Hello from the State Capitol,
Over the past several years, Minnesotans have learned that more than $1 billion in taxpayer funds – that we know about – have been stolen through fraud within state government. No other state has this issue, yet Governor Walz and the previous Democrat-led legislature basically ignored that it was happening.
House Republicans recognize that we have a significant problem and are moving forward with plans to stop it.
This week, we unveiled several proposals to help our state combat waste, fraud, and abuse in our system.
One proposal would mandate fraud reporting for state agencies and equip them with additional tools to identify and prevent fraudulent activities. This bill also emphasizes transparency and swift action to address fraud concerns.
Another would create an Office of the Inspector General that would investigate fraud within state government. Under this plan, agencies would be forced to halt payments when fraud is suspected and a fraud reporting hotline would also be implemented.
Finally, legislation establishing “fraud notes” would provide legislators with an evaluation of potential fraud risks before enacting any new program or policy while adding additional fraud accountability to agencies.
We also created a new House committee to tackle this topic: the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee. As a member of this committee, I am looking forward to identifying the numerous problems across state government and getting them under control. There is much we can do when it comes to preventing fraud within state government, and it’s time to get to work.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARS FUNDING REQUESTS
As chair of the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee, I am tasked with helping craft a budget for all the agencies that fall under our jurisdiction. This week, committee members heard budget requests from the state’s public defenders, the judicial branch, and guardians ad litem.
MARCH FOR LIFE
Minnesotans from around the state arrived at the State Capitol on Wednesday to take part in the 2025 MCCL March for Life, and I joined them at this important event.
According to MCCL, the event marks the anniversary of abortion’s legalization with an unforgettable remembrance of those excluded from protection by our state’s extreme pro-abortion laws—and a compelling call to rebuild a Minnesota where both moms and babies are valued and loved.
I always appreciate visiting with residents about the importance of protecting the rights of the unborn and thank those who braved the cold and participated in this annual event.
HOUSE DEMOCRAT SURROGATES EMBARRASS THEMSELVES
All of the above took place without any House Democrat lawmakers in attendance. We have been in session nearly two weeks, but none of them have bothered to show up for work even though they are collecting their paychecks.
So, what are they doing? Some are attempting to organize chaos.
At a public safety hearing this week, trans-rights activists took part in a threatening protest and tried to get in the way of lawmakers who are doing their jobs. The event was organized by at least one member of the House, who again, is nowhere to be found.
Click here to watch the video if you want to see the threatening behavior public safety committee members were forced to endure on Tuesday. Be warned, it is vulgar, and pathetic.