Bill follows threats against Jewish Community Centers, other soft targets
SAINT PAUL – State Representative Drew Christensen, R-Savage, is chief author of House File 1802 a bill that will create a security grant program to better protect soft targets from terror threats. The bill follows a number of threats against nonprofit organizations across the county and state of Minnesota.
“Jewish Community Centers across the country, including ones right here in Minnesota, have been the targets of threats for simply offering their community a place to gather and spend time together,” said Rep. Christensen. “Many of these organizations are not equipped with proper security to deal with these threats and those that are have to divert resources that would otherwise go to programs for children or the elderly. My bill will create a program to grant funds to nonprofit organizations that are considered ‘soft targets’ by Homeland Security to help cover the costs these organizations are now incurring.”
Nonprofit organizations that are eligible for funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s nonprofit security grant program, which have been approved by Homeland Security are eligible for grants. An application for the federal version of the program is also an application for funding from the state supplemental program, thus no extra application is necessary.
Christensen added, “This bill will help ensure that Minnesotans are safe from terrorism and that organizations like Jewish Community Centers can fulfill their missions without fear."
Grants under the state program will be considered after the federal ones have been awarded. The state program will award a maximum grant of $75,000; any organization that received funding under the federal program is eligible for a state grant of $75,000 less the amount of the federal grant.
The bill was held over for possible inclusion into the Public Safety omnibus bill.
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