ST. PAUL, MN—One day after newly released audio revealed Attorney General Keith Ellison expressing support for individuals who would, within weeks, be indicted in the Feeding our Future Scandal, House Democrats voted to block a Republican effort during floor session Thursday to bring forward HF 20, a bill that would require increased transparency from the Attorney General’s Office by allowing the release of investigative records after a case is closed.
In the recording, Ellison assures individuals tied to the $250 million Feeding Our Future scandal that he “stands with them” and wants to help, contrary to his duty to represent the State of Minnesota and the agency that was trying to stop payments to these groups. Despite the gravity of the revelations and the ongoing public concern over the Attorney General’s conduct, House Democrats unanimously voted to keep the transparency bill buried.
Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove), Chair of the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, issued the following statement:
“As Chair of the committee tasked with preventing fraud and holding state agencies accountable, I find these revelations extremely disturbing. Minnesotans just heard their Attorney General offering support to individuals who were orchestrating the largest pandemic-related fraud scheme in the nation. This demands additional scrutiny, as Attorney General’s duty is to defend state agencies and provide rigorous oversight of Minnesota businesses and charities.”
Instead of pursuing transparency, House Democrats chose to interrupt Rep. Niska three times before he could even offer the motion to consider HF 20, then proceeded to vote against it. HF 20 would have ensured investigative records become public after a case is closed, ensuring basic accountability.
Robbins noted that “By blocking this bill the day after the audio recording came to light, House Democrats sent a clear and concerning message: They are more interested in shielding the Attorney General than rooting out corruption and fraud. This is a grave disappointment.”