Dear Neighbors,
Happy New Year! I hope you and your family enjoyed the holidays and were able to spend time together. Here is a brief update on a few items as we make preparations for the 2020 legislative session.
Update on Real ID
The deadline to comply with new federal ID standards arrives later this year and I strongly encourage people to sign up for a Real ID compliant driver license now and beat the rush.
Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a Real ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities.
A recent Star Tribune report showed that fewer than 10 percent of Minnesotans currently are compliant with the new ID standards and it is still taking several weeks for the state to turn around applications. I would anticipate that pressures on turnaround time will likely intensify this fall as more people get in line to apply for a federally compliant ID.
Save yourself a headache and begin the application process as soon as possible
There are additional documents needed to obtain a Real ID driver’s license, enhanced driver’s license, or state ID card. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website has information detailing the requirements and documents needed. DPS also has a pre-application online page to help speed up the process for processing an application for the REAL ID.
The federal Real ID program was created in the wake of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Congress raised ID standards in 2005, phased in over a number of years, with the stated goal of protecting our nation. While Minnesota’s current standard IDs do not meet the heightened federal standards, legislation enacted in 2017 allows the state to come into compliance this year.
St. Paul College Savings Program Raises Eyebrows
Starting January 1st, every child born in St. Paul will automatically get $50 from the city to put towards a college savings account for later use in postsecondary educational opportunities. The program, entitled, College Bound St. Paul, was partially funded by Minnesota taxpayers.
I have multiple concerns about this program, chief among them is the low rate of return the savings accounts will earn. For example, Bremer Bank will pay an interest of 1.03% on the St. Paul savings accounts, compared to about 7% in recent years in the state's 529 College Savings Plan.
While the program is certainly well-intentioned, I’m not sure that the accounts will grow much in value over the course of their lives, especially if the interest rates remain as low as 1.03%.
I’m also very concerned about children in the metro receiving preferential treatment. Why should St. Paul receive $500,000 in state tax dollars for a program that specifically benefits only St. Paul kids? Government should not be playing favorites when it comes to educating our kids. Children in our area deserve just as much of a chance as kids in St. Paul.
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Yesterday was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Please take time to honor those who serve and protect our communities and join me in thanking them for keeping us safe.
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any legislative questions, concerns, or ideas. I can be reached at my office number at 651-296-4929 or my cell phone at 701-361-1909. You can also reach via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn, or via U.S. Mail at 203 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great day,
Jeff