Dear Neighbor,
Greetings from the House. It’s been great seeing so many friendly faces at local events this summer. Here’s a look at some of my latest notes as we come up on 60 days removed from the end of the 2024 session, including more on what means.
See you at the Rox game!
I am beyond honored to be among nine local breast cancer survivors who will be recognized during a St. Cloud Rox baseball game scheduled for 6:35 p.m. today.
The recognition will occur during a Pink in the Park event at Faber Field, with honorees featured before the game and collectively throwing out the game’s ceremonial first pitch. Rox players will don pink jerseys that evening.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2018 and am preparing to celebrate six years in remission this September. I am truly honored to be recognized along with several other cancer survivors. Thank you to the Rox and everyone involved in scheduling this special event. The support I have received over the years truly makes a difference and I look forward to seeing a great crowd on hand for Pink in the Park.
Even more fraud concerns
Fraud concerns continue to arise in our state and now Minnesota autism centers are being investigated 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 3,000%. Sources who administer Medical Assistance see widespread concern about fraud in the program.
This is just the latest in a series of fraud cases in Minnesota, with taxpayers taking the hit each time. I mentioned in a previous email the Minnesota Legislative Auditor recently issued a pair of reports indicating failed oversight has led to hundreds of millions of tax dollars being lost to fraud.
Last month, the OLA reported lax administration created opportunities for an estimated $250 million in taxpayer revenue to be the subject of fraud in the Feeding our Future program. That news came just after the OLA reported 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. In addition, the Department of Revenue did not verify all applicants met the adjusted gross income requirements.
This issue is one major reason we need to restore balance at the Capitol and put an end to the losses taxpayers continue suffering with a lack of accountability under one-party control.
60-day rule
This week brings us to 60 days removed from the end of the 2024 legislative session, at which point House members are prohibited from sending e-newsletters such as this until after the November election. In the meantime, I of course will continue working hard to represent the people of our district and remain available to help any way I can. As always, your individual correspondence is welcome, and I invite you to share your thoughts and/or concerns on whatever issues are most important to you.
Please Contact Me
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov. I am here to serve you!
Until next time, have a great rest of your summer. I hope to see you around the district and maybe at the Rox game!
Sincerely,
