ST. PAUL, Minn. — Today, Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights), chief author of Senate File 856 – the proposal to create an independent Office of Inspector General, which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support last year – released the following statement after Governor Walz’s announcement of additional proposals to combat fraud against state programs and services:
“I appreciate the Governor’s attention to this issue. Combating fraud is not a partisan issue. The Senate’s bipartisan passage of our Inspector General bill is a testament to that, and I was glad we set the benchmark for meaningful reform. The transparent advisory process, the gubernatorial appointment, and the requirement of three-fifths approval in the Senate are all features that ensure broad confidence with Minnesotans – making the Senate’s position the most viable path to becoming law.
“Minnesotans expect us to act with urgency, and they deserve assurances that their tax dollars are being used as intended. I have confidence that we will find agreement on solutions and pass meaningful reforms into law. The people of the North Star State deserve nothing less than an oversight system that is independent, durable, and built to last beyond any one administration.”
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Learn more about Sen. Gustafson.
