Minnesota State Representative Aaron Repinski said on Apr. 17 that law enforcement continues to withhold details about last week’s cyberattack for security reasons, but noted that the Winona Post has provided a comprehensive update on the situation.
Repinski addressed ongoing concerns about outdated state information technology systems, highlighting the age of critical software such as MAXIS, which is nearly four decades old. He said these legacy systems increase vulnerability to malware attacks and lack modern features like artificial intelligence to help detect fraud.
To address these risks, Repinski said House Republicans have led several IT modernization bills this year. These include HF4808, which would create a Technology Obsolescence Reduction Keystone account for updating government IT systems; HF1911, appropriating funds for county-level service delivery transformation; and HF4523, establishing an advisory group to oversee updates in human services technology with an emphasis on artificial intelligence and automated data verification.
“In the wake of the repeated cyberattacks against us in recent months, I am making our voice heard at the State Legislature to advocate for IT funding at the state, county, and local levels,” Repinski said. “It will be expensive, but it will be worth it.”
Repinski also discussed new initiatives aimed at improving school safety across Minnesota. He outlined a plan that includes $50 million in one-time grants for facility upgrades in both public and non-public schools; a $50 million annual increase in safe schools revenue; $2.5 million per year more for school-linked mental health grants; an anonymous threat reporting system opt-in; increased flexibility for student support personnel aid revenue; $500,000 in one-time funding for school safety plans opt-in; and K-3 dismissal reform.
He emphasized his commitment to finding bipartisan solutions: “Rather than focusing on debates that will not be resolved this session, it is my mission to find commonsense solutions everyone can agree on.” Repinski concluded by inviting constituents to contact him with questions or concerns.
