Friends,
Well, the cold looks like it's here to stay. The cold plus snow has made for some interesting commutes over the past couple weeks but at least the snow has made things look nice! Now it's time to get out and enjoy the winter weather while we can. Also, winter sports are fully underway so get out and support our school sports teams!
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 on Monday! I am interested in hearing your thoughts and perspectives on issues as well as giving everyone a preview of the upcoming session.
Real ID Channel 4 Interview and MNLARS update
Last week I appeared on Channel 4 to discuss the types of licenses and sort out the details 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 regarding DPS that I outlined in my recent letter to Governor Dayton persist as that department works through their delivery system. Since then 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 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.
Legislative Preview Panel
This week I participated in a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) put on by the Minnesota Bar Association on the Legislative Process in Minnesota. I was on a panel with fellow House and Senate members previewing the 2018 session.
Rep. Smith with fellow legislators previewing the upcoming session
2017 Session in Review
The 2017 session will go down as one of the most productive in recent memory and it has been an honor and privilege to serve our community at the Capitol. We successfully delivered the largest tax relief package for Minnesotans in nearly two decades and the largest investment in roads and bridge infrastructure in state history without a gas tax increase.
I am personally proud that after years of work my bill to make Minnesota Real ID compliant became law. Minnesotans will be able to use their state-issued driver’s license to board airplanes and enter federal facilities, including military bases. The bottom line is Minnesotans will be able to board airplanes and visit relatives on military bases without needing additional documents. You can read my full session review here.
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