bill also adds into law that lawful immigration status is a requirement for the tier two, non-compliant ID (lawful immigration status is a requirement for the compliant, tier 1 ID). Currently, lawful status in the United States is a requirement for a Minnesota driver's license, but that requirement is through a rule (put into place by Governor Pawlenty), not law. H.F. 3 would put this rule into law that would require legislative action to undo.
My Vote
In recent past legislative sessions, there has been a push by many, particularly law enforcement, to issue licenses to all drivers regardless of immigration status. Simply put, this is a public safety issue. Unlicensed drivers are twice as likely to be involved in fatal car accidents and Minnesota is home to more than 90,000 unauthorized immigrants. Many of these folks already drive to work, the grocery store or to bring their kids to school; but they have not taken driver’s education classes, passed the driver’s test nor are they insured. As a state legislator, I have no jurisdiction over federal immigration policy and thus, no power to fix our broken immigration system; but I do have an obligation to ensure the safety of Minnesotans. There was an amendment to the bill offered on the House floor that, if accepted, would have given us a bill with only the criteria for REAL ID compliance without the controversy--but it was defeated.
In the final House vote, a bipartisan group of legislators voted against the more controversial bill. I am optimistic a compromise can be reached that will allow Minnesotan’s to fly and access federal facilities without the extraneous and controversial language. Hopefully, a clean REAL ID bill will move forward that will receive strong bipartisan support.
Recent Visits
Thank you to Building Trades who visited me last week.
During the long recess during our floor debate last Thursday I was able to speak with our high school pages. It was a great conversation and I was really impressed with how thoughtful these young adults are.
Jessica, a freshman at UMD visited with me as well about the importance of a strong public universities and colleges.
It was great having the families advocating for lowering Tefra fees. It is important for legislators to hear how the policies we create impact families across Minnesota.
Please let me know if I can be of service to you. I am here to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Erin Maye Quade
State Representative