Stopping Fraud, Protecting Taxpayer Dollars

Before session began, we announced the formation of a brand new committee: the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee. This sole purpose of this group will be to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in state government and will have full subpoena power—giving it the ability to conduct significant investigatory work on behalf of Minnesota taxpayers.

It will have the ability to review state agencies to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively and as intended; implement measures to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs; and increase legislative oversight of the executive agencies to rebuild public trust in state government.

In terms of legislation, one proposal would establish “fraud notes,” providing legislators with an evaluation of potential fraud risks before enacting any new program or policy. It would also add additional accountability to agencies to ensure they are following through with recommendations made by the nonpartisan Legislative Auditor to address matters of waste, fraud, and abuse in their agencies.

A centralized Office of the Inspector General would be created through another bill. It would be charged with the task of combatting fraud and abuse in state government. It also forces agencies to halt payments when fraud is suspected and mandates the creation of a fraud reporting hotline.

Mandated fraud reporting for state agencies and equipping them with additional tools to identify and prevent fraudulent activities covers the final piece of legislation. This bill also emphasizes transparency and swift action to address fraud concerns.

Keep in mind, over the past few years, taxpayers have lost more than $1 billion – that we know about – to criminals who have scammed the system. Even worse is the travesty of the many children, seniors, and more who never saw the benefit of the funding that was intended to help them. I’m glad the governor is finally recognizing we have a fraud problem in this state and has come forward with plans of his own, but it’s clear the executive branch needs to be policed by people who work outside of the executive branch.

Taxpayer money has been gutted due to waste, fraud, and abuse, and that is unacceptable. These measures are all designed to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being stolen, and that those funds get to the people who truly need it.