Dear Neighbor,
Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session began Tuesday with a somber note and a tone of unity as we took time to recognize the late House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her late husband, Doug. We know there will be political disagreements during this session, but that’s what we signed up for, and it reflects what Melissa stood for because she wasn’t afraid of a fight.
Before we get to other notes from the House, I’d like to congratulate the Andover girls hockey team for winning its ninth-consecutive section championship and advancing to this week’s state tournament. Great job, Huskies!
Session priorities
House Republicans recently shared a list of overarching priorities for the 2026 legislative session. They include:
- Stop the Fraud
- Make Minnesota Affordable
- Make Minnesota Safe
- Raise Standards, Reduce Mandates
- Make Minnesota Competitive
- Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans
I will take a closer look at these priorities as the session unfolds but, for today, I’d like to share a little more about proposals we are working on to address fraud that has cost taxpayers an estimated $9 billion.
The first two bills introduced this session are related to fraud. H.F. 1 creates an Office of the Inspector General. I touched on this subject last week, but the OIG bill overwhelmingly passed the Senate 60-7 last session before House Democrats blocked it from advancing to the governor for enactment.
On Thursday, I made a motion on the floor to give Democrats another chance to take up this bill and move it through the House with urgency, but they denied that opportunity. This came just hours after a committee meeting where Democrats put forward an amendment that removes the OIG’s enforcement authority in the bill. This would weaken the very oversight Minnesotans have been demanding. Click here to see how it all went down on the floor.
The second bill (H.F. 2) provides enhanced requirements for state grants to step up oversight in what has been a lax system. Still another anti-fraud bill to watch is one I have personally authored, the Fraud isn’t Free Act (H.F. 3395). This legislation aims to finally bring some consequences for those who have turned a blind eye to fraud, particularly in the executive branch where a complete lack of accountability has existed. I will have more to say about these bills and other anti-fraud efforts House Republicans are proposing as things develop.
Congressional hearing
I appreciated the opportunity to last week testify before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs and speak with Chairman Rand Paul. I shared some insight into what Minnesota has experienced on immigration enforcement. I am grateful for the committee’s commitment to understanding the full causes of this crisis, as that is necessary to fully explore solutions that will both fully uphold the rule of law and rebuild trust in law enforcement. Click the above image for my opening comments, and click here for my written testimony.
Helpful House links
Here are some links you may find helpful in following the latest at the Capitol this session:
Until next time, have a good weekend and please stay in touch because things are going to happen fast this session. We are scheduled to adjourn May 17, which means fewer than 90 days remain to get all our important work done.
Sincerely,
Harry