Legislative UpdateDear Neighbor, We are entering the last week of this 2026 legislative session. While a lot remains unknown in these finals few days, so much has been accomplished. I’m proud of the work that’s been done this year to get Minnesota back on track after years of ballooning budgets, rampant fraud, and degrading of our law enforcement. One of the main things that was finally able to get through this legislative session was an independent watchdog office to oversee our fraud epidemic: the Office of Inspector General. This creates a new independent office to investigate fraud, misuse, and abuse of taxpayer dollars across Minnesota state government programs. The bill establishes stronger oversight powers, public reporting requirements, fraud tip lines, and coordinated investigations between agencies to improve accountability and transparency in government spending. It also creates an Anti-Fraud and Waste Bureau with statewide investigative authority focused on protecting public funds and ensuring programs serve the people they were intended to help. The goal is simple: restore public trust by making sure taxpayer dollars are spent lawfully, efficiently, and responsibly. After two years of trying to fight it, take its teeth out, or pretend that fraud is not an issue in Minnesota, my DFL colleagues finally admitted they were wrong and adopted our language for this office. This is a gigantic win for Minnesotans! The second thing that just got done in the waning hours of session was accountability for our statewide medical assistance program. To conform with requirements from the federal government, able-bodied Minnesotans using medical assistance must meet work requirements. Slowly but surely, we’re reversing course as a state, shifting from a “generous” system with little accountability, to one that ensures the taxpayer is respected. We have so much work yet to do, but these two major reforms are things we can be proud of. I’m also happy to report that a major bipartisan initiative I was part of is on its way to becoming law: a psylocibin therapeutic program for those suffering from PTSD, specifically our veteran community in Minnesota. The amendment, authored by my DFL colleague Rep. Andy Smith, gives struggling veterans access to a potential new therapeutic option within a controlled medical framework, rather than leaving them with few alternatives after traditional treatments have failed. It passed overwhelmingly off the House Floor last week. It’s got a few more stops before it reaches the governor’s desk, but this is a major development in treating our Minnesota veterans with PTSD and other ailments.  Representative Smith and Representative Rymer after the Bipartisan Passage of the Psilocybin Therapy Pilot Program One of the best parts of serving as your state representative is meeting with the people of Chisago County and hearing directly about the issues that matter most to our communities. Whether it’s at the Capitol, in local businesses, or over coffee here at home, those conversations help shape the work I do on your behalf in St. Paul. I’ve had several meetings here at the Capitol over the past several weeks with representatives from Chisago County, local businesses, and concerned constituents… but one that was particularly special was with Pastor Neil from my church, Lakes Free in Lindstrom. Pastor Neil came down for the National Day of Prayer at the Capitol. Faith has shaped my life and philosophy at the legislature!  Representative Rymer with Pastor Neil Johnson Lastly, Lakeside Elementary paid the Capitol a visit! It was great to connect with these talented kids, chaperones, and teachers.  Representative Max Rymer talking to Lakeside Elementary students on the Capitol steps There is still much to do in these final days of session. I will keep you posted about updates, legislation and different initiatives that are happening! |