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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dario Anselmo (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Dario Anselmo

Friday, February 24, 2017

Dear Neighbor,

Here is an update from the Capitol.

Real ID

On Thursday, the House passed Real ID compliance, an issue important to many residents in our community who travel or visit federal facilities. Passed in 2005 by Congress, the federal Real ID law is intended to prevent terrorists from obtaining falsified identification. Without state legislation to comply with these mandates, beginning in January 2018, a Minnesota driver’s license will no longer be a valid form of ID at the airport to fly domestically. If on the path to full compliance, the Department of Homeland Security is expected to grant our state an extension through 2020.

Also important to note, this bill provides a two-tier driver’s license system, meaning Minnesotans will be able to choose between a Real ID-compliant license, as well as a second option for those who wish to opt-out of federally mandated requirements.

This is something we need to get done as soon as possible to ensure that in 2018 and beyond, Minnesotans have peace-of-mind that their driver’s license will continue to be a valid form of identification at airports and federal buildings. I will keep you updated on the progress of this bill.

Sunday Sales

On Monday, the House passed legislation to legalize the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Minnesota. I supported the legislation, and believe that liquor stores, like other businesses across the state, should be able to choose which days of the week they are open. Additionally, a growing number of Minnesotans support making the change to improve choice and convenience.

Whether you’re out running errands on Sunday or need to pick up a last-minute six-pack for the game or a bottle of wine to go with dinner, I believe repealing the Sunday sales ban just makes sense. If the legislation also passes the Senate, Governor Dayton has stated he will sign the bill and repeal this antiquated law that dates back to statehood.

Legislation

This session, I am chief authoring a handful of bills that I will be advocating for this session.

House File 1523 supports STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education in our schools. In an effort to improve student learning, I have partnered with the Edina High School Robotics team to promote STEM education in Minnesota schools. STEM education is critical to not only the success of future generations, but the future of our state as well.  

House File 1659 is a bipartisan bill that appropriates funding to try and ease congestion and traffic along the Interstate Highway 494 corridor. Funding will go toward transportation management organizations that provide services in cities located along I-494. Funding ways to improve traffic flow, shorten commute times and keep our roads safe is important, and I will be advocating for transportation solutions this session.

Regents

The Minnesota Legislature is tasked with choosing regents for the University of Minnesota. With thousands of U of M graduates living in Edina, I know many of us share the view that we want strong leadership at our university so they can continue to provide a world-class higher education to students.

On Wednesday, the House and Senate met in a joint session and chose four new regents. The new regents chosen are Ken Powell, the chairman and CEO of General Mills and former Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum. Additionally, David McMillan, an executive with Minnesota Power and attorney Darrin Rosha were both re-elected to serve another term.

Edina Forum

On Tuesday, I attended a joint forum at the Edina Community Lutheran Church with Senator Melissa Franzen and Representative Paul Rosenthal. This was my first forum, and it was great to have an in-depth and informative discussion on a number of topics including healthcare, race relations, redistricting and gun control.

I want to thank everyone who came out to share their thoughts with me and ask important questions. Your input is invaluable and helps me better represent the priorities of our community. 

Constituent Meetings

I had a number of constituent groups visit the Capitol over the past couple weeks. Kelly Coran and her son were here for Dyslexia Day on the Hill; Lucy Dornbach, a student at the College of St. Benedict, came to discuss the Minnesota State Grant Program; Rob Evans was here for Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol; and Hellen Woelfel was here for History Matters Day on the Hill.

Thank you to everyone who came to Saint Paul to meet with me!

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I welcome you to contact my office at any time to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas about what you would like to see happen this session. Your input is invaluable and helps me better represent the voices and priorities of our community. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4363 or by email at Rep.Dario.Anselmo@House.mn.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as your voice at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Dario

 

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