| State Senator Mark Johnson (R. East Grand Forks) gives a 2026 Legislative Update, and it is below. |
| Greetings from the Capitol. As we kick off the 2026 legislative session, our focus is on standing up for families, small businesses, and communities across Minnesota. Last week featured the rollout of our comprehensive plan to stop fraud, along with meaningful discussions with business and community leaders to hear their perspectives. I’m excited to be back at the Capitol for a new session and ready to get to work on the issues that matter most to Minnesotans. |
| Republicans roll out an action plan to stop the fraud The bills respond to serious gaps revealed since the last session to improve oversight, technology, and accountability. We kicked of the 2026 session by holding a press conference that rolled out a comprehensive plan to combat fraud in the state’s support programs. The measures strengthen legislative oversight of taxpayer dollars, promote technology for better service verification and delivery, and enhance accountability in state government. Minnesotans are tired of the fraud. Like a shuttered housing program where the fraud was so bad, the program couldn’t be saved. Or reports of disabled and vulnerable adults being left for hours or days at a time, even when fraudulent providers were billing for a full day’s work. Tragically, some of those clients passed away and families are left questioning if the care they didn’t receive was why. These are just a few of the many stories of fraud in this state. Senate Republicans know we need comprehensive reform of how our social services, including built-in accountability measures, new technology to assist with verification and delivery of services, and strict oversight of the taxpayer’s dollars. That’s the action plan to stop the fraud that state needs, and that’s what these bills do. Stricter legislative oversight In 2023, Democrats eliminated the requirement for Senate confirmation of the governor’s appointed commissioners. Commissioners will be automatically confirmed starting in 2027 if the Senate does not vote within 60 days. Republicans proposed a bill to repeal that change and require the Senate to vote on confirmations within 60 days; otherwise, the appointee would not be confirmed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has led fraud investigations in Minnesota, highlighting explosive growth in human services programs as a key red flag. The Housing Stabilization Services program grew more than 200% over two years before being shut down due to widespread fraud. That’s why they have legislation that would trigger an automatic audit by the Office of the Legislative Auditor for any service exceeding projected spending by 5%, with additional legislative review if growth reaches 10%. Technology to streamline verification and delivery of services Additionally, a bill requiring electronic verification of provider visits to clients, plus recipient confirmation that services were received, was presented to ensure billed care is delivered. Another technology proposal would require managed care organizations to verify client eligibility before full reimbursement, withholding 5% of payment until checks are complete. Also advancing a “do not pay” list, a shared database of ineligible individuals and entities, modeled on federal measures, to prevent improper payments. Republicans are working on legislations that directs the state to engage third-party vendors for routine eligibility checks on providers and recipients, plus flagging of suspicious activity, using simple software proven effective in other states. Accountability in state government After the Office of the Legislative Auditor revealed they had proof that state employees falsified records during audits, there will be a bill to make this deceptive act a crime. Another piece of legislation requires the Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General to resume issuing annual reports on fraud investigations and recovered funds, which stopped in 2018 without explanation. Finally, there is a bill mandating unannounced in-person visits to every business receiving taxpayer funding through the Department of Human Services or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, standardizing and simplifying current varying requirements to prevent waste exposed in media investigations. We know that more can be done to stop fraud. These bills are a complete action plan to close the gaps and earn back the trust of the taxpayers. Most importantly, it will ensure that these funds are not going to fraudsters but are there for vulnerable kids and adults who need reliable care and support. |
| Almanac |
| Recently on Almanac, I joined Speaker Demuth, Leader Murphy, and Leader Stephenson to discuss the start of the 2026 legislative session. We addressed the need to focus on affordability, combat fraud, and support practical solutions for communities across Minnesota. Watch the full discussion here |
| Events & Office Visits |
| I recently sat down with Leader Stephenson, Speaker Demuth, and Leader Murphy at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Session Priorities event for a productive conversation about the start of the 2026 legislative session and the work ahead. |
| Senator Pratt, Senator Jasinski, and I met with community leaders to discuss ways to support families, small businesses, and keep our communities safe. I’m grateful for the opportunity to listen to their stories and learn from their experiences! |
