Friends,
Fall is here -- kids are back in school, fall sports are marching towards their playoffs, and hunting seasons are in full swing. It's been a bit wet but a few absolutely perfect fall days have been mixed in. I hope you've had a chance to take some of them in! See a picture below of me out grouse hunting this week and a bit about what's been going on with REAL ID and more. Have a great weekend!
Rep. Grossell enjoyed Minnesota's beautiful fall weather while grouse hunting this past week
Line 3 Meeting in Bemidji
Public meetings regarding the proposed Line 3 pipeline replacement project will take place this Tuesday (Oct. 17) in Bemidji. Meetings will be 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at Sanford Center (1111 Event Center Drive).
Reports indicate the project received strong support during a similar meeting at Grand Rapids on Wednesday. This is a big issue in our area and I encourage local residents to attend and provide input as the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission prepares to make a decision on the replacement proposal next spring. This project is not only the most environmentally safe option to transport oil, but it will provide both long term and short term jobs for northern Minnesota.
The current Line 3 is 50 years old and the federal government (under the Obama administration) mandated replacement. The new route would pass through our region as it runs between Alberta and Superior, Wis. Here is a link to more on the public meetings, including a full schedule in case you are unable to attend in Bemidji next week.
REAL ID
On Tuesday we received news that Minnesota has been granted a grace period by the federal Department of Homeland Security for implementing REAL ID. This ensures Minnesota driver’s licenses can continue to be used to board airplanes for commercial, domestic flights and enter federal buildings until at least Jan. 22, 2018. It is expected that we will continue to receive extensions as long as we continue to move forward with implementation as expected.
The state is in the process of coming into compliance with increased federal ID standards, which are aimed at strengthening public safety. House File 3, the bill to implement Real ID, was passed by the Legislature and signed into law earlier this year. Minnesota is on track to start issuing REAL ID compliant IDs by fall of 2018.
High School Page Program
The Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program is now accepting applications. Over the last 40 years the program has provided high school juniors with hands-on access to our state government in action. I encourage any high school junior who may be interested in learning more about the legislative process to apply for the page program by December 1st. Click here to apply!
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts or concerns. My phone number is 651-296-4265 or you can email me at rep.matt.grossell@house.mn.
Have a great Fall!
Matt