ST. PAUL, MN – A new House committee that would shine a light on years of fraud within state government has been sidelined, for now.
The newly formed Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee was set to begin holding hearings into the massive fraud issues that have come to light during Governor Walz’s tenure. But a recent Supreme Court ruling has prevented any official Minnesota House activity from taking place until 68 state representatives show up for work. To date, only 67 are in St. Paul to conduct the people’s business – all Republicans.
“No other states seem to have the fraud issues Minnesota has, and this is a committee that could approve policies that protect the taxpayers from having their funds stolen,” said State Representative John Burkel (R-Badger).
The committee had planned to examine several significant cases, including the Feeding Our Future scandal, CCAP fraud, and provider overpayments. Burkel said these issues represent a pattern of mismanagement and lack of oversight, with some estimates finding a cost to Minnesota taxpayers at more than $1 billion.
“Preventing the theft of your tax dollars is not a partisan action,” Burkel said. “Minnesotans are tired of people scamming the system and are demanding answers.”
Burkel is hopeful the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee will begin its work soon. He is also hopeful House Democrats will finally show up for work, as they have collected legislative pay for more than two weeks while staying away from the Capitol, refusing to participate under a Republican House majority.