Lawmakers want the misuse of public money a crime
Democratic lawmakers, spurred by the Sonja Pitt episode and other examples of the misuse of state funds, are pushing to criminalize intentionally misspending public dollars for purposes not intended.
Rep. Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, and Rep. Steve Simon, DFL-St. Louis Park, want legislation that more clearly defines what constitutes the misuse of public money and makes it a gross misdemeanor for public officials to do so — something punishable by up to a year in the slammer, a $3,000 fine, or both.
At a Capitol press conference today (Nov. 20), the lawmakers explained that under existing law taking people to court for misspending public dollars is difficult.
They think the legislation would make it easier.
Indeed, even state commissioners could face criminal prosecution under their proposal, they noted.
“It has to be something you intentionally do,” said Winkler of running afoul of the law by wrongly spending state dollars.
Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul, supports Winker’s proposal.
“Minnesotans trust their government to use state revenue appropriately,” said Hansen, who chairs the Legislative Audit Commission.
“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,” he said.
Winkler indicated that state employee union officials voiced no concerns over the bill.
