| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| March 21, 2002 | Doug Champeau (651-296-4305) |
District 28A - Owatonna
House Speaker Steve Sviggum recently said he expects the Minnesota House to finish its business by Wednesday, March 27, before the Easter break. At the breakneck speed this session has been going, the Speaker may be right. This past week, the House passed the last fiscal bill that will become part of the negotiations with the Senate to balance the budget. By law, the legislature still has quite a few days left in which members can meet. However, I think it would be a service to citizens if the legislature can wrap up business sooner.
A PRIMARY ROLE FOR GOVERNMENT
One of the primary roles of government -- local, state and national -- is to provide those essential public services that the free market cannot. This includes the building of public infrastructure such as roads and sewers, and police and fire protection. Protecting citizens and their property is job number one. That's why, not long after the tragic terrorists attacks of September 11, state lawmakers pledged to shore up homeland protection here in Minnesota.
I and other House members passed a $22 million anti-terrorism package on Thursday that gives state and local law enforcement more tools to deal with potential acts of terrorist acts in light of the September 11 tragedy. The new legislation also makes changes in crime prevention measures as well, making it easier for law enforcement to prosecute individuals for acts of terrorism and related crimes.
While you may not see visible changes at your area police and fire departments, I'm confident that this new set of anti-terrorism, anti-crime provisions will enable our public safety agencies to work more effectively. The legislation also ensures that our first responders are better protected in their job while they work to ensure the safety of the citizens they are pledged to protect. This is good legislation and I am proud to support it.
A PRIVILEGE
I recently had the privilege of presenting the "General Billy Mitchell Award" to Cadet/Second Lieutenant Gabriel Eckers of Owatonna. Lieutenant Eckers is a member of the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary program of the United States Air Force. CAP cadets learn aerospace, leadership, moral and ethical skills, and many other useful life skills in a military environment. They also have the opportunity to learn from hands-on leadership opportunities such as being a flight sergeant, a member of support staff or one of many other positions.
The Mitchell Award, named after the military aviation pioneer, recognizes those cadets who have completed eight of 16 "achievements" based on the above curriculum. It is quite an honor, and since its inception more than 30 years ago, more than 42,000 cadets have received it.
In light of the of the passage of the anti-terrorism bill, it's comforting to know there are programs such as the Civil Air Patrol that are providing our youth leadership training for possible positions of responsibility later in life, whether in the military or civilian life. I'm especially proud of Lieutenant Eckers. Congratulations!
JOIN MY E-MAIL LIST
Just a reminder, those with a computer and an internet connection can sign up for my legislative e-mail newsletter which contains weekly updates about events at the legislature. To join, just go to my legislative website at www.house.mn/28A and click on the "Join my mail list" link. A subscriber can opt to remove his or her name from the mailing list at any time.
What do you think? I welcome your input and ideas. Call me toll-free, at 1-888-296-5368 or e-mail me at: rep.connie.ruth@house.leg.state.mn.us.