Legislative Update
Dear friends and neighbors,
We’ve wrapped up week two of the 2026 session, and I want to be direct with you: the deeper we dig, the more concerned we become. Our top priority this session is fraud—exposing it, rooting it out, and making sure it never happens again.
The state recently released a long-awaited external review of fraud risks within the Minnesota Department of Human Services, conducted by Optum. This review was supposed to shine a bright light on weaknesses in oversight and billing systems so we could identify vulnerabilities and implement real reforms to prevent future abuse.
But what Minnesotans received instead was a report that was heavily—and I mean almost entirely—redacted.
When entire sections are blacked out, it becomes nearly impossible to understand the true scope of the failures—and even harder for us as legislators to fix them. And here’s what makes it even more concerning: the version released to the public was just 28 pages long. Twenty-eight pages. For a review that was expected to dig deep into systemic fraud risks across major social service programs, that’s astonishingly thin. By all reasonable expectations, this should have been a comprehensive report—the kind that spans volumes, not something that feels like a brief summary.
Minnesota taxpayers spent $2.3 million on this external audit conducted for the Minnesota Department of Human Services by Optum. That is not pocket change. When Minnesotans invest that kind of money for transparency and reform, they deserve more than a heavily redacted, condensed document that leaves more questions than answers.
Even more frusterating, the Walz Administration has not provided the full, unredacted findings to the public. At a time when our state has faced repeated, high-profile fraud scandals, withholding critical information only deepens public frustration and erodes trust.
Transparency shouldn’t depend on who is in office. Accountability shouldn’t be optional. If we are serious about preventing future fraud and safeguarding taxpayer dollars, we need full disclosure, real oversight, and the political will to confront problems head-on—not conceal them.
You can catch my full update on everything that happened at the Capitol this week by clicking the image below!
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Calling All Business Owners!
I want to take a moment to speak directly to the incredible business owners across Minnesota. Over these first few weeks of the session, my work on the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee has focused heavily on the rollout of Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave law.
Here’s the truth: this law operates largely as a one-size-fits-all solution—and anyone who knows Minnesota’s diverse business community knows that “one size” rarely fits all. That’s why your voice matters. I want to hear the good, the bad, and even the ugly about how this law is affecting your business.
I’ve put together a short survey to gather your feedback. Your insights will help us understand what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can fine-tune this legislation so Minnesota businesses don’t just survive—but thrive.
You can access the survey [here].
Your experience matters, and your input will help shape policy that actually works for the hardworking entrepreneurs of our great state.
Minnesota, the Land of Opportunity
It was a pleasure to attend the annual Chamber of Commerce legislative dinner last week with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. There’s nothing better than being in a room full of local business leaders who care deeply about the future of our communities and aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to make it stronger.
With the rollout of Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program, conversations like these matter more than ever. Major policy changes don’t happen in a vacuum they impact real employers, real employees, and real families right here at home. That’s why it’s so important to partner directly with the job creators in our district to fine-tune this legislation and make sure it works in the real world.
Our goal should always be clear: create an environment where businesses of every size—from Main Street shops to fortune-500 employers—have the opportunity to grow, hire, and thrive right here in Minnesota. And I’m grateful for every chance to sit down, listen, and work together to make that happen.
Honored by the Minnesota Grocers Association
It was truly an honor to speak to the members of the Minnesota Grocers Association and to be named their Legislator of the Year. Receiving that recognition from an industry that works tirelessly to serve our communities every single day means more than I can say.
As someone who also works in hospitality, I understand firsthand how vital this industry is—not just to our economy, but to the fabric of our neighborhoods. Grocery stores and hospitality businesses are often the heartbeat of a community. They create jobs, support families, sponsor local events, and show up when it matters most.
I’m incredibly grateful for the partnership I’ve built with the Grocers Association over the years, and I’m proud to continue advocating for them at the Capitol. Supporting the businesses that keep Minnesota running isn’t just part of the job—it’s something I care very deeply about.
Until next time,
— Representative Dave Baker
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