Dear Neighbors,
As we prepare for the final full week of session, we’re waiting for conference committees to finish their work on the major omnibus finance bills while we debate and vote on other legislation on the House floor. Here are some of the latest updates from the Capitol:
REAL ID Update
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Minnesota will be considered compliant with the federal REAL ID law as long as we’re capable of taking applications for a REAL ID by October 1, 2018, meaning current licenses or ID cards will be sufficient for federal purposes like boarding an airplane or entering military installations until 2020.
We are currently on track for the system to be delivered on time. Minnesotans will be able to apply for the REAL ID-compliant cards this October, but they will not be mandatory until October 2020.
Teacher Appreciation
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week so I wanted to extend my thanks to the teachers across our district and around our state who dedicate their lives to preparing our children for success in school and in life. I’m committed to securing the resources they need to continue doing their tremendous work for our kids now and into the future.
Wastewater Treatment and Infrastructure
This session, we’ve heard from many communities about the need for bonding funding for wastewater projects.
According to a recent article in MinnPost, up to 300 cities across the state are in need of upgrades, especially with new state and federal standards to keep waterways clean.
This same problem is reflected across the state. There has been bipartisan support at the Capitol for sending more than $100 million to communities for wastewater treatment projects but more is needed.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency predicts there will be $5 billion in improvements needed across the state in the next two decades.
Please stay in contact with your thoughts and concerns as we approach adjournment on May 21. It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Erin Koegel
State Representative