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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
RELIEF TO HELP REBUILD HUGO
By Bob Dettmer
State Representative
District 52A
Nearly a year ago the community of Hugo was struck by a natural disaster. This devastating event led to the damage of homes and property, and the loss of life in our community. While the damage exceeded $22,000,000 none of it qualified for federal disaster assistance.
The bright spot in the midst of it all was the out pouring of support of the citizens of Hugo and Minnesotans from around the state. But it was not only private citizens coming to help. There were many police officers, firefighters, and EMT crews that put in many long hours. These people maintained their commitment to serve and protect. But all of the overtime they put in left the city budgets stretched.
Because it did not qualify for federal disaster assistance, I have authored legislation that would provide a grant of $438,000 to be used to pay for the relief efforts. This money would pay for disaster relief and cover the overtime pay that is needed. This money would not be spent on rebuilding any private infrastructure as that was all covered by insurance. It would simply aid in helping pay the city’s bills for this disaster.
I was able to put language into the Higher Education and Workforce Development Omnibus Bill that would have directed $320,000 to help with the relief. I was recently informed that $70,000 was stripped out to be spent in other areas. The $250,000 that is currently dedicated towards this is $188,000 less than what has been determined is needed. Instead of fully funding disaster relief efforts, money will be spent on programs that are not priorities.
I am disappointed that such a priority like disaster relief would take a back seat to special interest group projects instead. As I have often said the state needs to fund the budget priorities before it starts funding the wants. Disaster relief should be a budgeting priority no matter where the disaster takes place. Whether it is flooding in northwest Minnesota like we have seen this spring, flooding in southeast Minnesota like we saw in 2007, or the collapse of the I-35W Bridge each disaster should receive priority for funding the relief efforts.
This legislation has received bipartisan support throughout the committee process. Governor Pawlenty has also expressed his support for this bill. When this bill comes before the House in the coming days I will try to secure the full amount needed to fund the relief efforts. The bill will likely have to go to a Conference Committee to settle the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill that will pass, before it can be sent to the Governor.
I will do my best to make sure funding of disaster relief efforts, for every disaster, take priority over items that are merely wants.
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