Friends,
With the Holiday Season in full swing (Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!), the cold weather and snow were bound to follow. It has made for some interesting commutes but it sure does look beautiful outside!
Before the next session heats up, I have been out and about in our community meeting with lots of folks and touring a number of our local businesses to listen to their ideas and concerns. This week I visited three local businesses and met with their operators and employees: Waterous (top picture), OneMain Financial (bottom left), and Wipaire Inc (bottom right). I love getting out in our community and meeting with constituents. Please let me know if you would like to meet and I would be happy to get something worked out!
MNLARS Update: A New Licensing Vendor
Beginning January of 2018, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is scheduled to begin issuing driver's licenses through MNLARS. The MNLARS system had been having serious problems delivering tabs, titles, and other functions during its rollout in 2017. Further complicating matters is the implementation of REAL ID that will be happening in 2018.
Last month, DPS announced in order to rectify this situation and meet the need to deliver on all these core functions of government, they have contracted with a private vendor with a track record of delivering functioning licensing services across the country. DPS released a full fact sheet about the relationship here.
While it is disappointing that despite millions of dollars and years working to implement the new system, the current administration could not deliver a functioning licensing system. This solution should help to make sure Minnesotans have a functioning licensing system. This is especially vital as Minnesota will be implementing REAL ID in 2018. Our licensing system simply has to work and I will continue to monitor the situation and keep you up to date with any updates.
In Case You Missed It: Tour around 52B!
Late this summer, we put together a video that highlights some of the great and beautiful parts of District 52B, which encompasses Inver Grove Heights, Sunfish Lake, parts of Mendota Heights and Eagan. I think it turned out very well and am proud to represent such a fantastic place to live. Check out the video here!
On this day in History
In 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first explorer to reach the South Pole.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office anytime by calling me at 651-296-4192, or share your thoughts by emailing me at rep.regina.barr@house.mn.
May all your days be merry and bright this holiday season!
Regina