Dear Neighbor,
Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session began Tuesday with a heartfelt remembrance of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
It was the first time the House had been officially assembled as a body since the Hortman tragedy took place last June. Leaders of the House and Senate, along with the governor, delivered messages. It was a very emotional time. Then a brief reception took place in the Capitol where legislators gathered over bread and cake, which was a tribute to the Hortmans’ baking specialties.
Here is more from the House this week:
New session
I’m excited to dig in at the Capitol after spending the last several months back home receiving input from local residents on a variety of issues. In many ways it’s been like the first week of school as we get back into the swing of things. This session will be relatively short, with less than 90 days between now and our May 17 date to adjourn, so we need to get right down to business.
I am focused on building momentum from last session to combat fraud, boost affordability and competitiveness, improve access to housing and ease burdens on schools and businesses. One bill (H.F. 400) I have authored regarding affordability requires the state to offset the consumer cost of health insurance mandates imposed by the state. Look for more on this issue as the session progresses.
Here is quick list of top overarching priorities for the 2026 legislative session:
- Stop the Fraud
- Make Minnesota Affordable
- Make Minnesota Safe
- Raise Standards, Reduce Mandates
- Make Minnesota Competitive
- Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans
Efforts to crack down on fraud will be at the forefront this session. As I mentioned in a previous email, the estimated $9 billion in fraud that’s been stolen from Minnesota taxpayers equals about $3,840 per household. That is real money that could have helped cover food, housing, utilities, or childcare. Instead, those funds were stolen while some people ignored the problem. This wasn’t an isolated incident and fraud persisted for years with warning signs overlooked and accountability missing.
I would like to send a big thank-you to everyone who already has provided tips on suspected fraud in Minnesota as we continue addressing this issue. If you see something that should be flagged or at least warrants a closer look, the House committee on fraud has set up a website for whistleblowers to file confidential reports. You can find it here.
Appreciating bus drivers
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day was this week and I enjoyed spending time with people from Voigt’s Bus Service that has had service in Minnesota since 1947 and operates out of St. Augusta. Thank you to our bus drivers for all they do … especially when Mother Nature gets a bit grumpy and throws us weather like we’ve had this week!
Helpful House links
Here are some links you may find helpful in following the latest goings on at the Capitol:
Please Contact Me
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov. I am here to serve you!
Bernie
