Neighbors,
We’re in the final weeks of session, with our constitutional deadline of May 17 fast approaching. As all of our budget proposals have been voted off the House floor, our attention now turns to conference committees with our Senate counterparts to craft consensus legislation between our two very different budget proposals.
For my part, I’ve been appointed to the State Government Conference Committee, where I’ll be advocating against the Senate’s anti-democratic election proposals. It’s highly likely the bill we passed in the House will look much different when our conference committee’s work is finished, but that is the nature of compromise. As one of the only divided state governments in the nation, it’s up to us to show that coming together for bipartisan results is still possible.
REAL ID
In a recent announcement from the federal government, the deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended by an additional 18 months to May 3, 2023. This will help relieve some of the pressure on our local Driver and Vehicle Services offices, which have been overwhelmed with requests to renew expired drivers licenses and vehicle registration tabs, and give Minnesotans more time to obtain this updated form of identification.
Beginning May 3, 2023, Minnesotans will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. An enhanced driver’s license or ID card, passport or passport card are acceptable substitutes. Simple vehicle tab renewals can be handled online in just a few minutes at the DVS website, so take advantage of that option if you can’t get an in-person appointment at a local Hennepin County Service Center.
Vaccine Appointments Available
The State Fair Community Vaccination Site has appointments available! Our community is one of the regions eligible to sign up for appointments, and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has reduced barriers for this site by opening a hotline to schedule appointments directly (833-431-2053) in a multitude of languages. MDH has ensured a large number of translators are on site daily, as well as an ADA accessible drive through option. A free Metro Transit pass is also available to every registrant. This week, they are also beginning to open community sites with the federal doses, where up to 1,000 doses a day of our allocation will be administered. These sites are being finalized and will be located at community centers, churches, schools, and more.
You can find more information here, which includes information in multiple languages – such as Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Karen, and more. We’re incredibly close to putting this pandemic behind us, and we will get there sooner by vaccinating more Minnesotans. Please share this information with those who may need it.
Stay Connected
If you have any questions on our work ahead in these final weeks, please feel free to contact me. The best way to reach my office is through email (rep.michael.nelson@house.mn) or phone (651-296-3751). I appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Rep. Michael V. Nelson