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State Representative Ryan Winkler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7026
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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LAWMAKERS PROPOSE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR MISUSE OF PUBLIC MONEY
ST. PAUL - Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL - Golden Valley) has authored legislation to enact criminal penalties for state officials found guilty of misusing public dollars. Rep. Winkler, along with Rep. Steve Simon (DFL - St. Louis Park) and chair of the Legislative Audit Commission Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL - South St. Paul), consider this an important course of action to enhance accountability for public funds. This proposed legislation comes at an important time in light of recent events revealing wrongdoing at several state agencies; not limited to the Sonja Pitt case in which tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars were misspent on personal airfare and long-distance phone calls.
“Unfortunately the Sonja Pitt episode was not an isolated incident," said Rep. Winkler. “Misconduct has been discovered at several other state agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources. Minnesotans expect their tax dollars to be used responsibly for public services like schools and roads - not sweetheart phone calls, vacation getaways, and lavish gala events for public officials. Misconduct with taxpayer dollars is a criminal act and should be treated as such.”
Rep. Winkler’s bill would provide criminal incentive for proper use of taxpayer dollars. The bill would:
1. More clearly define what constitutes criminal misuse of public funds; and
2. Make it a gross misdemeanor for government officials to misuse public resources punishable by up to a year in prison, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Rep. Steve Simon, who serves on the Legislative Audit Commission, a bipartisan group of lawmakers working with the Legislative Auditor to ensure government oversight and accountability, agrees this is the right course of action to ensure the best use of taxpayer dollars in Minnesota.
“Under current law, bringing charges against government officials for misuse of public dollars is extremely difficult,” said Rep. Simon. “Just this week Ramsey County dropped criminal proceedings against Ms. Pitt for what everyone, including the Legislative Auditor, has agreed was egregious misconduct. By clarifying current law we can make state government more accountable and put in place criminal penalties for government officials who engage in deliberate misconduct and erode the public trust.”
Rep. Rick Hansen, who chairs the Legislative Audit Commission, also supports Winkler’s initiative, citing it as a necessary step in rebuilding the confidence and trust of Minnesota taxpayers.
“Minnesotans trust their government to use state revenue appropriately,” said Rep. Hansen. “Rep. Winkler’s proposal would provide taxpayers a tool to hold government officials accountable for deliberate misuse of public dollars. Putting these criminal consequences in place will not only act as a deterrent to such misconduct, but help rebuild the public’s confidence in the state’s ability and commitment to govern responsibly.”
Rep. Winkler plans to move forward with his legislation when the 2009 Legislative Session begins on January 6, 2009.
News Items
- Statement on Budget Forecast - (Posted: 2012-12-05 00:00:00)
- Statement on Final I-35 W Bridge Settlement - (Posted: 2012-11-13 00:00:00)
- Rep. Winkler: Tea Party Activists Can’t Be Trusted to Reform Our Elections - (Posted: 2012-11-01 00:00:00)
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