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State Representative Bob Dettmer
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4124
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
PROVIDING RELIEF TO PEOPLE IN NEED
By Bob Dettmer
State Representative
District 52A
I am happy to inform you that the state legislature has come together in a time of disaster to provide much needed relief for the flood victims of southeastern Minnesota. Early this morning the legislature passed and the Governor signed a bill that directs $157 million to flood disaster relief in Winona, Wabasha, Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted and Steele counties – which have all been declared federal disaster areas.
The relief package that was approved is one of the largest in Minnesota history; and it happened more quickly than previous government action in response to a natural disaster. Special sessions to respond to flooding in 1997 and 2002 were held about three or four months after the flooding. This one is being held a little more than three weeks later. The package will work in conjunction with efforts already being coordinated by federal and local governments and the private sector to ensure the quickest possible return to normalcy for residents in the impacted communities.
Minnesota's response to this disaster has been prompt and aggressive. The legislature had a job to get done and we were able to put aside partisan differences and come together for the good of our state. We were not republicans or democrats on the floor last night; we were Minnesotans who were there to help our fellow citizens. The bipartisan relief package shows our citizens and the nation that Minnesota government works and we come together quickly to help one another in times of need.
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- Memorial Day Message - (Posted: May 27 2013 2:18PM)
- Dettmer Statement on HF956 - Omnibus Energy Bill - (Posted: May 8 2013 3:10PM)
- Minneapolis Veterans Deserve Better - (Posted: May 3 2013 3:31PM)
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