LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTSORDER OR ANARCHY – CHOOSE WISELY The State of Minnesota feels like it’s in a pressure cooker. We hear weekly reports of rampant fraud happening across our state in multiple agencies. Estimates are now finding that fraud within 14 of our Medicaid programs could exceed $9 billion. This has caused the federal government to get involved, as federal dollars are involved. Minnesota is being asked to show proof of our records or risk losing certain federal funding. Inaction is a decision, and due to the decision of Governor Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison not to act on fraud, the federal government has been forced to take action to stem the tide. Not only are we now at risk for losing federal funding, these same “leaders” will likely pursue lawsuits against the federal government for their actions, which also will cost us money. In the health and human services areas, funding has been frozen for Medicaid and childcare funding, putting valid providers and needy citizens at risk. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding is also at risk for thousands of Minnesotans due to the Walz administration’s refusal to share applicant information with the federal government and confirm our SNAP rolls are accurate. Relating to elections, Secretary of State Simon has refused to answer a Department of Justice request for voter rolls and other information to prove it’s complying with federal election law. This can have an impact on Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding. President Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order states that schools who allow biological males to compete in girls' sports will be subject to federal funding freezes. Of course, Minnesota refuses to comply. Finally, there’s the issue tearing apart our state and putting community members unnecessarily in heightened fear: Governor Walz’s refusal to cooperate with federal officers in detaining criminal illegal immigrants. For decades, presidents have enforced federal immigration laws. The Clinton administration deported 12 million illegal aliens, Bush: 10 million, and Obama: 5 million. The Trump administration has deported 1.5 million. These numbers are on pace with every other administration. Yet, the escalation and problems in Minnesota are not happening elsewhere. Other Democrat governors are working with ICE to safely arrest and remove people who are here illegally with criminal records. In Minnesota, we get heated rhetoric from Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey. This has escalated a portion of the Minnesota citizenry to act hostile towards federal officers, while the rest of us watch in disbelief. It was reported three federal officers are being investigated due to “ruthless tactics.” I was told of an instance of racial profiling happening in Red Wing, and to be perfectly clear, this is never acceptable. I am grateful these cases are taken seriously. If anyone knows of a situation where a federal law enforcement officer acted in an unlawful way, that action must be reported. Lastly, I want to warn people about spreading misinformation, which is only increasing fear and anxiety. Homeland Security has said they are focusing on “the worst first,” or people here illegally who have criminal records. I think we all agree that those who have serious records of sexual abuse or murder need to leave ASAP. It’s also reported that more than 1300 criminal illegals are in our jails. Walz simply releasing those with detainers to ICE would practically end this operation. Michigan Democrat Governor Whitmer has cooperated with the federal government and is not seeing these issues. Minnesotans need to demand Walz to do the same: to lead, bring down the rhetoric and cooperate, which will bring the focus back to removing those with criminal records. That is how we de-escalate this situation. It really is that simple. Fraud has dominated this state and now we need true transparency and leadership. From $9 billion lost to fraud to sanctuary policies protecting criminals and making citizens victims to crime, it does not have to be this way! The whole world is watching. Our state is in disarray as our constitutional officers appear to be in no hurry to end any lawlessness. We can’t stay in this bubble forever. Eventually, the choice will be yours. Order or anarchy? Accountability or irresponsibility? Choose wisely. LET'S WORK WITH - NOT AGAINST- ICE This week, I joined other state representatives in crafting a letter to Governor Walz, Attorney General Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Frey and St. Paul Mayor Her to stop the political grandstanding and to begin cooperating with the federal government so they can remove criminal illegal immigrants from the State of Minnesota. Their administrations are ignoring the more than 1,360 ICE detainers for aliens currently in custody. By refusing to transfer these criminals into the controlled environment of a jail – as most other states do - they are forcing federal agents to conduct high-stakes arrests in neighborhoods across Minnesota, which increases the risk to bystanders and officers alike. Specifically, we urged three points that, if enacted by these four leaders, would end the chaos. * Publicly direct local law enforcement to assist federal partners in maintaining order and de-escalating confrontations with agitators. * Attorney General Ellison must immediately rescind the February 2025 and December 2025 opinions that prevent sheriffs and local agencies from honoring ICE detainers and entering into 287(g) agreements. * Tell DFL elected officials and activists to stop interfering with lawful federal enforcement actions. Their rhetoric has incited the very "terror" they claim to oppose. The people of Minnesota deserve a government that puts their safety first. That’s why a partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement to remove criminal illegals must be restored. ARRESTS MADE IN CHURCH "PROTEST" I've heard from many of you who were disgusted on Sunday when a group of "protesters" barged in to a church service and put fear into the people who were there simply to pray and worship. We have laws preventing this sort of behavior. I'm pleased the federal government stepped in and has already arrested 3 individuals who stormed the church, because as we all know, state and local officials would have done nothing. JOIN US FOR A LEGISLATIVE TOWN HALL!  With all that’s going on, I thought it was important to hold a legislative town hall in our district to let the people's voice be heard. It's taking place on Monday, January 26 at 6:00 at Wild Wings Plaza in Lake City. Representative Steve Jacob will also be there to answer questions. Please join us! |