Rep. Poliquin urges Maine Legislature to comply swiftly with federal Real ID law

Saying veterans and other Mainers are already being denied access to federal facilities because the state hasn’t complied with the federal Real ID law, U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin is urging state lawmakers to move quickly to require more personal data on Maine driver’s licenses.

In its current form, a Maine’s driver’s license will no longer be accepted as identification for interstate air travel starting in 2018, but changes in federal law concerning identification already have affected veterans and other Mainers who are being denied entry to federal facilities, including military bases.

Poliquin, a Republican representing the 2nd District, said Maine’s non-compliance with the Real ID law has created a “dire situation.”

“Maine-issued driver’s licenses are increasingly no longer acceptable forms of identification to access federal buildings and facilities,” Poliquin wrote in a letter to State House leaders. “My office has received news that Maine businesses are suffering because their employees cannot access federal job sites. First responders, including our Maine firefighters, are not able to attend training at federal facilities. Our veterans cannot access health care facilities located on military bases.”

Read more: http://www.pressherald.com/2017/03/03/rep-poliquin-urges-maine-legislature-to-comply-swiftly-with-real-id/