FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dominica Bernstein, 651.297.8150 (desk)
Dominica.Bernstein@house.mn.gov
News Release
Rep. Steve Gander Calls Out Missed Opportunity for Stronger Oversight Following Legislative Session Adjournment
ST. PAUL, MN - Following the adjournment of the 2025 regular legislative session, Representative Steve Gander (R-East Grand Forks) issued the following statement regarding the Legislature's failure to advance key accountability measures aimed at combating fraud, waste, and abuse in state government:.
"Over the past year, nearly one billion dollars in fraud, waste, and abuse have been uncovered in Minnesota’s state-run programs. I don’t know about you, but I’m not okay with that— not even a little bit.
We had a chance—just two nights ago—to finally pass meaningful oversight legislation by establishing the Office of the Inspector General. The Senate had already passed the measure, and on the House side, we worked on it all year long. Representative Patti Anderson (R–Dellwood) put in the work, guiding the bill through every relevant committee. And yet, it was stalled.
It feels like someone doesn’t want this to happen. Why? Who stands to gain from blocking government accountability?
We had a bipartisan, bicameral compromise—version 12 of this bill, cleaned up and ready to go. But House Democrats rejected it. That should trouble every taxpayer in this state.
So I ask Minnesotans: What do you want? Do you support effective oversight of state agencies, or are you comfortable with your hard-earned tax dollars being thrown away?
I hope you’ll ask—and answer—that question now, and again the next time you head to the polls."
Rep. Gander remains committed to fighting for transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. He urges constituents to stay engaged and make their voices heard as legislative work continues in any upcoming special session.
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