Meeting with constituents who were at the Capitol for Housing Day. Thank you for stopping by!
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
In this Issue:
- Real ID
- Sunday Sales
- University Regents
- Community Events: It’s Fish Fry Season!
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
Real ID
On Thursday, the House passed House File 3, the Real ID compliance bill which will begin the path to compliance with federal mandates passed in 2005. The federal law was passed with the intent of making it more difficult for terrorists to obtain falsified identification, and without this state legislation, starting in 2018, a Minnesota-issued driver’s license will no longer be an acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight.
Also important to note for those concerned with federally mandated Real ID requirements, House File 3 provides for a two-track system, meaning that people can choose whether or not to get a Real ID compliant driver’s license. Additionally, the bill passed on Thursday prohibits illegal immigrants from obtaining a license under agency rulemaking authority, as well as prohibits the sharing of data pertaining to the purchase, transfer and application of firearms or firearm ammunition.
The Senate has yet to act on Real ID, but is expected to do so in the coming weeks. Once their bill is passed, differences between the House and Senate versions will be ironed out in a conference committee before the bill is sent to the governor.
Whether it’s flying to another state or visiting a loved one on a military base, this legislation will give Minnesotans peace-of-mind that their state-issued identification will work at airports and federal facilities.
I will keep you updated on the progress of this legislation as it continues to move forward this session.
Sunday Sales
On Monday, the House passed legislation that would legalize the sale of liquor, beer and wine on Sundays by a bipartisan vote of 85-45. It’s the first time in state history that a standalone bill to legalize Sunday alcohol sales moved forward in the House.
Removing this ban that has been in place since statehood would be a noteworthy change to Minnesota’s statutes regulating alcohol sales. I have long been a supporter of changing this antiquated and outdated law. I believe liquor stores should be able to be open any day of the week they choose, and a majority of Minnesotans support this change.
The bill still needs to pass the Senate before it can be sent to Governor Dayton, who has stated he is open to signing the initiative into law.
University Regents
Every two years, it is the constitutional obligation of the state legislature to elect members to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. The Regents serve as the University’s “board of directors” and oversee the operation of our state’s land grant university. On Wednesday, in a joint meeting of the House and Senate, we selected four new University regents.
As an alumnus of the University of Minnesota, I was pleased to support former Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum, and current incumbent regent Darrin Rosha. In light of the recent and very troubling sexual assault scandal, and other financial mismanagement issues, it is critical that major change takes place at the U. Both Sviggum and Rosha are committed to instituting needed reforms.
Also elected were Ken Powell, the chairman and CEO of General Mills and David McMillan, an executive with Minnesota Power. It is my hope that Mr. Powell and Mr. McMillan will join Sviggum and Rosha in working to restore the reputation of the University of Minnesota.
Community Events: It’s Fish Fry Season!
The Rogers Lions Club is hosting fish and shrimp fry Fridays on March 3 and March 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Rogers Community Room, 21201 Memorial Drive in Rogers. The menu will feature fish, shrimp, fries, baked potato and macaroni and cheese. A cash bar is available. Cost is $13 for adults and $6 for kids age 10 and under.
The Mary Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus will be hosting fish fry dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 10, March 24 and April 7. Location is the Mary Queen of Peace church basement, 21304 Church Avenue in Rogers. Menu includes fish (baked or deep fried) macaroni and cheese, baked potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, dinner rolls, cookies and beverage. Price is $11 for adults, $6 for ages 5-12 and $2 for kids 4 and under.
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s MinnTriv Question. The question was: This chilly Minnesota town may have a population of only 200 people, but has a strong sense of community. Name this chilly small town. The answer was Frost, MN.
Congratulations to Andy Sjerven from Otsego for having the first correct response.
Here is this week’s question:
What large Minnesota company got its start by two hungry brothers from a Minnesota Riverside town? Name the company as it is called today and the town where it all began.
Respond to this email with your answer, and you could be featured in next week’s email update!
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In order to best represent our communities, I need to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A