|
|
Good morning!
I hope this newsletter finds you well. From the Supreme Court to ongoing revelations of fraud across Minnesota, I have much to share since last week. Thank you for taking the time to read and stay engaged!
Continuing the Fight to Preserve Girl's Sports
As you may remember, we fought all last session to pass HF12, the Preserving Girl's Sports Act. This bill came at a time when female athletes across the country were, and still are, fighting for the right to compete fairly against other women, not against males with inherent biological advantages.
During committee hearings on this bill, we heard from many brave young women about the challenges that they have faced as a result of being forced to compete against biological males. One of the younger athletes who spoke was about 13 years old, and it broke my heart that she was facing this already.
Just this week, a landmark case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, on this same issue. Individuals in both Idaho and West Virginia have taken issue with state laws which outline that female sports are for biological females only. Arguments for each side took place on Tuesday, and I am grateful to share that it seems like the court will rule in favor of states rights to make and uphold these laws, at a minimum.
I have been a staunch supporter of this movement since it began, and I will continue to fight until we secure these rights in Minnesota. I will keep an eye on the situation and look forward to sharing the final outcome once a decision has been made.
|
|
The Fraud Legacy Continues
As we've been talking about for years, the fraud in Minnesota is massive and continues to get worse. It feels like a new scandal comes out in the news every week, with the past two weeks following suit. Last week, I shared the highlights of the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) report on the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). That report revealed widespread, systemic fraud across the department, costing taxpayers every dollar.
This week, independent journalist Nick Shirley highlighted another area of widespread fraud: non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These transportation companies are scattered across the Twin Cities, with many in Minneapolis, with some operating off of government funds for over 20 years. The problem is that the buildings don't exist, they don't have fleet vehicles or anywhere to park them, or the vehicles have been parked in the same parking lots for months on end with no movement. Some of these companies are receiving millions of dollars a year to provide services that they aren't actually providing. I encourage you to watch the video, as it draws the connection between the transportation companies and other fraud schemes (childcare centers, adult daycare services, etc.) and shows two fraudulent companies in particular: one registered at the address of a money wiring service and the other at a liquor store.
|
|
The bottom line is that these fraudulent companies are taking valuable taxpayer dollars and siphoning them away from legitimate service providers and Minnesotans who need it most. There is a clear connection between the prevalence of fraud in these programs and the rate of growth in these programs. The longer fraud has gone on, the more it has hurt providers and vulnerable Minnesotans. It must end now. We need accountability for those in charge that have permitted, and even assisted, the fraudsters for so long. |
|
Trump Accounts
At a time when families are struggling financially due to long term inflation and the cost of fraud, President Trump has introduced a way for families with young children to set them up for the future: Trump Accounts. This is a new type of retirement account allows parents, guardians and other authorized individuals to set up an account for their child, who is under the age of 18 and has a valid social security number. For children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028, you can receive an initial $1,000 contribution when the account is set up. Contributing to the account is optional, and the balance will continue to grow over time, with or without contributions.
You can learn more about the accounts here. To enroll your child, you will make a selection when you file your taxes this year. The accounts officially go live on July 5th, 2026, and there will be more details on the accounts as we get in tax season and closer to the summer. If you have an eligible child, I encourage you to sign them up, as this will be an asset to them when they turn 18 and decide their next life steps, whatever that may be.
|
|
ICE Presence in the Metro and Beyond
As I'm sure you're aware by now, there is an increased ICE presence across the Twin Cities and beyond. This is part of a coordinated surge, at the direction of President Trump and Kristi Noem, in order to get the "Worst of the Worst" off of our streets. The administration has made it clear that the goal is to find and detain violent criminals for the safety of our neighborhoods and families.
I have received many questions recently about the presence of ICE in our communities, and I want to clarify a few important points. ICE agents are federal law enforcement officers, and when they are carrying out lawful duties and give direction, they should be treated with the same respect as any other law enforcement officer. Unfortunately, some leaders in the metro area, including Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, have encouraged people to resist ICE and have used inflammatory rhetoric toward federal agents and the federal government. This is not a responsible example for residents, as it undermines respect for the rule of law, creates confusion, and puts both officers and the public at greater risk.
As with any law enforcement activity, individuals retain the right to peacefully protest, and that right should always be respected. At the same time, I encourage members of the public to allow federal agents the space they need to carry out their lawful duties safely and effectively. Respect for law enforcement and adherence to the rule of law are essential to maintaining public safety for officers and the communities they serve.
|
|
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!
|
|
2802 Centennial Office Building 658 Cedar Street Saint Paul, MN 55155 [email protected]
651.296.3201 |
|
|
|
|
