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truancy, runaways and underage drinking, <br />consumer credit disputes, property -related <br />and small civil claims, and many other <br />cases. Timely processing of these cases is <br />critical to keeping communities safe and to <br />preserving the quality of life residents <br />expect. <br />The State Court Administrator has <br />advocated for statutory changes that have <br />resulted in efficiencies and cost savings <br />while preserving core services. These <br />changes involve consolidating services <br />where practicable and using technology to <br />reduce costs. They include centralized <br />payable processing, use of e-citations and <br />restructuring of state mandated programs. <br />Response: The League of Minnesota <br />Cities supports a statement by former <br />Chief Justice Eric J. Magnuson that calls <br />for "an adequately funded, functioning <br />justice system that resolves disputes <br />promptly in order to ensure the rule of <br />law, protect public safety and individual <br />rights and promote a civil society." The <br />League supports the use of technology to <br />reduce costs and preserve services. The <br />League opposes any changes that would <br />decriminalize local ordinances, petty <br />misdemeanors or misdemeanor offenses, <br />or that would make prosecution of these <br />crimes more difficult. <br />SD-40. Homeland Security Costs <br />and Liability <br />Issue: The federal government's response to <br />terrorism has resulted in new responsibilities <br />for local governments in a number of areas. <br />For example, shortly after the terrorist <br />attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the federal <br />government tapped local law enforcement <br />personnel to provide security and perform <br />screening at our nation's airports. These new <br />responsibilities increase cities' liability <br />exposure and result in higher local costs for <br />public safety services. In addition, local <br />governments are expected to continue <br />emergency planning and capacity building <br />efforts, provide additional training and <br />equipment for first responders, and improve <br />emergency response coordination and <br />communication. <br />As partners in protecting our country from <br />terrorism, the federal government must: 1) <br />provide greater direct financial support for <br />our first responders; 2) maintain funding for <br />general pre- and post -disaster emergency <br />management programs; 3) ensure a <br />coordinated and effective national <br />emergency response system; and 4) address <br />issues of cyber security that threaten public <br />safety, services, and infrastructure. <br />Response: The League of Minnesota <br />Cities recommends that when the federal <br />government requires or contracts for <br />cities' assistance in meeting federal <br />homeland security responsibilities, the <br />federal government should fully cover the <br />costs, including the risk of liability arising <br />from these activities. <br />The League supports greater federal <br />funding to prepare, train, and equip our <br />first responders. The League also <br />supports changes in the federal funding <br />process to ensure Department of <br />Homeland Security funds move quickly to <br />the local level. Furthermore, the League <br />supports the allocation of state resources <br />to provide training and technical <br />assistance to local governments related to <br />the prevention and control of cyber <br />security risks to critical infrastructure. <br />SD-41. Immigration Reform <br />Issue: The United States and the State of <br />Minnesota have long traditions of <br />welcoming immigrants Immigrants <br />strengthen Minnesota by contributing to the <br />League of Minnesota Cities <br />2015 City Policies Page 27 <br />