RELEASE: Statement from Rep. Bobbie Harder on Governor’s Use of Taxpayer Dollars for PR Firm

Correction: The original release sent by Rep. Harder referred to the recipients of the $430,000 in taxpayer dollars as a PR firm. Sending along the following correction that it was instead an outside law firm.

News Release

Statement from Rep. Bobbie Harder on Governor’s Use of Taxpayer Dollars for Outside Lawyers

HENDERSON TOWNSHIP, MN — Representative Bobbie Harder issued the following statement in response to recent reports that Governor Tim Walz hired outside lawyers at a cost of $430,000 to prepare for a congressional hearing:

“Minnesotans expect their tax dollars to be used wisely, especially at a time when we’re facing urgent needs across the state like keeping our EMS systems running and supporting struggling nursing homes. Spending nearly half a million dollars on outside lawyers for what amounts to PR coaching of a former member of Congress is not just fiscally irresponsible — it’s a serious misplacement of priorities.

The Governor’s office has claimed to be working toward accountability and a balanced budget, yet this decision flies in the face of both. Taxpayers deserve better. They deserve leadership that respects the value of every dollar and focuses on solving real problems, not image management.”

Rep. Harder serves on the Agriculture, Public Safety, and Tax Committees and represents District 17B, which includes communities across rural Minnesota.