Rep. Rick Hansen Introduces Legislation Creating Disaster Contingency Fund

St. Paul, Minnesota — Today, the Minnesota Legislature convened for a one-day Special Session to approve $4.5 million in disaster relief for 18 counties damaged by storms in June.

The 2013 Disaster Relief Bill does not appropriate any new funds and has zero impact on the general fund.

During the Special Session, State Representative Rick Hansen (DFL - South St. Paul) introduced legislation to establish a disaster relief contingency fund. This fund could then be used to match Federal Disaster Relief without needing the legislature to approve the funding in a Special Session.

"The storms that are causing the need for this disaster relief are becoming more and more frequent and more and more severe," said Rep. Hansen. "Holding a Special Session every time is costly, complicated, and unnecessary. This bill would simplify the process and save the state money while ensuring communities get needed disaster relief."

This legislation was created out of recommendations by the Legislative Auditor, from a report requested by Rep. Hansen. The bill has 17 co-authors, with bipartisan support.

"I'll continue working on this issue next session and hopefully we can enact this meaningful reform," added Rep. Hansen.