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Update from Rep. Tabke: Insulin, REAL ID, and Community Highlights

Friday, January 31, 2020

Tabke

Your Friday Update from the Office of Representative Brad Tabke: 

On Thursday, Speaker Melissa Hortman, Governor Tim Walz, and Rep. Michael Howard joined insulin advocates in announcing that they've introduced a new Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Affordability Act ahead of the 2020 session. They put forward a strong plan that takes the best ideas from previous proposals. Their plan meets the goals of ensuring Minnesotans have emergency access to insulin and access to affordable insulin over the long-term, requiring the pharmaceutical industry to participate in funding the program, and that it can be set up quickly. You can read more about the plan here.

REAL ID

Our office has been getting quite a few questions about REAL ID. Your deadline to obtain a REAL ID is October 1, and you'll have to budget 4-6 weeks for it to arrive. This federal program was enacted by Congress in 2005 and requires enhanced security features for driver’s licenses or ID cards to fly commercially or enter certain federal facilities. 

Only about 10% of Minnesotans have gotten theirs, which is why you are encouraged to do it soon in order to receive your new ID in time. Here's what you need to bring:

  • One document providing proof of identity and date of birth. This can be an unexpired passport, a certified copy of a birth certificate, or a certified certificate of citizenship. You may also need a certified marriage certificate if your name is different than on your birth certificate.
  • Proof of a social security number. You can use your Social Security card, a W2 showing taxes withheld from the current year, or a paystub with your name, address, and Social Security Number.
  • Two documents providing proof of Minnesota residency. This can be many documents, but the most commonly used ones are an unexpired current driver’s license, a credit card or bank statement from the last 90 days, a federal or state income tax return from the recent filing year, or a utility bill that does not have another name beside your own on it.

You can find more information about REAL ID, including a complete breakdown of acceptable documents to bring when applying, here.

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Other News 

We heard so many incredible stories and thoughtful comments at Wednesday evening's town hall about legalizing cannabis for adult use. Thanks to all the veterans, parents, law enforcement, elected officials, and public health professionals who joined us to help ensure that if we legalize cannabis, we do it in a way that increases access for veterans and improves public health and safety. 

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  • This week on the Shakopee Podcast, Rep. Tabke sat down with Mathias Weinzerl about his plans for Sit and Sip, formerly Monkabeans, and what it's been like to run a small business in Shakopee. Listen on Apple Podcasts here. 
  • Don't forget we have a Legislative Session Preview Town Hall coming up on February 7. Rep. Tabke will present and discuss Shakopee's priorities for the upcoming legislative session. RSVP at the Facebook event here. 

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  • Looking for a job in Shakopee? The City of Shakopee is looking for applicants for a number of positions, including Building Official, Engineering Intern, Maintenance Operator, Recreation Coordinator, and a number of other boards and commissions. More information available here. 

We hope you have a wonderful and warm weekend!

Brad Tabke, State Representative

Adeline Miller, Legislative Assistant
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