COLUMBUS — An Ohio state lawmaker is calling for an investigation into publicly funded child care facilities across the state, citing concerns that a large-scale fraud uncovered in Minnesota could also be occurring in Ohio.
State Rep. Josh Williams (R–Sylvania Township) said he believes some child care providers may be fraudulently billing the state for children who are not actually attending care. Williams is specifically urging scrutiny of Columbus-area facilities.
“What’s happening in Minnesota is almost certainly occurring in Columbus — and Ohio needs to use every power we have under the law to stop it,” Williams said in a recent social media post.
The call for action follows reports out of Minnesota, where authorities allege that millions of taxpayer dollars were stolen from the state’s welfare system. According to those reports, funds intended for child care services were allegedly diverted and sent overseas, including to a Somali-based terrorist organization.
In response to the allegations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday it would freeze $185 million in annual federal funding provided to Minnesota day care centers while the situation is reviewed.
Williams has not identified specific Ohio facilities but said the similarities between the programs raise serious concerns about oversight and accountability. He is urging state agencies to audit child care providers and investigate any irregular billing practices.
As of now, no formal investigation has been announced in Ohio, and no local facilities have been publicly accused of wrongdoing. State officials have not commented on whether additional oversight or audits are planned.
