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News Release
Rep. Paul Novotny: Enough Is Enough — Leaders Must Be Held Accountable For Mismanagement And Lack Of Transparency ST. PAUL, MN – Representative Paul Novotny (R–Elk River) is calling on state leaders to come clean about a growing pattern of mismanagement and questionable practices under the current administration. “From massive fraud scandals to cybersecurity breaches that disrupt basic government operations, Minnesotans are seeing a troubling trend,” Novotny said. “Time and time again, problems are swept under the rug, timelines are vague, and accountability is nowhere to be found. We cannot stand for this any longer.”
Novotny, along with other House Republican leaders, is demanding answers from St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter regarding the recent cybersecurity breach that has left Minnesota’s capital city operating in a state of limited digital functionality. Nearly two weeks after the breach became public, the city has yet to provide clear information on its scope, severity, or recovery timeline. Given that Saint Paul is not only Minnesota’s capital city but also the administrative hub for state government, the disruption raises serious concerns about the security of the State Capitol Complex, payroll processing, and the integrity of both state and local systems. “When something this serious happens, we should not have to drag information out of our leaders,” Novotny continued. “Each day that goes by without clear answers undermines public trust and raises new questions about what else is being hidden.”
In a letter to Mayor Carter, Republican leaders pressed for urgent answers, including: The estimated timeline for fully restoring access to city systems Which systems have been compromised or remain unavailable Whether any employee, resident, or operational data was accessed or exposed The impact on payroll operations and whether employees are receiving full compensation Whether the breach has affected any state, county, or federal systems “This is bigger than any one incident. Minnesotans are watching a disturbing pattern emerge, and it’s time we hold those in power accountable,” Novotny said. “If our citizens can’t trust us to protect their information, safeguard their tax dollars, and tell them the truth, then we have failed in our most basic responsibility.”
House Republicans have requested a briefing on the scope of the cybersecurity breach and any related operational disruptions no later than August 12, 2025. “The people of Minnesota deserve the truth—and they deserve it now,” Novotny concluded.
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