Friends and neighbors,
The first week of the 2026 legislative session is in the books.
On the first day, we paid tribute to the late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, and then on Day 2, we got to work in committees. This year, I’m serving on three committees: Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development; Education Finance; and Judiciary and Public Safety.
We had committee hearings for all three, and Democrats are already trying to distract from their egregious record on fraud by silencing Republicans. Their stunts can only temporarily distract from their failures, though. Rest assured, Republicans will stand up for the people of our districts and make sure their voices are heard.
On Thursday, we paid tribute to my predecessor, Senator Bruce Anderson. It was a meaningful remembrance—one fitting for a man of his character and integrity. He certainly left big shoes to fill, and it’s an honor to follow in his footsteps.
As session gets underway, I want to know, what’s on your mind? What are your priorities and concerns this session? Never hesitate to reach out if you have a question or concern. I can be reached via email at sen.michael.holmstrom@mnsenate.gov or at 651-296-5981.
Have a great weekend,
Michael
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Paying Tribute to Senator Bruce Anderson
On Thursday, the Senate paid tribute to the late Senator Bruce Anderson.
When most people spoke about Bruce, they shared memories of a colleague, a collaborator, and a friend. My experience of him was a little different. I knew him first as a role model.
He was a man of deep and steady faith, expressed not just in what he believed, but in how he lived. He showed up. Consistently. Quietly. Faithfully.
He was present at the moments that mattered most in people’s lives. At graduations, fundraisers, parades, the county fair, always lifting others up, and stood as a constant rock, offering comfort in times of loss.
In a world where it is easy to be busy, distracted, or absent, he made the choice to be present. Again and again. That example left an impression on me long before I ever imagined stepping into this role.
To follow someone of that caliber is both a profound honor and a solemn responsibility. His example set a high standard of servant leadership. One I am deeply grateful for.
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Senate Republicans roll out action plan to stop the fraud
On Thursday, Senate Republicans rolled out several new bills as part of an action plan to stop the fraud that has plagued the state’s support programs. The bills give the legislature stricter oversight of taxpayer’s dollars and the administration of these programs, support the use of technology to streamline delivery and verification of services, and provide better accountability within state government.
At the press conference, I talked about my bill to mandate unannounced in-person visits to every business receiving taxpayer funding through the Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Current regulations require varying degrees of visits, so this bill would simplify and standardize the site visit requirements and process.
Gov. Walz and Minnesota Democrats have let illegitimate providers steal from taxpayers and vulnerable people for too long. The lack of site visits can only be described as negligence. This negligence, perpetrated over and over, is what spiraled the state into billions of dollars of fraud. Requiring unannounced site visits is a common-sense safeguard against fraudulent providers. It will bring accountability to DHS and DCYF that they have resisted for so long.
The bill, which will soon receive an official number from the Revisor’s Office, would mandate unannounced site visits before initial enrollment, during pre-enrollment checks, and prior to revalidation as a prerequisite for receiving payments through medical assistance. It would move away from relying on provider self-attestation and equip agencies with stronger tools to safeguard social services programs and the individuals who depend on them.
These inspections would be fully funded through fees assessed on providers.
WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE
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MN Fraud Files
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 clearinghouse for everything related to state government fraud in Minnesota
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Stay strong,
Michael
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Social Media
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Contact Me
Hearing from constituents helps make me a better legislator. Never hesitate to reach out if you have a question or concern. I can be reached via email at sen.michael.holmstrom@mnsenate.gov or at 651-296-5981.
My legislative assistant, Zachary Queensland, is also a great resource for information. He can be reached at zachary.queensland@mnsenate.gov or at 651-296-0769.