Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update
Neighbors and friends,
I hope you are having an excellent fall and enjoying the transition to everyone’s favorite time of year: winter.
Real ID Extension
As you may remember, Minnesota is one of only a few states using outdated id technology and not in compliance with federal REAL ID laws. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted an extension until October 10, 2018 for Minnesotans to use their current state id as Minnesota works to implement REAL ID.
REAL ID was passed following the September 11, 2001 attacks to improve security. The goal was to better confirm the identities of people entering federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally regulated commercial airlines. At the time, Minnesota abstained citing states’ rights and individual privacy concerns. Last session, the Legislature passed REAL ID compliance, and it will be fully implemented in time for the October 2018 deadline.
2017 WiLL Pacesetter Award
Earlier this month, I was honored to be selected as a 2017 WiLL Pacesetter torchbearer. This award was created by the Women Legislators’ Lobby, which honors women leaders in the field of peace, justice, and the advancement of women.
For more information, visit: http://willwand.org/
Minnesota on Track to hit the Paris Climate Targets
U.S. Climate Alliance & Former Secretary of State John Kerry recently convened at Climate Week, where they recognized 14 states and Puerto Rico for their successes in reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions.
I am proud to say that Minnesota is one of 14 states which has shown evidence to meet, and possibly exceed, low greenhouse gas emission levels that the U.S. committed to reach under the Paris Agreement by 2025. This is very exciting for Minnesota, as we are one of the frontrunners in working to prevent climate change. This bipartisan coalition of states has proven that when we work together, we can achieve great things to better our community and world.
To learn more about this coalition of states and the statements by the governors, click on:
https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/?id=1055-312249
Pumpkin Recycling
Following Halloween, the city of Brooklyn Park has opened up the Central Park outdoor hockey rink lot for Pumpkin recycling all day from October 31st through November 6th.
Don’t let your pumpkins go to waste! Please follow this link for more information: http://www.brooklynpark.org/events/pumpkin-recycling/
Recycling Appliances, Electronics, and Mattresses
On November 4th, the city of Coon Rapids is holding a recycling event from 9:00am-4:00pm at the Coon Rapids Recycling Center. This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of the large/difficult items you have in a safe and environmentally friendly way!
There are small fees for most items. More information can be found here: http://www.ci.coon-rapids.mn.us/calendar.aspx?view=list&year=2017&month=11&day=4
As always, please contact me anytime with your input. I appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman