The heads of three bills rolled on Friday (April 25) as Gov. Tim Pawlenty took veto pen in hand.
As indicated, Pawlenty vetoed a transportation policy bill containing a provision relating to the federal REAL I.D. Act.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature included a provision in the transportation bill that would have that the state spending none of its own money until 95 percent of federal funding for REAL I.D. was in place.
The language also called for safeguards related to data privacy.
"It's amazing to me that this governor is willing to hold up the transportation improvements supported and requested by his agencies to take a stand in favor of an unfunded federal mandate and opposing the personal, private data of every Minnesotan," said Senate Transportation Chairman Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing.
In his veto message, Pawlenty said if state driver's licenses are not compliant with REAL I.D. requirements by the end of next year, Minnesotans will be prohibited from using them as identification for air travel or when entering a federal building. by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter
The heads of three bills rolled on Friday (April 25) as Gov. Tim Pawlenty took veto pen in hand.
As indicated, Pawlenty vetoed a transportation policy bill containing a provision relating to the federal REAL I.D. Act.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature included a provision in the transportation bill that would have that the state spending none of its own money until 95 percent of federal funding for REAL I.D. was in place.
The language also called for safeguards related to data privacy.
"It's amazing to me that this governor is willing to hold up the transportation improvements supported and requested by his agencies to take a stand in favor of an unfunded federal mandate and opposing the personal, private data of every Minnesotan," said Senate Transportation Chairman Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing.
In his veto message, Pawlenty said if state driver's licenses are not compliant with REAL I.D. requirements by the end of next year, Minnesotans will be prohibited from using them as identification for air travel or when entering a federal building.
"My concerns could have been easily addressed in the bill, but my suggestions were rejected," Pawlenty said in his veto message.
It's unrealistic to expect the federal government to pay overlapping costs for security features for the state driver's license that the state would pursue independently of the REAL I.D. Act, the governor argued.
It was his hope lawmaker would pass a noncontroversial transportation policy bill, shorn of "objectionable" language regarding REAL I.D., said Pawlenty.
On the Senate floor, Murphy opined the governor would not accept any language at pertaining to REAL I.D. in the transportation bill.
It wasn't a matter of a few words, he argued.
In addition to the transportation bill veto, Pawlenty also vetoed a resolution calling on Congress and the President to end travel and trade restrictions against Cuba and also vetoed a bill pertaining to local government.
As indicated, Pawlenty vetoed a transportation policy bill containing a provision relating to the federal REAL I.D. Act.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature included a provision in the transportation bill that would have that the state spending none of its own money until 95 percent of federal funding for REAL I.D. was in place.
The language also called for safeguards related to data privacy.
"It's amazing to me that this governor is willing to hold up the transportation improvements supported and requested by his agencies to take a stand in favor of an unfunded federal mandate and opposing the personal, private data of every Minnesotan," said Senate Transportation Chairman Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing.
In his veto message, Pawlenty said if state driver's licenses are not compliant with REAL I.D. requirements by the end of next year, Minnesotans will be prohibited from using them as identification for air travel or when entering a federal building. by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter
The heads of three bills rolled on Friday (April 25) as Gov. Tim Pawlenty took veto pen in hand.
As indicated, Pawlenty vetoed a transportation policy bill containing a provision relating to the federal REAL I.D. Act.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature included a provision in the transportation bill that would have that the state spending none of its own money until 95 percent of federal funding for REAL I.D. was in place.
The language also called for safeguards related to data privacy.
"It's amazing to me that this governor is willing to hold up the transportation improvements supported and requested by his agencies to take a stand in favor of an unfunded federal mandate and opposing the personal, private data of every Minnesotan," said Senate Transportation Chairman Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing.
In his veto message, Pawlenty said if state driver's licenses are not compliant with REAL I.D. requirements by the end of next year, Minnesotans will be prohibited from using them as identification for air travel or when entering a federal building.
"My concerns could have been easily addressed in the bill, but my suggestions were rejected," Pawlenty said in his veto message.
It's unrealistic to expect the federal government to pay overlapping costs for security features for the state driver's license that the state would pursue independently of the REAL I.D. Act, the governor argued.
It was his hope lawmaker would pass a noncontroversial transportation policy bill, shorn of "objectionable" language regarding REAL I.D., said Pawlenty.
On the Senate floor, Murphy opined the governor would not accept any language at pertaining to REAL I.D. in the transportation bill.
It wasn't a matter of a few words, he argued.
In addition to the transportation bill veto, Pawlenty also vetoed a resolution calling on Congress and the President to end travel and trade restrictions against Cuba and also vetoed a bill pertaining to local government.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
