Hello Friends!
We have finished this week in the legislative session and here is an update by subject area.
Veterans
Recently, I authored a bill, HF3252, which helps military veterans re-enter the workforce when they return from active duty. It pertains to those in the real estate industry, and allows them to retake their license exams without penalties or time constraints. This bill is especially helpful to those struggling with PTSD who may need more time to get back on their feet.
My bill passed the Minnesota House and the Minnesota Senate with bipartisan support, and was signed into law by Governor Dayton. This is a good step towards helping the men and women who serve our country. I hope to pass more legislation dealing with professional licensing for veterans in the future.
REAL ID
The REAL ID debate continues on. Federal changes will make it very difficult to travel for citizens without an updated REAL ID that meets federal standards. In the past I have been hesitant on this issue due to concerns about personal data privacy. However, I do not want fellow Minnesotans to encounter barriers when they travel. I have said in the past that I would only support REAL ID legislation if there were an option for people with privacy concerns to opt-out. We need to allow individuals to obtain a standard driver's license, and not be forced to get a REAL ID.
There is a Republican bill moving forward that would allow you a choice as to which ID you would receive. I plan to vote in favor of this when it comes to the House floor. Again, I will only do so if there is an "opt out" option.
Becker Power Plant
At the start of this legislative session, I introduced a bill in the House that would have allowed the construction of a new gas power plant in Becker at the current Sherco site. Democratic Senator John Hoffman was carrying the bill in the Senate. Previously, I reported that both bills had lost the support of Governor Dayton’s office and the issue was over. I very am happy to say that there seems to be some changes on this issue coming from the Governor's office, and that the plan to build the new gas plant has been renewed.
Approval of the new plant will be done through administrative channels, since it is too late in the legislative session to move the bill forward through the process. So, for now, it appears we are back on track towards getting a new power plant built in Becker. A hearing will be held this summer to make a final decision. I will keep you posted as this issue unfolds. I would like to thank all of those who contacted Governor Dayton’s office to voice their concerns on this issue; we are seeing the impact of your efforts.
Transportation / Taxes / Surplus Spending
May 23rd, our final day of session, is coming quickly, and we have some major issues to address. I support the Republican transportation plan that focuses on building roads and bridges. I will not support a transportation plan that includes a gas tax. Last session, Governor Dayton pushed for a 16 cent per gallon tax increase.
In November or December of last year, Governor Dayton said that the gas tax was a dead issue. However, in negotiations this session, the Governor is once-again pushing for a gas tax increase.
Friends, we are looking at a $900 million dollar surplus this year. That is money that the government OVER-CHARGED YOU, the tax payer. My first choice would be to give it back to Minnesotans, who were over-taxed.
However, this will not occur as long as democrats control the governor's office and the Senate. I will support spending surplus dollars on transportation (roads and bridges) and on middle class tax relief.
We have a lot of work left to do in the next 10 days. I look forward to getting this done, for our community and the good people of Minnesota.
Thank you for the privilege to serve you in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Enjoy your weekend, and good luck on Fishing Opener!
God's peace,
Jim