Tim Walz subpoenaed by House education committee over handling of COVID-19 fraud scheme
By
Rachel Schilke
September 4, 2024 2:13 pm
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The House Education and the Workforce Committee subpoenaed Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) on Wednesday for documents related to how the Minnesota government handled an alleged fraud scheme by a nonprofit group during the coronavirus pandemic.
The subpoena argues that information provided by the Minnesota Department of Education regarding its oversight of the federal child nutrition programs was “insufficient” in addressing the committee’s concerns over how people from the nonprofit Feeding Our Future were able to defraud the U.S. Department of Agriculture and misuse more than $250 million in funds.
“As the chief executive and the highest ranking official in the state of Minnesota, you are
responsible for the MDE and its administration of” the federal child nutrition program, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) wrote in a letter to Walz. “Statements in the press by you and your representatives indicate that you and other executive officers were involved, or had knowledge of, MDE’s administration of the FCNP and responsibilities and actions regarding the massive fraud.”
“The Committee must now compel the production of responsive documents that will show the extent of the actions taken by you and your administration relating to MDE’s administration of the FCNP and the extent of your responsibilities and actions addressing the massive fraud that resulted in the abuse of taxpayer dollars intended for hungry children,” Foxx continued.
In 2022, 70 people associated with Feeding Our Future were charged with defrauding the USDA and spending millions in funds intended for children on luxury cars, real estate, and other purchases. Since then, five people have been convicted of fraud, and dozens still await trial for charges including federal programs bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering.
Walz must provide documents relating to communications with state agencies including the Department of Education by Sept. 18. Subpoenas were also issued to the USDA and its Office of Inspector General, per the committee.
more
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/3142995/tim-walz-subpoenaed-house-education-committee-covid-fraud/
