| Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The first week of the legislative session is officially in the books, and it was one filled with both reflection and action. On Tuesday, we paid tribute to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, and on Thursday we remembered our dear friend and colleague, Senator Bruce Anderson. Both dedicated their lives to serving others and to strengthening Minnesota. It was an honor to pause our work to recognize their service and the lasting impact they made on our state. You can watch the tribute to Sen. Anderson here. In between those moments of remembrance, we got right to work. On Wednesday, I sat down with Senate Media to discuss the ongoing problem of fraud in state government and the reforms we need to protect taxpayers. I’ll be sure to share that interview when it airs. Committee hearings also began, and like last year, I am serving on Health and Human Services, State and Local Government, and Elections where I’m honored to serve as Republican Lead. I also had the opportunity to take Minnesota’s concerns to Washington, D.C., where I testified before the U.S. Senate about the fraud crisis facing our state and solutions the federal government can help implement. I’m grateful to Sen. Josh Hawley for the invitation and the chance to make sure Minnesota’s voice is heard. As session gets underway, I want to know, what’s on your mind? Never hesitate to reach out to my office with your questions, issues, or priorities. My contact information as at the bottom of this email. |
Senate Republicans roll out action plan to stop the fraud |
|
Stopping fraud and restoring accountability will be one of my top priorities this session. This week, Senate Republicans rolled out an action plan with several new bills designed to strengthen oversight of taxpayer dollars, improve verification of services, and ensure state programs serve the people they’re meant to help, not bad actors looking to exploit the system. At our press conference, I emphasized the need for Minnesota to use common-sense tools that other states already rely on, including third-party vendors and modern software to verify eligibility, monitor providers, and flag suspicious activity. These are practical solutions that protect both taxpayers and those who truly depend on these services. I’m also introducing legislation to address unacceptable behavior by state employees who falsified paperwork during an audit - something documented by the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor. Frankly, we shouldn’t have to tell anyone not to falsify records. But when it happens, there must be consequences. Adding criminal penalties makes it clear: accountability applies to everyone. |
Fighting for integrity and transparency |
|
Originally created during the eight-year term of Gov. Mark Dayton, Center of the American Experiment’s Scandal Tracker was reopened to account for the ever-growing list of frauds and scandals perpetuated under the Tim Walz administration. You can follow along with the data-recording of the ongoing fraud issues as they're brought to light here on their website. |
Contact Me |
|
I look forward to hearing from constituents as I believe it helps me be a better legislator. Never hesitate to reach out if you have a question or concern. I can be reached via email at sen.mark.koran@mnsenate.gov of 651-296-5419. My legislative assistant, Melissa Field, is also a great resource for information. She can be reached at melissa.field@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-6200. Take care and I look forward to see you at the Capitol soon! Sincerely, |
|
|
Mark Koran MN State Senator |