Today, acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson announced that eight individuals are facing federal charges for their involvement in alleged fraud through the state’s Housing Stability Services program. The announcement comes just one day after Governor Tim Walz issued an Executive Order creating a council to meet monthly to discuss fraud within state programs.

Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (East Grand Forks) released the following statement on yet another major fraud case being prosecuted during Walz’s term:

“Today’s federal charges are yet another reminder that Governor Walz has not taken fraud seriously enough. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been stolen under his watch while people with real needs are left behind. His response? An Executive Order for ‘better communication’ between agencies that does little to address the scope of the problem.

Walz’s administration opposed Senate Republican efforts to create an independent Office of Inspector General, and now the consequences are clear: fraud is spreading across programs, and accountability is lacking. Minnesotans deserve more than press releases and symbolic gestures. Senate Republicans will continue to push for an independent OIG to tackle the widespread problem of fraud that is plaguing our government programs.”