Update: Two Weeks To Go

May 6, 2026

Two Weeks To Go

Friends and neighbors,

We are less than two weeks from the end of the 2026 Legislative Session. Bills are finally making forward progress, and we are having long meetings on the floor of the House, passing measures that have bipartisan support. Unfortunately, we also spend long hours debating policy priorities from each caucus that have no chance of passing. 

Last week was a big week for advancing fraud proposals. My “Take it Back Act,” which assesses a 100% tax on organizations or individuals who are convicted of fraud, passed the Taxes Committee unanimously. The idea behind this bill is that if you steal from taxpayers, we are going to send the Department of Revenue after you and get the money back for our citizens. The act has passed through all committees in the Senate, and we expect it to ultimately become law. 

Then, last Wednesday, the Office of Inspector General Bill passed its final House committee, Ways and Means. We expect it to be on the House floor tomorrow for a final vote. 

In a tied House, the only way to get anything done is to work with members of both parties. This obviously has both positives and negatives. While it means we aren’t able to pass most of our priorities, the other side can’t either. I decided last year to take the approach of passing what I could — focusing on things that most people agree with. Some of those things, like reducing car tab fees, were shot down by the opposition, even though I thought it was a logical move to help reduce costs for Minnesotans. Others, like my anti-fraud bills, have had more success. 

I am the House Author of HF1 (Office of Inspector General Bill), which was the number one priority bill for House Republicans. Early last year, a bipartisan working group formed between myself, Rep. Matt Norris (D), Sen. Heather Gustafson (D), and Sen. Michael Kreun (R) in an effort to merge HF1 with Gustafson's SF 856. This negotiated “merger” became the Office of Inspector General bill, which passed the Senate 60-7 last year and is about to finally pass the House this week. If we get this done, it will be a big win for future taxpayers in our fight against fraud in Minnesota.  I’m hopeful.

Almanac Interview

I was recently featured in an Almanac news segment. Almanac is a public affairs program that has been around a long time. The interview covered my experience in the legislature and previous career in public service. I thought it was well-done (but I’m probably biased…). 

Click HERE to watch my Almanac interview.

I will try to write regularly during these last two weeks of session. We seem to have plenty of time sitting and debating on the House floor. We are going on nine hours as I finish this update. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to keeping you informed as key votes are held.

Please Contact Me

Please continue to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-3018 or by email at rep.patti.anderson@house.mn.gov.

Patti

/RepPattiAnderson

2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.3018