Today the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill that establishes a statewide Office of Inspector General (OIG) on a 127-5 vote. The bill is the culmination of two years of work between both the House and the Senate, and a bipartisan effort to respond to the state’s fraud crisis. Sen. Michael Kreun (R-Blaine) is the chief Republican author of the bill in the Senate, and released the following statement:

“Minnesotans should trust that every tax dollar is used for its designated purpose, and right now, that isn’t happening. So, I’m glad the House passed our bill to establish an Office of Inspector General today. This one more step in the right direction to taking fraud seriously. For the last two years, I’ve worked to ensure the OIG is effective, independent, and equipped with what is necessary to stop fraud. In committee hearings, stakeholder meetings, and working with my colleagues, this bill has been my top priority, and I’m glad it is closer than ever to becoming law. I’m confident the Senate will approve the changes in the bill, and hopeful that Governor Tim Walz will honor his word to sign the bill.”

The bill was amended by the House, so the changes need to be heard in the Senate before the bill can be sent to the Governor.