Hello from the State Capitol,
This week, the House human services committee heard my bill that would stop fraud in real time.
The proposal draws attention to human services programs that are operating over budget. Under the plan, if a program is 5% over budget, it’s required to report why. At 10% over budget, officials within the program need to expedite a report. At more than 10%, the program is terminated until revisions and changes are made.
Fraud has run rampant in human services programs for years, so I’m pleased by the committee’s consideration.
Watch the committee hearing here.
SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN STALLS IN EDUCATION FINANACE COMMITTEE
This week in our House Education Finance Committee, we debated a plan that would have immediately helped schools improve safety in their facilities.
The multi-layered proposal brought forward by House Republicans included more school safety funding for public, nonpublic, and tribal schools; more funding for student mental health support in schools; local, flexible options for Anonymous Threat Reporting Systems and school safety plans; and student discipline reform to protect teachers, staff, and students.
This plan reflects what we’ve heard directly from superintendents, teachers, students, and parents across Minnesota. Prior to the committee vote on April 14, there had been broad bipartisan support for many of these proposals as they are not controversial policy ideas. Yet, when it came time to advance the legislation, every Republican voted for it, and every Democrat voted against it, meaning the plan failed to move on by one vote.
With about a month left in session, the choice is simple: act on what we know can pass, or delay and leave schools waiting. Students, teachers, and families cannot afford more delays or more excuses. This plan delivers real, immediate improvements to school safety, and it’s my hope it can be revisited in the weeks ahead.
LEGISLATION RESTORING SPECIAL EDUCATION CUTS HEARD IN COMMITTEE
Last session, Governor Walz charged a Blue Ribbon Commission with finding $250 million in special education reductions by the end of the 2026 legislative session. If it cannot or chooses not to, the Minnesota Department of Education is required to make these cuts. This session the governor also recommended an additional $50 million in special ed reductions in his supplemental budget.
This is a difficult pill for me to swallow as I think the governor’s priorities are misguided. If there is any place in the education arena that should be cut, it should be within the bloated staff of the Minnesota Department of Education – not local special education programming.
The bill debated in the House Education Finance Committee this week would restore the $250 million that’s been targeted for elimination. We should be supporting all of our schools and all of our students, especially those who have the greatest needs and are in need of the most assistance.
NEW FRAUD IN PROMISE ACT GRANT PROGRAM
The Minnesota Promise Act is a $100 million grant program passed into law by a Democrat-led legislature in 2023, designed to provide up to $50,000 to businesses impacted by civil unrest and racial discrimination.
Considering this state is riddled with fraudulent activity, it probably won’t surprise you that a KSTP report found “several recipients appear to be operating miles outside of eligible neighborhoods, and that other businesses may not be operating at all.” As recently as a month ago, the Senate Democrat author of the bill assured the public there was no fraud in the program.
Once again, we have evidence of another program with few to any guardrails in place to ensure your tax dollars aren’t being swindled.
To view Channel 5’s story, click here.
Also, you may have heard the unbelievable story of letting a suspected fraudster leave the country. Abdirashid Said was charged with racketeering in an $11 million Medicaid fraud scam, and later with perjury. At his bail hearing, the judge was warned that he was a flight risk as his family lives in Kenya. Despite this, the judge allowed Said to post a $150,000 bond without surrendering his passport.
Guess what happened next? He boarded a flight and left the country!
Even when we finally do something right and arrest a fraud suspect, someone in this state finds a way to screw it up.
Learn more here.
E-BIKE VS. E-MOTO – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
As my e-moto bill continues to make good progress in the Minnesota House, I’ve heard from a number of folks who don’t understand the difference between and e-bike and an e-moto.
I recently visited with a Fox 9 reporter about this and the report does a pretty good job of outlining what people need to know. Click here to watch the story.
To put it very simply, you should never be driving a gasoline-powered motorcycle down the sidewalk.
My e-moto bill is expected to be heard in the Ways and Means Committee very soon, and if approved there, would head to the Minnesota House floor for a full debate.
Have a good weekend,
Tom