Celebrating America’s 250th
Celebrating America’s 250th by Senator Jason Rarick The Fourth of July is an incredible holiday – it’s often a time we get together with friends and family, watch fireworks, barbecue, and enjoy a well-deserved break…
Sen. Koran to help oversee new Inspector General’s office aimed at combating fraud
Senator Mark Koran (R–North Branch) was appointed this week to the Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission. The commission will make recommendations to the governor on the appointment of the inspector general and conduct hearings to…
Rasmusson advances anti-fraud reforms in the 2026 session
Minnesota took significant steps to combat fraud and safeguard taxpayer dollars during the 2026 legislative session. Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R–Fergus Falls) authored and supported several anti-fraud measures that were enacted into law. These reforms strengthen…
250 years of freedom: The story of a Nation under God
Friends and neighbors, Every July 4th, we celebrate freedom. In 2026, we mark 250 years since the American colonies declared independence from Great Britain through the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4,…
Kreun appointed to Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission
Senator Michael Kreun (R-Blaine) was appointed this week to the Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission. The commission is responsible for making recommendations to the governor regarding the appointment of the inspector general and conducting hearings…
It shouldn’t take a press conference for DHS to do the right thing: Hundreds attend Town Hall to seek answers about DHS’ flawed provider revalidation process
On Tuesday, June 23, Senator Andrew Mathews (R–Princeton) and Representative Shane Mekeland (R–Clear Lake), along with leaders of Big Lake’s Options, Inc., hosted a public town hall to discuss problems with the Minnesota Department of…
Keeping the ‘Classic’ Minnesota Flag
At Senator Westrom’s St. Paul office, visitors are greeted by the classic Minnesota state flag, which the DFL leaders should not have taken away from Minnesotans. However, local communities have the authority to keep flying…
A Flawed Provider Revalidation Process at DHS
A Flawed Provider Revalidation Process at DHS by Senator Jason Rarick Fraud is the topic on everyone’s minds, and every time a new story comes out, it seems many of these fraudsters are targeting human…
Sen. Carla Nelson to receive Minnesota Legacy Award from Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities
State Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) will receive the Minnesota Legacy Award from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) at the group's Legislative Awards Dinner on July 23 in New Ulm. The award is given…
Heintzeman: End of session review, part 2
Friends and neighbors, Last week I sent out the first part of my end-of-session review, covering the fight to protect your gun rights, nuclear energy, and a significant minerals tax update for northern Minnesota. If…
Town hall meeting to address issues impacting services to vulnerable people
Sen. Andrew Mathews, R-Princeton, and Rep. Shane Mekeland, R-Clear Lake, are joining Big Lake-based Options, Inc. representatives to host a town hall meeting regarding the impacts state processing delays may have on services provided to…
Heintzeman: End of Session review, part 1
Friends and neighbors, The 2026 legislative session is over, and now that the dust is settling I want to take a minute to take stock of what happened, what did not get finished, and what…
Lieske: Legitimate Medicaid providers being cut off due to Gov. Walz mismanagement
Friends and neighbors, Thousands of Minnesotans who depend on disability services, autism therapy, addiction recovery care, and in-home support are at risk of losing their providers because the state abruptly terminated the Medicaid enrollment of…
Gruenhagen: Minnesota’s lack of transparency in government programs
Friends and neighbors, Minnesota is spending a lot of money on safety net and welfare service programs. According to data from Minnesota Fiscal Excellence, our state has over 227 government employees per 100,000 residents working…
Reflections on my final legislative session
Senator Rich Draheim After completing my 10th and final legislative session in the Minnesota Senate, I’ve been reflecting on a challenging year. It was a divided government, but Senate Republicans still delivered real results for…
Breckenridge community celebrates $3 million for Infinity Center
Community leaders and local lawmakers are celebrating a $3 million state investment secured through this year’s bonding bill for the Infinity Center in Breckenridge. The $22 million project is designed to bring health care, education,…
End of Session: The Good, the Bad, and the Frustrating
End of Session: The Good, the Bad, and the Frustrating by Senator Paul Utke Another legislative session is in the books. This year had a slower start than most, likely because Democrats already blew through…
Lieske: A bad deal: $600 million in cuts to vulnerable Minnesotans
Friends and neighbors, I have been vocal against the Democrats’ tab fee increases of 2023. I support broad tax relief. Yet, I voted against an end of session budget agreement that included tab fee relief.…
New Minnesota law grants honorary high school diplomas for veterans
During the week of Memorial Day, Minnesota took a meaningful step to honor veterans who sacrificed their education in service to the nation. On Wednesday, May 27, the governor signed House File 4492 into law, which…
A Productive End to a Short Session
A Productive End to a Short Session by Senator Jason Rarick After a late start in mid-February, the 2026 legislative session adjourned on May 17. In a non-budget year, we weren’t expecting much. Overall, I…