St. Paul, Minnesota — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is facing renewed criticism from Republican lawmakers who allege his administration ignored repeated warnings about widespread fraud in the state’s social services programs.
State Rep. Kristin Robbins, chair of the Minnesota House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee, said she alerted Walz and senior officials to suspected fraud long before federal authorities intervened. Robbins claims whistleblower complaints and media reporting pointed to improper billing within programs such as the Child Care Assistance Program, but she argues the administration failed to act decisively. Robbins, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, said she provided state officials with documentation outlining alleged abuse tied to day care facilities.
The controversy has intensified following a federal investigation that expanded this month. Homeland Security agents have been deployed to Minneapolis, and the Small Business Administration has paused certain grants to the state. Federal prosecutors say as many as 98 individuals have now been charged in connection with the probe, and authorities are examining billing across 14 Department of Human Services programs. A federal prosecutor has suggested that “half or more” of the roughly $18 billion billed since 2018 could be fraudulent.
Walz’s office disputes claims of inaction, pointing to public statements in which the governor acknowledged fraud and pledged accountability. His administration has appointed a new director of program integrity and ordered a third-party audit of affected programs. Walz has said those who exploit public assistance will be prosecuted, emphasizing cooperation with federal authorities.
The issue has become a central political flashpoint as Walz seeks a third term, with Republicans arguing it reflects systemic oversight failures, while Democrats warn against politicizing an ongoing investigation.
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