Minnesota House of Representatives
Republican Caucus

St. Paul, Minnesota Saying that September 11th showed the strength of America's front- line public safety workers but highlighted the need for a higher level of preparedness, leaders of the Minnesota House of Representatives released a comprehensive package aimed at ensuring the state is prepared in the event that acts of terrorism were to come to the heartland.

Rep. Rich Stanek (R-Maple Grove), Chairman of the House Judiciary Finance Committee and a Minneapolis police inspector, said, "The number one priority of government at the local, state and federal level is ensuring the safety of its citizens. September 11th showed us the benefits of being well prepared and it was also a wake-up call to policymakers around the country that we need a renewed focus on the safety and security of our citizens."

"I don't know of anyone who isn't proud to be an American after seeing how we have responded to the major threats against our country," said Rep. John Tuma (R-Northfield), Chairman of the House Crime Prevention Committee. "Now it's time for those of us elected to make the tough decisions to step up to the plate and deliver on issues of critical importance to our homeland security. We might be thousands of miles from Ground Zero, but that doesn't mean future threats will not touch our state."

After conducting several legislative hearings, the Judiciary Finance Committee and House Crime Prevention Committee worked together to shape a package that strengthens the ability of law enforcement to track suspected terrorists, increases penalties for those convicted of terrorist acts, and focuses on training and preparedness of police officers, firefighters and other first responders.

"Four months ago, the words 'homeland security' were not in the American political vocabulary - we took a lot for granted," said House Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon). "Today, it's an issue on top of everyone's mind and it's our responsibility to be proactive in homeland security."

"The core of fighting terrorism is people," said House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty (R-Eagan). "It's the people here with us today - the firefighters, the sheriffs, the police officers, National Guard personnel - the people who we rely on to keep our streets safe and our neighborhoods and families safe and free from fear."

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Joining the House Republican leadership were representatives of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the Minnesota Sheriffs Association and the Professional Firefighters. All expressed their support for the Republican anti-terrorism initiative, which focuses heavily on training first responders at the state and local level to deal with acts of terrorism, including biological and chemical attacks.

The anti-terrorism package proposed by House Republicans includes numerous initiatives and efforts to enhance Minnesota's ability to respond and prepare for terrorist threats, including:

Updating surveillance laws; Modifying data privacy laws; Limiting drivers licenses for temporary residences; Increased penalties for trespassing at public utilities; Stricter background checks for certain occupations; A study of tagging explosives sold in Minnesota; Clarifying quarantine authority; Creating a state registry for biological agents; Create new crimes to deal with terrorism; Establish tougher penalties for hoaxes, threats and obstruction of justice. Expanded terrorism response training, including pre-design funding for a Joint Law Enforcement/Military Anti-Terrorism Training Facility at Camp Ripley; Reinstatement of statewide coverage for HAZMAT teams in Rochester, Duluth, and Moorhead, plus upgrading St. Cloud's Chemical Assessment Team (CAT); Reimbursement costs for local government's post-September 11th extraordinary law enforcement personnel expenses; Funding for biohazard suits, equipment for monitoring, detection, and decontamination of chemical and biological attacks; Expanded security of the State Capitol and state buildings; Continued implementation and development of statewide emergency radio communication system to increase interoperability among public safety agencies; Enacting reporting requirement for student visa violation.

"The sharing of information and intelligence among all levels of the criminal justice system is the cornerstone for protecting the citizens of this state from the threat of terrorism," said Stanek. "The continued support and funding for CriMNet, the state's criminal justice integrated information system, is also a major component of the anti-terrorism initiative."

"We have to recognize the realities of this situation," added Speaker Sviggum. "That includes a budget deficit that is going to require some tough decisions in controlling spending this session. We don't know how that is all going to pan out. But House Republicans also understand the reality that improving the preparedness of our police, firefighters, and EMS to deal with terrorist acts is a top priority."

Stanek estimated that the cost of the new measures would be between 15 and 25 million dollars. Sviggum and Pawlenty acknowledged that adopting new spending during a time of budget deficit would be difficult, but both pledged to make these public safety initiatives a top priority. He also said some pieces of the domestic terrorism preparedness plan could be paid for with bonding dollars. House leaders will also work with the Department of Public Safety to monitor the availability of federal funds to cover the costs of these initiatives.

"We can't guarantee that we're going to get one hundred percent of the funding for these initiatives," said Pawlenty. "However, we will make our best efforts and are also hopeful for federal funding."

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