SAINT PAUL, Minn. – This morning, the Minnesota House State Government Finance & Policy Committee held a public hearing on HF 2603, a bill containing Governor Walz’s fraud prevention proposal. On a party-line roll call vote, Republicans on the committee blocked the bill from advancing.
Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL – Saint Paul), the House author of the legislative package, issued the following statement:
“In blocking what is by far the most comprehensive fraud prevention package seen this session, Republicans have provided more proof that their interest lies in partisan political theater rather than working with Democrats to truly address fraud. The Governor’s package would improve oversight, strengthen investigative and enforcement authority, and increase criminal penalties – all of which should be bipartisan priorities. I’m deeply disappointed that Republicans choose obstruction over meaningful reform.
“While Republicans remain focused on scoring political points, Democrats will keep fighting to protect taxpayer funds from misuse and work to address fraud in all forms, including those that exploit workers and consumers.”
The bill was presented in the State Government Committee on March 20, with an in-depth walkthrough and remarks by seven commissioners in the Walz administration, followed by extensive questioning by members. The Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee also held a presentation and discussion of the bill during another hearing on March 24.