Dear Neighbor,
We have good news from the House to report this week as the House passed significant anti-fraud legislation yesterday. Here is more on that and other important issues as we make our way into the final nine days of the legislative session:
Anti-fraud bill passes House
The House’s passage of a bill to create an Office of the Inspector General with independence and future law enforcement authority is a nice step toward providing more transparency and accountability in state government so we can get a grip on the fraud that has cost state taxpayers $9 billion or more.
My position has been consistent, that this office must be truly independent and able to take action instead of just issuing reports. This new office must operate free from political pressure and hold people accountable. State employees need to understand there are real consequences for allowing fraud to occur. The bill (S.F. 856) that passed the House on Thursday accomplishes those things. It makes the OIG responsible for investigating state agencies, grant recipients, and contractors. It also provides subpoena power and the authority for the OIG to freeze or stop distribution of funds under court order.
It’s good we finally made progress on a good bill after the other guys kept trying to water down the bill by eliminating the most important elements. These protections we insisted on are important to holding government accountable and protecting taxpayers.
We’re not done with fraud yet, but this is progress. The bill is in the hands of the Senate. Let’s hope they pass it soon and send it to the governor for enactment so Minnesota can join the other 15-20 states in our countrythat have a statewide OIG with broad oversight over agencies.
Capitol visitors
Benton County Commissioners bringing me their local infrastructure needs.
Ice Cream Day at the Capitol with staff who support us in our jobs.
Tax relief
We may be entering the final full week of the legislative session, but there’s still time to pass tax relief to help make Minnesota more affordable. House Republicans propose a package with nearly $4 billion in tax/fee cuts, reducing costs on everything from property taxes to license tabs.
This is another top priority of House Republicans to help give Minnesota families and businesses some breathing room. Reports indicate Minnesota’s job market continues to fall further behind the national average, due in large part to the difficult economic environment created by the former trifecta’s reckless spending, unnecessary tax increases and unsustainable mandates such as paid leave. They created one of the worst tax climates in the U.S. that’s led to record-high tax migration.
Instead of acknowledging the pain they are causing, the other party is doubling down and has proposed new, higher taxes this year including a wealth tax, a tax on unrealized gains, imposing an annual tax on Minnesotans’ net worth, not just their income, talk of quintupling car tab fees and more.
I continue fighting to lower taxes and put money back in people’s pockets with commonsense proposals. Bipartisanship is necessary for any bill to pass the tied House, so let’s hope the other guys get on board soon so we can make Minnesota more affordable.
Change at DHS
One day before her Senate confirmation hearing, DHS Commissioner Shireen Gandhi was removed from her post. This is the second time in less than a year that an official from the Walz administration tied to DHS’s failure to control fraud has been relieved of their duties just before facing tough questions where important answers could be provided.
Shuffling personnel from the same deck of cards won’t solve the problem. The same individuals who oversaw a dramatic rise in fraud are still in charge, which will only ensure it continues. Gandhi previously served as Chief Compliance Officer and was later promoted to commissioner, even though she was part of DHS during years when oversight broke down.
People deserve answers but, unfortunately, they won’t get them from a confirmation hearing. Let’s hope the next DHS head provides more of the leadership Minnesotans deserve than what we’ve experienced.
Helpful House links
Here are some links you may find helpful in following the latest goings on at the Capitol:
- Rep. Bernie Perryman legislative page – My official House website with assorted information.
- Rep. Bernie Perryman Facebook page – My official House Facebook page with topical posts regarding the House and state government in general.
- Session Daily – Daily news and information about House committee and floor action.
- Live Webcasts and Mobile Stream – View floor sessions, committee hearings, press conferences and more from home or on a mobile device.
- House Public Information Services Publications – Information about the Legislature and legislative process.
- House Public Information Services Press Releases
- New Laws – Summaries of all vetoes and new laws enacted from the 2021 legislative session.
- House Research – Issues and information.
- House Fiscal Analysis – Issue briefs.
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.
Bernie
