House Oversight Demands Answers on Minnesota Social Services Fraud
Shireen Gandhi, temporary commissioner of the Department of Human Services, testifies before the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee July 8. (Photo by Michele Jokinen)
Rep. James Comer, chairing the House Oversight Committee, sent a sharp letter demanding information regarding widespread fraud in Minnesota social services programs.
Comer questioned Governor Tim Walz directly: “The Committee has serious concerns about how you as the Governor… allowed millions of dollars to be stolen,” he stated.
“The Committee also has concerns that you and your administration were fully aware of this fraud and chose not to act for fear of political retaliation.”
Federal prosecutors have charged dozens involved in allegedly stealing over $240 million from USDA child-nutrition funds, programs meant to aid children during the pandemic. The Minnesota nonprofit Feeding Our Future is accused as a sponsor that instead facilitated diversion through shell companies.
The investigation now includes allegations against Walz’s administration concerning fraudulent bills under a housing stabilization program exceeding $104 million.
Comer warned on “Finnerty” of possible criminal charges if fraud claims are validated, stating: “If what the whistleblowers are saying is true… then I do see criminal charges being brought upon Gov. Walz…”
The concerns match whistleblower allegations from 480+ Minnesota DHS employees who accuse Walz and his administration not only of negligence but also of evidence destruction.
“The committee expects that you will take all steps to preserve evidence during this investigation.”
These claims are backed by Feeding Our Future’s role in allegedly feeding money into overseas terrorist networks linked to al-Qaida, with DHS funds allegedly being rerouted from child-nutrition programs.
