As the legislative session enters its final month, Sen. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) has been appointed to serve on the conference committees for the transportation budget and the REAL ID bill. Sen. Newman will join four of his Senate colleagues and five House members in working toward a compromise on the differing language in the bills, which have already passed each body.

“I am glad to have a voice at the table during the final negotiations on transportation funding and REAL ID – two issues that have been at the forefront all session,” said Sen. Newman, who chairs the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. “We have an opportunity to effect substantive, meaningful policy that reflects the values of Minnesotans.”

Sen. Newman is the architect of the comprehensive transportation budget that passed the Senate several weeks ago, spending $1.3 billion over the next two years on Minnesota’s roads and bridges. The Senate bill uses a combination of existing revenue, general obligation bonds, and trunk highway bonds to fund the repair or replacement of 8,800 lane miles and 200 bridges. The House transportation budget spends less, relying heavily on trunk highway bonds to fund its package.

In March, the Senate passed a bill to make Minnesota driver’s licenses compliant with federal REAL ID policy, which will be required by the federal government early next year. The bill establishes a two-tiered issuance system, allowing Minnesotans to apply for a REAL ID-compliant or regular driver’s license. The bill passed by the House differs significantly.

“We must arrive at compromises the governor can support,” Sen. Newman continued. “I am looking forward to working with my colleagues on bills that prioritize Minnesotans statewide.”

Sen. Newman is in his third term representing Senate District 18, which includes communities in McLeod, Meeker, Sibley, and Wright counties. He also serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.