Legislative Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week at the Capitol, House Republicans are making significant strides to advance key legislative priorities. From tackling government fraud and waste to defending constitutional rights, I’m proud of the work we are doing to put Minnesotans first. In this update, I’ll share highlights from the legislation I’m working on, including efforts to protect taxpayer dollars, uphold the Second Amendment, and address critical issues for our district.
Cracking Down on Fraud and Waste
One of my top priorities this session is restoring trust in government by ensuring your hard-earned taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. House Republicans introduced several bills this week to tackle government waste and eliminate fraud in state programs:
-
HF 1: Establishes an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to oversee fraud prevention across all state agencies. By consolidating oversight efforts, this office will ensure greater accountability, require agencies to halt payments when fraud is suspected, and create a fraud reporting hotline.
-
HF 2: Strengthens fraud detection and prevention with stricter reporting requirements, mandatory site visits, and additional tools for state agencies to identify and address fraud.
-
HF 3: Introduces “fraud notes,” an innovative tool that evaluates potential fraud risks in proposed legislation. These fraud notes will provide lawmakers with critical information during the legislative process, helping us make informed decisions and prevent waste.
Fraud and waste have gone unchecked for far too long in Minnesota, and these bills represent a significant step forward in restoring transparency and accountability. I’m committed to fighting for these reforms to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure our government works for you.
Protecting Northern Minnesota: HF 77
I am proud to be the chief author of HF 77, which includes a constitutional amendment designed to safeguard Minnesota’s traditions and values. This bill includes two critical provisions:
-
Protecting Hunting and Fishing Rights: HF 77 ensures that the rights to hunt, fish, and take game remain protected for future generations. These activities are deeply ingrained in Minnesota’s culture and way of life, particularly in Northern Minnesota.
-
Requiring a Supermajority Vote for Certain Land Sales: The constitutional amendment in the bill mandates a supermajority vote of the legislature to convey state-owned land for less than market value. This provision ensures that any transfer of public land is carefully considered, protecting taxpayers and the state’s natural resources.
HF 77 has received its first reading and has been referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. I understand the importance of balancing this legislation with the concerns of all stakeholders, and I am committed to working with my colleagues and community members to ensure this bill reflects the best interests of Minnesota.
Defending the Second Amendment
As your representative, I am unwavering in my commitment to defending your Second Amendment rights. This session, I have introduced several bills to strengthen and protect those rights:
-
HF 27: Expands permissible methods for submitting an application for a permit to carry a handgun, making the process more accessible for law-abiding citizens.
-
HF 17: Creates lifetime permits to carry handguns, reduces application fees for permits, and amends the Minnesota Personal Protection Act to better serve lawful gun owners.
-
HF 13: Eliminates the duty to retreat before using reasonable force in defense of self or others, empowering Minnesotans to protect themselves and their families without fear of legal repercussions. Currently in Minnesota, you do not have the right to defend yourself in your home. If someone breaks in, you have a duty to hide or runaway before you are allowed to defend yourself and your family. This bill changes that to allow you to better defend yourself and loved ones.
These bills reflect our shared belief in the fundamental right to self-defense and responsible firearm ownership. I will continue to stand firm against efforts to infringe on these rights.
Looking Ahead
The legislative session is just getting started, and there’s much more work ahead. In the coming weeks, I will be focusing on advancing the bills I’ve highlighted here, working with colleagues to secure bipartisan support, and addressing additional priorities for our district. As always, I value your input and encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas.
Sincerely,
|
