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Lawmaker urges new measures to root out fraud in childcare and benefit programs
Summary
A lawmaker on the House floor said Republicans will introduce additional bills to combat alleged fraud that, the lawmaker said, has diverted funds intended for low-income people, children with disabilities and seniors; the speaker cited a recent childcare bill and said most Democrats opposed it.
A lawmaker on the House floor said they will introduce additional legislation to "root out fraud" from programs intended to help low-income people, children with disabilities and senior citizens, arguing the schemes have diverted money away from vulnerable recipients.
The lawmaker said whistleblowers have reported state-level inaction and described cases where funds intended for students and children with autism were stolen. "We're bringing a number of additional bills this week to combat fraud," the lawmaker said, adding that organized criminal enterprises can operate across borders to steal large sums from programs such as hospice and childcare.
The speaker described a bill the House considered the prior week that would bar people convicted of stealing from childcare programs from participating in those programs, and said that vote drew strong partisan opposition. "Do you know that 98% of Democrats on the house floor last week voted against that bill?" the lawmaker said, framing the vote as protecting those who have "stolen money from childcare programs." The claim about the prior vote was presented by the lawmaker as the speaker's characterization of House action.
The lawmaker said the measures they plan to bring will focus on preventing fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars and benefits intended for children and seniors. The speaker urged continued legislative action rather than waiting for administrative remedies.
The lawmaker concluded by saying Republicans will press forward with additional bills to address the fraud they described and protect program recipients and taxpayers.
