Sen Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Republicans are accusing Governor Dayton and Democrats of “playing politics” with a REAL ID bill making its way through the state legislature. Dayton says he wants to use the bill to enable undocumented immigrants to get Minnesota driver’s licenses. But at a press conference this morning, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said the goal is to “get real id done. So let’s not do anything with the language related to illegal immigrants…if people want to pass that they should work on separate language, but to include it with REAL ID jeopardizes REAL ID. Republican Senator Eric Pratt of Prior Lake says Dayton’s request could impact Minnesotans ability to fly commercially…
The bill being considered would bring Minnesota into compliance with federal REAL ID, which would allow residents to use drivers licenses to board airplanes when requirements tighten next year. The measure has already passed in the House and is likely headed for a Senate floor vote next week.