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 almost completely—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?
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. Why the delays and why the secrecy? As legislators, we have a critical oversight role. This kind of foot-dragging and evasiveness by the Walz-Flanagan Administration is unacceptable
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 with a 60-7 vote. House Republicans tried to bring the bill up repeatedly for a vote last year, but Democrats blocked it.
Even as the scope of fraud in Minnesota state government is now being characterized in the billions of dollars, we see more political gamesmanship day after day.
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.
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.
Putting Students First: A Bipartisan Win for School Safety
As a former school resource officer, I’ve seen firsthand the impact a trusted officer can have inside a school building. When students know the officer by name—when they see them at lunch, at games, in the hallway—that relationship builds trust. And trust builds safer schools.
That’s exactly why I’m proud to introduce House File 3602.
HF 3602 is a strong, bipartisan solution focused on improving school safety while strengthening the partnership between educators and law enforcement. This legislation ensures schools have the clarity and support they need so school resource officers can do what they do best: protect students, build relationships, and respond quickly if a crisis arises.
This bill represents something we don’t see enough of—Republicans and Democrats coming together around a shared priority: keeping kids safe. I’m incredibly grateful for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who worked to move this legislation forward and get it across the finish line.
We’re also proud to have the support of Sandy Hook Promise, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to preventing school violence.
HF 3602 is an innovative, commonsense step toward safer schools and greater peace of mind for parents. At the end of the day, nothing matters more than ensuring our children can focus on learning in an environment where they feel secure, supported, and protected—and I’m honored to be part of making that happen.
Swapping the Capitol Dome for Camo
 Earlier this week, I swapped the Capitol dome for camo and had an awesome time at our Ducks Unlimited meeting with constituents!
We dug into local conservation efforts, legislative priorities, and everything that keeps Lakeville’s land, lakes, and wildlife thriving. There’s nothing like connecting with folks who care about protecting our outdoors and preserving Minnesota’s incredible natural heritage.
I’m grateful for the thoughtful questions, ideas, and passion from everyone who attended. Let’s keep working together to keep Lakeville—and all of Minnesota—wild, healthy, and thriving for generations to come!
Gold, Glory, and Minnesota Pride!
 To close out this week’s newsletter, let’s celebrate an all-American win! Team USA skated, blocked, and scored their way to Gold, bringing home another unforgettable moment for our country.
From the legendary Miracle on Ice in 1980 to this year’s championship run in 2026, it’s been 46 years since the men’s team last brought home gold. Moments like this are an excellent reminder that teamwork, perseverance, and belief in something bigger than ourselves still matter—and can still bring us together.
And how about a hometown hero? A huge shoutout to Lakeville North’s own Jake Oettinger—you’re making our community proud on the world stage!
Proud to be an American. Proud of this team. And proud of the unity a victory like this can spark.
Until next time,
— Representative Jeff Witte
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