Neurodivergent Minnesotans and their Families Are Being Failed by the Minnesota House DFL’s Game of Legislative Chicken

Members of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party House Caucus are Prioritizing Preserving their Power over Minnesotans Who Want Answers on Fraud for Autism Services

SAINT PAUL. MINN. –  WCCO CBS 4 in Minneapolis reported on January 13, 2025, that members of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party House Caucus are intending to not show up to the opening day of the 2025-2026 Legislative session. Jodi Harpstead,  Commissioner of the state’s Department of Human Services, resigned from her position amid increased scrutiny of fraud involving Autism behavioral analysis programs.  Americans for Autism Advocacy issues the following statement:

“Minnesotans regardless of party affiliation and ideology should be outraged by the political stunts that have taken place over the last month in St. Paul. Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL – Brooklyn Park) is complicit in allowing members of her own caucus of the Minnesota House of Representatives to not show up on the opening day of legislative session. Rep. Hortman wants to dodge oversight as to why the Minnesota Department of Human Services allowed significant abuse, fraud, and waste in the state’s Autism behavioral analysis programs. The resignation of Madam Commissioner Jodi Harpstead from the state’s Department of Human Services only fuels the desire for answers and accountability. Instead of clinging onto their political power, Rep. Hortman should listen to every Minnesotan who is very fed up with the endless fraud coming out of St. Paul.  Minnesotans deserve better and we will hold accountable any member of the Minnesota Legislature who puts political power over their own constituents.”