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State Representative Joyce Peppin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7806
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
HELPFUL CONTACTS IN THE AFTERMATH OF ROGERS TORNADO
By Joyce Peppin
State Representative, District 32A
Hassan
The tornado that touched down in Rogers and Hassan on Saturday sadly ended with the tragic death of 10-year-old Jaymi Wendt, injuries to others, and the destruction and damage to hundreds of homes. It was an evening area residents will remember for the rest of their lives.
I am amazed and encouraged at the response of our police, fire and city employees, the public works departments of Rogers and neighboring cities, and the efforts of friends, neighbors and volunteers from throughout Minnesota who have aided in the cleanup. A Hennepin County emergency official called the response to the tornado one of the most effective he had ever seen.
As families continue to pick up their lives, I want to again thank those volunteers and agencies like the Red Cross who have lent a hand, physically and emotionally, during this disaster. And while most families have insurance to cover their losses, you may still have questions and concerns about your policies. Please read your policy carefully. Ask your insurance company about all options available to you.
The Insurance Federation of Minnesota operates a toll-free helpline for consumers staffed by retired insurance professionals who volunteer their time to help consumers who need information or having a problem with their insurance company. The Helpline is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The number is 952-253-6234. You may also want to check out the website at MNinsurancehelp.com.
Questions regarding your insurance policy and information about consumer assistance services available can be answered by contacting the Minnesota Department of Commerce's Disaster Recovery Center at 651-296-2488 or 800-657-3602. Helpful information about your homeowner’s policy, what it covers, what the terms mean and other useful background can be found on the Commerce Department website at www.commerce.state.mn.us by clicking the "Consumer Info and Services" tab.
Many area residents will need to hire building contractors to repair and rebuild their homes. I highly recommend you visit the Department of Labor and Industry website (http://www.doli.state.mn.us/rbc_hiringcontractor.html) for helpful information on how to proceed. Reputable contractors will work closely with your insurance company, but it is important to secure written contracts for all work to be performed which explain in detail who is the responsible party.
When the Legislature convenes next January, I plan on introducing legislation seeking state aid to help reimburse the city of Rogers for their costs incurred during the cleanup and rebuilding. Governor Pawlenty has pledged his support and similar legislation has been passed when other communities have experienced natural disasters such as this. I am optimistic that such a bill can be quickly passed.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please call my office at 651-296-7806, my home at 763-428-4626 or via email at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn. I’ll do my best to help answer your questions. What an amazing community we have in Rogers. What great neighbors we have. I am so proud to call Hassan/Rogers my home.
Rep. Peppin represents District 32A, which includes the communities of Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Hanover, Rogers, Hassan Township, and southwestern Maple Grove. Peppin invites anyone to share their questions or comments about state government with her. She may be reached by email at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn; by phone at (651) 296-7806; or by U.S. Mail at 411 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.
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