Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
In this Issue:
- Conference Committee Work
- Real ID Update
- Highway Protest Bill
- Corridors of Commerce Projects
- Community Events
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
Conference Committee Work
As we head toward the finish line of the 2018 legislative session, a conference committee is busy at work finalizing a supplemental budget bill package. I shared details on many of the bills the House passed last week, and now both the House and Senate are working to find agreement in these areas and craft a comprehensive bill package that addresses school safety, transportation investments and more.
A conference committee to hammer out the details of a final federal tax conformity bill is also hard at work.
I will share more next week as these bills are finalized.
Real ID Update
Minnesota received federal assurance this week that a traditional Minnesota-issued driver’s license will continue to be sufficient identification to board domestic flights through October 1, 2020. Earlier in the session, we passed a law that required the Dayton Administration to seek an extension for Real ID once it became available.
This is great news, and will ensure Minnesotans can continue to fly without facing undue complications at the airport. Our state is on track to begin issuing Real ID-compliant licenses later this year.
You can read more in a recent Star Tribune article here.
Highway Protest Bill
On Tuesday, the House passed bipartisan legislation that increases the penalties for those convicted of blocking access to highways, airports or public transit from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor.
With increased incidences over the past few years of protestors shutting down public transportation, these protests can pose a substantial public safety risk. To be clear these actions are already illegal and do not infringe upon Minnesotans’ First Amendment rights, but I believe by increasing the penalty we can offer a stronger deterrent to stop actions like this in the future.
In the past, Governor Dayton has indicated his support of this proposal. This is an important public safety issue in our state, and a commonsense measure that should be signed into law.
Corridors of Commerce Projects
The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced more than $400 million in Corridors of Commerce funding for four major road projects that will help relieve congestion and improve commerce in our state.
Two projects of note for our area include up to $174 million to convert Highway 169 in Elk River to a freeway, as well as up to $62 million to expand I-94 from four to six lanes between Highway 241 in St. Michael and County Road 19 in Albertville. Upgrades to these roads will help many from the northwest suburbs, especially for families who like to head Up North in the summer months.
Community Events
Community Bingo
Come play bingo on Monday, May 14 from 1-3 pm at the Rogers Senior Center, where you can play for the new prizes and join in on the fun! It’s for a great cause, and raises money for the Seniors of Rogers. Cards are $.25 each with a limit of 6 cards per game. A variety of games are played with cash prizes of $5 per game and $10 for the final cover-all. Refreshments are served. Bring your friends and neighbors for a few hours of fun and get acquainted with other seniors in the area!
Maple Grove Lions 11th Annual Half Marathon, 10K and 5K
Saturday, May 12, you can take part in the Maple Grove Half Marathon, 10K or 5K walk/run. Learn more and how to register at maplegrovehalfmarathon.com
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in the last Peppin’s MinnTriv. The question was: This seaway system allows oceangoing ships to travel through the Great Lakes and reach as far west as Duluth. The answer is the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Congratulations to Paul Hartmann from Maple Grove who is last week’s winner.
Here is this week’s question:
This Minnesota mall, opened in 1956, was the first fully enclosed, climate-controlled shopping mall in the world.
The FOURTH correct response will be featured in the next email update.
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In order to best represent our communities, I need to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A