Patti Vasquez is joined by Nat Smith, Democratic candidate for Minnesota Senate District 33. 

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Smith is a first-time candidate and attorney who represents whistleblowers.
- He described wanting to put people over politics and bring an independent voice to the legislature.
- He is challenging Republican State Sen. Karin Housley, who has held the seat since 2013.
- Nat explained that his legal work under the False Claims Act has addressed health care, customs, and defense-contracting fraud.
- He cited kickbacks, upcoding, unnecessary services, and billing for services not provided as examples of fraud.
- He said he helped get a Minnesota anti-fraud bill introduced and has a bill ready for the Senate.
- The discussion connected Medicaid cuts to potential impacts on seniors and adults with disabilities, who receive an estimated 50 to 60 percent of Medicaid dollars.
- Smith identified affordability, health care access, environmental concerns, property tax relief, public safety, education funding, and government transparency as priorities.

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

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