Rep. Patti Anderson Statement on House Democrats Blocking OIG Bill

ST. PAUL, MN – For the second time in a week, House Democrats blocked movement on SF 856, bipartisan legislation to establish an independent Office of Inspector General. Representative Patti Anderson, R-Dellwood, author of House File 1, released the following statement after Democrats prevented the bill from advancing out of the State Government Finance Committee this morning:

“House Republicans, Senate Democrats, and Senate Republicans all support a truly independent Office of Inspector General with real investigative powers and enforcement authority. House Democrats are the only ones standing in the way of making it a reality, instead insisting on weakening the office, making it less independent, and stripping out the tools needed to hold fraudsters accountable.

“Minnesotans have watched billions in taxpayer dollars disappear with no firings from the Walz administration and no consequences. Families are tightening their budgets while fraudsters cash in and they are tired of excuses and the lack of accountability. They want and deserve action from lawmakers.

“It’s time for House Democrats to stop playing cynical political games and join us in protecting taxpayer dollars and safeguarding the programs that Minnesotans rely on. Democrats need to decide whether they stand with taxpayers and Minnesotans in need, or with fraudsters.”