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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dennis Smith (R)

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REAL ID in the News and Maple Grove Lions

Friday, December 8, 2017

Friends,

Winter has found us here in Minnesota! As we dealt with the harsh arrival of our winter this week, we find solace with our youth winter sport season is now in full swing. All of our high school sports have started their league schedules as well as my son’s hockey team as noted in last week’s email update. Follow me on twitter @DennisSmithMN for game updates and other fun hockey news from the area (as well as some occasional political news). Brave the cold to watch some great local sporting events this weekend!

Real ID Channel 4 Interview and MNLARS update

This week I appeared on Channel 4 to discuss the types of licenses and sort out the details that Real ID is offering us. Knowing the type of license that is best for you as well the impact of that choice is important once the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) starts issuing licenses in October of 2018.

The concerns of DPS that I outlined in my recent letter to Governor Dayton, and write about in this weekly update, persist as that department works through their delivery system.

While it is extremely disappointing the Dayton Administration could not deliver a functioning licensing system despite years to prepare and millions of taxpayer dollars invested, this solution should help to make sure Minnesotans have a functioning licensing system and we do not encounter any further problems implementing REAL ID. Our licensing system simply has to work and I will continue to demand answers as to how MNLARS has faired so poorly and this additional outside vendor became necessary.

University of Minnesota Meet Your Legislator Event

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This week I was excited to be on campus to participate in the “Cookies and Conversation” with constituents who attend the U and other concerned students. It was great to hear the concerns and challenges from our next generation of leaders and I hope finals go well for them next week.

Maple Grove Lions

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I was honored to speak at the Maple Grove Lions meeting this week. It was great to see so many friends and meet new ones during my visit. I enjoyed our discussion of recent legislation and how it impacts our residents, business owners, and nonprofit organizations. There was significant concern of the bill I authored that reduces the overbearing taxation on nonprofit organizations. As the former president of the Osseo Maple Grove Hockey Association, I know full well how the taxes required to be paid for these organizations can impact their ability to deliver services. We are blessed with organizations such as the Lions in our community. They do so much to help so many people in countless ways. The fight to continue for fair taxation for organizations is not over and continues next session.

Monthly Town Hall meeting

My monthly town hall meeting will be on Monday, December 18th, at the Maple Tavern from 6:00-7:30. I look forward to seeing you at this regular monthly event!

Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.

Have a great weekend and stay warm!

Dennis