Minnesota Fraud Hearing: Walz Defends Against Critics

0:00In Tampa Bay, it's March 4th, and here's what is going on. The House Oversight Committee is kicking off a hearing at 8 a.m. today, called Oversight of Fraud and Misuse of Federal Funds in Minnesota, part 2. It's focusing on problems in state-run social services and Medicaid programs where federal dollars have gone missing. Federal prosecutors say Minnesota has seen a wave of these schemes in recent years. Some officials put the stolen taxpayer money as high as $9 billion, though documenting the cases from the Department of Justice show losses in the hundreds of millions so far. Republican lawmakers are pointing fingers at Governor Tim Walls and Attorney General Keith Ellison. They claim the pair ignored early warnings about the fraud and even pushed back against whistleblowers who spoke up. Governor Walls is pushing back in his prepared remarks. He admits there's more work needed to fight fraud, but defends his team's efforts to protect services for kids, the poor, and people with disabilities. Meanwhile, Walls plans the highlight steps his administration has taken to tighten oversight.

1:05He also suggests the push comes partly from political motives tied to the previous Trump administration. This episode is supported by our sponsor. Press play. Put your head down. The sound is already there. S-O-L-L-I-SOLYPILO.com. S-O-L-L-I-SOLYPILO.com. S-O-L-L-I-SOLYPILO.com.