Friends,
This is the final weekend of session and we are working with the Governor to set the budget for the next two years. After vetoing the bills that made up the balanced budget that we sent him early this week, negotiations are still ongoing. I am at the Capitol this weekend with my colleagues ready to pass a budget that gives tax relief to middle-class Minnesotans while funding our transportation and education needs. This week was also a big week as we passed REAL ID. You can read more about that below, have a great weekend!
REAL ID Signed into Law
On Wednesday the House passed the REAL ID bill 120-11. The Senate also passed it with broad bipartisan support and Governor Dayton signed it on Thursday.
Getting REAL ID passed this session was a top priority and I am proud we were able to come to an agreement that will work for all Minnesotans. Making REAL ID a simple opt-in program for those who wish to use their driver’s license to board airplanes and enter federal facilities including military bases, while retaining an option to obtain an ID under the current system for those who chose to do so, was a great solution.
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 begun to require those without compliant licenses to provide passports or other documentation in order to be admitted.
Now that REAL ID has been signed into law, Minnesotans will be able to get their REAL ID-compliant licenses by October of 2018 at the latest and Minnesotans will be able to have the peace of mind knowing their driver's license is all they will need to board commercial aircrafts for domestic flights.
Rep. Barr with a constituent at the Speaker's Rostrum
Save the date: Capitol Grand Opening
After four years and a $310 million restoration, the Minnesota State Capitol is now open to the public. Our beautiful Capitol has been returned to its former glory and is ready for the next 100 years!
To commemorate this special occasion and to invite Minnesotans back to the People’s House, there will be a Grand Opening Celebration held on August 11, 12, and 13. The celebration will have something for everyone – fireworks, concerts, demonstrations by the artisans that worked on the restoration, behind the scenes tours, and much more. With featured events to entertain Minnesotans of all ages from all corners of the state, the Grand Opening weekend will be, educational, interactive and, most of all, FUN! Most of the events are free, or offered at a very low cost. Please mark your calendars and plan to celebrate the People’s House this summer!
Dangers of Summer Heat
Now that we should start to see some 80-90 degree days soon, it's important to remember to be aware and make sure you aren't leaving any children behind in locked cars. This brochure put together by the Auto Alliance is attempting to raise awareness and make sure no children are hurt in this way. Three key takeways:
- Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.
- Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.
- Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.
On this day in History
In 1873 businessman Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis received the patent "to create work pants reinforced with metal rivets" also known as blue jeans. Read more here.
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 weekend,
Regina