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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Vogel (R)

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Update re: franchise fees, Real ID

Friday, April 1, 2016

Dear Neighbor,

Greetings from St. Paul, where I would like to pass along a quick update on two important issues – one that has been the subject of many headlines and another that largely is flying under the radar.

The issue that seems to have less public awareness also is one that impacts people in the pocketbook. It pertains to local municipalities receiving franchise fees for utility service, which results in consumers paying surcharges on their accounts. This raises utility costs and effectively serves as a hidden tax.

A bill I authored to bring more transparency to the process was approved by a House committee this week and is making its next stop in the process. The bottom line is whether taxpayers and cities agree to raise local taxes, that is something they should be deciding together. Franchise fees often are used as an alternative for cities to increase their levies without citizen approval, and many times without people even aware it is happening.

Click here for a news release I issued this week regarding this bill.

As for the issue that has received significant attention, the House and Senate this week passed a bill pertaining to Real ID this week and it was enacted by the governor. The legislation lifts the gag order on the state researching and planning in regard to new federal Real ID standards that are being implemented by the federal government for, among other things, boarding commercial domestic flights.

The federal government established the Real ID program as a way to increase security following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Minnesota's current standard ID does not meet Real ID standards being implemented nationwide. Not only that, but state law was enacted several years that both prohibits state compliance with Real ID, while also banning research and discussion of this subject at the state level.

The prohibition on compliance remains on the books pending further legislative action. For now, the important thing is for the discussion to take place so state officials can compile information and report back to the Legislature. This will help us voice concerns, have questions answered and examine this subject thoroughly in order to develop prudent options for the long term.

I would like to remind travelers to proceed as usual with your flight plans. The Department of Homeland Security told Minnesota it has until 2018 to develop Real ID-compliant licenses in order for residents to board an airplane.

Look for more as things take shape at the Capitol and please stay in touch. Your thoughts, ideas and concerns always are welcome.

Sincerely,

Bob