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Real ID bills deserve passage

Twelve years ago federal law created the enhanced state ID card known as Real ID. The idea was developed after the 9-11 tragedy and is intended to make people more secure by requiring more stringent proof of ID before being issued a card.

Today, only Minnesota, Missouri and Washington have not complied with the Real ID requirements. The federal government has been patient but we have run out of delays. The Minnesota Legislature needs to pass Real ID legislation this year, or Minnesotans trying to board airplanes will not be able to do it, as they have been up to now, by showing a state drivers license. Travelers will need some other federally authorized ID, like a passport, to fly to Chicago or LA or New York.

The state’s opposition has been based on a fear that the federal government was overreaching, that it would get hold of our personal information and then, so long privacy. As if the government doesn’t already have access to most details of our lives already.

So far the other 47 states have not run into problems with the government.

This week a pair of bills in the House and the Senate are up for important votes. The House will be holding a full vote on Thursday.

It is time for the state to stop dragging its feet and take care of this piece of old business, before it causes headaches for Minnesota travelers.

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