Posted by Michelle/AL on 3/17/07 7:12pm
Msg #180378

ID Campaign - Laura Vestanen

It was good to see you post, Laura. I wondered why I hadn't heard much from you lately so I checked your website and saw that you've been busy getting legislation passed in your state. Congratulations! How does it feel? Have you been doing this all alone or have any "senior" organizations supported you in your efforts. Finally, in this post- 9/11 environment how did you address concerns about the permanent ID card making easier for fraud or id theft. I'd love to hear your comments.

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 3/18/07 2:03pm
Msg #180493

The legislators here agreed with your concerns about permanent cards. The bill they wrote is very simple and it solves the problem. The bill allows people 70 years old and up to renew their cards via mail or internet as long as they are already in the WA system (driver license or ID card).

By having expiration dates on the cards, it matches one of the important rules of the upcoming federal ID card.

WA's credible witness requirements are very hard to meet. I've only been able to do so once in the 3.5 years I've been here. WA wants the requirements to stay strict and I agree.

Most of my efforts were to ask women's organizations statewide to print short articles I had written in their branch newsletters. The articles told about the bill and asked members to contact their Representatives and Senators. Members of these organizations are mostly retired women so they readily understood the need for the bill. The response was tremendous.

I also sent out scores of press releases and personal emails. Plus I posted alerts for the WA notaries on the message boards.

I made it easy for people to help: I asked for 3 minutes of their time to make a phone call or send an email. I provided the contact information they needed.

I personally contacted every legislator's office by phone or email.

I testified at the state capitol.

If anyone wants to read more about the bill, visit my website
www.ProfessionalNotary.com
See the ID Campaign subpage.

One notary who was new to the state (and who had no background in political efforts) spearheaded a minor but important legislative change that will help both notaries and the elderly.

In your state, it could be you.

Reply by Gerry_VT on 3/18/07 2:56pm
Msg #180501

On March 1 the Department of Homeland Security announced PROPOSED rules to implement REALID. The proposed rules and a FAQ can be found at http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/laws/gc_1172765386179.shtm

One of the questions in the FAQ would seem to throw a wrench in the gears of an effort to provide seniors with ID that can be renewed without going to a motor vehicle office:

"Can states continue to accept remote renewals?"

"Under the proposal, States may continue or establish remote renewals for REAL ID licenses. However, the NPRM states that license holders would need to renew in-person at every other issuance for an updated photo."

The one solution that comes to mind would be to have the DMV make house calls. Another solution would be to designate other government officials who have passed a security check that is acceptable to DHS to make the house calls.

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 3/19/07 9:07am
Msg #180557

Gerry - please check private message.

Thank you.