Friends and neighbors,

The Department of Human Services just announced that 17 more providers in the Integrated Community Supports program have been suspended over allegations of fraud. The program is supposed to help people with disabilities live independently, and this is only the latest chapter Minnesota’s long, ugly, ongoing fraud story.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson recently said fraud schemes in Minnesota have “stolen billions of dollars in taxpayer money.” In just the past few weeks and months we have seen indictments in the autism services program, millions stolen through Housing Stabilization Services, widespread fraud in disability supports, and the list seems to go on and on. The criminals involved are often connected to one another, which shows how organized and pervasive this problem has become.

Under Gov. Tim Walz, fraud has spiraled out of control and he has either been unwilling or unable to stop it. Billions have been stolen but every dollar could have been used to help vulnerable Minnesotans who genuinely need support, improve school safety, provide better mental health treatment, and so much more. Instead, you continue to foot the bill for lavish lifestyles of fraudsters.

The governor needs to finally start taking this issue seriously. We need better oversight and better accountability. There is no excuse.

If you have any questions, please reach out any time. It is a privilege to serve you.

God Bless,