Legislative UpdateDear Northlanders, It has been a very busy start to session, and we have been hearing many bills in committee. Fraud continues to be a top topic and priority in committees and our fraud committee has turned its attention to a growing crisis in the state’s autism services programs. On Monday in the fraud committee, our members voiced frustration that out of 500 autism treatment centers operating without proper licensure, only six have applied to meet a new May 31 licensing deadline. Committee members warned that lax licensing not only raises red flags about potential misuse of public funds, but also leaves families and individuals with autism vulnerable due to inconsistent standards of care. Optum conducted a vulnerability assessment and identified recurring weaknesses in monitoring, auditing, and interagency communication that undermines program integrity. They flagged gaps that could be exploited to the tune of billions of dollars. And yet, much of the detailed information we received is heavily redacted. Pages of “vulnerabilities” are blacked out, leaving legislators with limited information to bring back to our constituents. Here’s what we do know: in just 90 days of auditing, billing dropped by 30%, saving over $52 million. The report estimates potential savings of $1.7 billion if policies were refined and enforced. That should alarm every Minnesotan. We’ve seen explosive growth in certain programs, including autism services, and rule changes during COVID that caused costs to balloon. Meanwhile, legitimate providers, especially in Greater Minnesota, are struggling. Just last week, I worked to help a non-emergency medical transportation provider stay operational so dialysis patients wouldn’t miss life-saving treatment. That’s how fragile the system has become. I also have serious concerns about leadership and oversight. The Department of Human Services’ Office of Inspector General currently reports to the commissioner the same department it’s supposed to oversee. That’s why we’re fighting to create an independent Office of Inspector General. The Senate passed the proposal with broad bipartisan support, but House Democrats blocked it. Minnesota can do better. We need real accountability, real transparency, and independent oversight to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure programs serve the people they’re meant to help...not fraudsters. Click here to watch the video below.  Protecting Constitutional Rights & Mental HealthThis week in the public safety committee we heard two proposed gun control bills that would dramatically change firearm laws in Minnesota and carry serious criminal penalties. If enacted, both measures would include a five-year prison sentence for violations. The first proposal would create a broad ban on the sale, transfer, and possession of most semi-automatic rifles in Minnesota. Semi-automatic rifles are commonly owned across the country for lawful purposes such as self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting. The second proposal would limit magazine capacity to 10 rounds. Because many standard full-sized handguns hold between 15 and 17 rounds this change would affect a large number of legally owned firearms. If these bills become laws they will be a strict violation of the 2nd amendment and would require law-abiding citizens to surrender their firearms, alter or destroy private property, move firearms out of state, or risk becoming felons for noncompliance. I am dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights and will continue to stand up for our rights as Americans. We need to address criminal behavior and strengthening mental health over focusing on restricting legal ownership. That's why I want to share a positive update on something we’ve been working hard on increasing psychiatric beds in Minnesota. Right now, the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center has just 90 beds as the state’s only psychiatric hospital. Since COVID, we’ve seen about a 40% increase in mental health needs, and far too many individuals who have been civilly committed are sitting in jails or hospital ERs because there simply isn’t space for them in the proper setting. That’s not fair to them, it’s not fair to families, and it’s not safe for medical staff. I’m proud to say we secured $55 million this past year to expand capacity. After trying in 2023 and 2024, we finally got it across the finish line in 2025. I toured facilities in Saint Peter, Anoka, Moose Lake, and community hospitals across the state to see the challenges firsthand. Law enforcement and sheriffs have said we need more beds, and we need them now. Minnesota has lagged behind neighboring states in psychiatric beds per capita, but we’re finally taking meaningful steps forward. This is about getting people the right care, in the right place, at the right time and getting them out of jails and ERs where they don’t belong. It’s progress, and it’s good news for Minnesota. Click here to watch the video below.  Community & Events Snowmobile race at BlueMax  Toured an innovative family childcare model seeking solutions for childcare increases.  Lake County at annual chamber event.  Time in nature. Visitors   Visitors from back home!! Thank you for coming to visit and talk about priorities that are important to you! |