Sen. Jordan Rasmmanson outlines EMS, fraud‑prevention and capital wins for Pelican Rapids

Sen. Jordan Rasmmanson, who represents Senate District 9, addressed the Pelican Rapids City Council on June 30, summarizing actions from the recently concluded legislative session and offering state assistance to local officials.

Rasmmanson told the council that rural emergency medical services remain under pressure and that solutions will require collaboration among local governments, counties, health providers and the state. He said he served on a statewide EMS task force and urged joint action rather than expecting a single state fix.

He outlined a set of human‑services reforms lawmakers advanced this session to curb fraud and tighten program integrity. Measures cited by Rasmmanson included expanding electronic visit verification in high‑risk service areas, strengthening provider enrollment and revalidation, and giving state agencies greater authority to withhold payments while they investigate suspected fraud. "We rolled out an agenda that would strengthen program integrity... and make sure that the dollars that are going into our human services programs are going to the Minnesotans who rely on those services," he said.

Rasmmanson also described bipartisan passage of legislation creating an Office of Inspector General to provide independent oversight of state agencies. He said the office will have investigative powers and a separate tip line, and that the reforms include stronger whistleblower protections for staff who report suspected wrongdoing.

On capital investments, Rasmmanson said the session included a one‑year tab‑fee reduction totaling $254 million statewide and roughly $7.26 million targeted to the Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority, a joint powers entity he said will use the funds to divert ash into road‑building uses rather than expensive lined landfills.

Council members asked specifics about implementation and enforcement. When asked whether state employees were returning to in‑office work, Rasmmanson said more staff are in the office than two years ago but that the bigger issue is agencies falling behind on core program‑integrity tasks such as site visits and provider background checks. On whistleblower protections and enforcement, he said the new inspector‑general structure should reduce internal disincentives to raise concerns.

Rasmmanson closed by offering to serve as a contact point for the council and staff on state matters and funding opportunities: "Please feel free... whether it's members of your council or the staff to reach out anytime if I can be helpful," he said.

Next steps: council members were invited to follow up with the senator and county officials on EMS planning and related funding opportunities.