Dear Neighbor,
Greetings from the House, where we put in another busy week moving bills through the committee process … and celebrated baseball’s Opening Day along the way! Here’s a look at just some of my latest notes:
New whistleblower website
 Minnesota’s problems with fraud are well documented. One problem has been that sometimes citizens see something that seems a bit off, but it can be hard to know where to go with that information. Here’s the good news: A new website (MNFraud.com) is now available for whistleblowers to confidentially report suspected fraud, waste and abuse within Minnesota’s state government. Citizens finally have a convenient tool for people to file their concerns in one centralized location so someone else can follow up on that tip and take a closer look. Submitted information will be initially assessed and directed to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and follow-up. It’s really a good way for citizens to take on a watchdog role in government that’s been sorely lacking in Minnesota. This is just one way House Republicans are working to root out tax dollar improprieties running rampant in Minnesota programs, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Minnesotans work hard for their money and the government owes it to them to make sure tax dollars are used for their intended purposes and are not stolen or otherwise misused. This website is just one way we can start cleaning up this mess in our state. We also should note the information, including the identities of whistleblowers, is secure and protected, similar to a secure-payment processing website. AED bill progress The bipartisan bill I authored to provide roadside signage for automatic external defibrillators has been sent to its final committee stop, Ways and Means. The issue of public access to automatic external defibrillators has been an ongoing concern in Minnesota. We need to make sure these life-saving devices are easily accessible in emergencies – and that people know where they are. Not only is this bill a great idea because it could save lives, but it also comes at no cost to taxpayers because participants in the program would cover charges. With approval in Ways and Means, the bill will then be ready for a vote of the full House and I hope that happens soon. Sen. Howe from over in Rockville is carrying the companion bill and we’ll keep working to get it to the finish line. SCTCC visit |
I enjoyed recently visiting the St. Cloud Technical Community College, while the SCTCC plane was there.
Capitol visitors
Thanks to everyone who continues coming to St. Paul to discuss important issues. Some of the latest visitors include:
Art Therapy Licensure advocates
ARC Day on the Hill
St. Cloud Rotarian and exchange student
Bill to address cop shortage
Minnesota is suffering a shortage of law enforcement officers. Reports indicate we currently have 1,000 open positions in law enforcement. In addition, there are over 2,700 members of the law enforcement community between the ages of 50 and 55 who may soon retire. Now, to top it off, Alexandria Technical College reports that after 2021, it saw a 25% to 30% decrease in enrollment in its Police Training and Education Program.
That’s why I am proud to be an author of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Scholarship Act (H.F. 2454) to help get more recruits in the pipeline. I’m a strong supporter of our officers and this is one tool in the toolbox that can be used even by new prospects or even by non-traditional students who may be considering switching careers.
This is a great bill, and my only concern is that one-party control turned our $18 billion surplus into a $6 billion shortfall, so funding will be tough to come by this session.
Home stretch
We are about to head into the home stretch of the 2025 session. Next week brings important deadlines for bills to make preliminary committee process and remain in the mix for passage this session. Then, a third and final bill deadline comes April 11 before legislators take a brief break in the middle of April for holiday observances. When we return, we will have less than one month to pass important bills and put a new two-year budget in place before our May 19 deadline to adjourn. We’ll keep you posted as things unfold.
Helpful House links
Here are some links you may find helpful in following the latest goings on at the Capitol:
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!
Bernie
