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Backer




*January 16, 2026*






The Backer Tracker - Fraud & Ag Summit

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

I hope everyone has a had a fresh start to the New Year. I am sure you have seen in the news that fraud has been a very big topic in Minnesota and each week a new fraud case seems to be in the spotlight. Unfortunately, the amount stolen from Minnesotans grows more staggering each week.  

Recently, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson revealed new details about the unprecedented fraud scandal unfolding in Minnesota, noting the total amount likely exceeds $9 billion. This problem has existed for years, yet many lawmakers from the inner cities either refused to acknowledge it or failed to investigate it. Fraud is not a partisan issue. Tax dollars from both Democrats and Republicans are being stolen, and Minnesotans should be outraged. 

Five new defendants tied to the Housing Stabilization Services program, along with individuals involved in the Integrated Community Support and EIDBI (autism support) programs, have recently been charged. According to Thompson, $18 billion has been paid out since 2018 to providers across 14 Medicaid categories deemed “high risk” by state officials, with “half or more” believed to be fraudulent. 

Thompson also exposed a new scheme known as “fraud tourism,” where individuals from other states travel to Minnesota to set up shell companies and exploit the state’s lack of oversight. In one case, two Philadelphia residents came to Minnesota after learning the Housing Stabilization Services program was considered “easy money.” 

Evidence has also emerged of a cover-up within the Walz administration. The nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) reviewed the Behavioral Health Administration at the Department of Human Services, which distributes roughly $200 million annually in grants to mental health and substance abuse providers. The audit found that agency employees intentionally misled investigators, falsified and backdated records, and improperly accepted grant applications. In one instance, an employee approved a large grant and then left state employment the same week to accept a job with the organization that received the funds. 

These findings may be the most troubling of all, as they show state officials engaging in illegal activity and attempting to conceal it. Minnesota has a massive fraud problem, and the amount stolen from taxpayers continues to grow. Stopping abuse of the system and getting this money back are mine top priorities when the 2026 legislative session begins. 

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Agriculture Summit

We are one week away from the 2026 Agriculture Summit! 

The event is intended to convene Minnesota farmers, agricultural organizations, state agency commissioners, and local legislators to discuss current challenges and opportunities within the state’s agricultural sector. 

Join me and other legislators, Minnesota farmers, stakeholders, and the Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) at the Agriculture Summit on January 22. This summit provides a valuable forum for open dialogue, collaboration, and constructive problem-solving to support Minnesota agriculture. 

The event will feature updates from legislators and state commissioners, as well as significant input from agricultural producers and stakeholders, including representatives from the finance sector, Minnesota Corn Growers, Minnesota Cattlemen’s Association, Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Watershed organizations, Red River Sugar Beet Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Growers, Farm Bureau, Farmers Union, and others. 

Refreshments will be sponsored by Bell Bank and served by the Viking Cafe. 

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*Staying in Touch * 

Please be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. You can contact me by phone at either 701-361-1909 [ tel:7013611909 ] (cell) or 651-296-4929 [ tel:(651)%20296-4929 ] (desk). I can also be reached via email at [email protected]. I also encourage you to follow me on Facebook www.facebook.com/repjeffbacker [ [link removed] ].  

Have a good day, 

Jeff 











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@RepJeffBacker [ [link removed] ]





658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55155
701-361-1909
[email protected].







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