Uphold 2nd Amendment Rights
Accountability in Government and Personal Lives
School Transparency
No More Critical Race Theory
No More Social and Emotional Learning
Less Government, More Transparency
Less Taxes
Stay in the Know
From the Desk of Dawn Appel Wabasha County Republican Chair January 5, 2026
Dear Wabasha County Republicans,
I hope you had a wonderful time over the Christmas and New Year's Holiday celebrating with family and friends. Most of all I pray you are all feeling blessed and ready for the wonderful year ahead of us! This year we should all be motivated to get involved and do everything we can to get a Republican Governor elected into office and bring back our Minnesota vitality and integrity!
Our first priority of the new year is completing the Caucus proceedings on February 3rd, which is quickly approaching. We have secured all of the Wabasha County precinct locations and are looking for people who will volunteer to help us make this day a success. If you want to help but not sure if you know what to do, don't worry, there are lots of training sessions to help (see end of this email for one that fits for you).
Areas where we need your help includes the following (please email me if you are interested):
Greeters- Need 1-2 for each of 5 locations to help provide information and direct attendees to the correct precinct table/room
Caucus Secretary- Need 1 for each of 5 Locations. Help keep the room focused, on task and on time. Work with the Conveyor to ensure that all precincts have completed required paperwork, verify that Delegate & Alternate counts are accurately reflected on precinct logs and help to ensure delivery to BPOU Chair by next day.
Precinct Chair - Directs the specific precinct on caucus proceedings. Serves as Precinct Chair for 2 years attends BPOU meetings representing community interest/concerns
Precinct Secretary- One for every Precinct. Ensures all precinct papers are completed correctly, collected and submitted to the Caucus Secretary or Conveyor.
These trainings are designed for any unit leader and every precinct caucus convener (and/or their secretary). Each session includes a step-by-step review of the required forms, best practices to avoid common errors, and a dedicated Q&A so conveners feel confident and ready to run a smooth, orderly caucus.
Training Schedule (Central Time):
• Mondays: 7:00–8:15 PM
• Tuesdays: 7:00–8:15 PM
• Thursdays: 7:00–8:15 PM
• Saturdays: 1:00–2:15 PM
Please attend and strongly encourage your conveners to attend one (or more) of these sessions. Repetition helps, and we want every convener to be comfortable with the paperwork before caucus night.
Please see the links below and share them with your conveners:
WEEKDAY ZOOM - MON, TUES & THURS
• https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84676243690?pwd=zbPzYzYgay88zF1kWaivWZQWTXqKTy.1
Meeting ID: 846 7624 3690
Passcode: 095492
SATURDAY ZOOM
• https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88551974418?pwd=8aTYiVlRcO5JOqaIKbJ5nYqP0FsbNc.1
Meeting ID: 885 5197 4418
Passcode: 277467
--
Thank you for all of your consideration. We need you and appreciate you!
Dawn Appel
Wabasha County BPOU Chair
RESPONSIBILITIES OF
PRECINCT OFFICERS, DELEGATES, AND ALTERNATES
It is time to step up to the plate and take back our country from Democrats at every level of government—locally on city councils and school boards, in St. Paul, and in Washington, D.C.
That work starts in your precinct, by organizing your neighbors and turning them out to vote.
________________________________________
PRECINCT OFFICERS
Term of Office: Two (2) years
Precinct Officers serve as the backbone of grassroots Republican organizing. Their responsibilities include:
- Representing the Republican Party to voters within your precinct
- Attending required officer leadership training courses
- Supporting Republican candidates and the Party financially
- Recruiting volunteers and assisting candidates and your BPOU with:
- Fundraising events
- Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) phone calls
- Door knocking
- Volunteer recruitment
- Yard sign placement
- Filling your precinct’s delegate allocation for BPOU conventions
- If a delegate cannot attend, recruiting alternates to ensure all delegate seats are filled
________________________________________
DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
Term of Office: Two (2) years
Delegates and alternates play a critical role in electing Republican leadership and shaping party direction. Responsibilities include:
- Working with precinct and BPOU officers to elect endorsed Republican candidates
- Attending ALL conventions and becoming informed on the issues and candidates you will vote on
- Recruiting an alternate to attend in your place if you are unable to attend a convention
- Supporting Republican candidates, your BPOU, and the Party financially
- Assisting candidates and your BPOU with:
- Fundraising events
- Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) phone calls
- Door knocking
- Volunteer recruitment
- Yard sign placement
________________________________________
EXAMPLES OF GRASSROOTS ACTIVITIES
Precinct officers, delegates, and alternates have fulfilled their duties by organizing activities such as:
- Door knocking all Republican voters in your precinct for a Get-Out-The-Vote effort
- The State Party can provide voter lists and access to the Advantage app
- Calling Republican voters in your precinct for a Get-Out-The-Vote effort
- The State Party can provide voter lists and the Red Dialer automatic calling program
- Door knocking or calling unidentified voters to update voter records and establish strong voter IDs
- Contacting voters who have recently moved into your precinct and assisting them with Minnesota voter registration
- Contacting Republican voters to request participation in Precinct Caucus Registrations (PCRs) or to host a fundraiser
- Hosting a Republican block party and hand-delivering invitations throughout the precinct
- Hosting a meet-and-greet for an endorsed Republican candidate and hand-delivering invitations to precinct voters
________________________________________
PRECINCT CAUCUS SECRETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Precinct Caucus Secretary plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, legality, and completeness of caucus records. Careful attention to detail is essential.
________________________________________
BEFORE THE CAUCUS
1. Review all materials in the Caucus Packet in advance.
2. Arrive early (no later than 6:00 PM) to assist the Caucus Convener with room setup and preparation.
________________________________________
REGISTRATION
3. Ensure all registration materials are properly laid out before attendees arrive.
4. Carefully review registration forms to confirm they are completed accurately and legibly.
- Remind attendees to PRINT their contact information, including email address.
- Clarify any missing, unclear, or illegible information before the caucus begins.
________________________________________
DURING THE CAUCUS
5. After the election of Delegates and Alternates, record those elected on the attendee sign-in form to the right of the individual’s name.
- Do not exceed the number of allocated Delegates and Alternates.
- If not all positions are filled, fewer names may be recorded than the allocated number.
- Mark:
- Delegates with a “D”
- Alternates with an “A”
- If Alternates are elected in rank order, record the rank number next to each “A.”
6. Record elected Precinct Officers next to the individual’s name on the sign-in pages or PCRC forms:
- Chair or Co-Chair – “C”
- Vice Chair – “V”
- Secretary – “S”
- Treasurer – “T”
(Record on the Caucus Book or PCRC forms, as applicable.)
7. If an individual is elected but not present, complete an absentee sheet for that person.
• Required information includes:
- Elected position
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
8. Record times and totals on designated forms, including:
- Time caucus convened
- Number of attendees
- Number of delegates
- Number of observers
9. Collect all resolutions and ensure each is clearly marked PASS or FAIL.
10. Sign your name on all designated forms where required.
________________________________________
AFTER THE CAUCUS
11. Collect all caucus materials, place them in the provided envelope, and give them to:
- The Caucus Convener, or
- The Site Captain, or
- The individual designated by the BPOU to collect materials
12. Assist with cleanup:
- Erase the board
- Return all furniture to its original placement
Republican Caucus February 3, 2026
Your Vote Counts Join your friends and neighbors at our local Republican Precinct Caucus. This is an opportunity to discuss issues and choose delegates and party leadership.
Now is the time to get involved and take back our State and Nation!
Wabasha County Republicans Caucus Locations
Precincts:
Mount Pleasant Township
Lake Township
Lake City P-1
Lake City P-2
Lake City P-3
West Albany Township
Caucus Location: Bluff View School, Lake City
Address: 1156 W Lakewood Ave, Lake City MN 55041
Precincts:
Pepin Township
Glasgow Township
Greenfield Township
Watopa Township
Minneiska Township
Wabasha Ward 1
Wabasha Ward 2
Wabasha Ward
Kellogg City
Caucus Location: Wabasha Kellogg High School
Address: 2113 Hiawatha Drive East, Wabasha MN 55981
Precincts:
Plainview Township
Plainview P-1
Plainview P-2
Highland Township
Oakwood Township
Millville City
Caucus Location: PEM High School
Address: 500 West Broadway, Plainview MN 55964
Precincts:
Elgin Township
Elgin City
Caucus Location: Elgin Firehall
Address: 135 Main Street East, Elgin MN 55932
Precincts:
Zumbro Township
Hyde Park Township
Mazeppa Township
Bellechester City
Mazeppa City
Zumbro Falls City
Gillford Township
Chester Township
Hammond City
Caucus Location: Zumbro Falls City Hall
Address: 342 Highway 60, Zumbro Falls MN 55991
From the Desk of Alex Plechash Chairman MNGOP December 9, 2025
December 9, 2025
Statement from Chair Alex Plechash
Edina, MN — Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash released the following statement regarding Steve Simon seeking a 4th term as MN SOS.
“Steve Simon’s decision to run for a fourth term should alarm every Minnesotan who cares about transparency, clean elections, and a functioning government. Simon has spent a decade turning the Secretary of State’s office into a partisan apparatus that protects the DFL at the expense of public trust. His record is not one of stewardship — it’s a record of blocking investigations, losing lawsuits, hiding critical information, and enabling chaos inside our state government.”
SIMON ENABLED THE 2025 LEGISLATIVE MELTDOWN
• When the 2025 session collapsed into a constitutional debacle, Steve Simon was in the presiding chair. It was Simon who ruled the House could not organize — a procedural decision that gave the DFL the escape hatch they needed to walk out for weeks and grind the Legislature to a halt. His ruling helped trigger the standoff that froze public-safety bills, stopped budget negotiations, and blocked election-security legislation.
And let’s not forget:
• This crisis started because the DFL attempted to seat a candidate who did not even live in the district, a violation that destabilized the entire balance of the House. Simon’s office failed to prevent the situation, and Minnesotans paid the price.
BLOCKS INVESTIGATIONS
Simon has repeatedly obstructed legitimate oversight efforts:
• Refused to turn over voter-roll data to the U.S. Department of Justice, forcing the DOJ to file a federal lawsuit when he blocked citizenship-verification efforts.
• Rejected participation in the DHS SAVE system, which other states use to identify noncitizens and deceased individuals on voter rolls.
• Stonewalled legislative committees seeking routine election-security information, including absentee-ballot rejection data and voter-roll maintenance procedures.
• This is not “protecting voters.” It’s protecting the DFL from scrutiny.
LOSES IN COURT
Simon’s tenure is littered with legal defeats:
• A federal court in Carson v. Simon ruled that he violated state law by unilaterally changing absentee-ballot deadlines.
• Courts struck down Simon-backed rules restricting ballot observers because he exceeded his legal authority.
• Judges repeatedly rebuked his office for attempting to rewrite election law without legislative approval.
• Minnesotans should not have to rely on the courts to stop the Secretary of State from breaking the law.
HIDES THE TRUTH
• Transparency under Simon has collapsed:
• The Office of the Legislative Auditor reported significant difficulty obtaining basic election data from Simon’s office.
• Watchdog groups and reporters documented delays and refusals in public-records requests involving election rule changes.
• Simon refused to release information — even in redacted form — on confirmed cases of double voting and ineligible voters referred to for prosecution.
What is he trying to hide?
THE RESULT: ERODED TRUST, MORE FRAUD, LESS ACCOUNTABILITY
• Just as Governor Walz and the DFL have wrecked Minnesota’s education system, allowed billions in fraud to flow out of state agencies, and destroyed our reputation for clean government, Steve Simon has done the same to our elections.
• Minnesota used to be known for its fair, transparent election system.
• Under Steve Simon, that reputation has collapsed.
In 2026, Minnesotans will choose between:
More secrecy, more lawsuits, more chaos under Steve Simon — or a fresh start that restores integrity and transparency to our election
December 6, 2025
If you want to understand why Republicans are positioned to win in 2026, look at what is happening right now across Minnesota. Families are being crushed by the over ONE BILLION DOLLAR increase in property taxes this year alone. Add that to the $10 billion in new taxes pushed by Tim Walz—taxes on Amazon deliveries, skyrocketing vehicle registration fees, and higher costs on everyday life—and it’s no wonder Minnesotans are saying enough is enough.
These aren’t abstract policy debates.
These are kitchen-table issues hitting families every single day.
And the DFL is completely out of touch.
But the biggest reason we win?
Our people. Our message. Our momentum.
We have the strongest field of statewide candidates in decades—leaders who will energize voters, lift legislative races, and help take back Minnesota.
MINNESOTA IS GROUND ZERO FOR STOPPING FRAUD — AND THE NATION IS FINALLY WAKING UP
Minnesota has become ground zero in the national fight to expose and end fraud — and the rest of America is finally seeing what we have been dealing with for years under Tim Walz’s failed leadership.
While state agencies fell apart, oversight collapsed, and billions vanished, the Minnesota media establishment protected Walz, looked the other way, minimized scandal after scandal, and tried to keep the public from knowing just how bad things had gotten.
Not anymore.
BREAKING: The National Spotlight Is Now Directly on Minnesota
This week, senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller announced the launch of a full-scale federal investigation into Somali-related fraud operations in Minnesota. His words were blunt and powerful:
> “We believe that the Somali fraud operation in Minnesota is the single greatest theft of taxpayer dollars, through welfare fraud, in American HISTORY...
And we believe that what we are going to uncover is going to shock the American people.”
For years, Tim Walz’s agencies failed to act.
For years, Democrats ignored red flags.
And for years, Minnesotans were left paying the bill.
Now, the federal government has stepped in to do what the State of Minnesota refused to do: shine a light, expose the truth, and hold people accountable.
We thank the President, his administration, and federal prosecutors for prioritizing these investigations and taking decisive action to stop fraud, protect taxpayers, and remove dangerous criminal operations from our communities — something Walz and Minnesota Democrats failed to do at every turn.
This is exactly why Minnesotans are demanding change.
This is why our movement is growing.
This is why we win.
AMAZING TURNOUT — STATE CENTRAL, DECEMBER 13
Grassroots enthusiasm is at levels we haven't seen in years. On December 13th, we will hold one of the largest State Central meetings in recent memory, where delegates will participate in the first-ever gubernatorial preference poll.
This is history in the making — and it’s powered by YOU.
MN GOP CHRISTMAS PARTY — DECEMBER 12 (6:30–9:30PM), CROWNE PLAZA PLYMOUTH
Celebrate with fellow patriots the night before State Central at our MN GOP Christmas Party. Candidates, elected officials, activists, and supporters will gather as we close out the year united, energized, and ready to flip Minnesota.
Join us. Bring a friend. Feel the momentum.
ELECTION SEASON BEGINS — PRECINCT CAUCUSES FEBRUARY 3
Once January hits, we go full throttle.
Precinct caucuses are February 3, and we are preparing earlier and stronger than ever.
We are hosting caucus training every Tuesday and Thursday via Zoom at 7 p.m., and we have videos and resources available anytime at:
This is how we build a winning machine.
WE WILL WIN BECAUSE MINNESOTA IS READY
Minnesotans are done paying more and getting less.
Done with fraud, excuses, and incompetence.
Done with a governor who hides behind distractions instead of delivering results.
We have the message.
We have the momentum.
We have the movement.
2026 begins now — and we are going to win.
Alex Plechash
Chairman
Republican Party of Minnesota
Stay in the Know
Legislative Update From the Desk of Senator Steve Drazkowski January 1, 2026
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We've just ended a tumultuous year in Minnesota. In 2025, we saw a new Trump administration take over in Washington, making needed course corrections in many different areas, including those that directly impact our state. Last summer, we experienced the horrifying murder of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, the shootings at Annunciation School, and, on the national stage, the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In the last few weeks, we've seen public sector fraud in Minnesota take center stage, something Republicans like me have tried to call attention to for years. As we start the new year, let's hope that 2026 brings clarity and focus to our leadership so that we can effectively turn the page and build a brighter future.
The Fraud Reckoning
The truth about fraud in Minnesota public programs has finally reached social media and national news. Viral videos by an independent investigator revealed that Minnesota has squandered state and U.S. tax dollars on nonexistent children’s food and care, paying for services never rendered on a scale unprecedented anywhere.
What could have prevented this? And what could the legislature have done?
Many people tried to prevent daycare benefit fraud and other abuses of the system. For decades, the Office of the Legislative Auditor has produced report after report detailing the failings of the administrative state around public welfare programs. After these reports came out, some legislators have been spurred to act by passing bills intended to “fix” the problems.
Why didn’t they succeed? Because these efforts were stymied by other legislators who supported Governor Walz’s view that the legislature had no business trying to manage his administration, even when it had repeatedly failed to address fraud. They were complicit in keeping the fraud in place and shirking one of the legislature's primary functions: oversight of the executive branch.
So, when you read about fraud and the failure to stop it, remember that there were people who tried to sound the alarm, but there were also those who did everything they could to keep the money flowing to the fraudsters. If you don’t believe me, take a look at this debate on childcare fraud legislation from the Minnesota House in 2019. In it, House Democrats had a weak bill to address the fraud by allowing the fraudsters time to come up with the “corrections” they needed to keep getting funded. House Republicans, including me, disputed that this bill would do anything to prevent the fraud from continuing and offered amendments to implement basic anti-fraud reviews and audits of the program. These were all rejected. We were called racists and haters for our efforts.
Audits can prevent ongoing fraud, but they only catch it after it starts. To prevent it, we need to adjust Minnesota's system of checks and balances. The legislature must regain some of its authority over the executive branch in overseeing its programs. Additionally, we should reduce the number and complexity of programs to make them less vulnerable to exploitation by criminals.
I was part of the group that worked on a bill last year that would create an Office of the Inspector General. It was blocked in the House by Governor Walz and his Democrat supporters. The OIG would be an independent office, like the OLA, but with investigative and law enforcement power. It would not have to wait for the legislature to act, and it would not be caught up in partisan debate.
Many people have asked, Why do we need a new agency? Why can’t we give those powers to the Legislative Auditor? I don’t like the idea of creating more government. But we cannot create an unconstitutional usurpation of power by the legislature that could be challenged in court. Many states have created Inspector General Offices and similar institutions and have found them to be valuable tools in combating fraud.
An OIG is not the only tool at our disposal. We must strengthen our whistleblower laws to protect honest people who come forward with information. They have been our best allies in stopping fraud. Currently, their only protection under the law is the right to sue for wrongful termination or to prove retaliation. That isn’t much of an incentive to come forward. We can create a better pathway for investigation without exposing them to risk.
There will be much more news about this in the coming days. The guilty must be caught and punished, which is a job for law enforcement and the courts. The Trump administration is doing what it can to get the resources to the U.S. Attorney who will be prosecuting most of these cases because federal tax dollars were abused. At the legislature, our focus will be on what we can do to ensure this can’t happen again. And it must start with overhauling our oversight role.
New laws in 2026
As is usual, Minnesota has a significant number of laws taking effect January 1, 2026. This year, there are new laws that affect workers, outdoor recreation, and protections for vulnerable adults.
Paid Family and Medical Leave
A new state-run Paid Family and Medical Leave program starts, allowing most Minnesota workers to take up to 12 weeks of medical leave and 12 weeks of family leave per benefit year, with a combined cap of 20 weeks of paid benefits. Benefits are funded by a 0.88% payroll tax shared between employers and employees, and the program operates similarly to unemployment insurance with job protection for covered leave. (See my last newsletter for a write-up on this vast and probably unsustainable expansion of government into the employer-employee benefits area.)
Meal and Rest Break Changes
Employers must provide a paid rest break of at least 15 minutes for every four consecutive hours worked, and this time must be counted as hours worked.
Employers must also provide at least a 30 minute meal break for every 6 consecutive hours worked, tightening the previous “sufficient time to eat” standard.
Outdoor and Natural Resources Changes
The “shotgun zone” for taking deer during the regular firearms deer hunting season in southern Minnesota is repealed. Hunters statewide may use any legal firearm for deer unless a county enacts its own restriction, after a public hearing and passage of a county ordinance. County sheriffs would enforce such an ordinance, not the State Department of Natural Resources, as was the case with the “shotgun zone.”
Watercraft Fee Increases
The annual invasive species watercraft surcharge increases from $10.60 to a tiered range of $14 to $62, depending on boat size, type, and use. Specific water use permit fees are also increasing. I fought these increases and will continue to try to roll back the rising cost of enjoying our outdoors.
Protections for Vulnerable Adults
People can now petition a district court for an order for protection against financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, with a hearing required within 14 days. Courts may grant relief such as prohibiting contact and freezing assets or credit lines if the vulnerable adult is in imminent danger of exploitation or irreparable financial harm.
Elections
Absentee ballot applications will require both a Minnesota driver’s license/state ID number and the last four digits of a Social Security Number unless the applicant certifies they lack these.
Third-party (groups or political party) Mailings with absentee ballot applications or sample ballots must include disclaimers clarifying they are not official government communications.
Other changes include the inclusion of phonetic name spellings for candidates on candidate filing documents, faster public information list processing, restrictions on campaign contributions for inaugural/transition expenses, and immediate reporting of self-contributions exceeding limits.
Speciality crop grants available from the Department of Agriculture
The Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program funds projects that will increase the competitiveness of Minnesota-grown specialty crops in domestic and foreign markets.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, floriculture, and processed products that have 50% or more specialty crop content by weight, exclusive of added water. A list of eligible specialty crops is available on the grant page (link below).
Each project must demonstrate external support from specialty crop stakeholders and produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry or public beneficiaries. Projects proposed by individual producers, for-profit businesses, or commercial entities are eligible if they demonstrate a significant benefit to the broader specialty crop industry.
MDA will award roughly $1.25 million through a competitive review process, contingent on federal funding. The minimum award is $25,000, and the maximum award is $125,000. There is no matching funds requirement for this grant.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time (CT) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
For more information. including the link to apply, here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/specialty-crop-block-grant
Don't hesitate to contact me anytime with any issues, concerns, or feedback so I can best represent you. The best way to reach me is by email at sen.steve.drazkowski@mnsenate.gov or by phone at 651-296-5612. My legislative assistant is Margaret Martin, and her number is 651-296-4264. She will be happy to assist you, in or out of session.
Sincerely,
Steve Drazkowski
Minnesota Senate, District 20, Wabasha, Goodhue, Winona, Olmsted, and Dakota Counties.
2411 Minnesota Senate Building
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Stay in the Know
From the Desk of Pam Altendorf State Representative 20A December 19, 2025
WHAT'S NEW?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time last week at Wabasha-Kellogg Schools serving as “Principal for a Day.”
I was able to visit with seniors on the student council, read a book to a kindergarten class, speak with 6th graders about the political process, and talk with educators about the challenges they are facing and how the legislature can help. I even received an ornament from students in shop class!
Thanks to everyone from Wabasha-Kellogg for their hospitality! I really enjoyed the visit!
LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS
FRAUD REPORT
Well, this is rich.
You’ll recall I sounded the alarm on the improbable increase of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Minnesota last month. I found that by analyzing federal data, more than $1.5 billion was spent on SNAP benefits in our state, tripling the amount that was spent just four years earlier. Specifically, Minnesota saw a 174% jump in SNAP issuance over a one-year period in fiscal years 2020 and 2021.
Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) quickly issued a statement saying it was a math error, having “mistakenly included Pandemic EBT” in its form submitted to the federal government.
Interestingly, a FOX 9 reporter questioned why I wasn't willing to drop the story after this news came out, insisting that I accept this was just a mistake. Well, KSTP actually decided to investigate rather than accept the state’s lame response and let the issue die. Their reporting is unbelievable. It found that all of the numbers are wrong as it repeatedly reported incorrect information about SNAP to the federal government, and that DCYF continued to rely on that flawed data to answer questions from curious reporters trying to uncover fraud.
From the report: “Information on how much money Minnesota distributed to SNAP recipients and how many people were found to have defrauded the system is not accurate in three different reports compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a DCYF spokesperson confirmed to 5 INVESTIGATES.”
And now, the agency is no longer responding. Is anyone shocked?
To watch the story, click here.
ANOTHER FRAUD LOOPHOLE: “RELIGIOUS ONLY” MARRIAGES?
This week, a health insurance agent from southeastern Minnesota reached out to me to point out another fraud loophole that is taking place in our state and confirm the accuracy of a recent Alpha News report titled ‘If taxpayers knew how bad it was, they would be outraged’, The article centers on religious-only marriages, and its impact on accessing free healthcare in our state.
MNsure subsidies are determined by reporting the projected combined annual household income and the number of people in the household. Most East-African households practice “religious-only” marriages, where they share children and live together most of the time, but they are treated in the system as unmarried parents. Then the mother claims all the children, but does not count the father’s income. In this situation, they get the benefits of a single-parent household (at a likely low income), but they actually live together.
So, let’s say a Somali marriage is not court-documented. According to the article most aren’t, which means this scenario is running rampant in terms of entitlements that we are allowing as a state. Also, some of these East African men maintain multiple religious-only marriages, allowing them to avoid reporting a spouse for public benefits while having multiple wives and children, all getting free (or heavily discounted) healthcare.
Meanwhile, the rest of the public who follow the rules and report both spouse’s incomes are spending thousands of dollars a month for health insurance coverage if they are purchasing through MNsure.
Another day, another fraud. No other state has these problems, and it is infuriating.
MAY YOU FIND PEACE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
This has been a difficult, heavy year for many Minnesotans. For many in America. And it goes beyond the price of gas or the unpredictable weather.
Here in Minnesota, we had the political assassination of Melissa Hortman, and the devastating Annunciation School shooting. Which led to the threats of Governor Walz calling a special session, not to pass any meaningful gun legislation, but as Walz insinuated, to get Republicans on record for their votes.
I ran for this office to help solve problems, and there is no issue I would rather fix than to bring safety and security to our children, schools, neighborhoods, and cities. This is a deeply complex issue. If only we had this magic ability with the vote of the legislature and the swipe of a pen to make everyone totally “safe,” I venture to guess we’d be all scrambling over each other to pass that law.
If gun legislation was the magic answer, would you agree that Chicago – which has some of the strictest gun laws in America - then must be one of our safest cities? If banning guns worked, then why did we just see a mass shooting in Australia after prohibiting semi-automatic firearms in 1996? If gun-free zones were effective, how did a violent criminal bring a gun on a 146 acre campus of Brown University and kill two students?
After the Annunciation shooting, I was alarmed and frankly disgusted to see how quickly the anti-gun activists hijacked and politicized the narrative. Children were still in surgery rooms nearby, when politicians stood up at a news conference and publicly claimed that gun legislation was what we needed to ensure Minnesotans’ “safety.”
Fear is an incredible thing. It drives people to action. People who are under duress and extreme fear are easier to manipulate and control. Knowing this as psychological fact, you then realize it’s not an accident when political rhetoric increases after tragedies. In this case, demands for gun legislation with the promises in return of your “safety," never mind the shootings referenced above prove gun control doesn’t work.
The Annunciation Church shooting was an unconscionable tragedy. You know what else was a tragedy? A Lake City man allegedly shooting the owner of the local Subway restaurant over an apparent disagreement. So too was the former Stewartville wrestler who authorities believe shot a student on the Stewartville wrestling team and then killed himself.
These two incidents happened within a day of each other this month in southeastern Minnesota. Clearly, these individuals were all troubled, the same as any other individual who thinks violence is the answer to their problems.
If we are serious about reducing violence, shouldn’t every possible factor be on the table for discussion? Remember, we are basically two generations removed from kids driving to school with a loaded shotgun in the back of their pickup so they could go hunting after class – and no one batted an eye. What’s changed? We’ve always had guns. Are we brave enough to consider what else is contributing to our society’s violence epidemic?
Drastic increases in mental illness, depression and violence are happening in our society. Which of the following could be factors in these increases: children being over medicated for ADHD and anxiety, violent video games, lack of parenting, screen-time usage, decreased attention spans, alcohol, drugs, social media, or lower church attendance?
Are we serious about truly solving problems? If so, then let’s have some very honest and tough discussions. Rushing to blame a gun for someone’s actions is short-sighted and disingenuous at best. Falling for this heated political rhetoric, and allowing emotions to be overcome by fear, leads us to ignore every other contributing factor to the problem. Lulling us into believing “if only we legislate,” has proven to be a false safety.
2025 is nearly in our rearview mirror, and the Christmas season is upon us. It is the season of giving, and a season of happiness. Most of us know the reason for the season. Might the society shift we are seeking to lessen violence, be not in legislation, but simply found in a meek and humble baby born, named Jesus?
Peace to you and your families this holiday season. Merry Christmas.
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2591 Centennial Office Building
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Saint Paul, MN 55155
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From The Desk of Donna Bergstrom Deputy Chairwoman MNGOP December 15, 2025
Dear Fellow Minnesota Republicans,
As Minnesotans, we enter a cherished time of year when communities across our state celebrate holidays rooted in light, hope, and renewal. Both Christmas and Hanukkah remind us that even in the darkest winter months, light endures, symbolizing perseverance, faith, and the strength we draw from one another, and our shared hope for the future of our state and our great country.
This Season of Light also encourages us to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a nation where freedom, opportunity, and perseverance remain guiding principles. The values celebrated in this season - compassion, service, resilience, and the belief that hope can prevail - align closely with the ideals that form the foundation of America.
Here in Minnesota, we especially see these values in our party; in the way we support one another, volunteers step forward in times of need, and our community comes together to do the work necessary to build a better future for Minnesota.
We are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy, like the freedom of worship, the freedom of speech, and the ability to participate in civic life, are not only American cornerstones but also reflections of the season’s deeper meaning. As we gather with family and friends, let us honor these blessings and recommit ourselves to treating one another with respect, dignity, and camaraderie that comes from shared goals for a better outcome for all Minnesotans.
Minnesota has always been at its best when we meet challenges with collaboration and goodwill. This year, as celebrations unfold across our state, we encourage all Minnesotans to illuminate their communities with acts of generosity, thoughtful dialogue, and engagement that strengthens our shared civic fabric.
May the spirit of Christmas and Hanukkah inspire us to carry the light forward into our homes, our neighborhoods, and our collective future.
Wishing you and your loved ones peace, joy, and enduring light this holiday season.
With resolve and gratitude,
Donna M. Bergstrom
Deputy Chair
Republican Party of Minnesota
(O)651-222-0022
(C)202-236-2692
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Legislative Update From the Desk of Representative Steve Jacob November 7, 2025
Hello from St. Paul,
One of the more interesting positions I hold at the State Capitol is my membership on the Legislative Audit Commission. Here we discuss a number of independent reviews made by the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA).
Recently, it issued a fairly damning review of the way Governor Walz is running his office, finding "widespread financial mismanagement."
The OLA report found a dozen instances of mismanagement in the office of Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. This includes not properly handling receipts, not accurately overseeing employee timesheet completion and approval, and making several late, and sometimes inaccurate, payments to vendors. It also reviewed the Governor’s Office a year ago, and of the 5 major problems it listed, the OLA noted the Governor’s Office failed to address 4 of them.
Can anyone be surprised that billions of dollars have been lost to fraud in Minnesota under Governor Walz’s watch when he doesn’t even take financial accountability in his own office seriously?
It is the ultimate thumbing of the nose at authority. The Governor knows Democrats in this state seldom get called out for anything by the media – remember all the nonsense about Walz we learned about from the national media after he announced he was running for vice president – so he has no reason to shape up. The governor’s mansion is used for campaign purposes. Large expenses are broken down into smaller expenses so reporting requirements can be dodged. It’s totally unethical.
After the news broke, Governor Walz claimed it was no big deal and he would take care of these problems immediately. Gee, I wonder why? His next election is less than a year away!
When you allow the fox to guard the henhouse, you can’t expect the chickens to survive. The OLA is working to right the ship, but the Governor’s Office simply has proven repeatedly it just won’t prioritize financial accountability for itself or the state unless it’s election season. That’s just a fact, and it’s unacceptable.
HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY!
Allow me to be among the first to wish the men and women who served in the armed forces a happy veteran’s day! Our country would literally not exist without your sacrifices. Your efforts have preserved the liberties many of us take for granted every day.
For those of us who did not serve, please join me in thanking all of our veterans for a job well done on Tuesday.
KEEP IN TOUCH!
I value your input and encourage you to reach out any time with your legislative questions and concerns. I can be reached at rep.steven.jacob@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651.296.2273. I look forward to hearing from you!
Have a good weekend,
Steve
Stay in the Know
Understand What It Means to be a Conservative Republican
If You Remember One Thing: While Democrats fought to raise taxes, increase spending, and make life more expensive and difficult for Minnesotans, House Republicans made our priorities clear: making our state safer and more affordable, returning common-sense leadership to St. Paul.
Look Back at the Democrat Trifecta:
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Turned an $18 billion surplus into a $6 billion deficit.
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Raised taxes by $10 billion.
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Made our communities less safe with soft-on-crime policies.
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Piled on mandates hurting farmers, small businesses, and families.
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Pushed Critical Race Theory into our classrooms instead of focusing on reading and math.
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Handed taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants.
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Passed the most extreme abortion policy in America.
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Attacked our 2nd Amendment rights and undermined religious freedom.
During Republicans 67-66 Majority:
For a few weeks this session, Minnesotans saw what Republican leadership looks like and where the two parties stand on the issues important to Minnesotans.
Republicans voted to:
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Protect girls’ sports by keeping boys out of female competition.
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Repeal the Democrats’ dangerous “Duty to Retreat” law.
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Pause wasteful light rail expansions.
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Rein in emergency powers—so no governor can rule Minnesota like a king ever again.
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Return surplus tax dollars where they belong, with hardworking Minnesotans.
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Fund, pro-life women’s pregnancy centers that Democrats defunded after 20 years of bipartisan support.
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And require life-saving care for infants born alive after failed abortions.
Democrats voted down every single one, but Minnesotans saw where each party stands.
After the House Returned to a 67-67 Tie:
Eventually, the House returned to a 67-67 tie, yet even then, House Republicans secured conservative wins no one thought possible:
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The largest spending cut in Minnesota state history.
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No new taxes on Minnesota families — zero.
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An end to taxpayer-funded health insurance for adult illegal immigrants.
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Dozens of anti-fraud reforms to protect your hard-earned money.
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Protection for homeschoolers and charter schools from Gov. Walz’s proposed cuts to nonpublic pupil aid.
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Life-saving funding for rural ambulance services facing collapse.
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Increases in penalties for violent criminals to keep our communities safe.
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A $2 million cut to Second Harvest Heartland — the “food shelf nonprofit” that was caught paying its CEO over $720,000 a year.
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Major restrictions on legislatively named nonprofit grants.
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Cuts to taxpayer-funded abortion grants.
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Historic permitting reform to speed up job-creating projects.
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A full repeal of the public option implementation authority and its $21 million in funding.
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And we stopped massive cost shifts to counties that would’ve driven up your property taxes.
And most importantly: we blocked billions in new taxes, protecting Minnesota families from even more financial pain.
Imagine, with a $6 billion budget deficit, the type of tax raises Democrats would have passed if not for House Republicans standing in the breach.
20A STATE REPRESENTATIVE pam altendorf
20b state representative steve jacob
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