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Good morning!

I hope that you and your families stayed safe and warm through the blizzard we had this week. Even more importantly, I hope you stay cozy this weekend with the chilling temps we have in the forecast. Back in St. Paul, it's been cold and snowy, but also explosive with news of fraud and billions of misspent state dollars. Now, we are anticipating the beginning of the state's PFML program, read more below.

PFML Expectations

Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program officially takes effect on January 1, 2026, and many employers and workers are only now learning what it will mean for them. The law was passed in 2023 under full Democrat control and created a new payroll tax on every worker and employer in the state. What was originally presented as a 0.7 percent tax has already increased to 0.88 percent before the program has even started, raising concerns about long-term costs and sustainability.

Supporters claim PFML helps families, but the structure of the program places a disproportionate burden on small businesses. Losing an employee for up to 20 weeks is manageable for large corporations but can be extremely disruptive for small employers. Data also shows workers at small businesses are less likely to take leave, meaning those businesses will pay more into the system than they are likely to receive back. Republicans opposed this mandate because it adds costs, creates new opportunities for abuse, and expands government without sufficient safeguards. While the program is now law, it is critical to prepare and continue working toward reforms that reduce costs, prevent misuse, and protect Minnesota workers and employers.

The Fraud Continues

As you know, the fraud is never ending here. Federal fraud cases across the state continued to advance this month, underscoring how widespread these issues have become. Two additional defendants connected to the Feeding Our Future scheme were indicted, bringing the total number charged to 78. A significant sentence was also handed down, with a 24-year-old receiving 10 years in prison and nearly $50 million in restitution for inventing millions of fake meal claims.

Additional cases highlighted the broader pattern of fraud across the state. A Minneapolis consultant was sentenced to seven years for a $6 million COVID-era loan and grant scheme. In Clay County, a man was convicted of forging military discharge papers and medals to collect about $140,000 in VA benefits. Three former Clear Lake city employees were charged with stealing roughly $200,000 from their own municipality. And in a notable development, a Hennepin County judge overturned a jury’s guilty verdict in a $7.2 million Medicaid fraud case, a ruling the Attorney General is now appealing.

Shoutouts!

Brendan Bogart, principal of Lincoln Elementary School in Alexandria Public Schools, was recently honored with the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association Western Division Leadership Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership and commitment to educational excellence. Congratulations and well done!

Award

Events

In case you missed the middle school concert, this is your reminder that the Osakis High School band and choir concerts are on Monday, December 15th. Check them out at 6:00pm and 7:40pm.

Concerts





Please Contact Me

If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-3201 or [email protected] I would love to hear from you.

It’s an honor to represent the best!

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2802 Centennial Office Building          658 Cedar Street                              Saint Paul, MN 55155 [email protected]
651.296.3201







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