Friends,

We are heading into the final days of session with less than three weeks remaining. At this point, the focus should be simple. We need to finish the work in front of us and get solutions in place that actually matter to the people we represent.

On Tuesday, the Governor delivered his State of the State address, but where things go from here will not be determined by a feel-good speech. It will come down to the decisions made by the legislature in these final weeks and whether House Democrats are willing to move on issues that have been sitting right in front of us for too long.

Earlier that same day, federal agents executed search warrants at 22 locations across Minnesota tied to large-scale fraud investigations. This underscores that it’s not an isolated incident; many of these locations are tied together, and in one instance, a single owner of multiple locations billed Minnesota taxpayers $323,651 for ARMHS, $2.8 million for Autism Services, and $2.5 million for Housing Stabilization Services, the same program that Republicans fought to end this year due to proven, widespread fraud.

In another instance tied to these raids, a separate business billed Minnesota taxpayers $841,462 for Integrated Community Supports, $195,953 for Integrated Home Supports, $17,371 for Night Supervision, and an undisclosed amount for Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Supports.

The above incidents are part of a broader pattern that has cost taxpayers billions of dollars in recent years. Later, during the address, the fraud issue was characterized as a byproduct of Minnesota being “generous,” which drew roaring applause from Democrats across the legislature. That reaction should seriously concern anyone in Minnesota who expects their government to take this fraud crisis seriously, manage tax dollars responsibly, and hold individuals accountable when those funds are stolen.

Fraud remains one of the clearest areas where action is a necessity. Concerns about oversight and mismanagement have been raised by Republicans, agency staff, and alarmed citizens for years, and over the last two sessions we have worked to bring forward reforms aimed at addressing the gaps that allowed these problems to grow rampant. Much of what we are dealing with now traces back to expansive policy decisions made in 2023 without the level of balance or scrutiny they required.

There are a few pieces of legislation worth noting. The “Take It Back Act” is built on a basic principle: if public money is taken through fraud, it should be returned. In addition, the proposal to establish an independent Office of Inspector General finally moved out of committee late Wednesday evening and is expected to reach the House floor soon. This has been a long process. The concept has had support across the aisle, yet progress has been slow. If passed, it would create an office with the authority not only to investigate fraud, but to enforce the law in a way that ensures follow-through and accountability.

Affordability continues to be a concern raised in nearly every conversation I have with constituents. The cost of living has gone up, and decisions made in the last biennium are contributing to that pressure. Addressing those impacts should be part of the work we complete before adjournment. Earlier this year, we brought measures to the floor that would reduce car tab fees to regionally competitive levels and provide relief for outrageous property taxes, but both were ultimately voted down by House Democrats, who claim the state needed that money.

School safety is another area where practical steps have been proposed. The measures brought forward this session focus on prevention, flexibility at the local level, and making sure schools have access to the resources they need. These are not new or untested ideas. They are measured approaches that could move forward if given the opportunity.

With the time that remains, my attention is on these three areas. Throughout the session, the effort has been to advance legislation that is both workable and capable of earning enough support to become law. That approach matters more now than at any other point in the year.

Minnesotans expect results. There is still time to deliver them, but it will require decisions that reflect the seriousness of the issues before us.

– Ben

A Productive Two Weeks

It was also a good week at the Capitol connecting with people from back home and across the state.

I had the chance to meet with AARP constituents to discuss issues important to seniors, including affordability and access to services. I also met with Shakopee fire officials to talk through public safety needs and the challenges they are seeing on the ground.

In addition, it was great to visit with those attending Literacy Day at the Capitol and hear directly about the importance of reading and education efforts in our communities. I also had the opportunity to spend time with Shakopee High School students, which is always a highlight. Hearing their questions and perspectives is a good reminder of why this work matters.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by and share their thoughts.

Thank you, as always, for taking the time to stay informed and engaged.

Have a great weekend. 

Sincerely, 

Please Contact Me

Please continue to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-5185 or by email at rep.ben.bakeberg@house.mn.gov. 

Have a great weekend!