Dear Neighbor,
The House on Thursday approved $300 million in emergency relief for people who have suffered extremely high health insurance premium increases through MNsure.
Differences between House and Senate versions of this aid package still need to be reconciled before it can be sent to the governor for enactment, but it is a positive sign to see significant progress in relatively short time as far as the legislative process is concerned.
A House bill that would allow Minnesotans the option of obtaining IDs/driver’s licenses that meet increased federal ID standards for domestic flights and other purposes is expected to come to the floor for a vote soon.
The federal government has been phasing in heightened ID requirements for a number of purposes, including domestic air travel. Minnesota remains one of just a few states that have yet to gain compliance and we have a deadline of January of 2018 to do so or travelers could be grounded.
This issue has been the subject of very a deliberate examination in the House and the aim has been to reach a solution that both allows citizens to freely fly the country while also providing data security. The plan that is advancing provides a two-tier system where people have the choice of opting into Real ID or abstaining.
Look for more news on this bill as it makes its way through the final stages toward enactment.
On a final note, it remains to be seen what will unfold on a bonding bill, but there are three area projects I am working to have included if and when one is assembled. One would help redevelop the former regional treatment center into a facility that emphasizes treating veterans. The other two local proposals are for the Pelican Rapids dam and to help M State – Fergus Falls repurpose some of its campus space.
Thanks again for your continued correspondence and please keep sending me your thoughts on the issues.
Sincerely,
Bud