This episode of What's On Your Mind focuses on the deep-seated political and judicial problems in Minnesota, the national exposure of large-scale fraud, and the impact of government regulation. Scott also gets a weather update and discusses the volatile grain markets and civic engagement in North Dakota.
Standout Moments
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Minnesota's Mess Goes National (0:01:07) [cite_start]Scott expresses amazement and gratitude that the massive fraud and corruption story in Minnesota is finally receiving national scrutiny. [cite_start]The corruption, starting with the Somali community and misusing welfare systems, is also noted to be happening in Maine and Michigan.
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Keith Ellison's Involvement in the Fraud (0:16:03) Former GOP AG candidate Ron Schutz (mistakenly introduced as Ryan) details how Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison met with the soon-to-be-indicted "Feeding Our Future" fraudsters in December 2021, weeks before the federal raid. [cite_start]Ellison allegedly offered to "help" them after they complained about getting a hard time with grants. [cite_start]Ellison's focus is criticized as being on suing the Trump administration instead of fighting fraud in Minnesota.
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The Judicial System's Role in Minnesota's Problems (0:23:05) [cite_start]Lieutenant Governor candidate Ryan Wilson (running with Lisa Damath) discusses the "soft on crime" judicial philosophy in Minnesota, noting that judges appointed by Democrats (including the last seven years by Tim Walz) are the problem. [cite_start]Wilson points to a $7.2 million fraud case where a judge overturned a jury's guilty verdict and a case where a convicted rapist was sentenced to only probation.
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Predicting Paid Family Leave Fraud (0:18:48) [cite_start]Both Scott and Ron Schutz predict the new Minnesota paid family medical leave program, effective January 1st and allowing up to 20 weeks of paid leave per year, will be "riddled with fraud", potentially involving healthcare providers providing false documentation.
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CAFE Standards and Affordability (0:11:34) [cite_start]Scott discusses the government's Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, noting that President Trump is rolling back regulations that led to higher vehicle prices. [cite_start]He cites the CEO of Ford Motor Company who called the old rules "totally out of touch with the market reality" and confirms the rollback is a victory for affordability that will "bring car prices down"
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The Long List of Taxes That Didn't Exist 100 Years Ago (0:12:47) [cite_start]Scott reads a long, poetic list of different taxes and regulatory fees—from property and income tax to sales and liquor tax—and states that none of these taxes existed 100 years ago, when the US was the most prosperous nation with no national debt.
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Cold Weather Update and Clipper Systems (0:09:47) [cite_start]Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki reports that Arctic air is spilling in over the weekend, with highs statewide in the single digits. [cite_start]Multiple "clipper systems" are expected next week, bringing roughly one to three inches of snow with each system.
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North Dakota Civic Engagement and Term Limits (0:30:13) [cite_start]North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe discusses the impact of term limits passed by voters in 2022 and calls on citizens to get engaged by identifying and running for local offices like mayor, city council, and school boards. [cite_start]He stresses the need for higher turnout in the June primary elections.
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Grain Market Update on Soybeans and China (0:34:03) [cite_start]David Spickler of Lighthouse Commodities discusses the grain market, noting that soybeans are at a "critical point" after reaching 17-month highs due to China's purchasing pledge. [cite_start]The price support must hold over the next few weeks, or the market will see a sharp correction.