IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                      

May 30, 2007                                                                                                    

For Information Contact:                     

Rep. Lee Tafanelli    

785/945-3808

Sherriene Jones-Sontag

785/296-2302

SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE AND REVIEW DISASTER RESPONSE

Rep. Lee Tafanelli Appointed Committee Chairman

Topeka – Kansas Speaker of the House of Representatives Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) announced today he has named Rep. Lee Tafanelli (R-Ozawkie) to lead the Special Committee on Kiowa County Disaster Relief and Recovery in their oversight of state agencies assisting Kiowa County and Greensburg’s clean-up and recovery.

“It is important state agencies do what they can to help, but it also is important to make sure the funding is being spent as intended by Kansas Legislators,” Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives Melvin Neufeld said.   “Rep. Tafanelli and the committee will make sure those affected receive the help necessary to rebuild while building on the state’s response to make certain Kansas is well-prepared for future clean-up and recovery efforts.”

Once established, members will look into ways to streamline state assistance and improve the state’s coordinated response to a disaster as well as make recommendations to the State Finance Council.  Rep. Tafanelli said the committee has an opportunity to examine the State’s response to the recent disasters and improve on how the state plans for, responds to and recovers from a disaster.

“In this year alone, we have experienced the worst ice storm and worst tornado in our state’s history,” Rep. Tafanelli said.  “We must ensure we have coordinated and integrated response and recovery plans that cover the spectrum of disasters. The committee will look to identify any gaps in agency response or policy shortfalls that may exist and correct them for the future.”

Speaker Neufeld said he chose Rep. Tafanelli to chair the committee because of his knowledge and special level of expertise gained as Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and as a colonel in the Kansas National Guard.

The Special Committee will be composed of nine members, five from the House and four from the Senate.  Speaker Neufeld also appointed Reps. John Faber (R-Brewster) and Richard Carlson (R-St. Marys).

“As the Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and as a farmer in Western Kansas, Rep. Faber will provide insight to the challenges faced by the farms and agriculture industry affected by the tornado,” said Speaker Neufeld.  “Rep. Carlson’s experience as a member of the House Insurance Committee as well as former Pottawatomie County Commissioner during the 1993 Floods will help the Special Committee address possible legislation needed to address insurance industry issues and possible needs of local governments affected by disasters.”

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2540 passed by lawmakers includes:

• Increasing the State Finance Council’s authority to transfer up to $25 million to assist local government entities with their clean-up and infrastructure rebuilding expenses.
• Providing existing Kiowa Co. businesses sales tax exemption for certain reconstruction expenses.
• Establishing the Business Restoration Assistance grant program for counties with at least 25-percent of their tax base destroyed as a result of a natural disaster on May 4, 2007.

-         Businesses can qualify for investment grants of up to 10% of qualified rebuilding investments and for grants of up to $3,500 per FTE job for employees hired back.

-         One-time grant program will have a cap of $5 million and will sunset on June 30, 2008.

Lawmakers also approved House Concurrent Resolution 5025 which extends the state of emergency issued by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius the day after the tornado destroyed Greensburg and caused additional damage in other counties.  The declaration will remain in effect until October 31, 2007.

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