Legislative Update
 Dear friends and neighbors,
We just wrapped up week four of our work here at the Capitol and I am pleased to say that we had an incredibly productive week!
The week kicked off with testimony from Governor Walz’s Director of Program Integrity, Tim O’Malley, before the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee. O’Malley recently released a 56-page report examining where things have gone wrong in Minnesota’s oversight of public programs. One of the biggest takeaways is that many of the weaknesses in our system have been building for decades, which helps explain how fraud has been able to slip through the cracks for so long.
The good news is that the report doesn’t just highlight the problem—it lays out a plan to stop fraud before it starts. That includes stronger oversight, better communication between agencies, and clearer accountability when taxpayer dollars are involved.
He also made it clear he didn’t take this role to serve any politician—he took it to serve the people of Minnesota. That’s exactly the mindset we need if we’re going to get serious about protecting taxpayer dollars.
Minnesotans have every right to expect accountability when it comes to how their tax dollars are spent. After years of headlines about fraud in state programs, it’s time to move from talking about the problem to finally fixing it.
I’m hopeful that over the next few weeks we can build real momentum and work across the aisle to tighten the system, restore trust, and make sure taxpayer dollars are going where they’re supposed to—not where fraudsters want them to go.
Strengthening Minnesota’s Fight Against Fraud
 In the House Public safety committee this week, I introduced house file 3826, legislation aimed at strengthening Minnesota’s ability to investigate and prosecute fraud and financial crimes. As criminals get more sophisticated, our laws need to keep pace—and that’s exactly what this bill is designed to do.
HF 3826 strengthens the authority of the Financial Crimes and Fraud Section within the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) by allowing investigators to issue administrative subpoenas during fraud investigations. In other words, this helps law enforcement obtain key records more quickly when fraud is suspected, rather than getting bogged down in delays while taxpayer dollars continue to disappear.
The bill also updates Minnesota’s identity theft laws for the digital age. Criminals today are increasingly using artificial intelligence and digital tools to impersonate people online. HF 3826 expands the legal definition of “identity” to include a person’s voice or likeness, including forged digital likenesses—making sure our laws recognize the new ways fraud is being committed.
Lastly, the bill updates the statute of limitations for certain fraud crimes. Too often, fraud schemes are intentionally hidden for years, only to surface after the clock has run out to prosecute them. This change ensures that when fraud is discovered, law enforcement still has the ability to hold criminals accountable.
At a time when Minnesotans are demanding stronger oversight and accountability, this bill is part of our broader effort in the House to secure government programs, strengthen fraud prevention, and make sure taxpayer dollars are used for their intended purpose—not siphoned away by fraudsters.
Let Freedom Fly!
One of the privileges of serving in the legislature is making sure our laws reflect the values Minnesotans hold dear—especially when it comes to honoring the brave men and women who have served our country.
That’s why I authored house file 2185, legislation that ensures Minnesotans living in homeowners association (HOA) communities have the ability to display flags that honor our military families and service members.
Under current law, HOAs cannot prohibit residents from displaying the American flag or the Minnesota state flag, but they are allowed to ban most other flags. HF 2185 would expand that protection to include several important military flags, including the POW/MIA flag, the Blue Star Service flag, the Gold Star Service flag, and the flags representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces.
For many families, these flags carry deep meaning. The Blue Star flag represents a loved one currently serving in the military, while the Gold Star flag honors families who have lost a service member in the line of duty. The POW/MIA flag stands as a solemn reminder that we never forget those who have not yet returned home.
I’m pleased to report that House File 2185 received strong bipartisan support in committee and has now advanced to the General Register, bringing it one step closer to consideration by the full House.
Minnesota families should always be able to proudly honor the men and women who have served our country. HF 2185 helps make sure they can do just that.
Visitors at the Capitol This Week
Expanding Opportunity Through School Choice
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One of the major priorities House Republicans are working on this session is expanding school choice—and that conversation doesn’t stop at K-12 education.
This week, I had the opportunity to meet Delainey from Lakeville, a student at the University of St. Thomas. Delainey is majoring in finance and playing football for the Tommies, and he shared how Minnesota’s State Grant Program has made a real difference in helping students like him pursue their goals.
Each year, Minnesota’s State Grant Program helps more than 75,700 students across the state access higher education. One of the most important aspects of the program is that the funding goes directly to students—not institutions—giving them the freedom to choose the school that best fits their path.
Delainey spoke about how these grants allow students to focus on their education and future careers rather than constantly worrying about how they’ll pay for school. Hearing directly from students about the impact these programs have is incredibly valuable as we work on higher education policy here at the Capitol.
I was truly impressed by Delainey’s character, thoughtfulness, and dedication. His future is bright—and Lakeville should be proud to have him representing our community at St. Thomas.
Lakeville Businesses Leading the Way
 I had the opportunity to tour HOBO Inc. right here in Lakeville and see firsthand the incredible work being done by this locally rooted company. It’s always exciting to visit businesses in our district that are not only growing, but also creating innovative products and strong partnerships throughout our community.
HOBO is a locally based manufacturing company that specializes in custom chemical blending and private labeling, serving industries like car washes and breweries. Over the years, they’ve continued to grow their operations across Dakota County while building strong partnerships with businesses throughout the region.
It was great to connect with their team, learn more about their work, and discuss ways we can continue partnering with local employers like HOBO to support economic growth and opportunity here in the Lakeville community.
Protecting Minnesota’s Three-Tier System
It was great to connect with folks from Breakthru Beverage Minnesota during Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association Day at the Capitol this week.
They stopped by to talk about the importance of Minnesota’s three-tier system, which helps keep the alcohol marketplace fair, competitive, and safe. Under this system, brewers make the product, distributors store and deliver it, and retailers sell it to consumers. Keeping these roles separate helps prevent monopolies, supports small and independent businesses, and ensures strong oversight across the industry.
This structure also helps protect consumers by maintaining clear safeguards in how alcohol is distributed and sold, while still allowing breweries—large and small—to get their products to market.
As a bonus, one of the gentlemen visiting was actually from Lakeville, which always makes these conversations even more meaningful. It’s great to see members of our community engaged in the legislative process and advocating for the industries that help keep Minnesota’s economy moving!
Coffee, Conversation, and a Quick Survey!
 One of the best parts about serving you in St. Paul is getting back home to Lakeville and spending time with the people who make this community so great.
That’s why I’m excited to host a Good Start Breakfast next Friday, March 20th at the Lakeville Hy-Vee—and you’re invited! And let me tell you, the Good Start Breakfast might just be the best deal in town—only $6 for two eggs any style, two slices of thick-cut bacon (or sausage links or patties), golden hash browns, and your choice of toast or sweet cream pancakes. Hard to beat that!
So stop by, grab a plate, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and start the morning with good food and good conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and priorities for our community. Hope to see you there!
You may have also noticed a survey that arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. I recently sent one out to Lakeville residents to get a better sense of what matters most to you and your family. If you missed it—or prefer the digital route—you can fill out the online version [HERE].
Hearing directly from the people I have the honor of representing is one of the most valuable parts of this job. If you have a few minutes, I’d truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Representative Jeff Witte
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