Dear Neighbor,
A number of important bills made progress both in committees and on the House floor this week. Before we get to those, I want to thank all the District 5A citizens who attended my first legislative coffee meeting last week in Bemidji. The input I received is very much appreciated. I commend the attendees for the passion they displayed while also keeping things civil and respecting one another. It makes me wish national politics would take a cue from the people of our area.
As for work at the Capitol, the House passed legislation Monday that would legalize the sale of liquor, beer, and wine on Sundays. The bill passed on a bipartisan 85-45 vote and now is in the hands of the Senate. The governor has said he would enact Sunday sales if/when he receives this bill and the change would go into effect July 1, just in time for the Independence Day holiday.
The House also passed on Thursday a bill to bring Minnesota into compliance with increased federal ID standards which apply to such things as visiting a military base or boarding an airplane. This has been an ongoing issue as the Legislature looked for a way to make the best of a difficult hand dealt to us by the federal government.
The challenge has been in finding a solution where citizens are able to comply with Real ID, while also providing a means of opting out method for those who do not want to participate. The two-path approach the House passed accomplishes just that. Those who want a Real ID can get one. Those who do not want a Real ID do not need to get one and could continue using the state’s standard ID.
Bills also continue moving through the committee process. A hearing is expected on legislation I have authored to conduct a study on the feasibility of converting Highway 371 to four lanes from Jenkins up to Cass Lake. This would be a major benefit to the people in our area and the bill I have authored would be the first step in the process. Look for more as this develops.
Another bill I am working on is as a co-author of a proposal to help provide increased transportation funding for schools in Greater Minnesota such as ours. Again, look for more as this bill travels through the House.
Next week will be a big one, with an updated state economic and budget forecast scheduled to be released on Tuesday. The numbers we receive in that report will provide the guidelines we need to start putting together a formal House budget proposal.
Until next time,
Matt