Legislative Update - Medicaid Fraud Prevention

Dear Neighbors,

As we approach the end of session I’m working hard with my colleagues to make sure that legislation that must pass continues to make progress. Here is some of what we are working on.

Medicaid Fraud Control Unit - Needed Funding to Fight Fraud

• This week the House GOP voted against funding to strengthen the integral Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. My proposal would beef up one of the most effective Medicaid fraud fighting forces in the country. That means more fraudsters in jail and more public funds going where they need to.
• There is a 3-to-1 match of federal funds for any state funds appropriated for MFCU staff. As a result, the state would only be paying for 4.5 staff but get 18. It is fiscally irresponsible to throw this opportunity away.
• I honestly thought this legislation would have a clear path to law so this vote was a total headscratcher for me. There are still potential paths for this critical fraud fighting legislation to move forward and I promise to advocate for it every step of the way.

Adjusting Tax Refund Timing - Giving you Grace

• Taxpayers often mistakenly think our refund claim statute has the same timelines as the federal government, and because of that they sometimes find themselves barred from receiving refunds that they are otherwise entitled to for overpaid taxes.
• That’s why I introduced a bill that was heard in the Taxes Committee this week to ensure that taxpayers pay exactly what they owe — no more and no less.
• This is just one example of how the legislature can take concrete action to improve things for every Minnesotan across the state.

Town Hall Recap - Thanks for Coming!!!

• It was great to see so many of you turn out for our recent Anoka County Town Hall.
• We heard from you about your concerns around affordability, protecting the environment, fraud and more!
• If you weren’t able to attend I'd like to hear your thoughts. Please take some time to fill out this quick survey and let me know what's going right for you, what's going right, and what we should focus on!

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