Dear Neighbor,
As I’ve shared previously our main priority this session is addressing the enormous fraud that has been allowed in our state. While the OIG (Office of the Inspector General) bill is one very important part, there are several other actions that we can take to make a difference.
Fraud isn’t Free
Our floor leader, Rep. Harry Niska, is carrying an important set of bills called the “Fraud Isn’t Free” Act. The title says the quiet part out loud, that while fraud has been running unchecked for years, taxpayers are the ones that are ultimately paying the price. The “Fraud Isn’t Free” Act requires state agencies to take immediate action when fraud is found. They must submit a correction plan to legislative leaders, stop new enrollment in the affected program, and fire the leadership responsible. Those fired would be barred from working for the state for five years. The bill also creates real consequences. Agency budgets would be cut by 10 percent, and the agency head’s salary would be reduced by 25 percent until the fraud is turned over to law enforcement, responsible staff are removed, and some of the stolen money is recovered. It also improves transparency by requiring Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) to include the cost of fraud in future budget forecasts and permanently allows the state to withhold payments when fraud is suspected to prevent further losses.
February budget forecast: the good and the bad
On Friday, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its February budget forecast, providing an updated look at the state’s financial outlook. The report compares projected revenues and spending and helps determine how sustainable our budget will be in the years ahead. While the forecast shows a larger than expected surplus in the short term, it also projects a significant deficit in the coming years if current spending patterns continue. These results send a clear message: that we need lower taxes and drastic spending cuts.
Impeachment Resolutions for Gov. Tim Walz & Attorney General Ellison
This week, I joined as a co-author on impeachment resolutions regarding Attorney General Keith Ellison and Governor Tim Walz. Walz has been aware of the fraud in Minnesota for years and failed to take action, costing taxpayers billions of dollars. Keith Ellison has undermined protections for religious liberty and worship, namely by neglecting to charge individuals involved with the interruption of a church service at Cities Church. Not to mention, taking campaign donations from fraudsters and then looking the other way. Impeachment is not a routine action, and it should never be taken lightly, but when questions of accountability and adherence to the law arise, the Legislature has a responsibility to examine them.
An update on my elections bills
I shared with you last week that I was going to introduce legislation related to election integrity and security. I am happy to share that the bills were received well in committee and we had a productive discussion on them. I’ll be coordinating with the Secretary of State's office on the final language and I’ll provide updates on those as they move through the process.
Thanks for reading and don’t hesitate to reach out if I can help in any way.
Sincerely,
Jimmy