Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update on recent actions and notable events happening at the Capitol.
HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS UPDATE:
- Sunday Sales Passes House
- Real ID Advances
- Regents
- Survey
- EP Superintendent
- Constituent Visits
Sunday Sales Passes House
Speaking to the press with Speaker Daudt after my legislation to legalize Sunday liquor sales passed in the House on Monday.
For the first time in state history, the House approved a bill on Monday that would allow liquor stores to be open on Sundays. My bill, House file 30, passed with a bipartisan vote of 85-45. If this measure also passes the Senate, Governor Dayton has indicated that he will sign the legislation into law.
I have been championing legislation to repeal the Sunday sales ban for the past four years, working hard to represent consumers and business owners who want this change. Monday’s vote not only reflects that work, but the fact that more legislators are hearing from their constituents and coming around to favor an issue that a majority of Minnesota citizens also support.
The bill includes some compromise language to help address the concerns of groups previously opposed to repealing the Sunday sales ban. For instance, the bill prohibits the acceptance of alcohol deliveries by liquor stores on Sundays to address the concerns of the Teamsters Union who did not want to make deliveries on that day. Additionally, the legislation also would limit the hours of operation from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays.
I am excited at the headway this issue is making this session. I believe it is time to bring our state’s antiquated alcohol laws into the twenty-first century, giving consumers and businesses the convenience and choice they deserve.
I will keep you updated on the progress of my bill this session.
Real ID Advances
Yesterday (February 23) the House passed House File 3, legislation that will allow our state to comply with federal Real ID requirements. If we do not comply with the federal Real ID law, beginning in January of 2018 a Minnesota-issued driver’s license will no longer be an acceptable form of identification to board a domestic commercial airline flight. If Minnesota has a law in place to bring us into compliance with Real ID, the Department of Homeland Security will grant our state an extension until 2020 to have the process completed.
For individuals concerned about federal mandates or disclosing personal data, it is important to note that House File 3 provides for a two-track system. Minnesotans would be able to choose whether to get a Real ID-compliant license, or opt to stay with our current driver’s license.
There were some concerns raised about a provision in HF 3 that would prohibit state agencies from administratively moving forward to allow persons in Minnesota without legal immigration status to obtain a driver’s license. My thoughts are that this issue is one that should be fully debated and determined by the legislature—not executive or administrative action. The provision in HF 3 will ensure that any action which changes our state’s current policy prohibiting driver’s licenses for people without legal immigration status will be made through the full legislative process with ample opportunity for the public to participate and express their views on the matter. My priority is ensuring that we bring Minnesota into compliance with Real ID so that the public can continue to travel by air, conduct business at federal buildings and facilities, and visit their loved ones serving our country at one of our military bases. Since this is a very time sensitive matter, I think it appropriate the two issues be separated and that the Real ID bill be advanced quickly.
This is an issue that has been of great concern to many Eden Prairie residents who want to be able to use their license to fly or visit a federal facility, including our military bases. I am supportive of this legislation, and hope that we can get a bill to Governor Dayton’s desk soon for his signature. The next step will be for action in the Senate.
Regents
Every two years, it is the job of the Legislature in a joint meeting to choose new regents for the University of Minnesota. On Wednesday, the House and Senate met and elected four regents.
Two new regents chosen include Ken Powell, the chairman and CEO of General Mills, and former Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum. David McMillan, an executive with Minnesota Power, and attorney Darrin Rosha were both re-elected to serve another term with the Board of Regents as well.
Survey
My 2017 legislative survey is now available to take online. Surveying Eden Prairie residents about their priorities is something I try to do every year, as it helps me better represent our community at the Capitol.
The link to my survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Loon2017
I sincerely hope you will take a few minutes to respond to the questions and add your individual comments and feedback. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me!
Eden Prairie Superintendent
Presenting the EP Superintendent with a House Resolution
With Gary Amoroso, Superintendent Curt Tryggestad, Cathy Tryggestad, Peter Lacey, and Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius
This week, I attended a ceremony to celebrate Eden Prairie Superintendent Curt Tryggestad who was named Minnesota Superintendent of the Year. It’s wonderful to have talented and dedicated leaders like Superintendent Tryggestad in our community who are strong advocates for improving student learning and ensuring our students have access to a world-class education.
Congratulations!
Constituent Visits
With constituents from Eden Prairie who were in Saint Paul for Nurses Day on the Hill.
With Nafisa Ibrahim, an Eden Prairie resident and student at the College of St. Scholastica
With Eden Prairie resident Stephen Hari of Enterprise
With Ram Gada and Laurie Creamer who were in Saint Paul advocating for History Matters
With realtors and homebuilders from Eden Prairie who were at the Capitol for Housing Day
A number of groups and constituents have stopped by over the past couple weeks. Visitors include employees of Eden Prairie schools, the YMCA, auto dealers, engineers, personal care attendants, physical therapists, homebuilders, and realtors. If you are planning a trip to the state Capitol, please call our office to set up time to meet with me—I would love to see you!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by for a visit and share their priorities for state government with me!
***
If I can be of assistance to you with a state government matter, please feel free to contact me. I always welcome your views, questions and suggestions on issues of interest or concern. I can be reached via email at rep.jenifer.loon@house.mn or you can call my office at 651-296-7449. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Jenifer Loon