Legislative Update Dear neighbors, It has been another busy week here at the Capitol! We have just 14 days left until adjournment, and things are not slowing down anytime soon! Before we dive into the week’s headlines, I want to start with a genuine thank you to everyone who took a few minutes to fill out the survey I sent out recently. I know your to-do list is already longer than anyone would like, so carving out time to share your thoughts is no small thing—and I really appreciate it. And just to be clear: these responses don’t get filed away. They come with me into committee hearings, show up in the questions I ask on the House floor, and help shape the priorities I’m pushing forward. This job works best when it stays grounded in real life—and your input helps keep it that way. Now, let’s get to the good part. Here are a few of the results that really stood out:    Millions Missed, Minnesotans Paying the PriceYou may have seen in this week's headlines that on Tuesday, the FBI executed 22 court-approved search warrants tied to Medicaid fraud investigations, primarily targeting child care and daycare operations in the Twin Cities. In several cases, the same individuals were billing across multiple programs and bringing in millions of dollars in improper payments. Under the current system, this did not raise enough red flags for state officials—and that should be a big concern for all Minnesotans. You can read more on the story here. While I’m grateful for federal action, it’s very clear that we need stronger accountability measures here at home. We cannot rely solely on the federal government to step in after the fact. Minnesota needs systems that catch fraud early, stop it quickly, and protect taxpayers from the start. That’s why House Republicans have proposed practical solutions, including the creation of an independent Office of Inspector General with real investigatory and enforcement authority. This isn’t about adding bureaucracy for the sake of it—it’s about making sure fraud is prevented, detected, and prosecuted before it grows into millions of your hard-earned dollars lost. And while we are working to tighten accountability, the tone from state leadership has felt increasingly disconnected from the urgency on the ground. The Governor’s recent State of the State address was framed as a call for unity and action, but it largely sidestepped the issues Minnesotans are actually living every day: ongoing fraud concerns, rising costs, overburdened schools, and the continued absence of meaningful tax relief. At this point in session—just over two weeks from adjournment—most legislative work is already nearing completion. Yet meaningful coordination with the executive branch has been limited, even as major budget and policy decisions remain unresolved. Minnesotans don’t benefit from late-stage theatrics. They need steady leadership, real collaboration, and decisions made before deadlines force them. I often think of something I used to tell my daughter when she was playing soccer: keep your eye on the ball. Don’t get distracted. Don’t lose focus on what actually wins the game. Right now, too many Minnesotans feel like the state has done exactly the opposite—losing focus on fraud prevention, affordability, and the basic responsibility of government to operate transparently and efficiently. That’s why I will continue pushing for stronger accountability, tighter oversight, and policies that deliver real relief—not rhetoric—for Minnesotans. We have no time left for distractions. The “Take It Back Act”: Turning the Tables on FraudstersI am happy to inform you that the Take It Back Act was “laid over” this week, which means it is likely headed for inclusion in the final tax bill—and ultimately, passage into law. In plain terms, this bill does something Minnesotans have been asking for: it makes fraud actually cost something. The Take It Back Act will establish a 100% tax on state money obtained through fraud, applied to individuals and organizations who have been convicted. And importantly, this is on top of any court-ordered restitution they may already owe. But it doesn’t stop there. This legislation also gives the Department of Revenue authority to move quickly to seize assets from convicted fraudsters—homes, vehicles, and other property—to recover as much stolen taxpayer money as possible. No long waits, no letting assets sit untouched while Minnesotans are left holding the bag. And here’s the part taxpayers will actually appreciate: recovered funds don’t just vanish into the system. They go into a taxpayer relief account, where they are used to help reduce income taxes for Minnesotans. So, in a very real sense, this is about flipping the script—taking what was stolen and turning it back into relief for the people who paid for it in the first place. I am proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to deter future fraud, tighten accountability, and quite literally take our money back from those who took advantage of Minnesota’s generous social programs. Protecting Those Who Protect Us It was so great to see my friends from the Burnsville Fire Department for Fire Service Day at the Capitol! I appreciated the opportunity to hear about their legislative priorities, as well as sharing some information about House File 4446, a bill I co-authored to expand eligibility for survivor benefits to include when a public safety officer dies in the line of duty from an exposure-related cancer. I am continually grateful for the heroes across Minnesota who choose service over self, and it is an honor to advocate for them here in St. Paul. The Final Stretch!As we head into the final two weeks of session, I’ll keep you updated on all the happenings at the Capitol—and you can always reach me by phone at 651.296.4240 or email at rep.jeff.witte@house.mn.gov. It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol, and I’m grateful every day for the chance to serve our community. The work isn’t over yet—heading into the last stretch, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves, keep pushing, and get it done! Sincerely, —Representative Jeff Witte |