For a large number of Minnesotans, the daily activities we do to support our families, like getting to work safely, dropping children off at school, or buying groceries requires driving, but too many of our neighbors cannot apply for a driver’s license.
Bills are currently being considered in the House (House File 97) and Senate (Senate File 224) that will allow Minnesotans to apply for a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status. These bills would allow undocumented immigrants to use both their passport and birth certificate as acceptable identification to apply for a driver’s license.
Having a driver’s license can open a door to greater economic opportunity. Workers are able to get to their jobs safely and reliably, and have more flexibility for scheduling and broadened job opportunities. As these Minnesotans are able to increase their earnings, that also creates a boost in consumer spending that’s good for our state economy.
Allowing all Minnesotans to apply for a driver’s license would also keep our roads safer, by requiring everyone to take a driving test before they’re behind the wheel.
More Minnesotans driving with a license increases the number of insured drivers in our state. A larger insurance pool can help hold down premium costs for everyone.
Policymakers should expand opportunity for Minnesotans this session and allow all Minnesotans to apply for driver’s licenses.
-Clark Biegler