Rep. Dermody bill strengthens Indiana homeland security

The Michigan City News Dispatch published a short article about Senate Bill 241, co-sponsored by Rep. Tom Dermody, that would improve homeland security in Indiana.

The Indiana House of Representatives has unanimously passed Senate Bill 241, which is intended to improve homeland security in Indiana. Rep. Tom Dermody, R-La Porte, was a co-sponsor of the bill that passed by a 93-0 vote. The bill expands the state disaster relief fund to allow for financial assistance to be utilized by local governments for repairing, replacing or restoring public facilities and residential properties damaged or destroyed by a disaster. "This bill makes some important improvements to our disaster and security response methods here in Indiana," said Dermody. "Ensuring that our cities and towns are financially reimbursed for their efforts after they clean up a disaster site is only fair, in view of the fact that they are the ones doing the work." SB 241 was returned to the Senate, which had passed the bill 47-0, with amendments. Differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill will be resolved by a conference committee.