Dear Neighbors,
I am grateful for the hard work and professionalism of those involved in responding to the Callaway train derailment last Thursday. Thanks to first responders and many, many others, we were able to avoid a much larger tragedy. Please be sure to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns regarding the Callaway derailment.
Today, the State Government Finance Committee launched a website to gather comments and feedback from Minnesota families, taxpayers and small business owners affected by MNsure.
The new website can be found at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/cmte/comment and is also linked on the House State Government Finance Committee page and I encourage you to share your personal experiences with MNsure on the website.
On Tuesday, the House passed a bill that would allow Minnesota to prepare for the implementation of REAL ID.
Minnesota had previously approved a law barring Minnesota's Department of Public Safety from even discussing REAL ID compliance with Homeland Security. The bill that was passed on Tuesday would allow this planning to begin.
There are concerns regarding REAL ID compliance and privacy data for Minnesotans. At the end of the day, we want to make sure Minnesotans are able to board an airplane without issue, while also addressing whatever privacy concerns we may have.
We do have options that would allow for a two track identification system and we know that the current enhanced ID qualifies as a substitute. Either way, this bill allows this conversation to officially begin and I am looking forward to coming to a resolution that satisfies the federal requirements while also protecting Minnesotans data and offering options.
In addition to this bill, the House passed legislation last week that provides a much needed correction to the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund. Thanks to this correction, small businesses across the state will be credited nearly $260 million—which they can reinvest in their businesses and communities.
As always, please let me know your thoughts and concerns regarding any issues relating to state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-9918 or via email at rep.steve.green@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Steve