Legislative Review: O’Driscoll, Hosch Talk Alternative Pathways, Photo I.D. [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD -- The push for voter I.D. could be the first major showdown of the 2011 State Legislative session.  House Republicans introduced a plan requiring a photo I.D. to vote yesterday (Thursday).  It's an issue that many Republicans ran on in the November election.

On today's (Friday) Legislative Review Program on WJON DFL State Representative Larry Hosch of St. Joseph said he's voted against every photo I.D. proposal in the past.  However, he's open to the idea, if they can find a compromise that would cover everybody that's legally able to vote -- not just people who have a driver's license.

Meanwhile, Republican State Representative Tim O'Driscoll of Sartell says he's in favor of Photo I.D., but he's also concerned that they find a way to include everyone who has a right to vote.

O'Driscoll sits on the Election Reform Committee and will have a hand in crafting this legislation.

Meanwhile, finding a way to get professionals into the classrooms has also been a big topic at the State Capitol this week.  The teachers union Education Minnesota unveiled a proposal that supports alternative pathways to teaching.

O'Driscoll  -- who sits on the Education Reform Committee -- said he's confident a bill on the issue will make it to the governor's desk.

The teacher's union was NOT open to the idea last year.  Hosch says this year there seems to be room for some compromise.

Governor Mark Dayton has not given State Lawmakers any clear indication on how he feels about alternative pathways to teaching.