Скачать или смотреть Exposing Minnesota's Fraud Fallout: Rep. Duran on Budget Cuts, Disaster Relief | Paskvan Podcasts

In this eye-opening episode of Paskvan Podcasts, Representative Duran joins us live in studio for a brutally honest and deeply insightful conversation about the financial challenges facing Minnesota, the ongoing fallout from fraud, and what’s being done to restore accountability in government. From COVID-era PPP loan mismanagement to budget shortfalls and disaster response gaps, Duran doesn’t hold back.

🎙️ Interview Highlights:

Duran addresses rampant fraud across Minnesota—not just in Minneapolis—and the lack of meaningful oversight from both federal and state governments.

He critiques the implementation of the PPP loan program, citing vague rules and chaotic processes that made prosecution nearly impossible.

The Representative takes direct aim at Attorney General Keith Ellison, highlighting years of ignored whistleblower complaints and Ellison’s unwillingness to confront widespread corruption.

Duran breaks down Minnesota's confusing financial shifts: how the state went from a $6 billion deficit to a $3 billion deficit and the flawed math behind it.

He warns that despite a small current surplus, continued spending will deepen the financial crisis.

💰 Accountability and Budget Reform Duran calls for zero-based budgeting and a return to fiscal discipline. He explains how the previous $18 billion surplus was one-time money, yet it was used to start ongoing programs, digging Minnesota into a deeper long-term deficit. He questions whether raising taxes is truly a sustainable solution or if it's just pushing low-income residents and seniors further into hardship.

🌪️ Disaster Relief Legislation Following the recent massive storm that rocked northern Minnesota, Duran is introducing two key bills:

A measure to cover the remaining 25% of disaster recovery costs not reimbursed by the state.

A second bill to provide retroactive sales tax reimbursements to individuals and businesses in disaster-declared areas for the purchase of equipment and services needed for recovery.

He stresses: "The state of Minnesota should not benefit off the backs of the people in a disaster."

🏘️ Concerns for Northern Minnesota Duran outlines how smaller, rural counties like Beltrami are especially vulnerable due to limited population and economic base. He pushes for smarter spending and protecting the tax dollars of those living outside the metro.

📣 Call to Action As the legislative session approaches on February 17th, Rep. Duran encourages constituents to reach out with their concerns, especially around insurance issues and storm-related delays. He’s working closely with local officials to draft common-sense, community-first legislation.

Duran ends the interview on a hopeful note, emphasizing the strength of northern Minnesota communities and the need to unify across political lines to tackle these shared issues. Whether you vote red or blue, his message is clear: “We’re all going to hurt the same.”

📌 Topics Covered:

PPP Loan Fraud & Oversight Failures

Minnesota's Budget Deficit Explained

AG Keith Ellison's Role in Accountability

Disaster Relief Reimbursement Bills

Proposed Sales Tax Exemptions for Storm Victims

Fiscal Responsibility & Zero-Based Budgeting

High Tax State: Where Your Money Goes

Community Voices from Northern Minnesota

Insurance Industry Accountability

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Let us know what YOU think in the comments: Are we being taxed fairly? Should disaster victims get reimbursed? Is enough being done to prevent fraud? Sound off below!

🎄 Bonus Moment: Hear where Rep. Duran is heading for the holidays (hint: crappie fishing on Rainy Lake might be involved) and why his post-session getaway means so much this year.

Thanks for listening to Paskvan Podcasts — your front row seat to the issues that matter most in northern Minnesota. Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay local.