Nearly three years after the FBI opened an investigation over an alleged $250 million worth of fraud by a Minnesota nonprofit that supplied food for child nutrition programs, the feds announced a new probe. This time, it's into fraudulent claims in the state's autism program.
Now, Minnesota lawmakers are pledging to crack down.
Republicans have raised concerns about fraud in Minnesota's programs for years. And with an evenly divided House of Representatives, the once-minority party will wield larger influence as the state crafts its next budget.
Republican Rep. Dawn Gillman, who will chair the House human services committee, has proposed mandating that the state license autism centers. Sen. Heather Gustafson, DFL-Vadnais Heights, says she will introduce a bill to create an independent Office of Inspector General for the state.
While some agencies have their own inspectors general, critics say they may not be able to act independently. Plus, Legislative Auditor Judy Randall says, state agencies have become less receptive to audits critical of their work and reject her office's findings and recommendations.
"There's definitely a shoot-the-messenger feeling," Randall said.
Ryan Faircloth has the full story at the link here.
