Dear Neighbor,
Work on this session’s biggest issues continues as the tied House keeps inching toward our May 17 deadline to adjourn. For example, we’re still looking to break through on nearly $4 billion in tax relief proposed by House Republicans and get a “real” Office of the Inspector General bill to the finish line this session as a means to combat fraud in our state.
Stay tuned for more as those issues develop and, in the meantime, here are some other recent notes from the House:
Flag bill
Democrats have introduced a bill (H.F. 5077) to penalize local governments for flying Minnesota’s historic state flag. The bill comes at a time when numerous local governments have chosen to fly the customary 1983 version instead of the one developed by a commission the former trifecta selected in 2023. The proposed measure would reduce local government aid by 10 percent for local governments choosing to display any other flag than the one that became official in 2024.
LGA is a key source of state funding for local governments that is used to support essential services such as police and fire departments. Proposing to cut this critical funding just because a local government wants to fly a historic state flag is egregious.
We’re talking about a flag here, but it’s not just about a flag. It’s about freedom and drawing a line on the kind of government overreach and authoritarianism that I thought we all oppose. I strongly disagree with the premise of this bill and will push back on it every chance I get.
Fraud whistleblower
A former state fraud investigator this week testified before the House committee on fraud. He said that a childcare fraud unit was weakened before ultimately being shut down, and said he has “no doubt” stronger oversight could have prevented some of the fraud now tied to Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program. Jay Swanson, a former criminal investigator with the program under the Department of Human Services, testified Tuesday that the unit launched with strong support in 2014 but began losing backing in 2017 before closing in 2019.
What’s interesting about that timeline is the state auditor came out with a report in 2019 revealing significant fraud in Minnesota childcare. Instead of addressing the real problem, the Walz administration shut down the Criminal Investigation Unit in DHS.
Click here to see the full hearing, with the Swanson testimony starting just after the 23-minute mark.
Capitol meetings
Some of the recent visits I’ve had in St. Paul include:
Dick and Carol Johnson of Paynesville, representing the old car hobby with the Minnesota Street Rod Association.
Firefighters during Fire Service Day at the Capitol.
This week’s High School Page Program participants.
Fraud warrants served
Federal officers this week executed a series of search warrants in Minnesota as part of an ongoing fraud investigation. Federal agents searched multiple childcare and autism centers across the metro area as the investigation continues to focus on alleged misuse of taxpayer dollars tied to public assistance programs. I’m thankful that federal law enforcement has stepped in to do what Minnesota Democrats wouldn’t by holding fraudsters accountable and ensuring our tax dollars are going to those who actually need them.
Childcare fraud
House Republicans this week moved to take action on a bill that would help get a grip on fraud that has run rampant in the Minnesota childcare industry. It provides numerous layers of transparency and accountability through unannounced in-person inspections, technology advancements. The bill also requires providers to declare under threat of perjury that their accounts are accurate. Unfortunately, House Democrats blocked this bill from being taken up for a floor vote.
Protecting children
The House this week unanimously passed a good, bipartisan bill to prevent grooming in schools and make grooming a felony in Minnesota. The bill restricts private one-on-one adult contact during school activities and enhances reporting, training, and licensing accountability for educators. Plain and simple, this bill is about protecting children and stopping predators. Click here for more on this issue.
Look for more from the Capitol soon and, until next time, have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Lisa