Minnesota Attorney General requests $8M budget increase for consumer protection and staffing

During a recent meeting of the Minnesota Legislature's Committee on State and Local Government, significant discussions centered around the budget proposal for the Attorney General's office, as presented in Senate File 3044. The proposal outlines funding requests for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, aiming to enhance consumer protection and legal representation for state agencies.

Chief Deputy Attorney General John Keller emphasized the importance of the office's work, which includes legal representation for over 100 state entities and advocacy for consumers and small businesses. Keller noted that despite recent funding increases, the office's budget remains significantly lower than it was three decades ago, even as the state's population and legal challenges have grown.

The budget request includes a one-time funding request of $940,000 for essential renovations and upgrades to the office's facilities and technology. This includes $500,000 for office renovations to create a secure work environment, $250,000 for IT infrastructure upgrades, and $150,000 to improve the office's website, ensuring it is accessible to all Minnesotans.

In addition to one-time requests, the Attorney General's office is seeking an ongoing budget increase of $7.9 million per year. This funding would support salary parity for staff, the hiring of new attorneys, and the expansion of the Medicaid fraud control unit by nine positions, which is crucial given the rising Medicaid budget in Minnesota.

Keller highlighted the office's significant contributions to the state, including over $2.1 billion returned to the state and its residents through various legal settlements and consumer protections. This includes $565 million from opioid settlements and $81 million from tobacco litigation, which have directly benefited the state's general fund and individual households.

The meeting underscored the Attorney General's office's commitment to protecting Minnesotans and addressing the growing complexities of consumer issues. As the committee considers the budget proposal, the outcomes will play a vital role in shaping the office's ability to serve the community effectively in the coming years.