Draheim’s call follows recommendation by independent Legislative Auditor

Following the release of the nonpartisan and independent legislative audit of fraud allegations within the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) is calling for the establishment of an independent, standalone agency to manage fraud investigations within the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The Legislative Auditor’s report reveals an inherent conflict of interest within the Office of the Inspector General (IG), which is currently tasked with “manag[ing] financial fraud and abuse investigations“ within DHS programs. The Legislative Auditor concluded that “it is not clear that DHS IG has any independence from DHS management,” instead recommending that “the Legislature establish in law an Inspector General for Human Services” so that they can “have significant independence from department management and program administrators”.

“In order to root out fraud and waste in government, the investigative agency responsible for carrying out that task needs to be independent,” said Senator Draheim. “Simply put, the fox cannot guard the hen house. Minnesotans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used properly, and an independent Inspector General would help in that task.”

Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives have introduced legislation to create a standalone Inspector General office outside of the Department of Human Services. Senators will be introducing similar legislation soon.