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Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself.

This week we have a chance to restore equal protection of the law and privacy here in Maine. Last year under duress, Maine passed its own version of REAL ID. Within the next 24 hours, the Maine State Senate could vote on LD 1357, a bill that would repeal Maine's REAL ID law. With your help, this bill may pass.

Come to Augusta this afternoon and tomorrow to talk with Maine State Senators about why you support LD 1357. Can't make it to Augusta? Call your Senator and ask for their support (1-800-423-6900). Below you can find some information about the bill.

Email your legislator and ask her or him to support the bill.

Let's bring this issue full circle to where we began. Maine rejected REAL ID in the beginning, and we will reject it in the end.

Thanks for all that you do,

Alysia, Brianna, Edward, Katy, Marian, Shenna, Zach

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LD 1357 Protects Our Privacy

LD 1357 repeals the requirement that Maine participate in costly and invasive biometrics technology. Mainers shouldn't have to be fingerprinted or undergo facial recognition screening to drive to work or pick their children up from school.

LD 1357 Ensures Equal Protection Under the Law

Mainers from an elderly woman in Aroostook County to a veteran from Jay to a lawful permanent resident from Canada are experiencing real problems getting a Maine driver license since passage of the legal status requirement.
Mainers shouldn't have to hire lawyers just to get their driver's license.
LD 1357 retains the residency requirement, so that only Mainers will get licenses, but takes the BMV out of judging legal status.

LD 1357 Is Part of a National Movement to Repeal the Federal REAL ID

In May 2009, Minnesota and Missouri joined a dozen other states, the National Governors Association and National Conference of State Legislatures in opposing Real ID (1)
Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, signed legislation refusing to comply with Real ID when she was governor of Arizona and has said that the Real ID needs to be revisited with more input from the states.

LD 1357 Keeps Maine Safe

LD 1357 includes a residency requirement so only Mainers can get a license. Those who traffic in illegal licenses for immigrants from out of state will still be prosecuted appropriately under LD 1357.

LD 1357 addresses the concerns voiced by security experts from West Point to the FBI that pushing undocumented immigrants further into the shadows actually decreases community safety.

LD 1357 Saves Maine Money and Reduces Problems at the BMV

LD 1357 will save $450,000 between 2009 and 2011, resulting in a substantial reallocation to the Highway Fund for roads and bridges.
LD 1357 will resolve the long lines and misunderstandings about document requirements on both sides of the counter at the BMV, which have taken its toll. Mainers are finding it challenging to obtain same-day licenses and there have been a number of cases of "BMV rage" - requiring law enforcement to respond to frustrated, threatening consumers.

[1] Representative Jim Guest (R), King City, said the fact that thirteen states had voted not to comply with the federal bill is "A pretty strong statement right there that the federal government should back off." Missouri Senate Rejects "Real ID" Law. Kathryn Lopez, May 14, 2009. http://www.komu.com/SatelliteRender/KOMU.com

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