Protecting Democracy: States to Coordinate Efforts to Combat Terrorism; National Task Force To Help States Assess Vulnerabilities 2/8/2002
From: Bill Wyatt, 202-624-8667 Gene Rose, 303-830-2200 ext. 136 both of the National Conference of State Legislatures WASHINGTON, -- America's state legislatures took an important step today to further protect the safety and way of life of the nations' citizens. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) announced the creation of a national task force to help states assess the vulnerabilities of their public health and safety, security and emergency preparedness systems. "The tragic events of September 11 were not only an attack upon the people of our homeland, but upon the way of life insured by America's democratic institutions," said NCSL President and New York Senator Saland. "With creation of our new Task Force on Protecting Democracy, there is now a mechanism in place to gather and share information in order for state legislatures to make sound public policy decisions." NCSL's Task Force on Protecting Democracy, appointed by Senator Saland, will meet over the next several months to develop a checklist for states to use as they prepare for the threat of terrorism. The task force will meet with representatives from the federal, state and local governments as well as national policy experts. Legislators kicked off their meetings today with White House Office of Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge. Task Force on Protecting Democracy includes state legislators and legislative staff from around the country. The task force will draw on each individual member's legislative and professional experiences. Members include health committee chairs, appropriations chairs, police officers, retired military officers, communicators and many more. The task force will be co-chaired by Massachusetts Senator Richard Moore, Arizona Representative Wes Marsh and Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature Pat O'Donnell. Other members include: --- Arizona Representative Wes Marsh (chair) California Tony Beard, Chief Sergeant at Arms Connecticut Senator Alvin Penn William Morgan, Jr., Chief of the Capitol Police Idaho Senator Denton Darrington Illinois Representative Sara Feigenholtz Kentucky Representative John Michael Weaver Louisiana Representative Hunt Downer Maryland Delegate Ann Marie Doory Massachusetts Senator Richard Moore (chair) Michigan Senator Dan DeGrow Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith Nebraska Pat O'Donnell, Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature (chair) Nevada Speaker Richard Perkins Steve Watson, Chief Deputy Director, Legislative Council New York Senator Mike Balboni North Dakota Representative Wes Belter Ohio Senator Priscilla Mead Oklahoma Senator Cal Hobson Oregon David Henderson, Administrator, Legislative Administration Committee Pennsylvania Representative Carole Rubley South Dakota Senator Eric Bogue Texas Representative Kino Flores Virginia Senator Kenneth Stolle ------ The National Conference of State Legislatures is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system. |