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Good morning,
One thing about this time of year is for sure: summer is quickly (and sadly) winding down, which means it is fair season! The Douglas County Fair is a long-standing tradition in the area, always offering food, activities, and fun for people of all ages. I hope that you had a chance to enjoy the festivities last weekend. If not, I have good news for you. As I'm sure you know, the Minnesota State Fair is officially underway! Although it's a ways further away than our county fair, it is a great opportunity to gather with tens of thousands of other Minnesotans and enjoy the weather, obscure foods, and many other fair stands. It's looking like there will be great weather, so let's hope that holds up for all who are planning to attend!
Student Opportunity
As we gear up for the 2025-2026 school year, I have an exciting opportunity to share that is for college students at the Capitol. The annual undergraduate internship program is set to begin again next February. This internship is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and familiarity with the legislative process, while building relationships with staff and members. For any undergraduate college students who are interested, you can view the application and apply here, with a November 7th deadline.
 Further Fraud
One of the most recent fraud scandals was related to Minnesota's Housing Stabilization Services program. Originally, it was found that providers charged for services that were not provided, but now it seems that the program has even made payments on behalf of deceased individuals. This is unacceptable and yet another clear sign of widespread fraud and mismanagement. For years, Democrats and the Governor’s administration have resisted meaningful oversight reforms, including rejecting a bipartisan Inspector General bill just this spring. Minnesotans deserve better than a system that tolerates waste and abuse, and we will continue pushing for accountability and real safeguards to prevent fraud before it happens.
 Our Minnesota Flag
In other news, a grassroots petition to reinstate Minnesota’s original state flag has now surpassed 10,000 signatures as concerned residents push back against the 2024 redesign passed by Governor Walz and the legislature. Petitioners argue the new design, adopted without broader input, fails to reflect the state’s heritage, and they want the traditional 1893 flag, considered rich in symbolism and history, restored as the emblem Minnesotans know and cherish. Additionally, the cost to redesign and replace the flag was several hundred million dollars, yet another example of unnecessary government spending and bloat. Check out an article here for more information.
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