The 2026 legislative session will soon be underway, and I expect the session to be dominated by discussion of how to end the massive fraud problem in our state. Our previous U.S. attorney estimated at least $9 billion to have already been swindled from our state, so it’s clear lawmakers must take action to protect your money.
We have been trying for years to get the Walz administration and Democrat legislators to focus on fraud, but our concerns were never taken seriously. The real game changer was the creation of a new House committee last year that had the task of examining fraud within state government agencies. Its work generated media interest, which led to several news outlets independently investigating people and organizations who have stolen state money, and discovering how easy it is to scam our system.
With at least $9 billion long gone, Minnesotans are genuinely outraged and demanding change and accountability, and that’s exactly what the Legislature’s top priority should be.
But while fraud will likely generate most of the headlines from St. Paul this year, residents should know I will also be pushing several local initiatives at the Capitol.
For example, I will continue to lead the charge on wolf and elk depredation accounts, which are currently depleted.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) compensates livestock owners whose livestock were killed or crippled by a wolf, as well as landowners whose crops or fence are damaged by elk. Compensation is capped at $20,000 for each.
While funding for these programs was increased in last year’s budget, it failed to cover all claims. My bill, which would appropriate $250,000 to the programs, was approved in the House but did not move forward in the Senate. Our farmers and rural landowners need this passed into law this year.
A capital investment proposal, which funds needed construction projects statewide, is also expected to be debated this session. There are several local bonding plans I’ll be promoting, particularly a water project for Kennedy and a water and sewer infrastructure proposal for Stephen. There are several local transportation-related infrastructure needs that I’ll also be bringing forward.
I also have legislation that prohibits MnDOT from requiring local units of government to pay for costs that are necessitated by a trunk highway project. MnDOT’s cost participation policy sets the ground rules for how project costs are shared between the state and local governments when working together on trunk highway construction projects. The intent of this bill is to allow for some level of certainty for cities and counties as they make budget plans.
Serving as your state representative is a job I take seriously. I value your input and encourage you to reach out any time with your legislative questions and concerns. I can be reached at rep.john.burkel@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651.296.9635. I look forward to hearing from you!