Dear Neighbor,
I hope you have been having a great summer! I am writing to update you on a few legislative issues that have received some publicity and also extend an invitation.
One issue is newly launched Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) which is a new computer system that among other things deals with drivers licenses. The implementation of this system has had some problems. If you have experienced problems getting your drivers license renewed because of this system here is a web form that can be forwarded to Driver and Vehicle Services.
We have urged Gov. Mark Dayton to shift any resources necessary from relevant agencies to assist Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) with resolving the ongoing MNLARS issues. The most helpful thing people can do now is to provide detailed information through the aforementioned form so that it may be forwarded to DVS. Thanks again for your work and patience as the state works to resolve the ongoing MNLARS issues. Please don't hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance.
A second item I want to bring to your attention is that the House Capital Investment Committee will be touring several sites in the Saint Cloud area on August 15. This committee (which I once chaired and on which I am still an ex-officio member) makes decisions about which public works projects around the state should be funded, and they tour the state in odd-numbered years in preparation for putting their main bill together in the even-numbered years of the legislative session.
Finally, I would like to invite you to this weekend’s grand reopening of our renovated State Capitol.
The Minnesota State Capitol first opened for business in 1905. In recent years it had been showing its age, with marble literally falling off the building at times. Now, after four years of restoration, the 112-year-old building is once again sound and will host three days of grand re-opening festivities this weekend, starting with a blessing of the building 8:30 a.m. Friday.
There are activities planned for citizens of all ages, including everything from a kids’ zone to cocktails on the Capitol’s newly re-opened balcony. Tours will be available and a variety of musical performances are scheduled. The Capitol chandelier will be raised each day at 8 p.m. and a fireworks show will take place at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Events will start early in the morning last well into the night all three days.
The restoration project itself included repairing the crumbling marble exterior, addressing life safety concerns, increasing access for the disabled, updating mechanical systems and generally making the building more user-friendly to the public.
I highly recommend taking part in this once-in-a lifetime opportunity to celebrate the re-opening of our Capitol. The work that has been done is quite impressive. A conscious effort was made to not only honor the work of architect Cass Gilbert, but to actually bring the building closer to what he designed after decades of sometimes dubious modifications had altered the original vision. For example, a number of areas Gilbert created as public spaces have been restored, and skylights that were hidden by dropped ceilings have been uncovered to let in natural light that hasn’t shone in decades.
A complete itinerary and more regarding this weekend of grand opening events is available by clicking here. The crowds may be large, so please plan accordingly. I will be there for the opening blessing on Friday morning, and in my office in the nearby State Office Building much of the afternoon, so if you come down feel free to stop by.
Sincerely,
Jim