Dear Neighbor,

It’s hard to believe we are through roughly one-third of the 2026 session. Our May 17 deadline to adjourn will be here before we know it and the big question is what will get done to help Minnesotans with a House that’s tied 67-67.

Here is a look at some of this week’s notes:

Affordability

House Republicans are working to restore common sense so we can make Minnesota a more affordable state to live, work and raise a family. Decisions the former trifecta made have only added to the burden with new taxes, fees, hidden costs and unfunded mandates that all cost us more.

A press conference took place this week to highlight just some of the bills we have authored to help make this happen. One bill alone repeals the delivery fee, ends the tax on Social Security income and removes the automatic gas tax increases that were approved by Democrats.

Other bills would reduce costs on health care (including my H.F. 400), property taxes, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime and even reduce fees on registration for boats and vehicles. Watch for more as these bills – hopefully – make their way through the process.

Meanwhile, the other party is proposing a climate superfund bill that would impose significant new taxes and fees that could drive up the cost of energy, gasoline, and nearly every good or service that depends on energy to produce or transport. We cannot afford this to happen, so it’s good we broke up the trifecta and can block this in the House.

    Paid leave impacting businesses

    Just two months after Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program took effect, many businesses say they are already struggling with its impact. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce reports that about 80 percent of its 6,300 member businesses were already offering some form of paid leave before the state mandate. Since the law took effect, employers say they are facing higher costs and growing frustration with the program’s requirements.

    The Chamber says businesses are concerned about the program’s complexity, slow rollout, and the disruptions it can create for small or seasonal employers. There are also questions about possible misuse of the benefit and the program’s long-term financial sustainability.

    In a Fox 9 report, Lauryn Schothorst of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce indicated, “Beyond general anti-fraud concerns, employers are reporting some troubling trends. Providers are being pressured by patients to approve the full 12 weeks of leave even when their condition may not require it. Some employers also report that workers are earning more while on paid leave than the wage-replacement limits outlined in the law.”

    Schothorst also noted reports of employees attending vacations or music festivals while on leave. While these situations don’t necessarily indicate fraud or a lack of oversight, she said they highlight concerns about the law’s broad eligibility standards and the limited options employers have to address potential abuse. “To employers,” she said, “overuse is abuse.”

    Recent Capitol visitors

    Local snowmobilers

    Bernie Perryman 14A

    Beer distributors from home

    Bernie Perryman 14A

    Senior from St. Cloud Tech advocating for Alzheimer’s Impact Movement

    Bernie Perryman 14A

    Anna Marie’s staff

    Bernie Perryman 14A

    Teamster’s Day – St. Cloud State MBA program director

    Bernie Perryman 14A

    Fraud

    This week’s fraud committee hearing was interesting not only because of who testified, but also because Department of Human Services did not show up for a hearing where their participation was crucial to ongoing efforts to snuff out fraud in our state.

    For example, the public deserved to hear why DHS has failed to meet its legal requirement to confirm eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare through data matching. This is a way to prevent double dipping and other forms of fraud, but the agency has already missed two reports required under the statute.

    In addition, it would have been good to hear DHS respond to whistleblower Faye Bernstein’s testimony about the retaliation she said she faced after warning about concerns she had as a DHS compliance officer. She ultimately was barred from the agency and investigated.

    It is very unfortunate DHS officials did not attend the hearing to provide the kind of transparency our state has been lacking. In fact, their absence became even more notable when DHS representatives showed up in the same committee room shortly afterward to attend a separate hearing where they were requesting additional state funding.

    The situation only leaves the public with more questions. Unfortunately, it may cause people to wonder if DHS officials are avoiding questions about Bernstein’s testimony or their failure to provide the required eligibility data-matching reports.

    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