Dear Friends and Neighbors,
For those with upcoming travel plans who are concerned about Minnesota's non-compliance with REAL ID, I wanted to make sure you were aware of the important news we received last week from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
DHS announced that the earliest a driver's license will need to meet the federal government's REAL ID standards to board a commercial flight is January 22, 2018. This means the legislature will now have ample time to pass necessary changes to state law when the House and Senate reconvene for session in March, and those of you with travel plans can continue to use your Minnesota-issued driver's license to board a plane.
In its announcement, DHS also indicated that states can still receive extensions to continue working towards compliance past January 2018, but all fliers must have REAL-ID compliant identification by October 1, 2020.
I would like to make note that at the current time, Minnesotans trying to enter a federal building with a state issued driver's license will still need another form of REAL ID compliant identification.
I will continue to update you on REAL ID, but I hope this news will help put peoples' minds at ease. My priority is to keep pushing for a permanent resolution to address Minnesota’s compliance with REAL ID and ensure that Minnesotans can continue to fly across the country without hindrance or great inconvenience.
Please feel free to contact my office if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Town Hall
I always love hearing your questions, comments and ideas on state government. Later this month, I will be co-hosting a town hall meeting with Senator David Hann to preview the 2016 legislative session, answer questions and receive feedback about legislative priorities from Eden Prairie residents. The details are below. Please mark your calendar, and I hope to see you there!
What: Legislative Town Hall with Rep. Jenifer Loon and Sen. David Hann
Date: Saturday, January 23rd
Time: 10:00-11:30 AM
Location: Eden Prairie Library, Large Meeting Room
565 Prairie Center Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
If I can be of any assistance to you with a state government matter, please feel free to contact me. I always welcome hearing from you on issues of interest or concern. I can be reached via email at rep.jenifer.loon@house.mn or you can call my office at 651-296-7449. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Jenifer Loon