On Monday, March 13, U.S. Attorney Andy Luger announced 10 additional indictments for the exploitation of a federally funded child nutrition program during the height of the pandemic. Charges allegedly cover wire fraud, conspiracy, and the laundering of millions of dollars. The organization deceptively claimed to serve 1.46 million meals to underserved children in Pelican Rapids, Burnsville and Minneapolis; however, funds were squandered on real estate, living expenses and luxury vehicles.   

To learn that someone would take advantage of our community for their own financial gain is appalling. The people of Pelican Rapids are honest and hardworking, come from many backgrounds, and genuinely want to help one another. A simple internet search from the Minnesota Department of Education could have raised flags that it’s impossible for a town of about 2,500 to claim to serve 2,560 daily meals to children. It’s extremely disappointing that government agencies let this massive fraud slip through.

I am calling for additional hearings in the Minnesota Senate so every senator can learn what happened and ensure this doesn’t happen again. 

On Tuesday, March 21st, Gov. Tim Walz, House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senate President Bobby Joe Champion announced the budget targets for the 2023 legislative session.

These budget targets represent the amount of money, from the budget surplus, that is being spent on different areas of focus.  The state is currently holding a historic budget surplus of nearly $18 billion.  

Rather than give this surplus money back to the people of Minnesota, the Democrats are pushing for a 35% increase in spending and in turn, an increase of taxes on Minnesotans.  Rather than increasing government spending, this money should be going back to those who are paying taxes.

That is why I have authored Senate File 3127.  Senate File 3127 is the Give It Back plan that Senate Republicans have offered as the common sense solution to the budget surplus that we face.  This would provide long term tax cuts for all Minnesotans which is needed now more than ever given the rising costs of goods and services.

Additionally, today marks the third deadline in the legislature.  This means that in the coming weeks we will see more days spent on the senate floor rather than in committee.  These days will be spent debating the many omnibus bills dealing with the budget that have passed through committee hearings. 

If you'd like to watch these floor sessions, visit the Minnesota Senate's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@MnSenateMedia.  

I'm excited to announce that Sadie was chosen to represent Senate District 9 in the 'My District, My Minnesota' art contest! This is a wonderful representation of our community, and we are proud to hang it in the Minnesota Senate Building for the remainder of 2023.  Thank you Sadie!

As always, I am blessed to meet with wonderful constituents every week.  The first photo below is with the Minnesota Wheat Growers association.  It is always great to meet constituents from the agricultural industry!  The second photo is with several Veterans from District 9.  Thank you for your service!

With Gratitude,

Senator Jordan Rasmusson

District 9