Governor Tim Walz yesterday announced he will not seek a third term. The announcement comes amid intense and growing scrutiny over fraud in Minnesota’s social welfare programs.

Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch) issued the following statement:

“Gov. Walz’s retirement is not a cure for Minnesota’s rampant fraud, it’s a symptom of a larger crisis. This fraud is a malignant issue rooted in how Minnesota Democrats have managed state programs. We warned Gov. Mark Dayton about it and nothing changed. It’s the same story under Gov. Walz. For years, Republicans have exposed fraud and proposed tools to stop it, but Gov. Walz and his agencies refused to enforce even basic financial controls or accountability measures.

“Last year, the Senate worked with a bipartisan team to create an independent anti-fraud office, the Office of Inspector General. It passed the Senate 60-7, but Gov. Walz actively fought to block it. This office needs to be independent and not controlled by the governor’s office. It’s clear that Minnesotans can’t rely on the executive branch to police itself. The legislature can create safeguards and rules, but it has no enforcement arm. Ultimate accountability rests with executive leadership.

“The Governor’s office failed to stop fraud and the Attorney General failed to prosecute it. The system is broken. We cannot let the fox continue to watch the henhouse. Minnesota needs new leadership, from the Governor’s office to state agencies, that will face fraud head-on with integrity, prosecute wrongdoers, and implement new solutions created by the legislature. Minnesotans deserve nothing less.”