Reflecting on choices and consequences for MinnesotaDear Northlanders, This week, I want to talk a little about the make up of the legislative session in the 2023-24 session, where the House was comprised of 70 Democrats and 64 Republicans, and the Senate was comprised of 34 Democrats, and 33 Republicans. It is important to note every committee had 2-3 more Democrats on the committee so Republican feedback did not happen. The same scenario occurred in the Senate, and because the Senate had a one-member majority, they ran every bill through and allowed Senator Nicole Mitchell to vote the entire session, even though her charges were quite disturbing, and when session ended she was forced to resign and the landed with felony charges in court. Meanwhile, Minnesotans watched the prior trifecta spend the $18.5 billion surplus, raise taxes by $10 billion, and grow government by 40% - while Minnesotans did not see wage increases like this. Fast forward to the 2025-2026 session, and it all changed because Republicans broke the trifecta, by the House now having 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats. Republicans finally had a seat at the table, much different from 2023-2024 when every idea they chose to pass, passed as they had 6 more members, and they had the votes. In addition, every committee had 2-3 more Democrats on the committee so Republican feedback did not happen. The same scenario occurred in the Senate, and because the Senate had a one-member majority, they ran every bill through and allowed the convicted felon prior Senator Nicole Mitchell to vote the entire session, even though her charges were quite disturbing. Minnesotans watched the prior trifecta spend the $18.5 billion surplus, raise taxes by $10 billion, and grow government by 40% - while Minnesotans did not see wage increases like this. In 2025 House Republicans were able to change the committee make up as we were in a historical tie (only has happened one other time) and were able to have co- chairs on each committee. In addition, the first ever fraud committee was established and led by Republican Rep. Kristin Robbins. This committee has exposed tremendous fraud, and whistleblowers came forward at unforeseen numbers. These hearings showed examples for Minnesota to see the rampant fraud scandals. It’s great to be able to have live hearings to hear first hand from some of the whistleblowers. Recently we had an employee from the Department of Human Services (DHS) testify, she said she had been a lifelong Democrat but was targeted by DHS for trying to speak up about the fraud she saw. Click here to watch the video from the hearing below.  Many people think the fraud scandals have come to light after the Nick Shirley video, however, but many DHS employees have been coming forward after we passed new whistle blower protections and a fraud committee began in 2025. Our job as legislators is to put penalties on people who misuse tax dollars. On Monday, we heard HF 3629 which strengthens oversight, accountability, and transparency within executive agencies. We offered an amendment that would require site visits for grantees. I spoke on the floor about something that shouldn’t be controversial, but rather, basic accountability when it comes to taxpayer dollars and services for vulnerable Minnesotans. During the pandemic, nursing homes and assisted living facilities continued to be held to strict standards, including millions in fines, while still working under incredibly difficult conditions and continuing to serve residents every day. These sites received state surveys unannounced during a pandemic as they do annually every year since. However, Democrats voted down an amendment to ensure on site survey visits would occur for those grant agencies who receive $50,000-250,000 annually. Seems logical to circle back with those taxpayer dollars are given too, but it was voted down. This bill amendment is about good governance. If state dollars are being spent, there should be basic checks in place, including site visits and transparency. That’s not burdensome, that’s responsible stewardship of taxpayer money. Click here to watch the clip below.  We must have systems in place to hold state agencies and grant agencies accountable with oversight and guardrails, and I will continue to advance initiatives that outline the same common-sense accounting protections used every day by families, businesses, schools, cities, and counties must adhere to every day. In Service, Natalie Visitors & Events Chief of Police Day at the Capitol.  Veterans Day at the Capitol. Great to see Veterans from back home.  Time with leading Age members as caregivers and seniors came to the capitol.  Signing lots of high school graduation letters.  |