Stop Real ID

I wish to challenge the BDN’s June 28 editorial about Real ID, “License improvements.” It is true that Maine licenses should be given to people who can show they live in Maine, but LD 2309 goes much further and opens the door to identity theft and a huge government invasion of our privacy.

Already, Commissioner of Public Safety Ann Jordan applied for more than $2 million in funds for the Department of Homeland Security Real ID Demonstration Grant program. Maine received $1 million that will be used to develop biometric technology: retinal scans, DNA, fingerprints and facial recognition technology. This will be put in a shared database system that can be accessed by other state agencies, federal agencies, and third parties like corporations, without regulation.

If Maine goes along with Real ID, it will cost the state (we citizens) $185 million. It is another unfunded mandate from the federal government.

Shenna Bellows, executive director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union said, “The Legislature expressly prohibited the expenditure of funds to implement Real ID because of the giant privacy concerns associated with the vast federal program.” Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap testified against this bill at the committee hearings in Augusta and he is in charge of all licensing. Gov. John Baldacci has pulled a fast one. Please sign the petition to repeal LD 2309.

Miriam Watkins

Belfast