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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Kelly Fenton (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Kelly Fenton

Friday, January 13, 2017

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s been another busy week in Saint Paul.  Here is an update from the Capitol.

Real ID Compliance

According to the Department of Homeland Security, beginning on January 22, 2018, airline passengers who have a driver’s license from a state that is not compliant to federal Real ID requirements will need an alternative form of identification to fly domestically.

Minnesota is one of the few states remaining that is not compliant or on the path to compliance with this law, which was passed in order to make it more difficult for potential terrorists to obtain a fake ID card. Last session, we worked to get Real ID legislation on the governor’s desk. It passed on the House Floor 87-42 but was blocked by the Senate in final negotiations.

This year, we are again making it a priority, and the Real ID bill (House File 3) is moving through the legislative process quickly so that Minnesotans will be able to continue to fly without unnecessary difficulty. Additionally, to ensure that those who would have to get two licenses within a four year period because of the delay of implementation, a second license will be provided free of charge if you have to renew early.

This is an important issue for many people in Woodbury who travel for work or with their family, and I would like to see House File 3 signed into law as soon as possible.

Safety Study for Woodbury Highway Interchange

This year, I again introduced legislation to do a safety study for the 494/694/I-94 highway interchange in Woodbury. This is a dangerous interchange in need of upgrades, and by doing this study I hope we not only jumpstart this important road construction project, but also ensure we have enough information that it is done correctly the first time.

This is a priority for people in our community, as well as Washington County, and I hope to get this legislation signed into law this year. I will keep you updated on its progress as it moves through the legislative process.

Social Security Exemption

This week, I signed onto legislation that will phase out the state tax on Social Security benefits for Minnesota seniors. This is an important issue for thousands of Minnesotans, and I hope that we can include this as part of larger tax relief package later this session.

This legislation is important because not only will it save Minnesota seniors money—many of whom live on a fixed income, but it will also encourage more people to stay in our state after retirement.

House Resolution

This session, I am carrying a House Resolution condemning the forced organ harvesting of Chinese citizens. This problem involves people being taken and often killed for their organs which are then sold at a high price for transplants.

This reprehensible practice is immoral, and passing this resolution in the legislature would show our condemnation of this serious human rights violation.

Community Priorities

This week, I was able to meet with Washington County, the city of Woodbury and School District 833 to discuss priorities for the 2017 legislative session.

Advocating for the priorities of our community at the Capitol is my primary job as your state representative, and I value the input of local citizens, elected officials and community leaders. Please do not hesitate to contact me throughout the session to share your thoughts on legislation and issues being debated in the House. I am here to serve you!

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As always, if you have ideas about what you would like to see happen this session or need assistance on a matter of state government, I welcome you to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to call (651-296-1147), email (rep.kelly.fenton@house.mn) or stop by my office.

Sincerely,

Kelly

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