Community invited to Rosenmeier Forum on fraud in Minnesota government 

The community is invited to attend the next Rosenmeier Forum, “The State of Fraud in Minnesota Government,” at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, in the Chalberg Theatre at Central Lakes College. Admission is free and open to the public. 

Featured speakers include Liz Collin, a journalist with Alpha News who has extensively reported on fraud and oversight issues in Minnesota government, and Rep. Patti Anderson, vice chair of the Minnesota House Committee on Fraud and State Agency Review and a former Minnesota State Auditor. Central Lakes College also extended invitations to several additional individuals representing a range of perspectives from both major political parties; however, scheduling conflicts prevented their participation in the event.

Steve Wenzel, executive director of the Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government, said the forum will provide attendees with valuable insight into one of the state’s most discussed public policy issues. 

“We are pleased to welcome two highly knowledgeable and experienced speakers for this important conversation,” Wenzel said. “Liz Collin has spent years covering allegations of fraud and corruption within Minnesota government, while Rep. Patti Anderson brings a unique perspective as both a former State Auditor and current vice chair of the House Committee on Fraud and State Agency Review. Together, they will offer insight into the scope of the problem, the impact on taxpayers, and the efforts being made to strengthen accountability and oversight.” 

Wenzel said the topic resonates with many Minnesotans and is expected to generate a lively and informative discussion. 

“Concerns about government fraud and the stewardship of taxpayer dollars continue to be a major issue across the state,” he said. “This forum will give community members an opportunity to hear directly from experts who have closely followed these issues and to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential solutions. We expect it to be one of the most timely and engaging forums we have hosted.” 

Biographies 

Patti Anderson serves as the Minnesota State Representative for District 33A and is Vice Chair of the House Fraud Committee, while also serving on the Taxes, Transportation, and Legislative Audit Commission committees. A former Eagan City Council member and mayor, she was named Best Mayor in the Twin Cities by City Pages in 2002. Anderson founded and grew a communications company before being elected Minnesota’s 17th State Auditor, where she earned a reputation as “The Taxpayer’s Watchdog.” She later served as Commissioner of the Department of Employee Relations under Governor Tim Pawlenty, leading the department’s successful elimination ahead of schedule. In addition to her public service, Anderson has built and operated multiple business ventures and currently owns several franchise locations in Minnesota and Florida. She holds degrees from the University of Minnesota and Hamline University.  

Liz Collin is a Minnesota native raised in Worthington and a multi-Emmy-Award-winning investigative reporter and news anchor. She is the producer of The Fall of Minneapolis, Minnesota v We the People and Minnesota Mao documentary films, and author of They’re Lying: The Media, the Left, and The Death of George Floyd. Her work has prompted important state laws. Yet perhaps most of all, Liz has been giving a voice to the truth—and helping others tell their stories—for more than 20 years.