Feds should fund REAL ID driver licenses, not states
The nation’s governors are committed to providing secure driver’s licenses and identification cards for their citizens. Consequently we ask for a commitment to REAL ID by providing $1 billion this year for states for their upfront costs and committing to
cover ongoing state costs.
Governors supported initial legislation to enhance driver’s licenses through a cooperative negotiated rulemaking. When that legislation was repealed and replaced with REAL ID, governors objected, and the Department of Homelan
Security improved its draft regulations.
Governors also asked Congress to provide adequate funding to cover the cost of this new national mandate. If REAL ID is to become reality, the federal government must provide sufficient funding to cover states’
cost and preserve flexibility for states to manage their unique systems. State compliance with REAL ID regulations will cost states nearly $4 billion over the next ten years. To date Congress has appropriated only $90 million for REAL ID.
Source: Letter from two governors to President Bush
Mar 20, 2008
Require federal electronic verification for state employment
WHEREAS the federal Department of Homeland Security created an electronic employment verification system called E-Verify to assist employers in electronically verifying the employment eligibility of newly hired employees; and
WHEREAS
E-Verify includes a new photo screening tool which allows an employer to check the photo of a newly hired employee against certain immigration related photo databases; and
WHEREAS, although E-Verify may not be a perfect system, it represents the best
technology currently available
NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that all newly hired executive branch employees are legally eligible to work, including:
Requiring all of state government to use E-Verify.
Conduct annual random audits of appointing
authorities in the executive branch to ensure compliance with this Order.
Ensure that state contracts in excess of $50,000 are given only to vendors which are in compliance with federal employment verification laws.
Source: Executive Order 08-01, “Requiring Use of E-Verify”
Jan 7, 2008
Over $2M for National Guard and numerous military programs
Enacted historic funding for members of the military service, including:
100% tuition reimbursement for members of the National Guard
Substantial bonuses for re-enlistees
Special fund to assist military families through “Support our Troops”
license plates.
Increase of $2 million for State Soldiers Assistance Program that provides a financial assistance & medical coverage
Service enhancement grants for County Veterans Service Officers
In-state tuition rates for all veterans.
Source: Campaign website, www.timpawlenty.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
