Minnesota is sliding from an $18 billion surplus to a $6.2 billion deficit due to unsustainable spending, unchecked mandates, and ignored problems. Instead of funding core needs like schools, nursing homes, and disability services, resources are being misdirected. It’s time to face reality, set priorities, and start fixing what’s broken.
As committee deadlines hit, lawmakers advanced a new budget framework that trims state spending and avoids tax hikes amid a looming deficit. I also introduced a bill to tighten oversight of tax-funded nonprofits, while other proposals addressed driving penalties, free college requirements, and restoring balance to the universal school lunch program.
Minnesota is facing rampant, multimillion-dollar fraud across state programs, with more than $600 million already confirmed stolen. From childcare to nonprofits to Feeding Our Future, oversight failures have enabled widespread abuse. I’m fighting for real accountability, including an independent Inspector General, to stop waste, protect taxpayers, and restore trust in government.
Rep. Peggy Bennett highlights key legislative work at the Capitol, including restoring electronic pull tabs for community charities, advancing proposals to improve literacy and restore local control in health education, strengthening nonprofit oversight, limiting benefits for illegal immigrants, and bolstering anti-fraud and public safety measures. She also met with the Shellrock River Watershed Board.
Peggy Bennett highlights Minnesota’s growing public safety crisis, citing rising violent crime, depleted police ranks, and policies that prioritize offenders over victims. She supports a new Republican plan to strengthen penalties, increase accountability, and give law enforcement needed tools. Her message is clear: Minnesota must restore order and protect its citizens.
Minnesota’s new Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee aims to tackle more than $1 billion in known taxpayer losses. Rep. Peggy Bennett highlights proposals creating fraud-risk “notes,” a centralized Inspector General, mandatory reporting, and stronger agency accountability to ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t stolen and reach the people who truly need them.
The Minnesota legislative session began constitutionally on January 14th. It is truly an honor to serve the people of 23A. I am very appreciative of the continued opportunity to represent you and look forward to getting to work for Minnesota and for all of you! I’m sure by now you
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