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REPRESENTATIVE ERIC LIPMAN TAPPED TO COORDINATE ST

Saint Paul -- State Representative Eric Lipman of Lake Elmo has been named State Sex Offender Policy Coordinator by the Pawlenty-Molnau Administration. The new position will be housed at the Minnesota Department of Corrections and will work with the Departments of Human Services, Health and Public Safety to coordinate state activities with regards to sexual predators.

"Minnesota is not alone in dealing with the complicated range of issues surrounding sex offenders," said Governor Tim Pawlenty. "Just like other states, we need to find new and better ways to protect our people from these predators. That's why we need a strong voice working to coordinate state efforts and drive aggressive reform. I've known Eric Lipman for years and am grateful he has agreed to take on this challenge."

Lipman, who resigned from his House seat last week to accept the position, was first elected in 2000 and served as Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Governmental Operations and Veterans Affairs. He has also served on the Civil Law, Judiciary Finance and Judiciary Policy Committees. In addition, Lipman served as an associate at the law firm of Mohrman & Kaardal, P.A., is a former Deputy Secretary of State, and served on the Minnesota House Republican Caucus staff and the Senate GOP Campaign Committee.

The new position will assist Commissioners in the coordination of sex offender policy and practices, helping to identify critical areas of shared responsibility and assist in the implementation of administration-wide best practices. He will also be charged with coordinating a reform effort to strengthen the overall process of dealing with sex offenders.

"Recent tragedies have brought needed attention to the gaps in our system as it pertains to sexual predators," said Lipman. "This issue is big enough and important enough that a new level of coordination is critical. I am grateful to the Governor for the opportunity to continue my public service contribution to such a meaningful and important area."

Lipman officially started in the new position last Thursday. His salary is $95,000 per year, shared by the Departments of Corrections, Human Services and Public Safety.