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Happy holidays to you! I hope you enjoyed the Christmas season! I am so thankful my parents are doing well and all of our girls were able to be home for the holidays! I hope you had a joyful celebration of Christ’s birth, wonderful time with family and friends and a very happy and healthy 2026!
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BUDGET FORECAST
Earlier this month, Minnesota’s economic experts unveiled their latest budget forecast for our state. They project a $2.465 billion surplus in the current budget cycle, but a $2.96 billion deficit for Fiscal Year 2028-29.
The short-term surplus in the remaining budget cycle masks the long-term financial problems the state will face. Governor Walz and legislative Democrats created this mess by wasting the $18 billion surplus two years ago, increasing state spending by nearly 40%, and turning a blind eye to fraud in our state.
Last session, with the House now tied, the legislature did manage to cut spending, but it is clear we must slow the growth of state spending once again next year, as we face significant deficits in the coming years. Despite $11 billion in tax increases last session, spending is still outpacing revenue – the current state budget is simply not sustainable. We have a lot of work to do to eliminate fraud, stop wasteful or duplicative programs and ensure that taxpayers’ hard-earned money is spent effectively to help vulnerable Minnesotans.
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DECEMBER FRAUD HEARING
Last month, the Minnesota House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee reviewed two programs with health and human services agencies: assisted living facilities and adult day services.
In the hearing, we exposed a pattern of fraud that we have seen in other programs, such as Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) or Autism Centers. Despite promises of reform, DHS seems not to have noticed obvious red flags – including continuing to give state tax dollars to someone who has been indicted for money laundering in the Feeding our Future Scandal.
Our committee will continue to expose fraud, hold agencies accountable and provide a safe place for whistleblowers to report fraud.
As a reminder, last session my bill to expand whistleblower protection to include reporting to legislators and law enforcement passed with strong bipartisan support. Whistleblowers had previously been either ignored or retaliated against, so we ensured they have alternative avenues to report their concerns that will protect their identities.
We are already working on the hearing schedule for the Fraud Prevention & State Oversight Committee next year. Although we have made significant progress, there is still much work to do to protect taxpayers and vulnerable Minnesotans who need services.
Here’s a clip from the hearing: https://x.com/i/status/2002395625191542827
Here’s my statement regarding the false allegations that we are withholding whistleblower information:
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PICTURES
It was great to see so many friends at the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation annual legislative reception! So grateful for all of the hardworking farm families who create jobs, feed the world, and strengthen our communities!
I LOVED seeing the amazing growth at the Magnus Veterans Foundation Gala. Their holistic model of caring for Veterans & their families has made an incredible impact on Veterans in our community!
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Please Contact Me
Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any matters to which I can be of assistance.
The best way to reach me is by email: rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn.gov. For occasional updates, you can follow my Facebook Page at @RepKristinRobbins. You can also leave a voicemail on my office number, 651-296-7806, which is checked every weekday while we are in session.
Of course, if you are coming to the Capitol, I’d love to meet you! Please reach out if you would like to set-up an in-person meeting.
Have a great weekend!
Kristin
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239 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.7806 |
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