Minnesota State Representative Pam Altendorf released a legislative update on Apr. 24, highlighting recent events at the Capitol, new legislation, and ongoing concerns about fraud scandals in the state.
Altendorf said Thursday was recognized as Chiefs of Police Day at the Capitol, where she met with Red Wing Assistant Chief Brian Metling and Chief of Police Nick Sather. She expressed support for law enforcement, saying, “I’m always proud to back the blue!”
In her update, Altendorf announced that she agreed to chief-author the Save Minnesota Act. She described it as common sense legislation mirroring the federal Save America Act and noted its reported approval rating above 70 percent. The bill would require voter identification for elections and proof of citizenship for individuals not already registered to vote—including those registering on Election Day. It also proposes providing necessary documentation free of charge to Minnesotans needing an ID and establishing provisional ballots for same-day registrants.
Addressing election integrity concerns, Altendorf referenced cases involving illegal immigrants falsifying absentee ballot applications or voting fraudulently. She criticized Minnesota’s Secretary of State for refusing to turn over voter records to federal authorities and pointed out that nearly 8,000 challenged records remain on Hennepin County voter rolls.
Altendorf also discussed recent fraud scandals during a committee hearing at the Capitol. She cited well-known cases such as Feeding Our Future—linked with $250 million in fraud—and lesser-known organizations like Youth Leadership Academy and Partners in Quality Care that were involved in additional multimillion-dollar fraudulent activities. “Once again, all of this information points to one indisputable conclusion: the repeated failure of leadership in Minnesota to address, prevent, and stop fraud, and the desperate need for some form of accountability,” Altendorf said.
On local issues, Altendorf reported that Red Wing City Administrator Chris Heineman and Prairie Island Indian Community Government Relations Specialist Blake Johnson joined her at a capital investment hearing regarding modifications needed for funding appropriations related to the Sturgeon Lake Road project so it can be completed without additional cost to taxpayers.
Altendorf concluded by encouraging constituents to engage with conservative messages online and invited residents to contact her office with their thoughts or concerns.
