Dear Neighbor,

Greetings from the House, where it’s been another busy week of committee meetings as we move bills through the initial phases of the legislative process. Here’s the latest on some of that, and more from the Capitol:

Economic forecast

State officials recently issued an updated economic forecast for our state. This is not a budget year in name at the Capitol, with the state fully funded, but this information still will drive decisions this year as we plan for the future.

The key points in Minnesota Management and Budget’s February 2026 forecast include a projected $3.7 billion surplus for the FY 2026–27 biennium. On the other hand, the state continues to face a structural imbalance, with ongoing expenditures projected to outpace revenues.

This is unsustainable and drives home the problem that has been created, in part, by the former trifecta two years ago spending the $18 billion surplus, raising taxes by $10 billion to increase the state budget by 40 percent. We need to lighten the load this session by passing legislation allowing Minnesotans to capitalize on federal tax changes, such no taxes on tips and overtime.

Affordability for Minnesotans

Decisions on taxing and spending are not the only decisions impacting affordability in Minnesota. With that in mind, I have authored a bill (H.F. 400) that would shift the cost of new healthcare mandates from the insurers/enrollees to the state. Taking the burden off health plans would provide much-needed relief on rising premiums for enrollees.

Covering these costs is critical to help keep premiums affordable. Minnesota already has the second-highest number of health insurance mandates in the country, and, under one-party control, the legislature added mandates that cost the plans over $135 million. The cost of these state mandates ultimately is passed along to consumers.

My bill would help by stopping new mandates from further weighing down an already struggling insurance market and further increasing already high premiums. A good hearing took place for it this week (pictured above) and we’ll keep pushing to make it happen.

Three other bills related to finances/affordability that I’m authoring/co-authoring received bill hearings this week and remain in the mix for passage. They include:

  1. H.F. 3642 prohibits virtual currency kiosks to eliminate a source of fraud
  2. H.F. 3709 allows banks and credit unions to offer virtual-currency custody services for safekeeping and management of digital assets.
  3. H.F. 3766 establishes oversight for how travel insurance is sold, marketed, and disclosed.
Bernie Perryman 14A

Capitol visitors

It was another busy week of meeting groups and individuals at the Capitol, including:

Ag industry representatives

Bernie Perryman 14A

St. Ben’s students

Bernie Perryman 14A

Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka

Bernie Perryman 14A

More fraud

This week’s Fraud Committee hearing centered on the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation program, which ensures access to health care for elderly and vulnerable Minnesotans. It’s a critical service, but one that has suffered from fraud.

Ridership reportedly dropped 62 percent after the program was labeled high-risk. DHS has argued that number, but a substantial drop of any kind should raise red flags with all the fraud going on in our state.

GPS tracking was recommended for these services by the non-partisan OLA over a decade ago, but the state still does not use it. House Republicans are advancing legislation to improve oversight with better tracking and stricter financial disclosures. One proposal would require three years of IRS Form 990 filings before a provider can be approved to participate. We need practical, common-sense reforms like this that are worthy of bipartisan support to help crack down on fraud and protect this essential service. Stay tuned.

Fraud Isn’t Free Act

Minnesota taxpayers deserve accountability when fraud occurs in state and federally funded programs. Unfortunately, recent scandals have shown serious weaknesses in oversight at the state level, costing taxpayers billions of dollars.

That’s why I’m supporting the Fraud Isn’t Free Act (H.F. 3395). This bill requires immediate and decisive action when fraud is suspected or confirmed in any program overseen by the state. This would go a long way toward re-establishing public trust in the state and should be worthy of broad, bipartisan support. Unfortunately, the former majority prevented this bill from advancing through a committee this week. We’ll see what happens next.

    Helpful House links

    Here are some links you may find helpful in following the latest goings on at the Capitol:

    Please Contact Me

    It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov. I am here to serve you!

    Bernie

    Bernie Perryman 14A