Senator Mark Koran, District 28
When I was growing up, I loved group projects in school. There was something satisfying about bringing people together around a shared goal, everyone pulling in the same direction. Sure, we sometimes had different ideas on how to get there, but talking through the strengths and weaknesses of each approach in good faith usually made the final product stronger. Often, we would blend the best parts into a hybrid solution better than any one of us could have created alone.
Government works a lot like those school projects. Back then, we wanted to get an A. As legislators, we’re working to improve the lives of Minnesotans. Right now, the big group project we all share, Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate, Governor's office included, is protecting taxpayer dollars and the social service programs they fund. We have to ensure the vulnerable people who rely on these services, along with the honest providers who care for them, get the support they deserve.
The fraud crisis facing our state requires us to unite around this common goal to mend our damaged social safety net and close the gaps. We may have different views on the details, but there is broad agreement on the fundamentals: improved prevention, stronger oversight, and real accountability. These three pillars should guide our work this session as our North Star.
Prevention starts with better technology in government systems. As a former Minnesota Department of Revenue employee, I’ve seen firsthand how outdated tech can hold back an agency's mission, and how modern tools can help it succeed. Some systems at the Department of Human Services date back to the 1990s. We can do better. By investing in the best technology and data analytics, we can create more accurate, intensive eligibility checks to ensure benefits go to those who truly need and qualify for them, not to people gaming the system.
Stronger oversight is next. Last year, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation (60-7) to create a dedicated Office of Inspector General, an independent anti-fraud office. It was the result of months of collaboration with stakeholders to draft, refine, and strengthen the bill. Even Governor Walz's Fraud Czar, Tim O'Malley, recommended something similar in his recent report, "Roadmap to Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention." This kind of office will provide proactive, independent oversight to catch issues early.
Finally, accountability means leaders at every level, from the Governor's office to agency commissioners to us in the Legislature, stepping up and taking responsibility. This isn’t about pointing fingers, there’s already too much of that. It’s about owning the problem and making necessary changes so our government works better for Minnesotans. That may mean government looks a little different by next year, but change is often what is needed.
We’ve been through a tough stretch in Minnesota lately. Heartache, frustration, and real pain for many families. As we move forward, we need to approach this like a big group project, pull together, and aim for an A.
Minnesotans do not settle for B's or C's. They deserve real solutions that protect the social services that make our state strong. It’s time to deliver the grades that honor the trust you’ve placed in us.