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State Representative Gene Pelowski Jr.
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8637
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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HOUSE SENDS BILL TO GOVERNOR ESTABLISHING STATE AGENCIES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN DISASTER SITUATIONS
ST. PAUL – The House of Representatives passed legislation today creating uniform procedures to assist communities in their response to natural disasters. The bill will now be sent to the Governor, who is expected to sign the bill into law. State Representative Gene Pelowski (DFL – Winona), who authored the legislation, said the bill lays out specific responsibilities for state agencies so local and state governments can respond to a natural disaster in an effective and organized manner.
"When a natural disaster like a flood or tornado hits, there is never too much warning," said Pelowski. "That's why our state responders need clear, consistent procedures so they are prepared to react immediately. This legislation lays out those procedures."
Since the devastating floods in Southeast Minnesota last summer, Pelowski has worked 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.
"The floods last year illustrated the complexity and layers of an effective, timely disaster response," said Pelowski. "This bill creates a playbook for the many different state and local agencies that need to coordinate effectively in what can be a very chaotic situation."
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. 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.
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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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