Suburban Solutions Caucus Applauds Passage of OIG Bill

ST. PAUL — Members of the Suburban Solutions Caucus today applauded the House passage of bipartisan legislation to establish an independent Office of Inspector General in Minnesota. Representative Patti Anderson, R-Dellwood, co-authored the bill and helped lead the effort to get it across the finish line.

The bill creates a new, independent watchdog agency with authority to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse across state government. It also establishes a bipartisan Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission to help select candidates to lead the office, ensuring the agency remains independent and apolitical.

Members said the bill is an important step toward stopping fraud earlier, catching bad actors, and holding people accountable when taxpayer dollars are stolen or misused. They said it also reflects the mission of the Suburban Solutions Caucus: bringing people together to deliver practical solutions to the priorities Minnesotans care about most.

“I’m thrilled this bill passed the House,” said Anderson. “Minnesotans have been asking for real action on fraud, and this is a big step. This creates an independent watchdog with the tools to investigate fraud, protect taxpayer dollars, and make sure the money gets to the people it was meant to help.”

“People are tired of hearing about fraud after the money is already gone,” said Representative Andrew Myers, R-Tonka Bay. “They want the state to stop it, catch it, and hold people accountable. That’s what this bill is about, and it’s exactly the kind of practical solution the Suburban Solutions Caucus was created to support.”

“When fraud happens, it doesn’t just hurt a state agency,” said Representative Ben Bakeberg, R-Jordan. “It takes money away from kids, seniors, people with disabilities, and families who actually need help. Taxpayers deserve to know their money is being protected, and this bill moves us in the right direction.”

“Families are already paying more for just about everything, and they shouldn’t be asked to pay higher taxes because the state failed to protect taxpayer dollars,” said Representative Jeff Witte, R-Lakeville. “This bill gives Minnesota a stronger way to go after fraud and make sure people are held accountable.”

“This is about trust,” said Representative Danny Nadeau, R-Rogers. “Minnesotans work hard, pay their taxes, and expect the state to use that money responsibly. Creating an independent Office of Inspector General is a commonsense step to protect taxpayers and make sure public dollars are actually used the way they’re supposed to be used.”

Members said the bill will help protect vulnerable Minnesotans, reduce waste, and relieve pressure for future tax increases, including property tax increases on families and homeowners.