ST. PAUL – A new website is now available for whistleblowers to confidentially report suspected fraud, waste and abuse within Minnesota’s state government.
State Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, said the launch of MNFraud.com is just one way House Republicans are working to root out tax dollar improprieties running rampant in Minnesota programs, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
“Fraud, waste and abuse is a major problem in Minnesota’s state-run programs and is a top concern for taxpayers who continue to be victimized by this ongoing trend,” Swedzinski said. “This new website provides a new way for taxpayers to take an active role in cracking down on the misuse of public dollars, helping to ensure the accountability and integrity people in our state deserve.”
Swedzinski said the new website will act as a central platform for Minnesotans to report concerns about suspected or observed improprieties in state program services. Submitted information will be initially assessed and directed to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and follow-up. The information, including the identities of whistleblowers, is secure and protected, similar to a secure-payment processing website, Swedzinski said.
Minnesota has faced widespread fraud issues in several state-run programs, with hundreds of millions of dollars misused or stolen through fraudulent claims and mismanagement. Scandals related to Feeding Our Future, childcare assistance, medical aid, and welfare programs all continue to make headlines. Swedzinski said the common thread is a need for stronger safeguards, transparency, and accountability in managing taxpayer-funded programs.
“The legislature needs to make sure there is stronger oversight in state agencies themselves, but we need to think of other ways to accomplish this instead of just adding more layers of bureaucracy on top of existing layers of bureaucracy,” Swedzinski said. “This website takes a different approach by empowering citizens to take charge and file a tip if they suspect tax dollar misuse.”
-30-