Dear Neighbor,
Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session began Tuesday and it’s an honor to return to the Capitol representing the people of District 16A as we face important decisions in the coming months.
As I have previously mentioned, there is a great deal of work ahead to tackle the fraud problem that has spiraled out of control in Minnesota, costing taxpayers billions of dollars. Those responsible must be tracked down and held accountable to the full extent of the law. The same must apply to any state officials or employees found complicit in the misuse of taxpayer funds.
We may never know the actual amount of money that’s been stolen through fraud, but if you break down the $9 billion that’s been estimated, it’s about $3,840 per household. Those are dollars families could have used for food, housing, heat, childcare ... you name it. Instead, that money vanished while leaders failed to stop it. And fraud didn’t happen once, it went on for years despite clear warning signs.
At the same time, Minnesotans also are feeling the strain after the former trifecta spent down an $18 billion surplus, approved $10 billion in tax hikes, and rolled out a wave of mandates that have made daily life more costly and complicated.
House Republicans will keep building on last session’s progress by working to stop fraud, improve affordability and safety, cut back unnecessary mandates, strengthen education, and make sure taxpayer dollars are actually helping the Minnesotans they were meant to serve. Here is a look at an overarching list of priorities House Republicans have shared 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
Helpful House links
Here are some links you may find helpful in following the House this session:
I welcome your correspondence throughout the session and District 16A residents are urged to call my legislative office at (651) 296-4344 or email rep.scott.vanbinsbergen@house.mn.gov to get in touch. Let me know if you plan to come to St. Paul before we adjourn May 17 and would like to set up a meeting to discuss state or local issues.
Sincerely,
Scott