Dear Neighbor,
Before we get to my latest news and notes, I want to mention the end of this week brings us to 60 days removed from the end of the 2024 session. At that point, House members are prohibited from sending e-newsletters such as this until after the election. In the meantime, I’ll keep doing my job and working to best represent our district as always. I remain available to help you any way I can, so please feel free to call or email with any thoughts and/or concerns you may want to discuss.
In other news:
Assassination attempt
The right to peaceful assembly is a cherished, foundational right in America. Last weekend’s horrific act of violence with the failed assassination attempt of Donald Trump must be universally condemned. I hope this tragic event unifies Americans, and that we put political leanings aside to defend our ability to safely attend peaceful events of our choosing, political or otherwise. Thankfully, Mr. Trump survived this attack and God bless the firefighter who was killed by this senseless domestic terrorism.
Rampant fraud in MN
It’s been one report of systemic fraud after another in Minnesota recently. Despite years of warning signs and red flags, Democrats continue to fund fraud through state agencies without holding anyone accountable, from Feeding our Future to frontline worker pay, autism centers and beyond.
Here’s the latest:
News recently broke that the FBI is investigating Minnesota autism centers for possible Medicaid fraud. Reports show that the number of providers has increased 700% in the last five years, and payments to those providers has exploded by 3000%. Sources who administer Medical Assistance see widespread concern about fraud in the program.
This follows the non-partisan Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor reporting just last month how lax administration created opportunities for an estimated $250 million in taxpayer revenue to be the subject of fraud in the Feeding our Future program. At the height of Feeding our Future's fraud, they claimed to serve 12 million meals in a month, which is enough to feed every child in the state more than eight meals. This is government malpractice, and the administration needs to be held accountable for the millions that they have handed out to fraudsters.
The Feeding our Future scandal report came just after the OLA indicated it found frontline worker payments were made to people who were not eligible or whose eligibility could not be determined. This included fraudulent duplicate applications including many from people who were deceased long before this program opened. Furthermore, the Department of Revenue did not verify all applicants met the adjusted gross income requirements.
House Republicans raised fraud concerns regarding the frontline worker program to make it easier to prevent and prosecute fraud, but the majority voted down our amendments. Those concerns have been shown to be correct.
Taxpayers deserve accountability and responsibility from their elected officials instead of state leaders turning a blind eye, offering excuses, and failing to hold program administrators accountable. It's time to restore balance in state government and end to the rampant fraud that Democrats allow to fester in Minnesota.
The frontline worker OLA report can be found here and the Feeding Our Future OLA report can be found here.
Personal note
Often life is busy with events work and life. Be sure spend time with and hug the ones you love. This last week I lost my father, Tom. He lived as full of a life as his Savior and great wife would allow. His passion for farming, family, faith, life and politics was my inspiration to run and serve our area in St Paul.
God Speed, Dad.
Until next time, have a great rest of your summer. Hope to see you around the district at various events and please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Chris