Dear Neighbor, House Republicans have spent the last two sessions working hard to address fraud that has overtaken state programs in Minnesota. On Thursday, we delivered in a big way as the House approved legislation to create an Office of the Inspector General that would operate independently with future law enforcement authority. House Republicans held firm in the position that this office needs real independence and the authority to act instead of just issuing reports that admire our state’s fraud problem without doing anything about it. The reforms we fought for are key to protecting Minnesotans’ tax dollars and are a good step forward addressing Minnesota’s fraud problem that has cost state taxpayers $9 billion or more by some estimates. The bill (S.F. 856) we passed is quite similar to legislation which passed the Senate on a hugely bipartisan 60-7 vote last year before Democrats blocked it from passing the House. The legislation we passed on Thursday makes the OIG responsible for investigating state agencies, grant recipients, and contractors. It would have subpoena power and the authority to freeze or stop distribution of funds under court order. This bill is now in the hands of the Senate and I hope they pass it asap so the governor can sign it into law. In other news: Senate passes anti-2A bill As someone who cherishes the Second Amendment, I have strong concerns about a bill the Senate passed this week that tramples on our constitutional rights. The sweeping legislation bans most semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns based on a single common feature. It also prohibits every magazine that holds more than 17 rounds and forces every existing owner to register their firearms and magazines with the BCA and renew every three years, with felony penalties for failing to comply. The bill even re-enacts the binary trigger ban retroactively to Jan. 1, 2025. This bill would do more to penalize Minnesotans who use these firearms and magazines for self-defense, hunting and sport shooting than root out violent crime. This bill clearly is unconstitutional, and I will oppose it at every turn. The good news is it seems destined to rot on the vine because Republicans are united against it in the tied House. But your imagination doesn’t have to wander too far to see how our Second Amendment rights would be at risk if Democrats gain another trifecta.  It was an honor to join so many faithful Minnesotans today for the National Day of Prayer at the Minnesota State Capitol on Thursday. Thank you to everyone who came out to pray for our state, our nation, our leaders, our families, our law enforcement, and our communities.  A big shout out to all of our hardworking dairy farmers who joined us for Ice Cream Day at the Capitol this week! Minnesota’s dairy industry plays a vital role in feeding our communities, supporting local jobs, and keeping our rural economy strong. It was great to visit with so many dedicated producers and advocates who work tirelessly every day to make Minnesota the ag powerhouse that it is.  Great to have Arthur, Liz, Megan, and Kyle at the Capitol today advocating on behalf of the incredible employees at MSOP Moose Lake. Time for tax relief We may only have nine days left in the 2026 session, but that’s still plenty of time to deliver tax relief for Minnesotans that are suffering high costs on everything from property taxes to license tabs. House Republicans are proposing a plan with nearly $4 billion in tax relief. It includes $1 billion in one-time property tax relief, eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, and reduces car tab fees to pre-trifecta levels. It also lowers childcare costs and provides hundreds of millions of dollars for education at no cost to taxpayers through scholarship-granting organizations. The overall goal is to protect family budgets, make government work for Minnesotans, and build a world-class economy where businesses can survive and thrive. These proposals address what I am hearing in District 11A as families, businesses, and local governments feel the pinch in today’s economy. Gandhi is removed DHS commissioner Shireen Gandhi was demoted earlier this week, one day before she was scheduled to appear in front of the Senate to be confirmed. For the second time in a less than a year, the day before a Walz employee is set to face tough questions over the DHS’s failed response to fraud, they’re removed from their position. Some people are saying these moves are being made to escape accountability and avoid facing tough questions regarding the Walz administration’s handling of Minnesota’s fraud problem. Gandhi has worked in DHS since 2017 and spent the past 15 months leading the state’s largest agency, which employs roughly 7,000 people and manages billions of dollars each year. She was DHS’s Chief Compliance Officer who Walz promoted to Commissioner, despite her being in the department for years as the fraud was taking place. Let’s hope the next DHS head provides the leadership Minnesotans deserve. |