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State Representative Diane Loeffler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4219
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Press/News Releases
HANSEN, LOEFFLER APPOINTED TO TACKLE CAPITOL SECURITY VULNERABILITIES
ST. PAUL, MN – Early this month, Governor Mark Dayton and legislative leaders proposed the creation of a bipartisan taskforce focused on improving safety and security in the state Capitol complex. This week, two DFL lawmakers were appointed to the Capitol Complex Security Taskforce by Minority Leader Paul Thissen (DFL – Minneapolis).
State Reps. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) and Diane Loeffler (DFL – Minneapolis) joined the commission, which met for the first time Friday morning. The Task Force will consider recommendations for the improvement of safety of the public and those who work in the Capitol, while ensuring Minnesotans have access to the building and the legislators they elected to represent their communities.
Rep. Hansen, former chair of the Legislative Audit Commission, has been a vocal advocate for security improvements at the state Capitol, citing the ominous warnings of a recent Legislative Auditor report.
“We live in a different time, with new security threats that need to be taken seriously," Hansen said. “In light of recent events we need to take a close look at the safeguards currently in place at the state Capitol, and take action on security improvements that should be made.”
The nonpartisan OLA report released in May of 2009 outlined a number of concerns that will be reviewed by the new Capitol Complex Security Taskforce. The report concluded that “Minnesota’s Capitol Complex has significant security vulnerabilities … [and] Minnesota should take additional steps to ensure the safety of top state officials, state employees, and visitors in the Capitol Complex.”
Rep. Loeffler said concerns and recommendations raised by the OLA need to be taken seriously.
“We need to address these problems now, before something happens,” said Rep. Loeffler. “I am glad Governor Dayton and legislative leaders have made Capitol security a priority. For the safety of all Minnesotans who visit our state Capitol every year, convening this taskforce is the right thing to do.”
Other members of the taskforce include Chief of Staff to Governor Mark Dayton Tina Smith, Rep. Kelby Woodard, Sens. Warren Limmer, Michelle Benson, Ann Rest, and Linda Higgins, House Sergeant at Arms Troy Olsen, and Deputy State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba.
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