We heard an informative update from MN Sen. Karin Housley and State Rep. Tom Dippel. The Republican legislators are working hard to bring tax conformity to the State especially for not taxing tip or overtime income. The DFL claims this will reduce revenue by $319 Million but they do not want to talk about the $9Billion in fraudulent state payments under their watch. Another area where taxpayers are getting overcharged is license tab fees. They are working to bring these back to pre-2023 levels. It’s clear that the two parties have very different priorities in BONDING – fortunately this needs a 2/3rds majority to pass. Many other bills were discussed, as well as that the Paid Family and Medical Leave program is ripe for fraud. Rep. Dippel expressed concern for the increased depression and suicide among our youth because of misguided policies that do not support the family or acknowledge God. This is clear in the new ethnic studies curriculum that MDE is pushing which creates a confusing social agenda. Not only that but proposed gun bans would leave non-public schools defenseless. Republicans are working hard to make sure these to not pass.
Nate George spoke to the group about his candidacy for MN State Auditor seeking the Republican endorsement. George is the Mayor of Braham and told us about his local govt experience managing City financial challenges which includes a 48% property tax increase. Using his auditing and compliance skills, they are closely examining all City expenses. George explained that, by statute, the MN State Auditor’s office cannot audit State Government, but oversees local government entities: City, County and School Boards. George is developing a tool to rate the fraud risk of these organizations to make it easier for taxpayers to evaluate low, moderate or high risk. Because of his work as an independent Compliance officer for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe casinos, he plans to use this experience and his skills if elected MN State Auditor.
Candidate Anders Folk reviewed an extensive resume that qualifies him to be the Hennepin County Attorney. That role is the chief prosecutor for the County, provides legal counsel to Hennepin County Commissioners and government components, and sets the agenda for public safety. The office employs 500 and has a budget of $90M. Folk has a law degree from the U of MN and served in the Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate. With his experience as an Assistant US Attorney, he prosecuted cases in the Counter Terrorism unit. His plan for the office, if elected, is: 1) Strategic enforcement to take the most dangerous criminals off the streets 2) Prevention and Intervention – finding those most at risk of committing crimes and offering help with school, jobs, etc. and 3) Collaborative leadership in law enforcement and public safety. He answered many questions covering the severe staff shortage in the US Attorney’s Office that is hampering investigations; the police shortage in Minneapolis with only 600 officers that could not provide enough support for 3,000 Federal ICE agents; and the value of getting gangs and organized crime out of neighborhoods. He will be seeking DFL endorsement.
Nate George, candidate for MN State Auditor
Anders Folk, candidate for Hennepin County Attorney
This is an important year for elections with all 4 Constitutional offices on the ballot in a Statewide race. The Hennepin County Attorney race is every 4 years, and as we all know what is happening in Minneapolis and Hennepin County is impacting the whole State. Who gets on the November ballot will be determined at the primary Tuesday August 11.
Register here:
https://pci.jotform.com/form/212516939541156
Cost: $21. for members; $23. for non-members; membership: $35. (optional); Students $12/age 12 and under; $21/13 and over. Student membership $15/year.
****Tues Feb 3, Caucus – this is where to start for being involved in the political process. (see our caucus page for details).
