Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
We’ve wrapped up the second week of the 2026 legislative session, and the pace at the Capitol is increasing. Committees are meeting daily, bills are being heard, and priorities are becoming clearer as deadlines approach.
With committee deadlines about four and a half weeks away, the next stretch will determine which proposals move forward and which do not. This is the part of session where real policy work happens.
My focus remains steady: protecting taxpayers, strengthening oversight, defending constitutional rights, and preserving the values that matter in Greater Minnesota.
Stopping Fraud and Strengthening Oversight
Office of Inspector General (OIG)
This week the House again voted on legislation to establish a truly independent Office of the Inspector General. The goal is to create an office with real investigative authority and independence to uncover fraud in state programs and prevent future losses.
House Republicans supported the proposal. House Democrats voted it down – despite the strong Democrat support from the Senate.
The core disagreement is about independence and enforcement authority. An Inspector General must have meaningful investigative tools, including subpoena power, and the ability to operate without political interference. Without those, the office risks becoming another administrative token rather than a truly effective investigative office.
The fight is not over on this, and I will be sure to keep you informed as we move ahead. We simply cannot afford to let the status quo continue like it has. Fraud must end and this is the way we close the curtain.
Optum Medicaid Review
We also received the Optum analysis of $9.4 billion in Medicaid claims within several high-risk areas. The review identified weaknesses in oversight, questionable billing patterns, and policy gaps that could potentially amount to more than $1 billion in avoidable costs.
All of this suggests the need for additional investigation.
However, the version released publicly contains extensive redactions, including portions that reference operational concerns and policy recommendations. That makes it harder for lawmakers to see exactly where the system failed and what specific reforms are needed.
Effective oversight needs to be proactive instead of reactive. And responsible prevention requires access to complete information. Without it, we cannot craft durable, targeted reforms that protect both taxpayers and essential services.
Currently, there are bill proposals in committee that would mandate that the report be released with the information we require. This legislation is still in the early stages of the committee process.
Protecting Your Second Amendment Rights
I’ve received many questions about proposed gun legislation this session.
There are bills under discussion that would make many commonly owned hunting rifles and standard magazines illegal in Minnesota. These are firearms that are lawfully owned and widely used across Greater Minnesota for hunting, sport shooting, and personal protection.
Some suggest the Second Amendment is flexible. I disagree. Its language is clear: “shall not be infringed.” That is a specific constitutional protection. Republicans recognize that clarity, and we are not going to support efforts that undermine it.
These proposals would ban commonly owned semi-automatic rifles and impose a 10-round magazine limit, despite the fact that most standard handguns hold more than that. Both carry felony penalties of up to five years in prison.
If enacted, they would force law-abiding Minnesotans to:
- Surrender their firearms
- Destroy private property
- Move lawfully owned firearms out of state
- Or face felony charges
I, like many across our district, own and responsibly use these types of firearms. Under Supreme Court precedent, firearms that are in common lawful use cannot simply be banned.
These proposals are both unconstitutional and unserious. They target responsible citizens rather than focusing on violent offenders or meaningful mental health interventions.
This is another example of policies originating in the metro area that would disproportionately impact families and communities in Greater Minnesota.
As session moves forward, it’s important to remember that legislation does not advance without agreement. Republicans will continue to stand firm in defense of your Second Amendment rights.
February Budget Forecast
The February budget and economic forecast was released today, giving lawmakers an updated picture of the state’s financial outlook.
The forecast provides new revenue and spending projections that will guide budget conversations for the remainder of the session. While there are some positive indicators in the short term, long-term spending growth and structural balance remain important considerations.
My team and I are reviewing the full forecast details carefully. We will provide a deeper dive and more thorough analysis after we have had the opportunity to examine all of the information and understand the long-term implications.
Sound budgeting requires discipline, transparency, and a focus on sustainability. This is also how we avoid the “boom-bust” cycle of public funds that create conflict at the Capitol and instability for people at home.
More soon.
Josh