Fraud Prevention & Accountability As a Co-Chair of the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee, I advocated for solutions to combat and prevent fraud, protecting Minnesotans' hard-earned dollars and ensuring the most vulnerable among us actually receive the public services they rely on. To do this, we created the strongest office of the Inspector General in the country, which will be transformational in preventing and fighting fraud. As a part of this work, my bill to withhold payments when fraud is suspected is now law.  Proud to partner with State Representative Matt Norris of Blaine and State Senator Heather Gustafson of Vadnais Heights on vetting and passing the strongest, most effective independent watchdog office in the country. The Office of the Inspector General, along with tons of other anti-fraud measures we've passed, will ensure that our public dollars are safe from criminals. Stabilizing Hennepin County Medical Center We provided funding to stabilize Hennepin County Medical Center, the state’s largest safety net hospital, which serves patients from across the state. Using a combined method of the general fund and rainy day budget reserves, HCMC will be able to continue to keep its doors open. A provision in the bill creates an Advisory Task Force on Governance and Financing of Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc. to develop recommendations about how to keep HCMC viable amid federal Medicaid cuts. Infrastructure Improvements for PlymouthDFLers and Republicans found compromise to pass a significant Local Jobs and Infrastructure package, which includes $5 million for Plymouth’s City Center Redevelopment and Revitalization project.  Rep. Carroll and I appreciate Plymouth Deputy Mayor Gregor, City Manager Callister, and Councilmember Nelson's advocacy for Plymouth city projects. Public Safety and Gun Violence PreventionAfter an incredibly difficult year—the killing of Melissa, Mark, and Gilbert Hortman, the shooting at Annunciation, and the federal occupation—this session, we worked to do everything in our power to protect our neighbors from gun violence and improve public safety.  I always appreciate partnering with Plymouth's stellar public safety team, our Fire Chief Andy Etzel and Public Safety Director Erik Fadden. Plymouth and Medicine Lake deserve to feel safe in our communities. It's why I worked with law enforcement at all levels to pass into law (with unanimous support) my nation-leading legislation that enhances the penalty for impersonating a police officer. We also passed investments in mental health support for our students and legislation to require anonymous threat reporting in schools.  Larry's LawOur cherished elders deserve to be safe, especially in assisted living facilities. After hearing a tragic case involving a resident who suffocated on staff watch, I authored Larry's Law, legislation that bans "no lift" and "no-touch" policies, requiring staff to immediately assist residents (such as when they fall) until emergency personnel arrive. A plan must be in place to immediately address both emergency and non-emergency medical needs of residents, including those resulting from falls. Additionally, a certified Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) must be on site at all times, 24/7. The bill was signed into law on May 18 and I’m glad we’re one step closer to keeping older Minnesotans safe.  Photo: Andrew VonBank, Minnesota House Photography But the work is far from over. While we were able to get some good work done, many key priorities were left on the table. If we had one more vote, we could have passed: - A comprehensive gun violence prevention package that includes an assault weapons ban, safe storage proposals, and school safety funding.
- An ICE response package that would prohibit immigration officials from accessing schools and hospitals without judicial warrants, help our small businesses harmed which has resulted in approximately $600 million in economic activity, and protect Minnesotans’ constitutional rights.
- Bills to level the economic playing field, like stopping unfair practices such as surveillance pricing that hurts consumers.
Keep in TouchI’m more committed than ever before to our work to build a stronger Minnesota because everyone should have the opportunity to grow, breathe, and thrive. I’m committed to building a future where hard work is rewarded, families have a real chance to get ahead, and our Plymouth and Medicine Lake community can thrive. Please always feel free to contact me anytime at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5511. Thank you for the honor of serving you in the Minnesota House. Warmly, Ginny Klevorn State Representative |