| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| May 8, 2001 | Jessie Roos (651-296-9719) |
ST. PAUL -- State Representative Carl Jacobson was successful in getting legislation to help the city of Shoreview passed on the House floor yesterday. The legislation, House File 1409, would make it easier for employers to verify the age of potential employees.
Speaking on the floor of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Jacobson explained that the idea for the legislation came from the city of Shoreview. "The city of Shoreview has had a difficult time verifying the eligibility to work of people under the age of 18," said Jacobson. "This legislation would help employers by allowing another form of identification -- Form I-9 from the IRS -- to serve as verification of work eligibility."
There was little debate on the legislation, and it passed unanimously. "We passed a good piece of legislation that will benefit the city of Shoreview and employers statewide," said Jacobson. "It will reduce the time it takes for youth to get approved for jobs."
Last month, Laurie Elliott, a Human Resources manager for the city of Shoreview, testified in support of the bill before the House Commerce, Jobs and Economic Development Committee. She said that potential employees who are under the age of 18 often have a difficult time providing the appropriate verification documents -- like a driver's license -- because they do not yet have them. Elliott said that this legislation would streamline the hiring process and provide employers with more flexibility.
Senator Mady Reiter carried the legislation in the Senate (Senate File 1090), where it also passed unanimously. The legislation will now go to Governor Ventura for his signature, and will then become a law later this summer.
State Representative Carl Jacobson is in his first term as a legislator, representing House District 53B which includes the communities of Gem Lake, Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, and White Bear Township. He serves on the House Health & Human Services Policy Committee as well as the full Tax Committee and Sales & Income Tax Division of the Tax Committee.
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