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Dear Neighbor,

This week at the Capitol, House Republicans made news with efforts to restore electronic pull tabs and support safe and fair girls sports. Meanwhile, House Democrats voted against reporting fraud. Here’s more:

*Restore e-pull tabs*

In 2023, Gov. Tim Walz and legislative Democrats approved a law eliminating the popular “open all” feature on electronic pull tabs games popular. We are now starting to see the consequences.

The ban just took effect Jan. 1, but already local veterans organizations, such as American Legions and VFWs, have reported a dramatic drop in activity, ranging from 20 to 44 percent statewide. Even at a 30-percent revenue decline, those relying on charitable proceeds in Minnesota – EMS groups, food shelves, youth sports teams and associations, Boys and Girl Scouts, and other local charities – could be looking at a $115 million annual loss due to the electronic pull tab change.

It was a shame for Democrats to undermine funding these organizations are counting on to perform their great services for residents in our local communities. The work they do largely would go undone without these great civic groups stepping in to fill the void, but Democrats tied one arm behind their back.

On top of that, this change in law has dealt a blow to local businesses that count on electronic games to bring customers through their doors. These establishments can’t afford any more setbacks of any kind, especially ones imposed by the state.”

House Republicans are looking to correct this injustice by authoring a bill (H.F. 733 [ [link removed] ]) to restore electronic pull tab features. This bill helps organizations that provide so many healthy outlets for our children at a time families need all they can get and also re-establishes an attractive revenue stream for businesses in our state during this tough economy. I hope we can bring it to the floor for a full House vote soon.

*Fraud update*

It is well known that Minnesota has a big fraud problem and House Republicans are giving this issue the serious attention taxpayers deserve. Unfortunately, every Democrat on the State Government Finance and Policy Committee this week voted against requiring state employees to report suspected fraud. Specifically, they voted against H.F. 2 [ [link removed] ], which includes the following provisions:


* *Fraud Reporting:* State agency employees must report suspected fraud in agency programs.
* *Transparency Requirements: *State agencies must post organizational charts on their websites, including contact information for key leadership positions.
* *Grants Governance and Oversight: *The commissioner of Administration is tasked with improving grants management to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.

These things are basic good governance and should not be controversial. So why are Democrats opposed to this bill?

*Safe and fair girls sports*

My last newsletter mentioned House Republicans have authored H.F. 12 [ [link removed] ], which supports safe and fair girls sports. It says: “Only students of the female sex may participate in an elementary or secondary school athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted on the basis of sex to women or girls.”

This bill had its first committee hearing this week and continues moving through the process. Polls [ [link removed] ] show around 80 percent of people agree that biological sex should determine participation in sports, and that those born male at birth should be excluded from women’s sports. I hope this bill comes to the floor for a full House vote soon as well.

Please stay in touch and have a good weekend.

Sincerely,

Shane

 






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State Rep. Shane Mekeland
2nd Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55155
[email protected] <[email protected]>
(651) 296-2451







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