Friends,
This was a very busy week at the Capitol where we passed a number of bills off the floor and heard many in committee. But the most pressing and important development from my perspective was the bill I introduced to crack down on loopholes that are making it all too easy for those who have committed sex crimes against children to offend again.
You can read more about the problem in the investigation done by KARE 11 by clicking here. You can also watch the segment that KARE 11 did on my bill to fix it by clicking here. I believe we need to protect those most vulnerable among us and the current laws allowing for perpetrators to escape any serious penalties is unacceptable. My bill increases penalties and increases the amount of time that offenders will be under supervision.
I have support of over two dozen of my colleagues as co-authors and many more who are supportive. I will keep you up to date on the progress of this bill as it makes its way through the process.
Here is the rest of my update from this week.
REAL ID
The REAL ID bill passed the House this Thursday. Our REAL ID bill makes sure Minnesotans will be able to use their driver’s license to board planes and enter federal facilities including military bases. The bill also offers a way to opt-out of the REAL ID compliant license for those who are concerned about privacy issues.
You can learn more about REAL ID by watching this video.
Visits with Constituents
Last Friday’s coffee in Bemidji was a great success and will be the first of many I hold around the district. The Bemidji Pioneer wrote a story about that here. I also welcomed constituents from Clearbrook representing Clearwater County at the Red River Emerging Leaders Program breakfast meeting in Saint Paul Stay tuned for announcements on future events around the district.
Please continue to stay in touch to share our thoughts or concerns. My phone number is 651-296-4265 or you can email me at rep.matt.grossell@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Matt