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May 2, 2025
Legislative Update
Friends and neighbors,
Session is moving quickly, and it’s been a busy few weeks at the Capitol. From oversight hearings on the Feeding Our Future scandal to passing important transportation improvements, I’ve been working hard to ask the tough questions, protect your tax dollars, and make sure Minnesota is headed in the right direction. I wanted to take a moment to update you on some of the key work happening in St. Paul and invite you to an upcoming Town Hall to hear your feedback firsthand ahead of the final weeks of the legislative session.
AG Ellison Appears in the House Fraud Committee
This week in the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, I had the opportunity to question Attorney General Keith Ellison about newly released audio from a 2021 meeting with individuals now tied to the Feeding Our Future scandal, the largest fraud case in Minnesota history.
In the audio, the Attorney General is heard saying he’s “in the middle of a battle with the agencies” on behalf of individuals who were under investigation at the time. He goes on to claim that Governor Walz agrees with him that the state is unfairly targeting East African businesses and insists that agency leaders “have got to stop it.”
But here’s the problem: the Attorney General isn’t a political activist; he’s the state’s top legal officer. His job is to represent state agencies, not to undermine them behind closed doors. Instead of defending taxpayers, he was siding with individuals who would later be indicted for defrauding millions from federal nutrition programs.
The hearing is a treasure trove of information where the Attorney General contradicts himself and his past statements, leaving Minnesotans to wonder if he was protecting their interests or those of the fraudsters.
We need to restore integrity to our institutions. That means demanding transparency and accountability from the very top, including the Attorney General. His lies and mistruths demand further scrutiny, and it’s something the committee will continue to look in to. Simultaneously, we must hope that federal officials like Pam Bondi investigate this fully.
If you’re interested, you can watch some of the committee hearing using the links below.
Transportation Bill Passes House
A handful of bills passed the House Floor this week. While we have not done enough to reduce the looming $6 billion budget deficit, the Transportation bill is one I was happy to support. The bill doesn’t enact any new spending and instead cancels failed and overbudget projects, reinvesting that money into the modes of transportation that Minnesotans use most. That means more money for improvements to roads and safer bridges.
This year’s transportation bill includes several key victories for common sense and accountability, prioritizing roads, cutting red tape, and making sure electric vehicles don’t get to travel the roads while paying less than gas-powered vehicles.
Ending Wasteful Rail Projects
We’ve started shutting down the NorthStar Commuter Rail, an empty train line costing taxpayers $14 million a year with little to show for it. We also stopped more taxpayer money from going into the proposed Northern Lights Express to Duluth, which was shaping up to be another expensive failure. And we pushed for an honest look at whether express buses could do the job of the Blue Line Extension for far less. It’s simple: we shouldn’t keep pouring money into rail projects that don’t work.
Fair Funding from Electric Vehicles
All drivers use the roads, and all drivers should help pay to maintain them. This bill ensures electric vehicle owners contribute to road funding just like everyone else. It’s a step toward a more equal system, where the responsibility is shared.
Investing in Roads that Matter
We secured $50 million for Corridors of Commerce and another $15 million for Transportation Economic Development grants. These funds go toward highway projects that support job growth, move freight efficiently, and strengthen our economy across Greater Minnesota and beyond. It’s not just about roads; it’s about making sure Minnesotans can get where they need to go safely and reliably.
Eliminating Burdensome Mandates
Last year, while Democrats had full control of state government, they passed costly greenhouse gas emissions standards that introduced new costs to builders and contractors. One of the many consequences of this policy was it made road construction much more expensive for the Minnesota taxpayer. This bill delays the implementation of these emissions standards, lowering costs for construction.
Town Hall This Saturday
 Join me this Saturday, May 3rd, for a Town Hall at the Sable Inn Bed and Breakfast in Foley from 8:00-9:15 AM. This is a great opportunity for me to provide you all with an in-person update on what’s been happening in St. Paul, and for me to hear directly from you on what your priorities are.
Whether it’s exposing fraud or fixing broken systems, I’m committed to getting results for the people I represent. Minnesotans deserve accountability, safer roads, and a government that earns their trust, and that’s exactly what I’ll keep working toward. We’ve got work to do, but this week was a step in the right direction, holding the Attorney General accountable and delivering a transportation bill that actually works for Minnesotans. I’ll keep fighting for integrity in government, smarter spending, and real solutions that balance the budget and move our state forward while making MN more affordable.
Have a good weekend,
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