Governor Mark Dayton's Media Availability, January 6, 2016

Real I.D. was the primary topic of discussion during Governor Mark Dayton's recent media availability, held Wednesday, January 6, at the Veterans Building in St. Paul. Along with Real I.D., the governor also discussed unemployment benefits for Iron Range workers and economic disparities relating to some areas of Minnesota's minority population. Governor Dayton has previously stated his desire for a special session to resolve the three issues as soon as possible.

According to the governor's office, Minnesota is not currently meeting provisions of a federal law relating to state driver licenses and I.D. cards. It is feared that inaction by the state could result in problems for Minnesotans boarding future domestic airline flights. Dayton says the Real I.D. issue is about satisfying security needs. "...this is just basic information," the governor said, "social security number, proof of legal residence, it's just very fundamental information that the federal government says it needs to assure the safety of our airplanes."

Throughout the press conference, Governor Dayton repeatedly expressed disappointment and frustration with Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt, who has stated that with the 2016 legislative session only two months away, a special session may not be likely.

The governor has assigned a Friday night deadline for lawmakers to agree on a special session. He did say, however, that he would be open to extending the deadline depending on what progress was made during legislative working groups held later this week.