Legislative Update
Dear friends and neighbors,
We’ve wrapped up week two of the 2026 session—and the deeper we dig, the more alarming the picture becomes.
Let me be clear: our top priority this year is fraud. Not talking about it. Not studying it endlessly. Ending it. Exposing it. Making sure it never happens again.
Recently, the state released a long-anticipated external review of fraud risks within the Minnesota Department of Human Services, conducted by Optum. This report was supposed to pull back the curtain—to shine a bright light on weaknesses in oversight, billing systems, and internal controls so we could identify vulnerabilities and implement real reforms in the legislature.
But what Minnesotans received instead was a report that was heavily—and I mean heavily—redacted.
Entire sections blacked out—page after page. When critical findings are obscured, it becomes nearly impossible to understand the true scope of the failures. And if we can’t see the full problem, how can we possibly fix it?
It gets worse.
The version released to the public is just 28 pages long. Twenty-eight. For a review that was expected to dig deep into systemic fraud risks across major social service programs, that is astonishingly thin. This was supposed to be a comprehensive audit —the kind that leaves no stone unturned.
Minnesota taxpayers spent $2.3 million on this external review for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. That is not a small investment. When families are tightening their budgets and small businesses are fighting to stay afloat, $2.3 million demands results. It demands transparency. It demands accountability.
Even more troubling: the Walz administration has had the full, unredacted report for months. If the Governor is truly committed to ending fraud, why not release it? What is being protected? And more importantly—who? This question leads me to my next question.
Last session, Senate File 856 proposed creating an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG)—a serious, no-nonsense approach to oversight; even more shocking, the bill was authored by a Senate Democrat. This wasn’t partisan. It was practical.
The goal was simple: strengthen enforcement, improve transparency, and stop fraud before it spirals out of control.
And here’s the part that should matter to all of us: it had strong bipartisan support. It passed the Senate. House Republicans supported it. The Governor supported it.
But House DFL members blocked it from becoming law.
Why?
What made independent oversight too controversial? Why stop a bipartisan solution that would have given taxpayers real protection?
Now we’re seeing an alternative proposal—and the differences matter. They weaken independence. They dilute accountability. And at a time when trust is already shaken, that is the last thing Minnesota needs.
Fraud thrives in the shadows. Transparency destroys it.
Minnesotans deserve the truth—all of it—and they deserve leaders willing to fight for it.
If we are serious about stopping fraud, we need tools that actually work. Oversight without enforcement is just paperwork. Independence without authority is just a title.
Heather Gustafson (D–Vadnais Heights), the Senate author of Senate File 856, has publicly stated she was not consulted during the drafting of the amendment. Not consulted. And she continues to stand behind the original bill—the one that passed the Senate 60–7 with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Protecting taxpayer dollars is not a partisan issue. It’s common sense. It’s responsible governance. It’s the bare minimum Minnesotans should expect from their state government.
And I will continue pushing for real accountability—not diluted reforms, not symbolic gestures—but real oversight with real authority.
Because Minnesotans deserve a government that works for them, not around them.
District 17A: Where Agriculture Leads the Way
 Those of us in District 17A don’t just appreciate farming—it's built into our way of life. It’s woven into our early mornings, our backroads, and the values we pass down to our kids. Some might call agriculture the heartbeat of Minnesota—steady, strong, and essential. And I couldn’t agree more.
One of my absolute favorite things about our district is watching the next generation lean into that legacy. Our young leaders have embraced agricultural education in such an inspiring way. Right here at home, the Glencoe-Silver Lake FFA chapter has earned the the National Model of Excellence Award, the highest honor in agricultural education. Needless to say, I am incredibly proud of our agricultural community and the culture of excellence we’ve built here in 17A.
And because we care so deeply about keeping that tradition alive, I’m especially excited to share a great opportunity for our farmers who are just starting out: the Beginning Farmer Equipment & Infrastructure Grant. Click the photo below to learn more; see if you’re eligible and apply here: Beginning Farmer Grant
Visitors on the Hill!
It was a pleasure to welcome Heidi Seales and Jacob Hauer, two bright students from the Student Government Association at the University of Minnesota Duluth to the Capitol last week! Thank you both for making the trip down to St. Paul—it’s always inspiring to meet students who are actively shaping the future of their campus and community. And of course… go Bulldogs!
 I had a wonderful visit on Wednesday from some truly impressive rising stars, and I can tell you firsthand, our district's agricultural future is in very good hands.
I had the pleasure of spending time with Myles Frueh from Minnesota Collegiate DECA, Paisley VonBerge, State Vice President of the Hutchinson FFA Chapter, and Amelia Johnson representing SkillsUSA. These young leaders are sharp, driven, and already making a massive impact.
Investing in the next generation isn’t optional; it’s essential. And after meeting with these three, I’m more optimistic in our state's future than ever.
 One of my very favorite parts of the day-to-day hustle at the Capitol is when we get visits from local pastors. In the middle of packed schedules, committee hearings, and nonstop meetings, those moments feel like a deep breath.
Wednesday was one of those especially meaningful days. I had the joy of visiting with members of the Church Ambassador Network—including two pastors from right here in our district! It was so good to see Pastor Matt Kalliomaa from First Baptist Church in Cokato and Pastor Dale Harris from Hyland Church in Cokato. What a gift to have leaders from home praying over us at the Capitol.
I’m always grateful for the work they do in our communities, and even more grateful that they take time out of their busy days to pray over me and my colleagues. Prayer is a central part of my life, and I don’t take for granted the opportunity to serve in a place where faith and prayer are welcomed and respected.
Looking Ahead!
Now that the 2026 Session is in full swing, my door is open!
If you have a question, a concern, an idea, or even just want to talk through an issue that matters to you, please don’t hesitate to stop by my office, give me a call, or send an email. The best policies come from real conversations with the people we represent.
I am here to serve you.
Sincerely,
— Representative Dawn Gillman
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