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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Andrew Carlson (DFL)

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Legislative Update- Real ID Deadline & Census 2020

Tuesday, January 21, 2020
 

 

Rep. Carlson

 

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you had a safe and enjoyable weekend. It’s hard to believe we have two weeks left before the end of January.

Earlier this month, House Speaker Melissa Hortman appointed me to serve as the chair of the House Property and Local Tax Division. The honor is bittersweet because the Legislature is still feeling a tremendous loss after the sudden passing of our colleague and friend Diane Loeffler of Northeast Minneapolis, who was previously leading the committee. I look forward to partnering with the House Tax Committee and Minnesotans across the state in this new role.

Real-ID Deadline Approaching

 

real id

 

I’ve received several questions from Bloomington residents related to the upcoming October 1 deadline for a Real ID. The federal program was enacted by Congress in 2005 and requires enhanced security features for driver’s licenses or ID cards to board a commercial aircraft or enter certain federal facilities. Here’s what you need when obtaining your Real ID:

  • 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. If you've changed your name, you may need a marriage certificate if your name is different from your birth certificate. The birth certificate and marriage certificate also must be certified (they will have an official stamp if they are).
  • You must also show proof of having a Social Security numberby 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.

Minnesota’s Office of Driver and Vehicle Services has more information here. Don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or would like assistance.

 

Census 2020

census

The start of a new decade means it’s time for the U.S. Census. Having an accurate count is essential because the data can have a real impact on our communities: An undercount of even a few thousand people can turn into a loss of representation at the local, state, and national levels.

In March–April, the U.S. Census Bureau will send information to every home on how to fill out the form online or on paper. All data is confidential. Click here to download a fact sheet with more information, or here to watch a short video.

You can also help your community! Consider applying for one of thousands of temporary Census jobs. Hennepin County pays up to $27 per hour. Here is the link to Pay & Location for census opportunities.

 

Stay Connected

Please keep in touch with questions, ideas, or input at 651-296-4218 or by email at rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn. If you have friends, neighbors, or coworkers who may be interested in receiving these updates, they can sign up here.

I appreciate hearing from you!

 

Sincerely,

Andrew Carlson

State Representative
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