The Minnesota Legislature has approved the State and Local Government and Elections budget agreement, which includes a major initiative to strengthen oversight of state agencies and safeguard taxpayer dollars. House File 3, chief sponsored by Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) in the Senate, ensures that state agencies implement audit recommendations from the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) to improve accountability and transparency. The OLA is a nonpartisan office that conducts financial, program, and special reviews of state agencies to promote efficient and effective government.

“The OLA is doing great work identifying waste, fraud and abuse in state government, but we need to make sure their recommendations are actually adopted,” said Rasmusson. “This bill ensures state agencies follow through on those recommendations. Minnesotans deserve confidence that their government is using their tax dollars responsibly.”

The policy enhances legislative oversight by encouraging House and Senate committees to hold hearings focused specifically on how agencies have responded to the OLA audits. These hearings will offer lawmakers and the public greater transparency into which agencies are implementing reforms, and which are not.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a leading advocate for fiscal responsibility and government transparency, has expressed strong support for the legislation.

“We’re grateful to Senator Rasmusson for introducing this critical check on Minnesota’s bureaucracy that will ensure that it works for the people – not the other way around,” said AFP-MN State Director Jake Coleman. “With rampant fraud and abuse in our state government, now is the right time to ensure that state agencies remain accountable to Minnesotans’ elected representatives. AFP-MN will always support policies that give Minnesotans a voice in how their tax dollars are spent.”

At the beginning of session, Rasmusson chaired a Human Services Committee hearing focused on addressing waste, fraud and abuse within the Minnesota Department of Human Services. He emphasized the need for stronger oversight and full implementation of audit recommendations to ensure taxpayer dollars are protected and spent only on their intended purposes.

“Minnesotans work hard for their money, and they are tired of seeing it lost to waste, fraud and abuse. This measure holds government accountable and equips the Legislature to protect taxpayer dollars,”said Rasmusson.

The legislation was recently signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz as part of the State and Local Government and Elections budget.