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From the Desk of Alex Plechash Chairman MNGOP November 22, 2025
This week, the truth finally broke through.
**A bombshell City Journal investigation confirmed what many of us have suspected for years:
Minnesota taxpayers have become one of the largest funders of the Somali terrorist organization Al-Shabab.**
READ: https://www.city-journal.org/article/city-journal-daily-newsletter-nov-20-2025
Billions meant for the disabled, seniors, and the most vulnerable were stolen through massive fraud — and a portion of that money was funneled overseas to a terrorist group that wants to kill Americans. This isn’t sloppy bookkeeping. This is a catastrophic failure of leadership in our state.
And where was Tim Walz?
Off gallivanting around Europe.
Back home just long enough to host a fundraiser.
Still refusing to hold a single person in his administration accountable.
This state has never had a more unserious governor.
And instead of taking responsibility, Walz blamed… Donald Trump.
That’s his answer to the largest welfare-terrorism scandal in state history.
But here’s the reality:
It was President Trump’s U.S. Attorney’s Office — not Walz, not Ellison — that uncovered this fraud and brought the prosecutions.
When Minnesota leaders looked the other way, federal prosecutors acted.
And last night, President Trump took decisive action again.
Trump ended deportation protections (TPS) for Somali nationals in Minnesota — effective immediately — calling out our state as a hub of fraud and money-laundering.
He said exactly what Minnesotans needed to hear:
“Send them back. It’s OVER.”
When our own governor refused to lead, President Trump stepped in to protect taxpayers and national security.
Minnesotans deserve a governor who will do the same.
This is a turning point.
People are waking up.
They’re angry.
And they’re ready for change.
Here’s how we channel this moment:
• Commit to caucus. This is where the movement begins.
• Use your PCR. Support the Party or your candidate — it costs you nothing.
• Get involved. Talk to your neighbors, your church, your community. Minnesota needs you.
We are building a new coalition — fed up, energized, and ready to take back this state from incompetence, corruption, and one-party decay.
This is our moment.
This is the fight.
And together, we will win.
Alex Plechash
Chairman
Republican Party of Minnesota
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From the Desk of Pam Altendorf State Representative 20A November 21, 2025
WHAT'S NEW?
Great news from Wabasha! This week we learned Congressman Brad Finstad helped Gundersen St. Elizabeth Hospital secure $1.6 million to assist with its primary care, rehabilitation, and retail pharmacy expansion project.
As many rural hospitals have struggled, I’m so proud of Gundersen St. Elizabeth Hospital in Wabasha. It has been innovative and serves their community extremely well!
Many thanks to Congressman Finstad for helping the hospital modernize and strengthen patient wellness programs for those in and around Wabasha!
LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS
OH SNAP! FRAUD DISCOVERED IN FEDERAL FOOD PROGRAM, AND MINNESOTA?
I have been working hard to get this story out, as it just doesn’t pass the smell test.
You’ve likely heard about the fraud that’s been found in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, so much so that more than 40 million SNAP recipients nationwide must now reapply to the program and demonstrate their need for assistance.
In Minnesota I’ve drawn attention to the 174% increase in SNAP usage from a few years ago. The state calls it an accounting error, but with all the ongoing fraud in this state, I believe we need a federal investigation to ensure it’s nothing more than that.
Click here to read a story from Alpha News on the topic, and here for a story from KTTC. And, you can read my column on this SNAP problem below.
A recent alarming analysis of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data has found that Minnesota usage skyrocketed over the past few years. Minnesota issued nearly $725 million in food aid during 2020. By 2021, the figure was close to $2 billion - that’s a 174% year-over-year increase.
So, is this a sign of yet another fraud in Minnesota or something less sinister?
According to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) - the state agency that administers SNAP - the 2021 through 2023 issuance numbers are inaccurate. In a recent news report, it stated “Minnesota mistakenly included Pandemic EBT [electronic benefit transfer] in the FNS-46 submission, which is the basis for the numbers in the SNAP State Activities report. Not only was Pandemic EBT included, it was included on two lines of the report in a way that double counted these expenditures. It appears the issue is also present in reporting for FY2022 and FY2023.”
The DCYF has stated fraud in SNAP is rare, however information coming from the federal government strongly contradicts this notion.
When the Trump administration began its tenure, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) told every state to share its SNAP data with the federal government. The goal was to ensure that struggling American families were receiving these benefits and not illegal aliens. While 29 states shared their data, 21 did not, including Minnesota.
Of those 29 states who willingly shared their SNAP data, the USDA announced that 500,000 recipients are receiving double benefits, and 186,000 people who are dead are still receiving SNAP. Because of this, it now will require more than 40 million SNAP recipients to reapply to the program and demonstrate their households still meet eligibility requirements in order to continue receiving these benefits.
This is a breathtaking amount of fraud in a program that massively expanded under the Biden administration, and now clearly needs to be rebuilt. When a government program does not have modern checks-and-balances, it invites people with bad intent to abuse the program and when word gets out that no one is checking - more people see this as an easy welfare giveaway to exploit.
Minnesota’s failure to comply with the USDA has not only led to the problem of verifying its data, but ultimately DCYF’s conclusion that SNAP’s rise in this state was basically an accounting error.
As you are aware, Minnesota has a huge fraud problem with billions of dollars already swindled from state taxpayers. At best, this SNAP news is yet another example of mismanagement and dysfunction within the Walz Administration. At worst, it’s an attempt to conceal the growing web of fraud that continues to unravel under the Governor’s watch.
As the SNAP investigation continues, Minnesota needs to do the right thing and share SNAP data with the USDA. If someone counted wrong, then let’s make the numbers accurate. But if the program is being exploited, let’s get some help in monitoring the situation and stopping the exploitation. Ultimately, the ones who are hurt the most by nutrition assistance fraud are the ones who cannot afford to feed themselves.
With the holidays approaching, we know there are families who need help putting food on the table. There is not a Republican or Democrat out there who wants people to go hungry. But we should also have overwhelming bipartisan support to ensure the programs that feed the hungry aren’t abused by those looking to scam the system.
Its clear SNAP has gone unchecked across this country, which has led to the exploitation of a program that was built from compassion and provides humanitarian aid. Because Minnesota’s track record regarding fraud couldn’t be worse, I believe it’s imperative that we share our SNAP data with the federal government. Let the USDA investigate whether our state simply has data entry issues or is part of something much worse.
YOUR TAX DOLLARS BEING USED TO FUND ISLAMIC TERRORIST GROUPS?
We have heard many unbelievable stories about fraud in Minnesota over the past few years, but this one takes the cake. According to an investigation by City Journal (click here for the story), your tax dollars were used to help fund the al-Qaida-linked Islamic terror group Al-Shabaab.
From the article: “Much like with the HSS program, autism claims to Medicaid in Minnesota have skyrocketed in recent years—from $3 million in 2018 to $54 million in 2019, $77 million in 2020, $183 million 2021, $279 million in 2022, and $399 million in 2023. Meantime, the number of autism providers in the state spiked from 41 to 328 over the same period, with many in the Somali community establishing their own autism treatment centers, citing the need for “culturally appropriate programming.” By the time the fraud scheme was exposed, one in 16 Somali four-year-olds in the state had reportedly been diagnosed with autism—a rate more than triple the state average.
According to Glenn Kerns, a retired Seattle Police Department detective who spent 14 years on a federal Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the Somalis ran a sophisticated money network, spanning from Seattle to Minneapolis, and were routing significant amounts of cash on commercial flights from the Seattle airport to the hawala networks in Somalia…. Kerns’s investigation eventually expanded to Minnesota, where he realized the same thing was happening. “I worked on it for five years,” Kerns said. “We had sources going into the hawalas to send money. I went down to [Minnesota] and pulled all of their records and, well %^&$, all these Somalis sending out money are on DHS benefits. How does that make sense? We had good sources tell us: this is welfare fraud.”
Kerns then investigated the hawalas in Somalia that were receiving the money transfers. He determined, primarily through human sources, that significant funds were being sent from America to Al-Shabaab networks in Somalia. Whether the money was intended for Al-Shabaab or not, Kerns said, they were taking a cut.”
On Friday, I signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi asking the Department of Justice to immediately launch an investigation into these claims that Minnesota tax dollars are flowing to foreign terrorist organizations.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, this story comes along. The only thing more disgusting than the amount of fraud taking place in Minnesota is the Walz administration’s reluctance to do anything of significance to actually stop this corruption.
NEW MARIJUANA LAWS CAUSING PROBLEMS WITHIN HEMP INDUSTRY
Ted Galaty and his family have owned a hemp store off of Highway 52 by Zumbrota for years, selling original hemp products that were not intended to get people high, but aimed at pain relief and sleep remedies. Since the legalization of marijuana in Minnesota, the Walz administration cherry picked 117 dispensary licenses, allowing those folks to capture a large portion of the market before other individuals had the opportunity to get licensed.
Meanwhile, hemp farmers who previously existed in Minnesota were forced to apply for a wholesale distribution license – at a cost of $10,000 – if they wanted to continue operation, even if they didn’t sell the intoxicating products.
Galaty’s choice: raise his prices by 20%, pay $10,000, or quit.
Learn more about his conundrum by watching the video here.
I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and hope you are able to spend quality time with family and friends!
_________________________________
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PLEASE CONTACT ME
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!
2591 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.8635
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From The Desk of Donna Bergstrom Deputy Chairwoman MNGOP November 13, 2025
This past week, I had the privilege of celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps in Philadelphia — the birthplace of the Corps and the cradle of American independence. From the Museum of the American Revolution to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, and even aboard the Battleship New Jersey, the experience was a powerful reminder of American exceptionalism and the enduring spirit of service that has carried our nation through every challenge.
Standing where the first Marines took their oath, I was reminded that throughout our history, one question has shaped our destiny: Who will lead? And time and again, ordinary Americans have stepped forward — not for glory, but for country. That spirit of duty, sacrifice, and patriotism is the foundation of our freedom, and it’s the same spirit that must guide our work as a party.
A New Generation Is Answering the Call
One of the most inspiring developments this year is what’s happening in our armed forces. Despite the challenges of recent years, recruitment numbers across the services tell a story we should be shouting from the rooftops:
• The U.S. Army met its 2025 recruiting goal of 61,000 — four months early.
• The U.S. Navy surpassed its FY25 goal ahead of schedule, signing more recruits than any year since 2002.
• The Air Force and Space Force exceeded their annual targets months early, sending nearly 25,000 recruits to basic training.
• The US Marine Corps exceeded its 2025 recruiting goals, enlisting 30,536 active duty and reserve enlisted Marines and 1,792 officers.
These aren’t just statistics — they are proof that a new generation still believes deeply in service, patriotism, and the defense of American freedom. In a time when some claim young people have lost their way, this resurgence shows the opposite: the call to serve still resonates, and the values we fight for as Republicans — liberty, responsibility, leadership — are very much alive.
What It Means for Us
As we work to build a stronger Republican Party, we should take inspiration from this renewed commitment to service. Our mission is ultimately to preserve the freedoms others have fought to protect. That means leading with honor, strengthening our communities, and promoting a culture where stepping up for something greater than yourself is celebrated — not dismissed.
This week was a reminder: America is still worth fighting for, and Americans are still willing to answer the call. Let’s do our part with the same resolve.
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
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From the Desk of Dawn Appel Wabasha County Republican Chair October 30, 2025
Dear Wabasha Republicans!
Wow! What a great turnout we had on Monday, October 27th with our Gubernatorial Candidates and the Fight for Truth brought to us by Journalist Liz Collin and Lawyer Chris Madle.
Thank you to everyone who came out to share the night with fellow Republicans. A huge thank you to the dedicated members of the Wabasha County Republican BPOU who volunteered their time to plan and execute a wonderfully orchestrated event. The room was filled with Republicans from near and far, fed up and ready to take back Minnesota!
Gubernatorial candidates Kendall Qualls, Phillip Parrish, Kristin Robbins, Jeff Johnson, and Brad Kohler embraced the crowd with thoughtful conversations of reconnaissance and execution of the battle plan to take our state back! They were eager and on task to share with the crowd their personal plan to end the fraud, high taxes, and evil attack on the innocence of our youth. And the crowd went wild with their passionate approach to save Minnesota, when answering pre-selected questions they pulled out of a hat, explaining how as Governor, they would rip the 'Walz' out of Minnesotans State Capital, and make us all proud to be a Minnesotan again!
And I can't forget to mention the surprise appearance by State Senate candidate Adam Schwarze. He came as a guest of our event, mingled with the crowd, sharing his campaign goals, and left with a few more Minnesota friends!
We hope that more of you can join us at our next event! To be determined.
Wabasha County Chair
Dawn Appel
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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:
•
Turned an $18 billion surplus into a $6 billion deficit.
•
Raised taxes by $10 billion.
•
Made our communities less safe with soft-on-crime policies.
•
Piled on mandates hurting farmers, small businesses, and families.
•
Pushed Critical Race Theory into our classrooms instead of focusing on reading and math.
•
Handed taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants.
•
Passed the most extreme abortion policy in America.
•
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:
•
Protect girls’ sports by keeping boys out of female competition.
•
Repeal the Democrats’ dangerous “Duty to Retreat” law.
•
Pause wasteful light rail expansions.
•
Rein in emergency powers—so no governor can rule Minnesota like a king ever again.
•
Return surplus tax dollars where they belong, with hardworking Minnesotans.
•
Fund, pro-life women’s pregnancy centers that Democrats defunded after 20 years of bipartisan support.
•
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:
•
The largest spending cut in Minnesota state history.
•
No new taxes on Minnesota families — zero.
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An end to taxpayer-funded health insurance for adult illegal immigrants.
•
Dozens of anti-fraud reforms to protect your hard-earned money.
•
Protection for homeschoolers and charter schools from Gov. Walz’s proposed cuts to nonpublic pupil aid.
•
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.
•
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.
districT 20 STATE SENATOR sTEVE DRAZKOWSKi
20A STATE REPRESENTATIVE pam altendorf
20b state representative steve jacob
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POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION REFUND (PCR) PROGRAM
Did you know that you can be reimbursed for your contribution to the
Republican Party of Minnesota?
Individuals are eligible to receive a refund up to $75 (couples up to $150).
The Minnesota Political Contribution Refund program reset on
January 1st, 2025. If you received a PCR in 2024, you qualify for another in 2025.
Contact Wabasha County Republicans for further information.
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