US Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) joined Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) in sending a letter to Governor Walz and leadership of the Minnesota Legislature communicating their urgent and growing concern related to widespread fraud, waste, and abuse within public programs administered by the State of Minnesota, many of which involve federal funding and oversight.

In the letter, the Representatives outline repeated cases of failed oversight and accountability across multiple state agencies and programs that resulted in fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars, citing recent incidents within the Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Housing Stabilization Services, the Child Care Assistance Program, and others. 

In part, the lawmakers write: 

“Minnesota has now become a national case study in failed program oversight and misused public funds. As Members of Congress, we are working diligently to restore fiscal order at the federal level, but that effort requires strong partners in state governments – partners who are equally committed to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are respected. 

And that: 

“As elected officials called to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, it is our duty to ensure we are leaving our backyard better for future generations rather than allowing today’s decisions to saddle our children and grandchildren with unsustainable debt and broken systems. Fiscal discipline, program integrity, and public trust must be restored – starting now. We stand ready to work with you in good faith, but we also must demand accountability. The American people deserve nothing less.”