Dear Neighbor,
Here’s the latest from St. Paul as we prepare to enter the final two full weeks of the 2026 session:
State flag
It’s hard to believe House Democrats are threatening to penalize communities that may want to fly the old state flag, but that’s what’s happening in St. Paul. House Democrats have authored a bill that orders Minnesota cities and counties to fly the state’s new flag, or suffer the consequences of reduced state funding if they choose to display the old version.
A lot of people look at the new flag, question its inspiration and would rather go with the old flag. I oppose this bill because Minnesotans should be free to recognize and honor the state’s history without facing government penalties.
The bill (H.F. 5077) comes at a time when numerous local governments have chosen to fly the customary 1983 version instead of the one developed by a commission Democrats in full control of the Capitol selected in 2023 to redesign Minnesota’s flag and seal. The proposed measure would reduce local government aid by 10 percent for entities choosing to display any other flag than the one that became official in 2024. LGA is a key source of state funding for local governments – helping communities pay for essential services such as police and fire departments – making this a significant financial penalty for noncompliance.
But this issue is bigger than a flag. The real issue here is freedom and pushing back on government overreach. This bill should never see the light of day and I will work to keep it that way.
 Opioid use disorder I'm proud to have voted, "yes" to Rep. Dave Baker’s H.F. 4493 as it passed the House 134-0 this week. This is a bill for treating opioid use disorder, expanding prescription power to pharmacists. Many providers should be able to prescribe drugs for treating OUD, given how serious a public health problem it is, especially in Greater Minnesota. Rep. Baker is from Willmar and a drug overdose took the life of his son, Dan, in 2011. Federal warrants Federal officials served at least 22 warrants on suspected fraudulent Medicaid providers in Minnesota this week. It’s encouraging to see federal law enforcement is now providing accountability on fraud where the Walz administration hasn't. Despite repeated red flags, whistleblower warnings, and a surge in program spending, the governor, attorney general and Twin Cities liberals in the legislature had ample opportunity to act. They did not and now the federal government is stepping in to address the problem. Minnesota taxpayers deserve accountability, and we are finally beginning to see it. Accountability also must extend to the leaders who allowed this widespread fraud to occur. I can’t say that part loudly enough. Watch for more from the House as we head into the home stretch of the 2026 session with a number of key issues still unresolved – especially tax relief and bills to crack down on fraud. Sincerely, Scott |