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Friends and Neighbors, We’re down to about the final month of session. Friday, April 17, was a big deadline. All the major spending bills had to get out of committee by 5 p.m. or they’re probably done for the year. So far this has been one of the slowest sessions I can remember. Hardly anything has passed. On the fraud side, it’s been frustrating. Just a day after Governor Walz admitted there are loopholes in the $100 million Promise Act, the senator who helped create the program said the agency “has done a good job.” They still don’t seem to be taking this seriously. I’ll keep pushing for real oversight and accountability in the final month. Also in this newsletter are tips if your property got hit by the hailstorm, info on the Lessard-Sams habitat grants, free well water testing in Le Sueur, and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day next Saturday. Thanks for reading. Let me know what’s on your mind. Thanks for reading, ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Disaster Response Information |
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With this week’s hailstorm, you might be wondering what to do if there was damage to your property. Key tips for filing insurance claims to your property: 2. Wait for the company’s adjuster before you or anyone starts working to remove or repair or replace property. 3. Inventory your damage. 4. Take notes of who you talk with and what they say from your insurance company, adjusters or repair services. Note dates, names and contact information. 5. Avoid scammers or high-pressure sales tactics if you are contacted by someone you don’t know, such as salespeople going door-to-door in areas hit by storms. If you have questions, complaints or problems with your insurance company, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center: By phone: 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602 By email: consumer.protection@state.mn.us. More info for disasters can be found here. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– $160 Million available for Minnesota wildlife habitat project grants |
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The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) is currently accepting funding requests for projects that restore, protect, and enhance Minnesota’s wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife. Funded by the constitutional Outdoor Heritage Fund, this program supports high-impact habitat projects across the state, from land acquisition and easements to restoration and enhancement work. The goal is to leave a lasting legacy for future generations of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Applications are due by May 22, 2026. Website and Contact: www.lsohc.mn.gov | lsohc@lsohc.mn.gov ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 24 hours after Gov. Walz acknowledged potential loopholes in the $100 million Promise Act, the Senator who helped create the program says agency administering it "has done a good job." |
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––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– National Prescription Drug Take Back Day |
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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, provides residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of their unused or expired medications at local collection sites. For residents who want to safely dispose of medications outside of this biannual event, MyOldMeds offers a free, year-round locator that connects people to 605 secure disposal sites across Minnesota. The easy-to-use locator helps quickly find nearby drop-off locations just by entering their zip code. The site also includes a Minnesota resource page with guidance on proper disposal practices and safe medication management. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– |
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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. Your one-stop resource for everything related to state government fraud in Minnesota ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Contact Me I always appreciate hearing from constituents. It helps me do my job better and stay focused on the issues that matter most to you. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, feel free to reach out. You can email at sen.rich.draheim@mnsenate.gov, and my legislative assistant, Henry Rosckes, is available at henry.rosckes@mnsenate.gov. Thanks for reading. Rich Draheim |