ST. PAUL, MN – State Representative Gene Pelowski (DFL – Winona) has received the Elected Official of the Year Award from the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers (AMEM). Rep. Pelowski was given the award at AMEM’s Annual Conference Awards Banquet on Tuesday, September 16.
Rep. Pelowski received the award for his leadership in successfully moving the creation of the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account (HF2701) through this year's legislative session. The new law helps local governments with infrastructure repairs when disaster strikes. The $3 million account allows disaster aid to start without the need of a special session. Chapter 12A and 12B created a disaster relief guide which also coordinates efforts by several state agencies.
“I’m honored to receive the Elected Official of the Year Award from the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers,” said Rep. Pelowski. “The new law I authored is an ‘Unsession’ law that has already helped prevent a special session. This law is saving taxpayer dollars while ensuring we are providing communities with the resources they need to recover.”
Established in 1955, the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers is comprised of over 400 county, city and other emergency response planners throughout the state of Minnesota. The association strives to develop procedures and programs which advance disaster preparedness throughout our state.