Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Another busy week at the Capitol is complete. I am pleased to say that we were able to pass a Real ID bill through the House during yesterday’s House floor session.
As of January 1st, 2018, Minnesotans will be unable board a plane, enter military bases, or federal facilities using their Minnesota driver’s license.
I have heard from people in our district who have expressed concerns with privacy and that the federal government will have increased access to their information. I would like to clarify this very important point: neither the state, nor federal government, will require or have access to any more information than what is already required to obtain a Minnesota driver’s license.
The central difference between a Real ID and a standard driver’s license is that your documentation will be run through an extra security database to verify that you do not possess a driver’s license from another state and that you are a citizen. These additional security measures were passed by the federal government in 2005 in an effort to combat terrorism and increase national security in the wake of 9-11.
Even so, I understand that some Minnesotans are still uncomfortable with the increased security standards entailed in receiving a Real ID, while others simply want to be able to board a plane or enter a federal facility with their driver’s license.
The bill we passed yesterday would allow individuals to choose between a standard Minnesota driver’s license (like we have now), or a Real ID. You can decide what option suits your needs and concerns best.
This compromise respects the positions of Minnesotans on both sides of this issue. I voted in favor of this bill, and will keep you appraised as it moves through the Minnesota Senate.
I also had the pleasure of meeting with several people from our district this week.
Princeton High School grads - Elizabeth and Mikayla - now attending private colleges in our state and asking for support for continued dollars to college grants.
Librarians from central Minnesota, including from Isle and Milaca.
State FFA officers visited during FFA week: a great group of young persons who will be our future leaders.
Domenic and Jim, grads of Princeton and Foley, seeking support for physical therapy programs.
Maria from Princeton, a physical therapist concerned about preserving the medical specialty that the profession offers.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Sondra