Greetings Northlanders,
We have a little over one week left in session and both the omnibus finance and tax conformity bills are in conference committee before they come back to the floor for votes next week. Here’s the latest from the Capitol:
Bonding Bill
The bonding bill funds much-needed infrastructure improvements, repairs, and new investments in projects, bringing jobs to different regions of the state. This is the best way to fund long-term projects and provides us with the best bang for the buck.
We have plenty of need in bonding, with three project requests for every project funded. I’ll be working to pass a substantial bonding bill this session.
Sulfate Standard
On Wednesday, Gov. Dayton vetoed a bill addressing the state’s wild rice sulfate standard and recent proposals from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He urged legislative leaders to work with stakeholders and find a resolution that provides certainty to companies and municipalities, respects federal law, and protects wild rice for future generations.
It’s disappointing that Republicans forced a veto on this issue by putting politics ahead of finding a reasonable solution. I’ll continue to work with Gov. Dayton and his administration, my colleagues in the legislature, and stakeholders to craft a reasonable resolution.
REAL ID Update
Minnesota will be deemed compliant with the federal REAL ID law as long as we’re capable of taking applications for a REAL ID by October 1, 2018, meaning current licenses or ID cards will be sufficient for federal purposes like boarding an airplane or entering military installations until 2020.
We are on track for the system to be delivered on time. Minnesotans will be able to apply for the REAL ID-compliant cards this October, but they will not be mandatory until October 2020.
Please stay in touch with your ideas and input on legislative matters as session nears its end.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative