Dear Lakeville Friends,
We are spending a lot of time in committee hearings with overviews on the various operations of state departments in each committee area and starting to hear specific bills. I am on the Tax and Transportation Finance committees and am also the Vice Chair for the Transportation Policy and Regional Governance committee. Next week committees will have similar hearings and start to discuss the Governor’s budget proposals, off of which we begin to frame our own budget targets.
There are many topics with many people working simultaneously to advance the work of the state. I’m pleased with the pace in which we have already passed the tax conformity bill and the health care bill. There is more to do in those areas, yet we are focused on the main priority creating and passing a fiscally responsible budget that advances the priorities of hardworking families. One topic that is important to many travelers is providing a federally approved identification card, also known as Real ID.
Federally Compliant (Real) ID
Real ID was an important topic last year that has carried over to this session. Minnesota must become compliant with the federal Real ID law or our citizens will have difficulty boarding airplanes with their current ID. There’s lots of misinformation going around, so it’s important to get the facts straight. For a quick video recap, please click here.
First, Real ID isn’t much different than your current license, but adds further security protections. There’s no reason to worry about flying right now. We have until 2018 to become compliant, and the House is working hard to ensure you won’t face any trouble using your ID on a plane. Second, our proposal has two different types. If you know you’re not going to fly or enter certain federal buildings, you can keep and continue to use your current ID or driver’s license. If you want the convenience of having the federally approved ID for their facilities and domestic air travel, I support providing that option to those who want it. This is important for the vacation/hospitality economy and all those who travel for business.
Information and papers submitted are similar to obtaining a passport. This isn’t a national ID or registry. There are protections in the bill to limit the federal use and protect data. We’re one of the very last states to become compliant. You may have outstate relatives or friends that already have a Real ID in another state. Not passing a Real ID will require less convenient and more expensive passports for some federal facility access.
There’s lots of information going around, but I can help answer questions that may come up. We don’t have a date set to vote on this bill, but it has passed through committee, and is ready for the House floor and waiting for the process in the Senate.
Council Appointment
On Tuesday, I was re-appointed to the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs. The Council is made up of 15 voting members of Latino heritage from across the state. “The council shall advise the governor and the legislature on issues confronting the constituency of the council.” I’m honored to once again be appointed to this council, and listen to the questions, concerns, and ideas of Minnesota's Latino community and share them with colleagues. As a native Colombian who was adopted and became a US Citizen at age 5, I’m thankful for this opportunity. It’s a privilege and has been enlightening for me to connect with other Latinos. This is a fast growing demographic in our state and country!
Constituent Visits
It was another great week for visiting with Lakeville residents at the Capitol. Thanks to all who stopped by! If you’re going to be in St. Paul in the coming weeks, please set up a time to chat in my office; I’d love to hear from you!
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Thank you for reading, have a great weekend!
Jon Koznick
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A