|
Friends and neighbors, It’s the last week of session, and the issue I’ve heard the most concern and outrage about from constituents all session long is fraud. Today in the Senate, we took a major step forward by passing a new anti-fraud department that will help prevent, stop, and prosecute fraudsters. Republicans have been fighting for this for years, and this year House Democrats finally got on board. More on that below. Last week, I offered an amendment to a major omnibus bill that would increase trail weight limits for ATVs and UTVs, modernizing Minnesota’s outdated laws. ATV and UTV weights have increased significantly in recent years and no longer reflect new innovations like side-by-sides. These vehicles are a critical part of Minnesota’s economy, with manufacturers like Polaris and Arctic Cat supporting thousands of jobs across the state. The tourism industry also relies heavily on ATVs, bringing millions of dollars to local lodging, restaurants, and businesses. Updating the weight limits would bring Minnesota in line with Wisconsin and allow us to compete on a level playing field, instead of losing ATV and UTV tourism dollars to our neighbor. The amendment had strong support from the ATV industry and riders across the state. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats blocked its passage. This hurts Minnesota’s industry and economy while helping Wisconsin’s as riders continue to take their business across the border. Modernizing Minnesota’s ATV laws will remain a top priority for me. I will keep fighting for this until it passes. Hard to believe the session is nearly over. Thank you for your support and engagement throughout the session. Your emails, calls, and visits to the Capitol help me represent our district and fight for solutions that make a real difference. Talk to you next week. Andrew |
| Minnesotans think taxes are too high and fraud is the biggest issue facing our state |
|
The Minnesota Chamber released results of its statewide poll, and most Minnesotans believe taxes are too high. I agree. Another poll result? Over one-third of Minnesotans point to fraud as the biggest issue facing Minnesota. Today in the Senate, we passed a landmark anti-fraud bill that creates an Office of Inspector General (OIG) solely dedicated to stopping fraud. If you remember, this bill passed the Senate 60-7 last year, but House Democrats blocked it from becoming law. After a session-long effort, House Dems finally relented and got on board. It’ll now go to Governor Walz for his signature. Republicans have been pushing to establish stronger anti-fraud laws for years, so this is a HUGE WIN to help prevent, fight, and prosecute the fraud that has stolen billions of Minnesota taxpayer dollars. Expect better protection of public money and more fraud prosecutions as this office is established. This is the accountability Republicans have been fighting for! |
|
|
| Congratulations Montevideo High School for grant award! |
|
|
The Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC) has announced the Montevideo High School agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) education program, taught by MaQuelah Miner, received a $6,690 grant for their project “Star Lab CNC Plasma Table.” This grant will provide funding to purchase a plasma table, allowing students to experience the design, fabrication, and problem-solving processes aligning with AFNR industry standards. Congrats! |
| THANK YOU TO ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR YOUR DEDICATION, COURAGE, AND SACRIFICE IN SERVING AND PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES! |
|
| (via West Central Tribune) Business 71 North detoured to Civic Center Dr. during Hwy 71/23 Bypass work around Willmar |
|
Drivers should expect single-lane, head-to-head traffic on the north/eastbound lanes on the Highway 71/23 Bypass around Willmar. |
|
|
Motorists should expect a detour as Business Highway 71 North is now closed in the area where it intersects with Highway 71/23 as the bypass resurfacing project enters its final phase during the 2026 construction season. The Minnesota Department of Transportation said work is expected to be complete by Sept. 19, weather permitting. Drivers headed northbound out of Willmar are required to detour eastward at Civic Center Drive in northeast Willmar and travel eastward to reach the Highway 71/23 Bypass. The southbound/westbound lanes on the Highway 71/23 Bypass were closed Monday, May 4, and traffic is re-routed head-to-head in the northbound/eastbound lanes around Willmar. Business 71 North is closed just north of the Health and Human Services Building in northeast Willmar. Northbound traffic reaching that point is being rerouted on the Business 71 North U-turn to Business 71 South and then detoured onto Civic Center Drive eastward to reach the bypass. Ramps and exits at Willmar Avenue Southeast and Lakeland Drive Southeast are also closed during the resurfacing project. Temporary crossovers are in place at U.S. Highway 12. |
|
.jpg)
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 resource for everything related to state government fraud in Minnesota |
|
Have a great week! |
|
|
Andrew R. Lang Minnesota Senate, District 16 |