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State Representative Gene Pelowski Jr.
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8637
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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REP. PELOWSKI WORKS WITH GOVERNOR TO ESTABLISH AGENCIES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN DISASTER SITUATIONS
State Representative Gene Pelowski (DFL – Winona) has introduced legislation to outline the state's response to natural disasters by delegating specific responsibilities to state agencies in one comprehensive, organized plan. This new statute would establish specific procedures for all state agencies involved in disaster response and rebuilding operations. By delegating specific responsibilities, this new statute would ensure a coordinated and clear-cut state response wherever, and whenever disaster strikes in our state.
"The State of Minnesota should have an organized strategy in place to provide a speedy and comprehensive response in the case of a natural disaster," said State Representative Gene Pelowski who represents an area hit hard by a devastating flood last summer. "Having a plan in place before disasters strike will eliminate confusion and get resources to affected communities sooner."
Rep. Jeanne Poppe (DFL – Austin) is familiar with disaster situations after devastating floods impacted communities in her district, most notably Austin. State funding continues to be needed to rebuild her community and prevent further damage. "When time is critical and stress levels are high, it is incredibly important that everybody involved fully understands their responsibilities," stated Poppe, a co-author of the legislation. "Having a plan of how the state agencies are to respond will provide structure and certainty in times of chaos and confusion and will assist the local units of government, small businesses, and individuals confronted with the disaster."
Rep. Pelowski has been working closely with Governor Tim Pawlenty and commissioners of state agencies to draft this legislation. The bill lays out specific responsibilities for each of the thirteen state agencies traditionally involved in disaster response operations including:
1. Agriculture
2. Board of Water and Soil Resources
3. Education
4. Employment and Economic Development
5. Health
6. Housing Finance
7. Human Services
8. Minnesota Historical Society
9. Natural Resources
10. Pollution Control Agency
11. Public Facilities Authority
12. Public Safety
13. Transportation
While the new statute lays out their respective responsibilities, it would not establish a specific amount of state funding to be distributed by these agencies.
"The goal here is to create a framework for the state to follow in disaster situations," said Pelowski. "If there is anything we have learned in the course of recent disaster recovery efforts, it's that each situation presents its own unique challenges that require specific levels of funding on a case-by-case basis."
Under this plan, the Legislature would remain responsible for any appropriation of funds. This new statutory disaster response framework would serve as a checklist for lawmakers in drafting legislation to distribute adequate, pointed funding for any and all needs following a disaster.
The bill will have its first hearing in the House Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology, and Elections Committee in the coming weeks – a committee Rep. Pelowski chairs. Sen. Ann Rest (DFL – New Hope) is authoring the bill in the Senate.
News Items
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI: MINNESOTA STATUTE 12A IMPROVES STATE DISASTER RECOVERY PROCESS AND DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE - (Posted: 2012-08-24 00:00:00)
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI AND SEN. JEREMY MILLER SUPPORT TWO-BRIDGE PROPOSAL - (Posted: 2012-08-23 00:00:00)
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI: STATE DISASTER RECOVERY PACKAGE SHOULD FOLLOW PROCESS OUTLINED IN 12A AND INCLUDE PUBLIC INPUT - (Posted: 2012-08-16 00:00:00)
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