Rep. Knudsen Statement on FBI Conducting Search Warrants in Autism Center Fraud Investigation St. Paul, MN — This Morning news broke that law enforcement officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation served search warrants in downtown Minneapolis and St. Cloud as part of a wide-ranging Medicaid fraud investigation. The warrant shows at least twelve people charged in the Feeding Our Future case owned, received money from or were associated with autism centers that got state funding for providing services. Representative Krista Knudsen (R – Lake Shore) issued the following statement in response. "The amount of fraud that has occurred right under the nose of the Walz administration is completely unacceptable." Said Representative Knudsen. "The continued existence of fraud within these programs is nothing short of a betrayal to every hardworking taxpayer. It erodes public trust and diverts critical resources away from those who need them most." "We have seen massive increases in funding totaling nearly 3,000% growth over the last five years. These programs are intended to be helping the people of Minnesota, not continuing to funnel their tax dollars to fraudsters." In July, Gov. Walz said that he was “not aware” of the FBI investigation and seemed unaware of allegations of fraud in Minnesota’s autism program. "We need immediate and aggressive reforms, including independent audits, increased transparency, and accountability measures that stops these fraudsters and sends a clear message that Minnesota can no-longer be taken advantage of," continued Rep. Knudsen. "Those who commit fraud, at any level, must face severe consequences; not mere slaps on the wrist that allow corruption to fester. The people of this state deserve better. They deserve a government that works for them, works to eradicate fraud, and works to restore faith in our government. Anything less is unacceptable." |