Washington. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) froze the state of Minnesota’s federal child care funds (child care payments), citing allegations of viral fraud. HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill announced the move Tuesday in an interview, writing that “widespread fraud is occurring in Minnesota and across the country.” We have stopped payment of money. The fraud is being detected.
According to the CBS News report, O’Neill cited the video while sharing this information. In it, conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley alleged that about a dozen day care centers in Minnesota that received funds were not actually providing services, he said. O’Neill said the agency has identified the centers mentioned in the video. Their comprehensive details have been sought from the state.
According to state records, all but two day care centers are accredited. A spokesperson for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said in the statement that the governor has been fighting fraud for years, while the President has been getting fraudsters out of jail. Fraud is a serious issue. But this issue should not be politicized. This will hurt the people of Minnesota. Funding of government programs that help people should not be stopped.
O’Neill said now all payments made across the country will require an affidavit, a receipt and a photo before the money can be sent to any state. In a video shared by HHS, agency head Alex Adams said the Administration for Children and Families annually sends about $185 million (Rs 1,661.22 crore) in child care funds to Minnesota. It serves approximately 23,000 children from low-income families.
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