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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dominica Bernstein, 651.297.8150
Dominica.Bernstein@house.mn.gov
News Release
Rep. Jim Joy Holds the Line on Fraud Prevention and Protecting Constitutional Rights
ST. PAUL, MN – This legislative session, Representative Jim Joy (R–Hawley) remained focused on the issues he says matter most to the people of District 4B: protecting taxpayer dollars, restoring accountability in government, and defending the constitutional rights of law-abiding Minnesotans.
From rising property taxes and grocery bills to growing frustration over government waste and attacks on second amendment freedoms, Joy said he heard the same concerns over and over again from constituents throughout the legislative session.
“I have talked to families who are doing everything right and still feel like they are falling behind,” Joy said. “People are working long hours, cutting back where they can, and trying to make ends meet while watching government waste billions of taxpayer dollars and push policies that feel completely disconnected from real life in rural Minnesota. People are frustrated, and honestly, they have every right to be.”
That is why Joy said House Republicans made fraud prevention one of their top priorities this session.
The legislation passed this session gives agencies stronger tools to pause payments during credible fraud investigations, increases oversight of grant recipients, creates statewide fraud risk ratings, and strengthens transparency requirements when grant standards are waived. Legislators also advanced the creation of a statewide Independent Office of the Inspector General to investigate fraud and abuse involving public funds.
“For many Minnesotans, this is absolutely personal,” Joy said. “When families are struggling to afford groceries or keep the lights on, and then they turn on the news and see another fraud scandal involving taxpayer money, it feels like a stab in the back. People want to feel confident that their leaders are willing to stand up and say enough is enough.”
Joy also stood firm against extreme gun control proposals brought forward by Senate Democrats, arguing the legislation would have clearly infringed on the rights of law-abiding Minnesotans while doing little to address the root causes of violence.
“In Northern Minnesota, people are taught responsibility at a very young age,” Joy said. “Between hunting and participating in firearm safety classes, the Second Amendment is just part of our way of life. The people I represent don't want politicians in St. Paul treating them like criminals simply because they legally exercise their constitutional right.”
Joy criticized what he described as politically motivated legislation that DFL Senators themselves admitted had little chance of passing the House.
“People are tired of the political theater coming out of St. Paul,” Joy said. “They want serious leadership focused on real issues: safer schools, stronger communities, lower costs, and accountable government. That is what House Republicans fought for and delivered this year.”
Instead of pursuing controversial gun control measures, House Republicans pushed for investments in school safety infrastructure, mental health resources, anonymous threat reporting systems, and stronger protections for students and teachers.
“At the end of the day, my job is to fight for the people who sent me here,” Joy said. “The farmers, small business owners, parents, retirees, and working families who feel like their voices are too often ignored. I am proud we were able to deliver some real relief and real protections for Minnesotans this session, and I will keep fighting every day to make sure rural Minnesota's voice is heard.”
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