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Good morning!
We are officially one week into the 2026 Legislative Session. It has been a whirlwind week already, as House GOP members are focused on addressing the fraud while the DFL wants to deflect and complain about other things. The bottom line is: fraud is out of control and we need to do something about it now. I am hopeful that we will be able to make progress, but it will take both sides working together. Regardless, I appreciate your support and I look forward to fighting for you in St. Paul!
Fraud is the #1 Focus
After all of the news stories this interim about fraud in state programs, we have a real opportunity to make meaningful change and move toward stronger oversight and better protections for taxpayers. Minnesotans have seen headline after headline detailing abuse of public funds, weak oversight, and delayed accountability. That erosion of trust in government should concern every one of us, regardless of party.
One especially troubling pattern is what many have referred to as “fraud tourism,” where bad actors exploit Minnesota’s generous public programs and oversight gaps to improperly collect taxpayer dollars. When individuals or organized networks view our state as an easy target, it not only drains resources from the people who truly need assistance, it also damages the credibility of the programs themselves.
That is why structural reform is necessary. We cannot rely solely on agencies policing themselves or responding after fraud has already occurred. We need a permanent, independent watchdog with the authority to investigate, audit, and enforce the law across state programs. Establishing a strong Office of the Inspector General (OIG) through HF1 would create that centralized oversight and provide real enforcement tools to prevent fraud before it spreads.
Minnesotans deserve a government that safeguards their tax dollars and ensures public programs serve their intended purpose. This session presents an opportunity to restore confidence, close the gaps that have been exposed, and put lasting protections in place.
DHS Audit: [Redacted]
Recent concerns surrounding the Department of Human Services have only added to the urgency of reform. The department commissioned an audit conducted by Optum to review oversight practices and identify vulnerabilities within its programs. However, when the report was released, large portions were heavily redacted.
While some redactions may be necessary to protect sensitive data or ongoing investigations, the extent of the material withheld raises serious transparency concerns. Minnesotans deserve to understand what went wrong, what weaknesses were identified, and what corrective actions are being taken. An audit cannot restore public trust if the findings are shielded from public view.
This situation underscores the broader issue we have been raising all session. Internal reviews and limited disclosures are not enough. Without independent oversight and clear accountability, the same systemic weaknesses can persist. That is why establishing a truly independent Office of the Inspector General remains so important. An OIG with real authority would ensure that audits lead to action, findings are not buried, and taxpayers receive the transparency they expect from their government.
Capitol Connections
I always enjoy connecting with people from the district here at the Capitol. This week, I had the opportunity to chat with Jon Schneider from Alexandria. Jon and I discussed conservation issues at the Ducks Unlimited Luncheon and we had a great time! Thank you, Jon, for taking the time to visit and talk with me.
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