Schomacker: "Minnesotans deserve transparency" from St. Paul

As the Minnesota Legislature convenes for the 2026 legislative session, District 21A Rep. Joe Schomacker (R–Luverne), GOP-Chair of the House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, is outlining several priorities focused on strengthening oversight, improving transparency, and ensuring Minnesota’s human services programs deliver effective outcomes for the people they serve.

“As we begin the new session, our focus remains on accountability, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and making sure our human services system is working as intended,” Schomacker said in a press release. “Minnesotans deserve transparency and programs that provide meaningful results.”

Schomacker is committed to holding the Department of Human Services accountable for program integrity and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.

Among the bills he is introducing this session is legislation to repeal Housing Stabilization Services from Minnesota statute due to fraud concerns raised by the DHS Office of Inspector General over the summer. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services granted termination approval on Oct. 31.

In addition, Schomacker is introducing several other bills aimed at protecting program integrity, including measures requiring increased transparency and accountability within state programs.

Among the legislation being introduced this session is his proposal requiring the Department of Human Services to publicly release the initial Optum reports without redactions, ensuring greater transparency and public access to information related to program operations and oversight.