Democrats block OIG bill again

ST. PAUL – For the second time in a week, House Democrats have blocked movement on SF 856, a bill with broad bipartisan support establishing an Office of Inspector General. State Government Finance Committee Chair Jim Nash released the following statement.

“We had a robust conversation in committee today, we amended the bill, and everyone agreed that the bill needs to continue on. Unfortunately, Democrats once again made themselves an obstacle to passage because Republicans would not allow them to weaken independence and gut enforcement capability for the office. I hope Democrats plan to get off the sidelines and join us in enthusiastically working to stop fraud in public programs before more Minnesotans are hurt by fraudsters. When will the Democrats stand up for the victims of fraud here in Minnesota?”