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Friends and Neighbors, I hope you're having a good week. In this newsletter you’ll find updates on:
As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read these updates. Let me know what’s on your mind. I’m here to listen and fight for solutions that actually help Minnesota families. Thanks for reading, ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Preserving unlimited catch limits on native rough fish |
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I recently introduced Senate File 3877, legislation that would prohibit the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from setting daily catch limits or possession limits on native rough fish in Minnesota. Currently, there is no daily or possession limit on most native rough fish species in Minnesota. In February, the DNR proposed new limits that would take effect in 2027. Native rough fish haven’t had limits for decades, and Minnesotans want to keep it that way. Unlimited harvest doesn’t threaten rough fish populations. The DNR’s proposed rule changes offer no real benefit to the angler or the habitat. Introducing limits is government overreach that will only hurt the communities who rely on unlimited harvest. The proposed limits include:
The House companion bill is House File 4594. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– From “No Fraud” to “Unquestionable”: How Media Forced DEED to Admit the Truth |
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On the second day of the session in the Jobs and Economic Development Committee, I pressed DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and Committee Chair Senator Bobby Joe Champion on what they’re doing to stop fraud within the agency. I also requested dedicated committee time to thoroughly look at fraud prevention and investigation efforts. After my question, Commissioner Varilek looked at me like I was from another planet. Sen. Champion pushed back against the idea that fraud was occurring in DEED programs and rejected my proposal for dedicated time on the issue. Just read this excerpt from KSTP’s reporting on the Promise Grant program, which Sen. Champion helped create: “DFL State Sen. Bobby Joe Champion helped create the grant program that passed in 2023. He previously told 5 INVESTIGATES, emphatically, that ‘we know there is no fraud in the program.’” In a new statement after Thursday’s hearing, Champion said he is “confident in the approval and oversight process of the Promise Act.” Fast forward to this week: KSTP followed up and the Commissioner finally admitted there is fraud: “The head of the Minnesota agency overseeing $100 million in small business grants says fraudsters are targeting the program… Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek said in an interview Tuesday that while safeguards are in place for the Minnesota Promise Act, they are not foolproof. ‘People are targeting this program for fraud,’ Varilek said. ‘That is unquestionable.’” This is exactly why I brought up fraud and pushed so hard for dedicated time to focus on fighting fraud within DEED It’s frustrating and disappointing that it took media pressure for the Commissioner to acknowledge what should have been obvious. Minnesotans are sick of state officials denying fraud exists until the press forces the truth into the open. With only five weeks left in session, I will keep pushing to expose fraud and hold those responsible accountable. That’s what Minnesotans deserve. |
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––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Fighting for Real Affordability Relief for Minnesota Families |
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Senate Republicans have released a package of targeted tax relief bills designed to make life more affordable for working families across Minnesota. These proposals focus on three major issues hitting families hardest: Property Taxes: Caps annual increases at the rate of inflation plus a portion of population growth, giving homeowners much-needed predictability and relief from skyrocketing bills. Car Tab Fees: Rolls back recent increases so Minnesota drivers stop paying some of the highest registration fees in the region. Taxes on Tips & Overtime: Ends state taxes on tips and overtime pay, putting more money directly back into the paychecks of service workers and hourly employees. The goal is to stop burdening families with higher taxes and start putting more money back in your pocket for groceries, housing, and everyday expenses. Minnesota families deserve real relief, not bigger government. I’m proud to support these commonsense measures that prioritize hardworking Minnesotans. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Le Sueur County Water Testing Clinic |
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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. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MN Fraud Files |
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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 |