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Dear Neighbors,
On Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation that will allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a Class D Minnesota driver?s license. According to estimates, nearly 81,000 individuals in Minnesota would be able to apply for a license.
This legislation provides no safeguards to prevent the fraudulent use of the license and threatens the election process by not including a disclaimer on the license that says, ?Not for Voting Purposes.?? Failing to add this sort of disclaimer to the license could create tens of thousands of potential new, and illegal voters.
During debate on the bill, we tried to offer amendments that would provide commonsense protections like requiring the licenses to be vertically oriented instead of horizontal, a different color than regular Minnesota licenses, and adding the voting disclaimer as discussed above. All of these amendments were rejected by Democrats.
First Month Done
Monday?s floor debate and the majority party?s rejection of common-sense amendments to provide safeguards to the driver?s license bill was emblematic of the first month of session. Never before have I seen a legislative session unfold like this year?s.
Since I was first elected in 2014, I have made it my mission to work collaboratively with members of both parties to address the issues facing Minnesota. While we often may not agree on the path forward, we are always respectful of the viewpoints and concerns of those from across the aisle to make sure that bills can be refined and improved as they work their way through the legislative process.
Unfortunately, that collaborative spirit has been severely lacking this year.
In the committees I serve on, there has not been a single Republican amendment that has been adopted by the majority.
It?s a similar story on bills that have reached the House floor for final passage.
House Democrats? lack of collaboration or willingness to consider different opinions or viewpoints is truly staggering. It?s ?my way or the highway?.
I understand that Democrats have the votes to pass whatever they want, with or without our help. It?s a matter of simple math. However, I hope they remember that their majority is a slim one and that the minority still represents 48% of Minnesotans.
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share any thoughts or concerns you may have about state government or the job I'm doing as your representative. It would be great to talk with you. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-8237 or via email at?[email protected].
Have a great day,
Brian
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