Minnesota State Representative Duane Quam announced on May 1 several updates from the ongoing legislative session, focusing on election integrity, recent federal investigations into Medicaid fraud, and the advancement of the Take It Back Act.
Quam said that allowing observers to verify voting at all polling places would help build public confidence in elections. He spoke in favor of a bill amendment that would permit observers during ballot counting but reported that House Democrats unanimously rejected it. “It is my job to ensure that Minnesotans have faith in the integrity of our elections, and the unanimous refusal of my DFL colleagues to approve poll observers will only further public skepticism,” Quam said.
He also addressed recent law enforcement actions in Minneapolis. “This week, the FBI executed search warrants for 22 locations in Minneapolis that were suspected of containing documentation linking their owners to Medicaid fraud,” Quam said. He expressed concern over what he described as repeated lapses by state agencies in confirming provider legitimacy and criticized Attorney General Ellison for not taking stronger action against fraud. “He has not done, and is not doing, what is needed to bring those stealing our taxpayer dollars to justice,” Quam said.
Quam noted that these federal investigations began under the Biden Administration and emphasized their nonpartisan nature. He added that after House Republicans contacted federal authorities last year about Minnesota’s fraud issues, they were informed investigations would increase.
On legislative developments, Quam shared news about the Take It Back Act being “laid over” for likely inclusion in an upcoming tax bill. The act proposes a 100% tax on state money obtained through fraud by convicted individuals or organizations and grants authority to seize assets such as homes or vehicles from those convicted. Funds recovered would be placed into a taxpayer relief account intended to reduce income taxes for Minnesotans.
Quam encouraged constituents to continue sharing feedback with his office.
