Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you well. The 2020 legislative session gets underway next week on February 11 for what is sure to be a policy-packed 16-week period. Last year, lawmakers were tasked with setting and delivering a balanced state budget, which means much of our focus will be finding common ground with the GOP-led Senate on a policy-driven agenda that continues moving Minnesota forward. Please take a moment to share your priorities with me by taking a brief survey.
Real ID Update
Effective October 1 of this year, Minnesotans will need a Real ID or passport to board a commercial aircraft or enter certain federal facilities. Consider getting a jump start on Real ID by renewing your driver’s license or ID card prior to the fall deadline, even if your current license isn’t expiring, this year.
I’ve had constituents express concerns about the difficulties many are encounteringas they apply for a Real ID. My wife, Judy, and I applied for our Real IDs on New Year’s Eve and personally experienced this. One of the types of documents listed as being valid is a credit card statement; however, when Judy presented a Macy’s bill in her name with the payment stub detached (she’d just paid the bill) it was rejected because the statement was no longer “intact”.
You can find an infographic showing common examples of documents that will satisfy the Real ID requirements, here. Based upon our experience, I would make these observations:
- “Pre-Apply” on the DVS website, here, to save time at the office and as initial check on the validity of your documents.
- If you have a U.S. Passport, take it. If not, make sure that the alternative government documents you take are intact originals or certified copies that are stamped/embossed with an official seal.
- This is tax season, so the original W-2(s) or 1099(s) you just received would be a good choice for establishing your social security number.
- If you are visiting a city Driver Services office, they seem to like your utility bill for establishing your address – they can verify it easily.
- Married women may have a more difficult time finding acceptable documents because many of your billing statements will only have your husband’s name on them – this is so wrong!
- Don’t wait until the last minute! We were told to expect a ten week wait before our new drivers’ licenses arrive (and they haven’t come, yet).
I’m a member of one of the oversight committees for the MNLARS replacement project and I’ve already posed questions about these problems to the folks at MN Driver and Vehicle Services and FAST Enterprises, the software vendor for both the current Real ID system and the MNLARS replacement system for vehicle registration. As I learn more, I’ll report back with more detailed answers to these questions.
For additional information, visit Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services’ site. My office is always happy to assist you also. Don’t hesitate to give me a call at 651-296-7803.
Gun Violence Prevention Efforts
February 3-7 is being recognized as National Gun Violence Survivors Week. Recent data shows approximately 58% of Americans, or someone they know, has been personally impacted by gun violence. We know this epidemic has gone on for too long. Here in Minnesota Legislature, I’ll continue to work hard to advance common-sense safety measures that not only have broad public support, but proven results that these laws are working, even when enacted in Republican-led states. Our House proposals would expand criminal background checks and enact a ‘red flag’ law to help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. I was recently named an Orange Star Leader by Protect Minnesota and participated with several of my colleagues in their “Faith is Stronger than Fear” advocates training seminar.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime with questions, input, or ideas. Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide any assistance.
Thanks for the honor of representing you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Steve Elkins
State Representative