Having trouble viewing this email?  [ [link removed] ]View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].






Gander




*January 9, 2025*






A Wake-Up Call on Fraud—and Why Accountability Can’t Wait

Friends and neighbors,

If you felt the ground shift a little on Tuesday, you weren’t imagining it.

The Office of the Legislative Auditor dropped a bombshell report [ [link removed] ] detailing serious failures inside the Department of Human Services—failures tied to behavioral health grants meant to help Minnesotans struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Instead of care and accountability, the audit found a pattern of negligence so severe it included employees backdating and creating documents "during" the audit itself. That’s not just bureaucratic sloppiness—that’s a complete breach of trust.

This new report is opening a lot of eyes. Media outlets across Minnesota—from KARE 11 [ [link removed] ] and the Star Tribune [ [link removed] ] to KSTP [ [link removed] ], MPR [ [link removed] ], KTTC [ [link removed] ], and WCCO [ [link removed] ]—are finally sounding the alarm, because the stakes could not be higher. These were *hard-earned taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans in crisis*, and what the audit exposes is something far bigger than one bad decision or one bad actor.

These revelations expose a hard truth Minnesotans have been forced to confront repeatedly: the fraud epidemic in state government is *systemic*. It goes well beyond any single person or agency. It is the result of nearly two decades of Democrat governors, backed by their legislative allies, allowing a culture of complacency and weak oversight to take root. *Swapping in a new face to run the same broken machine won’t fix the problem—it will only deliver the same results: more waste, more fraud, and higher costs for taxpayers.*

And how does this matter to each and every family? Nine billion dollars in fraud can sound abstract until you break it down. That’s roughly *$3,840 per Minnesota household*—money families could have used for groceries, rent, heating bills, or childcare as costs continue to rise. Instead, that money was stolen while warning signs were ignored and oversight was missing. These are not victimless crimes. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar not helping hungry kids, families in crisis, the homeless, or children with autism who rely on these programs. And it is money paid by already overtaxed Minnesotans.

House Republicans are united and focused. Fraud and accountability will be front and center this legislative session and through 2026. We will advance an aggressive package of fraud prevention and accountability reforms, continue exposing failures inside state government, and call out those who spent years blocking anti-fraud measures and attacking anyone who dared demand answers.

Minnesotans deserve a government that protects taxpayers—not one that enables fraudsters and then sends families the bill.

________________________________________________________________________



Minneapolis in the National Spotlight
Gander [ [link removed] ]

This week, Minneapolis found itself once again at the center of the conversation—and I had the opportunity to take that conversation national. On Wednesday, I joined Connell McShane on "NewsNation" to break down some of this week’s major developments across our state and what they mean for Minnesotans.

If you’re curious to hear the discussion, just click the photo above—it will take you straight to the interview. I’m grateful for the platform and the opportunity to speak candidly about the issues facing our communities and to make sure Minnesota’s story is being told clearly, honestly, and loudly.

________________________________________________________________________



Minnesota Takes the Mic in D.C.
Gander [ [link removed] ]

This week, while Minneapolis was buzzing, a different kind of spotlight beamed all the way to Washington, D.C. I want to take a moment to shine a big, proud spotlight on three of my incredible House colleagues—Representative Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove), Representative Walter Hudson, and Representative Marion Rarick—who stepped up and spoke truth to power at a U.S. House Oversight Committee hearing [ [link removed] ] about Minnesota’s pervasive fraud challenges.

Let me tell you, they didn’t just show up—they "absolutely nailed it". 

Their testimony laid out what Minnesotans know all too well:* this isn’t about politics, it’s about accountability.* It’s about taxpayer dollars meant to help those in need being siphoned off by bad actors, while warnings were ignored and oversight fell short.

They didn’t sugarcoat the facts, and they didn’t back down. Instead, they made sure Minnesota’s story was heard loud and clear on the national stage—and they did it with integrity and heart.

I’m incredibly proud to serve alongside colleagues who are willing to stand up, ask the hard questions, and fight to restore trust in how our government works. Minnesota deserves nothing less.

________________________________________________________________________



A Day in the Life… as Principal!
1

This morning, I swapped the statehouse for the halls of New Heights Elementary in East Grand Forks—and let me tell you, being “Principal for a Day” is harder than it looks! From morning announcements to classroom visits, I got a firsthand look at the dedication, creativity, and patience it takes to run a school—and yes, I may have learned more from the students than they learned from me.

A big thank-you to Principal Hangsleben, Assistant Principal Haaven, the amazing staff, and all the bright, curious students who welcomed me with open arms. Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and your commitment to learning was a great reminder of why supporting our schools is so important.

It was an honor to spend the day with you all, and I left feeling inspired, energized, and maybe just a little humbled. New Heights Elementary, I’ll be back...Call me again when its Pizza Day!

111
________________________________________________________________________



Honoring Our Heroes in Blue
Blue

Lastly, I want to shine a spotlight on our heroes in blue. Today, as we recognize National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I’m reminded that behind every badge is a real person—a parent, a spouse, a neighbor—who chooses to serve even when the job is difficult and the risks are real.

Law enforcement officers don’t know what each shift will bring, but they show up all the same, committed to protecting others, often at great personal sacrifice. Their dedication doesn’t always make headlines, but it makes a difference every single day in our communities.

To the officers serving across our cities, counties, state and nation, and to the families who stand beside them: please know how deeply grateful we are. Your courage, service, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed—and they are truly appreciated.

(Thanks dad—from Dominica).

________________________________________________________________________



Staying Connected & Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to the 2026 legislative session, I want you to know how important your voice truly is to me. The best ideas don’t come from inside the Capitol—they come from kitchen tables, shop floors, farms, classrooms, and conversations with neighbors back home. Your stories and your priorities help ground the work we do in St. Paul.

Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out. My door is always open, and my inbox always welcome. Whether you’re sharing a concern, offering a suggestion, or simply checking in, I appreciate hearing from you. Serving District 1B is an honor, and it’s one I take seriously because of the trust you’ve placed in me.

Thank you for staying engaged, for caring about our community, and for being part of the work it takes to move Minnesota forward—together.

Sincerely,

Representative Steve Gander
"Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B"











Facebook Icon [ [link removed] ]

 

/RepSteveGander [ [link removed] ]





2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.5091







________________________________________________________________________

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

This service is provided to you at no charge by Minnesota House GOP [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota House GOP · 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. · Saint Paul, MN 55155 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]