Suburban Solutions Caucus Announces Layered Legislative Strategy to Combat Billions in Fraud Across Minnesota

St. Paul – Today, the Suburban Solutions Caucus announced a coordinated legislative strategy to combat fraud across Minnesota, emphasizing accountability, stronger enforcement tools, and proactive prevention measures in response to estimates that roughly $9 billion in taxpayer dollars may be lost to fraud across programs statewide. We know Minnesotans are focused on affordability, but also support those most vulnerable in our communities, and fraud impacts all of our neighbors.

The caucus is advancing a layered approach designed to detect fraud earlier, strengthen consequences, improve oversight authority, and recover stolen funds through a package of targeted legislation.

“Minnesotans expect their tax dollars to support families, students, seniors, and veterans, not criminal activity,” Rep. Bakeberg (R-Jordan) said. “Addressing fraud requires more than a singular solution. It requires a coordinated strategy that prevents fraud before it happens, detects it quickly when it does, and holds bad actors accountable.” added Rep. Nadeau (R-Rogers).

With the help of law enforcement, forensic accountants, and others, the Suburban Solutions Caucus has created several key proposals this session:

House File 3578
This legislation strengthens accountability within state government by providing a mechanism for legislative removal of certain executive branch officials who fail to properly carry out oversight responsibilities, ensuring stronger enforcement leadership when fraud concerns arise.

House File 4425
This proposal increases the statute of limitations for theft involving public dollars, giving investigators more time to pursue complex fraud schemes and recover taxpayer funds.

House File 4104
This legislation strengthens investigative and enforcement tools available to the state to better identify fraud earlier and improve coordination across agencies working to stop misuse of public funds.

House File 4950
This proposal establishes a tax on individuals and organizations convicted of benefiting from fraud, ensuring those who steal from taxpayers do not profit from their crimes.

Together, these proposals represent a comprehensive strategy focused on:

• Prevention through stronger oversight authority
• Detection through improved investigative tools
• Accountability through extended prosecution timelines
• Recovery through financial penalties on those who commit fraud

“Stopping fraud isn’t about politics, it’s about protecting Minnesotans,” Rep. Myers (R-Tonka Bay) said. “A layered approach ensures we are proactive, not reactive, when it comes to safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”

The Suburban Solutions Caucus will continue working with colleagues across the political spectrum to advance bipartisan solutions that restore trust, protect public programs, and ensure resources reach the Minnesotans they are intended to serve.