Neighbors,
I hope your new year is off to a strong start on your resolutions! The new year means that we’re just a little under a month to the 2020 legislative session. I hope you’ll continue to reach out to share your priorities and questions with me.
New Laws
The last of the major new laws took effect on January 1. Here’s a quick overview:
- Middlemen known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) – which have played a significant role in the increase in prescription drug prices – will now have to be more transparent.
- Second, as part of our groundbreaking opioid stewardship law, medical professionals are required to take classes to learn about best practices in prescribing pain medications.
- Finally, trading of teeth, tusks, and horns from species such as elephants, hippopotamuses, or rhinoceroses is prohibited.
You can read more about these measures from House Public Information Services here.
Real ID
I’ve been getting questions from many of you about the Real ID, which is taking effect this year. Beginning October 1, 2020, Minnesotans who are 18 or older and have not gotten an updated “Real ID” will not be able to get on flights or enter federal facilities using their Driver’s License – you would have to have a Passport instead. People without driver’s licenses can get state ID cards that comply with the Real ID requirements.
Only about 10% of Minnesotans have done this, which is why you are encouraged to do it soon in order to receive your new ID in time. Here’s what you need to know:
- What you need: One document to prove identity and date of birth, such as an unexpired passport, a certified copy of a birth certificate or a certificate of citizenship. You must also show proof of having a Social Security number by presenting a Social Security card, a W2 form showing taxes withheld from a paycheck for the current year, or a pay stub with name, address and Social Security number. To prove Minnesota residency, applicants must show two documents, such as an unexpired Minnesota driver’s license, a credit card or bank account statement less than 90 days old, or a federal or state income tax return from the most recent filing year. A utility bill will not be accepted if two different names are on the bill.
- The Cost is approximately $32
- The Deadline is October 1, 2020
- The old IDs will remain valid forms of ID for driving and activities such as cashing checks
- Waiting time is 4-6 weeks after you order the ID
There is a checklist available here, and a good overview of Real ID from the Star Tribune here.
Work for the Census
The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting people to assist with the 2020 Census count. They need to hire 45,000 people across the state to complete the count, which occurs once every 10 years. Temporary census positions are a great opportunity to earn extra income while also helping your community. The Census is incredibly important!
Shifts are flexible, with full-time, part-time, weekend, and evening shifts available. They are especially looking for diverse candidates and those fluent in languages spoken in our community including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Oromo, Amharic, Karen, and Vietnamese. Find out more information here.
A Presidential Primary is Coming Up
For the first time this year, Minnesotans will participate in a presidential primary, rather than a caucus. No matter what your party affiliation is, it’s important to cast your vote and help ensure our government is representative of our shared values.
Absentee balloting for the 2020 Minnesota presidential nominating primary begins on January 17th, which is less than two weeks away. You can order an absentee ballot or update your voter registration here. Still have questions? Here’s a short Q and A:
When will the presidential nomination primary take place?
March 3, 2020, with early voting beginning on January 17th.
Will all parties be on the same ballot?
No, each major party will have a separate ballot.
Will there be a place to write in a choice or vote for “uncommitted”?
If it is requested by the party chair. Party chairs will need to submit names of write-in candidates to be counted seven days before the primary.
Will any other offices be on the ballot?
No, only presidential candidates from a major party will appear on the presidential primary ballot. Other offices with a primary will be on the primary ballot in August.
Will parties have to abide by the primary results?
The presidential primary results must bind the election of delegates in each party.
Will there still be precinct caucuses?
Yes, precinct caucuses and local and state nominating conventions will still take place to conduct other party business.
As always, feel free to keep in touch by emailing me at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn or calling my office at 651-296-3709.
Sincerely,
Rep. Samantha Vang