Sen. Bonoff's Capitol Update 16: Special Session

The following was written by Senator Terri Bonoff.

When we adjourned some days ago I did not expect to be back at the Capitol three months later. Thankfully, we are here with a spirit of unity and relief on the horizon. All four legislative leaders have agreed to the terms of today's proposed bill. In addition - while the storms' effects were devastating - the loss of life and unity were not. Thank you to all who came forward to help during this treacherous storm and its aftermath.  

Today, legislators will meet to approve the proposed $167.5 million relief package. While this is a significant expenditure, unfortunately it does not fully restore all the devastating impact.

State appropriations will come from: 

- the General Fund; 

- the bond proceeds fund;

- the trunk highway bond fund;

- and dividends from transfers, reductions, and cancellations.

These appropriations would be allocated to everything from disaster relief, public safety, and transportation, to employment and economic development, education, and health. There will be a significant amount coming back to us from the help we receive from FEMA.  

In addition to providing the needed funding to help those impacted by the floods and windstorms from June and July, the bill also includes several reforms which had not previously been included in disaster relief/flood relief legislation. These reforms include: 

- Any money not spent returns to the General Fund; 

- Recovery loan repayments are provided to the state and deposited into a special fund designated for future disaster relief, rather than going to cities and counties; 

- Stricter requirements for loans provided by the Minnesota Investment Fund.

 - Minnesota Investment Fund dollars provided by the disaster relief bill can only be used for recovery, not additional economic development projects; 

- Temporarily change the budget reserve funding formula to ensure that using reserve funds for disaster relief does not impede paying back the school shift.

Still, I believe our state could benefit from further reform with regard to recovering from natural disasters. I wholeheartedly support the recommendations for reform in a report by The Office of the Legislative Auditor, which includes establishing criteria for triggering state recovery programs following natural disasters that do not receive presidential disaster declarations and creating a dedicated fund for initial recovery costs. Full report and recommendations can be seen here: http://www.auditor.leg.state. mn.us/ped/pedrep/disaster.pdf.  

As the State Fair kicks into high gear, we are reminded of the Minnesota spirit that brings everyone out to enjoy our heritage. I look forward to coming together today with our Senators and Representatives from around the state to do good for members of our community that need our help.

Lastly, again today we read of shootings in Chicago and NYC. I cannot write to you without expressing my concern for this trend, my prayers for the victims and my strong commitment to stop this violence.

Please do not hesitate to write or call if you have any questions about this or any other issue. I always enjoy hearing from you.