Friends,
While most of the Twin Cities avoided the promised “Snowmagedon” that covered much of the southern portion of our state, I have photographic proof that at least part of our area received some snow. See that below and read what we’ve been up to in Saint Paul!
Rep. Barr on a tour of local businesses last Friday
Sunday Sales
The Minnesota House passed legislation last Monday that would legalize the sale of liquor, beer, and wine on Sundays, the first time in state history that standalone legislation on this issue has been approved. The bill passed on a bipartisan 85-45 vote. Then yesterday, the Senate passed their version of a bill to legalize Sunday Sales.
The bills are slightly different so further action will need to be taken BUT the biggest obstacles for Sunday Sales have been cleared. Governor Dayton has previously said he will sign a bill to legalize Sunday Sales so there is a very strong chance that as of July 1st, 2017 you will have the freedom to shop for alcohol seven days a week.
REAL ID
Last Thursday the House passed House File 3, the REAL ID bill, which will make Minnesota REAL ID compliant. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 72-58. Without action on REAL ID this session, Minnesota driver’s licenses will no longer be acceptable for boarding planes as soon as January of 2018.
REAL ID is a federal law passed in 2005 with the goal to make it more difficult for potential terrorists to obtain fake identification cards by setting standards that states must meet for their driver’s licenses. Some federal facilities, including military bases, have already began to require those without compliant licenses to provide passports or other documentation in order to be admitted.
You can also see this video by my colleague Rep. Dennis Smith put together to explain what REAL ID is and what it does.
Unclaimed Property
Last Friday, I held a press conference to talk about my bill to get property currently held by the state of Minnesota in the Unclaimed Property account back in the hands of the Minnesotans that it belongs to. You can see clips from that press conference here.
Visit MissingMoney.com to check to see if you are owed any property from this fund.
Budget Forecast - $1.65 billion Surplus
Today, the budget forecast was released showing an increase of $250 million from previous forecasts up to $1.65 billion for the 2018-19 biennium. My statement on that can be found here. I will have more on this in the updates coming over the next few weeks. It'll be an interesting time and I look forward to making sure that taxpayer money is being spent wisely and reflects the priorities of Minnesotans.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office any time by calling me at 651-296-4192, or share your thoughts by emailing me at rep.regina.barr@house.mn.
Have a great week,
Regina