Dear Neighbors,
Week two of session was just as eventful and busy as the first! If there was an overarching theme it was taking on fraud. I’m pushing for stronger prevention and enforcement measures. The more fraud we stop before it happens the more your tax dollars go to their intended critical services. Let’s get into it.
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Bill - Fully Funding Anti-Fraud Efforts
- I stood with Attorney General Keith Ellison as we presented our bipartisan bill to fund more Medicaid fraud investigators and toughen penalties for Medicaid fraud.
- Because the federal government would match any state funding 3-to-1, this bill would be incredibly impactful dollar for dollar in making sure that taxpayer dollars go where they are needed, and not into the pockets of fraudsters.
- You can watch my presentation on that bill in the Human Services Committee here.The bill successfully passed on to the next stop!
Rollout of the House DFL Anti-Fraud Package - Leaving No Stone Unturned in the Fraud Against Fraud
- Fraud in any form is unacceptable, and I’m furious about the fraud here in Minnesota. As we have gained a stronger understanding of the root factors of fraud, we have developed targeted approaches to prevent it and enforce our laws.
- The House DFL presented our extensive approach to combatting fraud this week. I spoke on a number of tactics that we hope to employ to reduce fraud to a minimum.
- With these bills we would take a huge bite out of these terrible crimes and shore up our programs that lift up the most vulnerable Minnesotans.
Art Therapy and Yellow Alert Bills - Giving Voice to Constituents
- Representing you all is the most important part of my job. That’s why I’m happy to author and pass bills that come directly from your request and input.
- Hit-and-run crashes are a serious offense that often go unpunished. That’s why I’m thankful to fellow Blaine resident Alexie Stephani for sharing her story and teaming up with me on a solution! With a “yellow alert” system we can track and catch hit and run criminals.
- I had a recharging visit with art therapists from around our state earlier this month. Art therapy is a great option to enhance mental health, which is why I authored HF 2590. My bill would establish licensure for clinical art therapists. This was also spurred on by a constituent! Watch my presentation on this bill here.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.matt.norris@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-2907. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Matt Norris, District 32B
5th Floor Centennial Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155