Minnesota State Representative Duane Quam announced on Apr. 24 that recent tornadoes caused significant damage in the area, with about sixty homes affected but no serious injuries or fatalities reported. Quam said he is relieved that residents survived the storms and encouraged those impacted to reach out for assistance with state agencies.
Quam provided information on how to file insurance claims for property damaged in the storms and offered his support to constituents facing difficulties navigating state services. He said, “If you have been impacted by the storms and are having difficulty with a state agency, I encourage you to reach out to me. I will do everything within my power to help you.” Contact details were included for those seeking help.
In addition to disaster recovery efforts, Quam discussed recent activity in the Minnesota House of Representatives, highlighting votes on several bills including HF3629. He said this bill updates grants management laws by increasing oversight and tightening rules regarding accountability for grant-related crimes. During debate, Quam supported provisions preventing state employees from issuing grants and then taking jobs at recipient organizations shortly after approval.
Quam described his approach as nonpartisan: “In my remarks, I made it clear that this is a nonpartisan issue, and finding solutions that we can all agree on has been the basis of my conversations with my DFL colleagues when drafting the language.” He expressed hope that these changes would be enacted by the end of the 2026 Legislative Session.
The representative also announced recognition from The Center For Effective Lawmaking (CEL), stating he was tied for sixth place in its State Legislative Effectiveness Rankings for 2023-2024. CEL evaluates legislators based on their involvement in bills passed into law through a joint initiative between Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia.
Quam concluded by encouraging ongoing communication from constituents: “Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts or concerns.”
