Dear Neighbor,
Greetings from the House, where we are nearing the end of the second week in the new session. Here is the latest from the Capitol:
Fraud
With an estimated $9 billion and counting stolen from Minnesota taxpayers, it’s clear we need stronger oversight and accountability in state programs if we want to get a handle on fraud.
The House could move quickly by passing the Office of the Inspector General bill the Senate approved 60-7 last spring and sending it to the governor. But House Democrats have already blocked it four times this session, twice in committee and twice on the floor.
It’s unfortunate that they are determined to strip the office’s independence and enforcement power and are standing in the way of good legislation that received broad, bipartisan support in the Senate. Minnesotans don’t want empty laws or window dressing; they want real action to track down fraud and hold the bad actors accountable.
Optum report
A new Minnesota report on fraud in social services just came out but it’s so heavily redacted that the public can’t see the full picture of the problems or who might be responsible. The report does show serious oversight issues and vulnerabilities, but without the details, it’s hard to know how widespread the fraud was or whether agencies ignored warning signs. State officials say the redactions protect ongoing investigations and legal cases, but they also undermine trust in government and raise big questions about transparency.
House Republicans are working to get the full report released, and a bill to make that happen got a committee hearing this week.
Local visitors
Thank you to area residents who continue coming to St. Paul to discuss issues with me, including:
Members of SCSU student government
St. Cloud-area chiropractors
Gun-control bills
This week, the governor and House Democrats unveiled proposals that would place new burdens on responsible gun owners without meaningful improvements to crack down on violent criminals.
Banning commonly owned firearms, imposing insurance requirements, and layering on additional regulations won’t stop people who already break the law. Instead, we should focus on prosecuting repeat offenders, supporting law enforcement, and addressing mental-health challenges to reduce violent crime. I strongly support the Second Amendment and stand against these proposals that undermine the rights of law-abiding Minnesotans.
Public Schools Week
 As Public Schools Week is celebrated this week, let’s take time to recognize the importance of public schools for Minnesota families. I am committed to helping provide schools with the resources they need to help our children thrive in the classroom, while also strengthening safety measures and delivering the resources necessary to keep classrooms secure. FFA Week/Ag grants |
 It’s National FFA Week, and I want to recognize the 16,000 members and 200 chapters of the National FFA Organization across Minnesota. Our state is a national agricultural leader, ranking sixth in the country with roughly $26 billion in yearly sales. With 25 million acres of farmland and more than 67,000 farms, agriculture remains a major driver of our economy. FFA plays a key role in preparing the next generation of ag leaders by teaching students practical skills in farming, leadership, and business. On a related note; As the average age of farmers continues to climb, programs like the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grants help new farmers get started by improving access to equipment and farm infrastructure. Click here for more on these grants. Applications for this round of funding are due on March 26. Economic forecast A new state economic forecast will be issued today, and we’ll see just how our state’s bottom line sits. We can go over those details next time. |
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
