On Friday, December 26, an independent journalist released a 42-minute video showing what appears to be fraudulent child care centers in Minneapolis. The video has been viewed more than 120 million times. It shows state-funded childcare centers receiving millions through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) while appearing closed during the workday.

In response to the viral video, Senator Gary Dahms (R – Redwood Falls) joined Senate Republicans in signing a letter demanding immediate answers from state commissioners. They asked for a full accounting of childcare site visits going back to 2021 and a public explanation for how this could go undetected for years.

“Fraud should not be a partisan issue, but unfortunately in Minnesota it has been treated that way,” Senator Dahms said. “As we head into the next legislative session, Senate Republicans are once again ready to act with meaningful solutions to stop fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. We welcome Governor Walz and Democrats to join us. Minnesota cannot afford more inaction.”

Senator Dahms is in his fifth term representing Senate District 15 which includes communities in Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine counties. He also serves as the Republican Lead of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee; Finance Committee; and Rules Committee.