Greetings Lakeville Friends,
Things are getting interesting here in St. Paul as we are close to finishing hearings on bill proposals that have a chance to either become law or to be included in committee bills. Here are this week’s topics to share.
How Much Fraud is Too Much?
On Wednesday, the nonpartisan legislature auditor released a much-anticipated report in response to a news report last year that claimed fraud in Minnesota’s Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) totaled $100 million or more annually.
In their report, the Office of Legislative Auditor said that while they cannot confirm the exact $100 million claim, they do believe that the extent of fraud in the program is larger than the $5-$6 million in restitution payments ordered in prosecuted cases thus far. Whether the amount of fraud is $10 or $100 Million, we should not tolerate any fraud and need to pass reforms that respect taxpayers.
CCAP provides financial assistance to help low-income families pay for child care. With two daughters of my own, I understand how expensive and challenging affordable childcare is and the financial strain it places on families. Not only does fraud like this cheat Minnesota’s taxpayers, but it also takes resources away from the families that actually need this assistance. We want to help families become self-sustaining!
We need to take action this session to improve program integrity, and put systems in place to discourage and eliminate fraud. One proposal that I am co-sponsoring would put an end to a popular scheme that fraudsters use to provide kickbacks to parents when they enroll their children at a daycare center. This proposal is supported by Hennepin County and is one way we can fight against fraud in this program.
Stay tuned for more information on this web of fraud as the Legislative Auditor is scheduled to release a follow-up report in early April.
Ending Taxation without Mobilization
I have long been an advocate of extending Metro Mobility service to Lakeville. For nearly ten years, Lakeville residents have been paying a transit tax for services that they were not fully receiving. Last year we were able to get a bill included in the House transportation bill that would have extended this service to Lakeville residents. Unfortunately, it was tied up in legislation that was vetoed by Governor Dayton.
I am happy to report that I am once again making good progress this session on legislation that will provide a fix to this issue and provide better service and greater independence to persons with disabilities.
Today, I was proud to have Lakeville resident and friend, Nick Jones, present the bill proposal with me. I appreciate Chair Hornstein’s willingness to work with us on this bipartisan issue, and for Senator Dan Hall for authoring the companion bill in the Senate.
Hopefully this year we can finally put an end to Lakeville’s Taxation without Mobilization.
Hot Off the Press – more light rail?
Finally, I wanted to once again share local stories about the Transportation Committee hearing that took place in Savage last week. Please read the stories linked below and let me know your thoughts.
You can read the Savage Pacer story here and the Shakopee Valley News write up here.
I remain committed to fighting against expanded light rail; especially when the $2 Billion South West line is nearly two years from completion and the Blue line extension (Bottineau) has yet to be started.
Democrats are planning on raising all taxes and fees for transportation needs. Trying to expand more light rail when we are struggling to maintain our existing highways on the backs of middle-class families is driving Minnesotans in reverse!
Getting Bills Heard
All legislators can have a bill drafted and introduced, but getting a bill in front of a committee and passed is much harder. Not all bill ideas get hearings, but I’m happy to explore ideas from constituents, even if the idea gets little or no support. Sometimes we can make the idea better and keep trying.
I’m thankful and pleased, that despite being in the minority, I have established relationships across political lines and am able to work with other members on bills to improve the state and lives of people across the state.
This week, I also authored and will receive a hearing on a bill to clarify procedures for purchasing a new car and properly obtaining title when using a consular identification and a second bill that includes taxi companies in a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee. These bills won’t grab headlines, but will help improve the daily lives of real people.
Thanks for reading, have a wonderful week!
Jon Koznick
Assistant Minority Leader
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A